Best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania for 2023

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Pennsylvania

To see how the largest home insurance companies by market share in Pennsylvania stack up, we obtained current premium information from Quadrant Information Services. We also analyzed each provider’s J.D. Power score, AM Best financial strength rating, available coverage, discounts and policy features.

Based on our findings, USAA, Allstate, Erie, Farmers and Pennsylvania National Mutual offer some of the best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania.

*USAA not officially ranked with J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions

**Average rates are for annual policies with $250,000 in dwelling coverage

The top 5 home insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Additional Pennsylvania home insurance companies to consider

Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Co.

Donegal

Encompass

Cheapest home insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Some of our picks for the best home insurance in Pennsylvania are also some of the cheapest. Depending on the company you choose and the discounts you are eligible for, you may find major savings with some of the following Pennsylvania home insurance companies:

How to get cheap home insurance in Pennsylvania

Finding the best Pennsylvania homeowners insurance likely depends on your unique circumstances, budget and coverage needs. Here are a few tactics you might use to find the best Pennsylvania home insurance:

1. Shop around: The first quote you get may not be a competitive rate for your coverage selections. You may be surprised at the range of prices you could have if you compare multiple quotes. Shopping around may help you not only find the lowest rate but also may help you identify companies with other factors you are looking for, like great customer service or a specific endorsement. 
2. Maintain your roof: Older or poorly-maintained roofs can be easily damaged during storms and may be an indicator of the general level of upkeep around your home. Many insurers give you a better price if your roof is newer and in good repair.
3. Address your credit score: Pennsylvania home insurance companies can consider your credit history when determining your rates and typically offer lower rates to homeowners with strong credit histories. Carriers typically see a high credit-based insurance score as a sign you pay bills on time. It may also indicate that you are less likely to file a claim for small damages. 
4. Consider bundling: If you are happy with the company that carries your car insurance policy, you might consider going with the same carrier for home insurance. Most Pennsylvania homeowners insurance carriers will give you a discount if you carry more than one policy with the company. 

Best home insurance discounts in Pennsylvania

In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, there are other common discounts that may be available for further policy savings. Here are a few you may see in Pennsylvania:

How to save on home insurance policy renewals in Pennsylvania

Thankfully, your home insurance rate isn’t written in stone. Home policies generally last for one year, and in that time, there are a couple of steps you can take to help lower your rate before your policy renewal date: 

• Improve your credit score: It doesn’t happen overnight, but taking measures to boost your credit score can earn you a more favorable home insurance rate. In all states except California, Maryland and Massachusetts, insurers are allowed to take your credit score into account when calculating your rate. Homeowners with good or excellent credit scores are seen as lower risk by insurers and generally get lower rates.
• Only file claims when necessary: Although Pennsylvania laws prohibit insurers from canceling your home insurance policy because you’ve filed too many claims, homeowners should still be intentional about when to file and when to pay out of pocket. Naturally, for major damage, it makes more sense to rely on your insurance policy, but for smaller losses, it may actually be cheaper in the long run to pay out of pocket. Home insurance providers typically raise rates following a claim, and policyholders may need to shoulder the added insurance cost for years to come. If the repair estimate is close to your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket and avoid a premium surcharge.
• Fortify your home: Many Pennsylvania home insurance providers reward homeowners who take measures to mitigate damage. Although discounts will vary across providers, installing storm shutters or adding hurricane clips may help you earn a discount. 

How much is home insurance in Pennsylvania?

The average homeowners insurance policy in Pennsylvania costs $760 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage. This is significantly lower than the national average annual premium of $1,428. Pennsylvania homeowners also pay less than homeowners in neighboring states. In New York, the average premium for $250K in dwelling coverage is $1,506 per year. In Maryland, this coverage costs $1,164 per year. Low insurance premiums in Pennsylvania could be partially the result of the state’s lower average cost of living and comparatively low risk for natural disasters like hurricanes.

Pennsylvania homeowners insurance rates by city 

Your ZIP code can sway how much you pay for your home insurance coverage. Much of Pennsylvania’s population is concentrated in the southeast area of the state around the broader Philadelphia area.

What does home insurance cover in Pennsylvania?

Understanding which disasters are covered by your home insurance policy is the first step in identifying any potential coverage gaps. If you have an HO-3 home insurance policy, which is largely considered standard, here’s what you can expect to be covered for: 

• Tornadoes: Since 1950, tornadoes in Pennsylvania have caused nearly $2 billion dollars in estimated property damage. Your home insurance policy can cover your dwelling, other structures and personal property if they sustain tornado damage. Depending on your insurance company, you might need to pay a separate disaster deductible before your coverage kicks in.
• Fire: Unless a fire is set intentionally, your home insurance coverage should cover your dwelling and personal property up to your policy limits.
• Freezing temperatures: Average snowfalls vary widely across the state. Northwestern PA sees between 75 and 100 inches per year, which can weigh heavily on your home’s roof. Home insurance can help in that instance. However, damage caused by melting ground snow would need to be covered by a flood policy. 

Additional home insurance coverage types in Pennsylvania

Residents of the Keystone State may want to consider home insurance add-ons that protect their property and belongings against the state’s unique perils. Some add-on coverage types that Pennsylvania homeowners might consider include:

• Flood insurance: Flood insurance is not included in a standard home policy. Flood coverage is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance (NFIP) program and through some private insurers. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, a flood policy may be required by your mortgage lender.
• Replacement cost coverage: Opting for replacement cost coverage may provide you with enough coverage to purchase a new version of damaged or destroyed personal property at today’s cost. Additionally, you might be eligible for replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home, which could help to fully cover rebuilding costs if your house is destroyed.
• Sinkhole insurance: Pennsylvania is amongst the six states most vulnerable to sinkhole damage. However, the damage is not covered through a standard home insurance policy. Pennsylvania offers state maps that indicate whether or not your home is at risk for sinkhole or mine subsidence damage. 
• Water backup coverage: Some water damage is automatically covered by home insurance policies. But if water backs up in a sewer or drain line and damages your home, you'll likely need this endorsement to have coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 current rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:

• Coverage A, Dwelling: $250,000
• Coverage B, Other Structures: $25,000
• Coverage C, Personal Property: $125,000
• Coverage D, Loss of Use: $50,000
• Coverage E, Liability: $300,000
• Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000