The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania in 2024

Pennsylvania is among the most expensive states in the country for auto insurance and one of 12 “no-fault” states. That means you need to file a claim with your own insurance for your injuries after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.

Combine that with the commonwealth’s relatively high population density — the ninth densest in the U.S. — and you have a recipe for high auto insurance rates.

But don’t worry — you still have plenty of ways to save on your monthly car insurance bill. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Pennsylvania car insurance in the guide below — including state requirements, how to save, which companies have the cheapest rates, and our picks for the commonwealth’s best insurers of 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• GEICO offers the cheapest full-coverage policies in Pennsylvania, at $103 per month
• Erie has the cheapest liability coverage, at $37 per month, on average.
• State-minimum coverage limits are low in Pennsylvania, so you should consider purchasing additional coverage.

How Much Is Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?

Car insurance rates can vary widely depending on where you live. In fact, even neighboring states can have drastically different average rates.

With that in mind, let’s look at how Pennsylvania stacks up to the rest of the U.S. as a whole.

On average, drivers in Pennsylvania pay $93 per month for liability insurance and $186 per month for full coverage, according to Compare.com data. But keep in mind that car insurance costs vary from driver to driver, and insurers base rates on a variety of factors, including age, driving record, and where you live. We’ll go into more detail on how rates vary between these driver types later in this article.

Pennsylvania’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Our research found that the average rate for car insurance in Pennsylvania is $142 per month. But there are always ways to save money, starting with getting quotes from the cheapest companies in the state. Let’s take a look at which insurers are offering the cheapest rates in Pennsylvania in 2024, along with their average monthly premiums.

GEICO’s rates are the lowest in Pennsylvania, at $72 per month. But remember, these are broad averages — the cheapest insurer for you will depend on your unique driver profile.

In the next section, we’ll explore the cheapest insurers across different demographics.

Compare.com’s Best Pennsylvania Insurance Companies of 2024

We’ve covered which Pennsylvania auto insurers have the cheapest average rates, but price is only one part of the equation when choosing a new insurance company. And with literally hundreds of car insurance companies out there, it can be difficult to determine which company checks all of your specific boxes.

That’s why we’ve used our countless hours of research to break down the best insurers in Pennsylvania for several of the most common driver types. We hope the list below will give you a good place to start your insurance shopping journey.

GEICO: Best for affordable coverage

• Average statewide premium: $72 per month
• Compare.com rating: 4.65 out of 5
• BBB rating: A+

GEICO is among the state leaders when it comes to the cheapest average rates overall, but where the insurance giant really shines is when we break things down by coverage type. Drivers who need the robust protection a full-coverage policy provides tend to find some of the best rates from GEICO, regardless of their age or driving record.

But those substantial savings still come at a price. GEICO’s direct-to-consumer business model means the company has very few local agents, and the company sometimes struggles when it comes to customer service. In fact, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that GEICO has 88% more customer complaints than expected.

Erie: Best for basic protection

• Average liability premium: $37 per month
• Compare.com rating: 4.75 out of 5
• BBB rating: A+

Erie stands out as one of the most affordable insurers in Pennsylvania for basic liability coverage. In fact, drivers who need just state-minimum coverage pay only $37 per month, on average, with Erie.

Still, Erie’s few self-service options and limited online features mean it may not be the best option for every driver, regardless of price.

State Farm: Best for spotty driving records

• Average statewide premium: $78 per month
• Compare.com rating: 4.90 out of 5
• BBB: A

Unfortunately, drivers with less-than-perfect driving records pay some of the highest average rates of any group. Even just a single speeding ticket increases average rates by around 37% nationwide, according to our analysis, and an at-fault accident or DUI can cause your rates to nearly double.

Still, savvy shoppers can limit the blow of costly rate hikes by checking out State Farm. As the country’s largest auto insurance company by market share, State Farm has the resources to help drivers with spotty records still find affordable coverage.

The insurance behemoth boasts some of the cheapest average rates for drivers with a recent ticket, but it’s an especially great option for drivers with a DUI on their record.

