The Cheapest Car Insurance, Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide

Every driver in Pennsylvania needs car insurance. However, it can be expensive for some drivers, such as teenagers and those with a high-risk profile. That’s why you need ways to find the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania.

This post provides all the information you need to know about auto insurance in the state, including factors that affect rates and tips on getting the most affordable quality coverage.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Car insurance rates vary from person to person depending on factors such as your driving history and where you live. On average, Pennsylvania drivers can expect to pay:

• Minimum Coverage: $460 to $1,400 per year
• Full Coverage: $1,200 to $2,400 annually.

These state averages are lower than the national average. As a Pennsylvania driver, you may want to buy the cheapest car insurance. However, it’s important to balance cost with enough coverage, especially for liability coverage.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Pennsylvania

Several factors affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance in Pennsylvania. They include:

1. Driving History: A clean record can lead to lower rates, while at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs can increase your premiums.
2. Vehicle Type: Luxury cars or sports cars are more expensive to insure because they have higher repair costs and a greater likelihood of theft. On the other hand, older cars or those with safety features may cost less to insure.
3. Coverage Type: The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the cost.
4. Location: Insurance rates can vary by city or even neighborhood due to factors such as traffic volume and the likelihood of accidents.
5. Age and Gender: Young drivers, especially teens, face higher rates, while older drivers enjoy lower premiums due to experience.
6. Credit Score: In Pennsylvania, like many states, a poor credit score can lead to higher insurance rates, while a good credit score leads to lower premiums.

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania: By Age

Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania can depend on the age of the driver. Younger drivers generally pay much higher premiums because they lack experience on the road.

This is why you should compare car insurance quotes with us to find the best rates. Here’s a breakdown of average car insurance costs by age group:

Teens (17-Year-Olds)

Teens are more likely to be involved in car accidents, leading to much higher insurance rates. However, Auto-Owners offers the most affordable coverage to drivers in this age group at $2,461 per year.

Young Adults (25-Year-Olds)

Once drivers reach the age of 25, their insurance premiums often drop, as insurance providers see them as less of a risk. Drivers in this category can find cheap auto insurance in Pennsylvania from Auto-Owners, which offers an average annual rate of $763.

Adults (40-Year-Olds)

Car insurance premiums for drivers in their 40s tend to be low, especially for good drivers. Auto Owners offers the best rates for Pennsylvania drivers in their 40s at $603 per year.

Seniors (60-Year-Olds)

Seniors often benefit from lower car insurance premiums, though rates can begin to rise again after age 70 due to the increased risk of accidents. The best rate for drivers in this age group is $564 per annum from Auto Owners.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania: By City

Car insurance rates can differ from city to city. Urban cities such as Philadelphia, with higher traffic, often see higher premiums. On the other hand, rural cities have cheaper car insurance rates. The cheapest cities overall for car insurance in the state are:

If you want to live in larger cities in the state while maintaining affordable car insurance, the following places offer the cheapest rates:

Cheap Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania for High-Risk Drivers

High-risk drivers are those with accidents and other traffic violations on their record. Even one offense can raise your insurance premiums. However, drivers in these categories can still find affordable coverage in Pennsylvania by comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers.

With 1 Accident

If you’ve had one accident on your record in Pennsylvania, expect your insurance premiums to increase by 50% or more, depending on the provider. The cheapest insurer for these drivers in Pennsylvania is Auto-Owners with an average rate of $644 per year.

With 1 Speeding Ticket

According to US News, drivers in Pennsylvania with a speeding ticket pay an average of $470 more than good drivers. Auto-Owners is the cheapest for these drivers with a sample premium of $677.

With 1 DUI

A DUI conviction increases car insurance rates by 50% or more. The cheapest company for these drivers is Auto-Owners at $1,152. If you do not qualify for Auto Owners, you can find the next-best rates with Travelers or American National.

Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers with Poor Credit

In Pennsylvania, car insurance companies can also check your credit history to determine your premiums. Drivers with poor credit often pay more for auto insurance.

The best insurance for bad credit scores is from USAA, with affordable rates of $1,713. However, USAA only offers coverage to military personnel, veterans, and their family members. The next cheapest option is Donegal at $1,964 annually.

How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law requires that drivers have at least the minimum coverage. The state minimum coverage requirements are:

• $15,000 in bodily injury liability (for injury or death of one person in an accident)
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability (for injury or death of more than one person in an accident)
• $5,000 in property damage liability (for damage to the property of another person)
• $5,000 in medical benefits coverage

However, many drivers opt for higher coverage limits for better financial security, especially against the medical bills and property damage costs that can come from serious accidents.

Also, drivers in Pennsylvania can get optional car insurance to better protect themselves and their property in case of an accident. Some additional insurance to consider includes:

Comprehensive Coverage

If your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision, this insurance pays for repairs. Depending on the company, it can pay for theft, natural disasters, fire, and vandalism.

Collision Coverage

Collision helps pay for repairs to your car in an accident, regardless of fault. This includes a collision with another car or object.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This insurance helps cover costs if you are in an accident with an at-fault driver who has too little or no insurance. It can also pay for damages if the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Rental Car Coverage

This coverage pays for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered incident. It often has a daily coverage limit set by your provider.

Tips for Finding the Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance

To find the most affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania, consider the following savings tips:

1. Shop Around: Rates vary between insurers, so comparing multiple quotes helps you find the cheapest price. This holds true in other regions as well. For instance, drivers searching for the cheapest car insurance in Virginia often see noticeable price differences between insurers.
2. Maintain a Clean Driving Record: The fewer accidents, violations, and claims you have, the lower your premiums will be.
3. Bundle Policies: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as home insurance.
4. Consider a Higher Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
5. Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for safe driver and multi-car discounts, plus discounts for completing defensive driving courses.
6. Review Your Coverage: Make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage, especially if your car is older or has a low resale value.

FAQs

What Is the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?

The best car insurance in Pennsylvania depends on factors such as your profile and driving history. For example, military members with poor credit can find the best rates with USAA because the company only serves the military community. Serving this specific driver market helps keep overall costs down. Those who do not qualify but have poor credit can find the next best rates with Donegal at $1,964 annually.

Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault State?

Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, meaning drivers can choose between full tort coverage and limited tort coverage. Full tort means at-fault, so you have unlimited rights to pursue damages. Limited tort means no-fault, which limits your ability to recover certain damages, such as pain and suffering, but only in some cases. Pennsylvania is one of the three states in the US that gives drivers this option.

How Much Does Car Insurance in Pennsylvania Cost?

The average cost for basic full coverage in Pennsylvania is $1,200 to $2,400 annually. It is slightly lower than the national average cost.

What Happens if My Car Is not Properly Insured in Pennsylvania?

If you are caught driving without insurance in Pennsylvania, you could face fines and the suspension of your driver’s license. Authorities could even impound your vehicle. If you are denied auto insurance, use the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to find coverage.

How Do I Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?

Compare car insurance quotes from different insurers, maintain a clean driving record, take advantage of available discounts, and choose the right level of coverage based on your needs.