Best car insurance in Pennsylvania for 2023

Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Bankrate’s research found that Geico, Erie, Nationwide, Progressive and Allstate are among the top auto insurance companies in the Keystone State, according to average rate data from Quadrant Information Services and the other metrics we reviewed, including customer satisfaction scores from the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. These providers offer below-average rates — the average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $2,040 per year for full coverage and $428 per year for minimum coverage — along with good potential discounts, various add-on coverage options and helpful digital tools. If you’re shopping for car insurance in Pennsylvania, you may want to get quotes from these carriers.

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

As we searched for the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania, we looked at several aspects of each company. First, we analyzed average auto insurance premiums from Quadrant Information Services. We also factored in third-party scores from J.D. Power, AM Best, Standard & Poor’s and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Finally, we researched each company’s coverage offerings, discounts and digital tools. We chose these metrics to help give you a well-rounded view of each carrier.

To make understanding our research easier, we combined all this information into a proprietary Bankrate Score. The Scores are on a scale from 0.0 to 5.0. The higher a company’s Bankrate Score, the more highly that company scored in the underlying categories. Using the Bankrate Score as a guideline helps you quickly identify how the companies stack up.

How much is car insurance in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of auto insurance in Pennsylvania is $2,040 per year for full coverage and $428 per year for minimum coverage. Nationally, full coverage is $2,014 per year, which means that full coverage car insurance in PA is about on par with the national average. Minimum coverage is a bit cheaper in Pennsylvania, though, at $428 per year versus $622 per year nationally. Full coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania is more expensive than New Jersey, which is $1,754 per year, but is significantly cheaper than New York’s average, which is $3,139 per year.

Average car insurance cost in Pennsylvania

The average annual full coverage auto insurance premium based on a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit.

How to find the best car insurance in Pennsylvania

The best auto insurance in Pennsylvania will vary based on your individual rating factors. To find the best company for you, consider these tips to ensure your car insurance protects your finances the way you want it to.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania

By law, drivers in Pennsylvania are required to carry at least certain amounts of car insurance to drive legally. Understanding the minimum insurance laws could help you decide what coverage to purchase. While you won’t be able to purchase less than the state-required minimums, checking Pennsylvania’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website could help you understand how you’re covered. 

In Pennsylvania, you must carry at least the minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Both these coverage types have liability per person and liability per accident limits. Additionally, Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, so drivers must also carry at least minimum levels of personal injury protection (PIP), which are called “First Party Benefits” in this state. This coverage provides medical benefits for your injuries and those of the guests in your vehicle. If you cause an accident, your auto insurance coverage can help protect your finances and assets from expenses. Most car insurance professionals recommend purchasing higher limits for greater financial protection.

Consider lender requirements

If you finance or lease your vehicle, there could be car insurance requirements in addition to Pennsylvania’s state minimum limits. Most financial institutions require you to carry full coverage car insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision to protect your finances from damage to your car. Leasing a vehicle may also mean you must carry certain liability limits too. You may also want to consider gap insurance as well. Because vehicles depreciate relatively quickly, the balance of your loan may be higher than the total loss value of your vehicle. Gap insurance is designed to pay this difference.

Consider your individual needs

Your life circumstances can also impact your car insurance coverage and discounts. If you have a teen driver, for example, you are likely paying a higher premium than you were before your child was licensed. Looking for a company that offers discounts and safe driving programs for young drivers could help you lower your premium. Or you might have a few accidents, tickets or a DUI conviction on your record. This means that insurance companies are likely to view you as a high-risk driver. Having realistic expectations of your premium and looking for companies with coverage options, discounts and features geared toward your needs could help you find a good fit.