Cheapest State-Minimum Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

The cheapest auto insurance you can get is basic liability coverage. This coverage ensures you’re not financially responsible for other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause an accident, but it won’t cover your own expenses (such as vehicle repair costs). Liability coverage can be purchased in different amounts. Since state-minimum car insurance is the lowest amount of coverage you can purchase, its rates are also the lowest.

Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest state-minimum liability coverage in Pennsylvania.

Erie has the cheapest state-minimum liability insurance in Pennsylvania, according to our analysis, at $37 per month.

How we chose the cheapest companies in Pennsylvania

Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Pennsylvania. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Pennsylvania drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more.

All the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Pennsylvania. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.

Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Full-coverage policies meet state-minimum liability requirements and cover your vehicle from both collision and non-collision damage. If you have a car loan or a vehicle worth more than $5,000, you’ll generally need a full-coverage policy (your lender will likely require it).

But which companies have the cheapest full-coverage policies in Pennsylvania? Let’s take a look.

Our analysis found that GEICO is the cheapest insurance company in Pennsylvania for full-coverage car insurance, with an average premium of $103 per month.

Compare Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Your age has a huge effect on your car insurance rates. Young drivers pay more due to inexperience and a higher risk of car accidents, while middle-aged drivers typically get the lowest rates because of their experience and lower risk. But drivers older than 70 may eventually face higher rates due to declining abilities.

The table below also shows the cheapest insurer by age in Pennsylvania and its corresponding average monthly premium.

Let’s review how age affects rates for Pennsylvania drivers, specifically.

Cheapest car insurance for Pennsylvania teens: State Farm

Teens pay the highest monthly premiums of any age group in Pennsylvania. Car insurance for young drivers is expensive because their inexperience and penchant for risk-taking contribute to higher accident rates.

State Farm is the cheapest average car insurance in Pennsylvania for teens, at $137 per month, according to Compare.com data.

Cheapest car insurance for Pennsylvania seniors: State Farm

As drivers approach retirement age, they usually see their auto insurance rates decrease (all else being equal). And, for older drivers who drive less often, rates can be even lower.

We found that State Farm is the cheapest car insurer for senior drivers in Pennsylvania, with average rates of $58 per month.

Compare Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving history is probably the most important factor in determining your car insurance rate. After all, how you’ve driven in the past can say a lot about how you’ll drive in the future.

People who’ve caused an accident or been caught speeding or driving under the influence pay more for car insurance than drivers with clean records.

Let’s see how auto rates in Pennsylvania change based on your driving history.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Pennsylvania: State Farm

You don’t only get a lower insurance rate if you have a clean driving record. You also get access to additional benefits like safe driver discounts and accident forgiveness.

State Farm is the cheapest option for Pennsylvania drivers with a clean record, according to our analysis. Pennsylvania drivers who choose State Farm pay $83 per month on average.

Cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania after a ticket: State Farm

A speeding ticket can raise your rates by 19%, according to Compare.com data. Tickets can also stay on your record indefinitely in Pennsylvania — though most insurers only look back three years into your record.

State Farm is the cheapest option for drivers in Pennsylvania with a ticket on their record, according to our research. Drivers who choose State Farm pay $98 per month on average.

Cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania after an accident: State Farm

The average driver sees their rates increase by 24% after an at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data. But some drivers still find cheap rates.

Our research found that Pennsylvania drivers with an accident on their record pay the cheapest rates with State Farm, at $104 per month.

Cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania after a DUI: State Farm

DUIs can double your car insurance rates — average rates rise by 47% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data. Increases are (luckily) less severe in Pennsylvania, and the consequences for a first DUI offense are relatively light compared to other states (six months of probation and a $300 fine).

State Farm is the cheapest auto insurer in Pennsylvania for drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data. Pennsylvania drivers who choose State Farm pay $97 per month on average after a DUI — significantly lower than the statewide average.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires drivers to have liability coverage of at least:

• $15,000 of bodily injury protection per person
• $30,000 of bodily injury protection per incident
• $5,000 of property damage liability protection
• $5,000 in medical benefits coverage

These minimums are fairly low compared to other states, so you might want to consider (and at least get a quote for) higher liability limits.

You can also opt into $5,000 of first-party benefit coverage (or more, depending on the insurer) — the state’s version of no-fault insurance. Pennsylvania currently doesn’t require uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, though it (and our staff experts) recommend it.

