Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for 2024

With abundant historic sites and stunning natural beauty, Pennsylvania has much to explore by car. But before deciding to hit the road in the Keystone State, the cost of car insurance may make some people do a double take.

Key takeaways

• The best car insurance in Pennsylvania for customer satisfaction is Erie, which costs $1,180 yearly for comprehensive coverage.
• Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $145 per month for full coverage.
• Philadelphia residents pay the most for car insurance in Pennsylvania, an average of $2,702 per year.

Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Drivers in Pennsylvania pay an average of $1,747 a year for full coverage car insurance and $691 annually for minimum liability coverage.

State Farm had the lowest full coverage insurance. It averages $1,171 yearly, but Erie Insurance had the lowest minimum coverage, averaging $441 yearly. 

Progressive had the highest annual full and minimum coverage options, costing an average of $2,084 and $908, respectively.

Provider	J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating	Estimated annual full coverage	Estimated annual minimum liability coverage
Erie	863/1,000	$1,180/year	$441/year
State Farm	843/1,000	$1,171/year	$482/year
Allstate	825/1,000	$1,778/year	$801/year
Nationwide	820/1,000	$1,386/year	$705/year
GEICO	818/1,000	$1,474/year	$499/year
Progressive	814/1,000	$2,084/year	$908/year

Erie: Highest customer satisfaction

Erie Insurance is a regional carrier available in 12 states, including Pennsylvania. It earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in the state and had the most affordable minimum liability coverage. Erie offers traditional and some specialty policies, including personal item coverage and auto glass repair.

Get a quote now | Erie review

State Farm: Most affordable coverage

State Farm has the lowest full coverage auto insurance costs in Pennsylvania and the second-highest customer satisfaction score. While it had a higher minimum insurance coverage than competitor Erie, it was only by a small margin. State Farm also offers more discount options than some competitors, including up to 25% off for new drivers.

Get a quote now | State Farm review

Allstate: Best for multi-driver discounts

Allstate’s full coverage insurance is the second most expensive in Pennsylvania, costing a yearly average of $1,778. It also had the second-highest price for minimum car insurance, averaging $801 a year. Despite its higher cost, its coverage options and extensive discounts, including its bundling or multi-policy discounts, could make it a good option for some people.

Get a quote now | Allstate review

Nationwide: Best for coverage options

Nationwide’s full coverage insurance is the third most expensive in Pennsylvania, and its minimum insurance averages $705 annually, well above some competitors. Despite the higher prices, it may be a good choice for some because of its multiple coverage options. Nationwide offers standard policies but has many specialty options, including gap coverage, accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible.

Get a quote now | Nationwide review

GEICO: Best for high-risk drivers

People with DUIs, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents on their records generally pay more than average for car insurance. High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania pay an annual average of $2,357 for full coverage, compared to the state average of $1,747. While GEICO was a more expensive carrier on our list of the best car insurance companies compared to some competitors, it may be a good option since it insures high-risk drivers and can file required SR22 forms.

Get a quote now | GEICO review

Pennsylvania auto insurance requirements

Drivers in Pennsylvania must maintain the following minimum amounts of insurance to drive legally:

• $15,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident
• $30,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in an accident
• $5,000 for damage to the property of another person

These rates are relatively low compared to other states, and drivers may want higher coverage limits to ensure they’re adequately protected after an accident.

How to choose a car insurance provider in Pennsylvania

If you’re researching a new car insurance provider in Pennsylvania, consider the following to help you get the right coverage:

• Ask for recommendations: Ask friends and family for recommendations and check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say. Take some complaints with a grain of salt, but be wary of companies with multiple complaints for the same issue.
• Check if a company can pay claims: Before starting a policy, check the company’s ability to pay claims on a website like Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. It’s also wise to check with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed in the state and doesn’t have excessive complaints.
• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three companies and ensure the policy amounts, coverage options, and discounts are similar for an accurate comparison. It’s also wise to confirm the policy types and amounts match your current insurance so you don’t accidentally step down your coverage.

How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,747 a year for full coverage, compared to the national average of $1,582. Pennsylvania’s minimum car insurance costs an average of $691.

Drivers in Philadelphia pay an average of $2,702 annually, the most in the state, while drivers in Lancaster pay the least, an average of $1,500 yearly.

Pennsylvania car insurance rates by city

Many factors, including age, driving record, and credit history, can affect your insurance rates. Your city’s crime rate can also contribute to higher insurance rates since higher crime rates tend to lead to more insurance claims.

Philadelphia, for example, is the largest city in the state and earned an 8 out of 100 on the NeighborhoodScout crime index. This means Philadelphia is only safer than 8% of other U.S. neighborhoods. Philadelphia residents pay an average of $2,702 a year for full coverage car insurance. 

Comparatively, residents in Scranton, which earned a 27 out of 100 on the crime index, only pay an average of $1,691 annually for full coverage.

City	Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Philadelphia	$2,702/year
Erie	$1,692/year
Scranton	$1,691/year
Allentown	$1,642/year
Pittsburgh	$1,605/year
Lancaster	$1,500/year

Methodology

FAQs about car insurance costs in Pennsylvania