Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Pennsylvania

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Pennsylvania is $745.79. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Pennsylvania across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

*Data Methodology – Updated 3/3/2024

The Pennsylvania car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in PA. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

Pennsylvania Minimum Liability Coverage

Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. This includes:

Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This covers injuries to others that you cause in an accident.

Property damage liability coverage: $5,000. This covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property that you cause in an accident.

Medical payment coverage: $5,000. This covers medical expenses for people injured while in your vehicle, including yourself. This coverage is optional.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This covers injuries to you caused by drivers with no insurance or not enough coverage. This coverage is optional but recommended.

Collision coverage: This covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident and is optional. Comprehensive coverage, which covers damage not caused by a collision, like fire, theft or vandalism, is also optional.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania

Penalties for driving without insurance in Pennsylvania can be severe. If you are caught driving without insurance in PA, you will likely face both criminal and financial penalties.

On the criminal side, driving without insurance is a summary offense in Pennsylvania, meaning you could face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. The judge may also suspend your license for up to three months for a first offense. For repeat offenses, license suspensions of one year or more are possible.

Financially, Pennsylvania does have some of the highest penalties for uninsured driving in the country. If you are cited for driving without insurance, you will face at least a $500 fine. The judge also has the option to double that fine up to $1,000. Additionally, you’ll have to pay a $200 reinstatement fee to get your license back once any suspension period ends.

Your car insurance rates will also likely increase significantly if an insurer discovers you were driving without coverage. Insurers see uninsured driving as very high risk, so premium hikes of 50% or more are common. Some insurers may even cancel your policy altogether if they find out you were driving without insurance on your vehicle.

Auto Insurance Rates in Pennsylvania

Did you know that Pennsylvania auto insurance rates are among the highest in the nation? While the Keystone State has some of the strictest insurance laws, there are still ways to lower your premiums. Here are some tips for getting affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania:

Compare rates from multiple companies. Shop around and get at least 3 quotes from different insurance providers. Some companies offer lower rates than others, so it pays to compare.

Raise your deductible. Increasing your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premiums by 10% to 20%. Of course, you’ll pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.

Improve your credit score. Many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to set your rates, so a higher score can mean lower premiums. Work on paying bills on time and reducing your credit utilization ratio.

Bundle policies. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, ask your auto insurer about bundling policies. You’ll often get a discount for having multiple lines with the same company.

Take defensive driving courses. Completing an approved driving course can earn you a discount of around 5% to 10% on your premiums. Some insurers even offer discounts for good grades.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania drivers are required by law to have car insurance coverage. While insurance rates vary by company, there are ways to reduce your premiums and find affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania. Here are some options to consider:

• Low-income programs: Several auto insurance companies offer low-cost insurance programs for lower-income individuals. These programs can provide minimum liability coverage at lower rates. Apply directly with insurance companies to see if you qualify.
• Multi-car discounts: If you insure more than one vehicle with the same company, you may be eligible for a multi-car discount of around 10-15% on your premiums.
• Good student discounts: Many insurers offer discounts of around 15-25% for students maintaining a B average or higher. Provide report cards or transcripts to your insurer.
• Defensive driving courses: Completing a defensive driving or accident prevention course can qualify you for discounts of 5-10% and lower your rates for up to 3 years. Check with your insurer for approved courses.
• Anti-theft devices: Installing anti-theft devices like immobilizers, alarms or trackers can reduce your rates by 5-10% as they lower your risk of theft. Check your policy for specifics.
• Higher deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles of around $500 to $1,000 rather than the minimum $250 can significantly lower your premium costs, especially for collision coverage.

Pennsylvania Car Insurance Statistics

Pennsylvania drivers are required by law to carry car insurance, but the minimum coverage amounts are among the lowest in the nation. Here are some key Pennsylvania car insurance statistics you should know:

• Liability coverage: Pennsylvania has a minimum liability requirement of only $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. These amounts have not increased since 1990 and cover less and less of the costs of an accident over time due to inflation.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry only $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage. This means you have limited protection if an uninsured driver hits you.
• Bodily injury claims: Pennsylvania drivers file around 100,000 bodily injury claims per year according to the Insurance Information Institute. These claims result from accidents where someone is injured.
• Fatalities: Pennsylvania had around 1,200 traffic fatalities in 2019 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means that on average, 3 to 4 people die in motor vehicle crashes every day in the state.
• Premium costs: Pennsylvania drivers pay some of the lowest car insurance rates in the country, with average annual premiums of around $900 according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, this may reflect the lower coverage amounts required.

The 10 Largest Pennsylvania Car Insurance Companies

Pennsylvania has a competitive auto insurance market with many options for drivers. Here are the 10 largest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania based on market share:

1. State Farm – State Farm has the largest market share for auto insurance in Pennsylvania at 13.7%. They offer many discounts and have a good reputation for customer service.
2. GEICO – GEICO has a market share of 10.5% in Pennsylvania. They are known for offering affordable rates and have an easy online quoting and buying process.
3. Progressive – Progressive insures 8.8% of Pennsylvania drivers, making them the third largest auto insurer in the state. They are popular for their Name Your Price tool and wide coverage options.
4. Allstate – Allstate has a 7.9% market share in Pennsylvania. They offer many discounts and have a good selection of additional coverage like rideshare insurance.
5. Erie Insurance – As a Pennsylvania-based insurer, Erie has a large market share of 6.7% in their home state. They are known for high customer satisfaction and personal service.
6. Liberty Mutual – Liberty Mutual covers 6.5% of Pennsylvania drivers. They offer many additional coverage options and have a reputation for good customer service.
7. Nationwide – Nationwide insures 5.8% of Pennsylvania drivers. They are known for being stable, having a good reputation and for offering many discounts.
8. Travelers – Travelers has a 4.8% market share in Pennsylvania. They are known for insuring higher-risk drivers and offering specialty insurance products.
9. MetLife – MetLife covers 4.1% of Pennsylvania auto insurance customers. They offer many additional coverage options and have a good reputation for claims handling.
10. Farmers – Farmers insures 3.5% of Pennsylvania drivers. They are popular for offering many discounts and being easy to work with.​