No-fault insurance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a “hybrid no-fault” state, which means it gives drivers the option to choose between no-fault insurance and at-fault coverage (known as “full-tort” in the industry).

No-fault car insurance systems limit the ability to sue for damages after an accident, as your insurance company covers your medical costs no matter who is at fault. On the other hand, full-tort insurance allows you to sue at-fault parties for compensation without restrictions.

Looking specifically at price, no-fault policies are generally cheaper than full-tort.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has less severe penalties for driving without insurance relative to nearby states. You’ll need to pay a civil penalty of $300 or face a three-month registration suspension, as well as registration restoration fees. In some cases, your license could be suspended and you could be forced to pay an additional fine to reinstate it.

If you’re caught driving without insurance more than once in a 12-month period, you’ll have to serve a three-month registration suspension.

SR-22 auto insurance in Pennsylvania

An SR-22 form isn’t a type of car insurance but a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility (aka proof of insurance). Some states require one for drivers convicted of certain moving violations. Though common (38 states have SR-22 laws or similar on the books), Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that doesn’t require SR-22s.

Even so, drivers with DUIs, reckless driving, and other tickets that typically require SR-22 insurance can pay double (or more) for car insurance.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

The average driver has access to plenty of ways to save money on car insurance. Here are five ways we think will have the greatest effect on your rate.

1. Demonstrate low risk: Obeying traffic rules, driving defensively, paying insurance premiums on time, and maintaining continuous insurance all demonstrate low risk — no matter your age or location.
2. Use discounts: Most insurance companies offer discount opportunities, with some offering more favorable terms depending on what you qualify for. You can combine discounts for even greater benefits, so be sure to review your eligible discounts each time your policy renews.
3. Adjust your policy terms: Review your policy and consider if your coverage types and limits fit your needs. You can raise deductibles or eliminate unnecessary gap insurance (and don’t be afraid to reach out to an agent for guidance).
4. Downsize your vehicle: People who drive older, less expensive vehicles tend to pay less because they can often opt for a liability-only policy. And even when comprehensive and collision coverage is necessary, those premiums are lower because the car costs less to repair or replace.
5. Make time to compare rates: Rates change constantly, and the cheapest option today may not be the cheapest option tomorrow. It’s a good idea to get quotes and compare rates every six months or so before your policy renewal. Using a price comparison site can make this task quick and easy.

John Espenschied, owner of Insurance Brokers Group, also recommends bundling home and auto, paying your car insurance premium in full, and checking your credit report.

“Insurance providers often factor in credit scores when determining premium rates,” Espenschied says. “If you have a poor credit score, you might end up paying higher premiums. Make sure your credit score is accurate and up to date, and work to improve it if necessary.”

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance FAQs

You may still have some questions about Pennsylvania’s unique insurance rules and coverage costs. Here are the questions most commonly asked by drivers like you about PA car insurance.

Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in Pennsylvania?

Our research found that the cheapest state-minimum car insurance company in Pennsylvania is Erie, at $37 per month. The cheapest full-coverage car insurance is from GEICO, which averages $103 per month, according to our research.

How much is car insurance in Pennsylvania?

Car insurance in Pennsylvania is $142 per month, on average — putting rates in the state slightly above the national average. But rates vary by location, with many areas seeing lower average rates than others. Additionally, Pennsylvania drivers can use discounts and shop around to find lower rates.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest city for auto insurance in Pennsylvania is State College, which has an average liability premium of $39 per month, according to Compare.com data. Canonsburg, Freeland, Carlisle, and several other cities have average liability rates under $50 per month.

How much car insurance does Pennsylvania require?

To meet state-minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania, you’ll need at least $15,000/$30,000 of bodily injury liability, $5,000 of property damage liability coverage, and $5,000 in medical benefits coverage. Pennsylvania also strongly encourages drivers to purchase similar amounts of uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, though you can decline it.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Pennsylvania?

If authorities catch you driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania, you’ll most likely have to choose between paying a $300 fine or accepting a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration. You’ll also have to pay restoration fees (and provide proof of insurance) in order to regain your registration.

Data Methodology:

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. Census.gov, “City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022,” Accessed June 4, 2024.
2. PennDOT, “Insurance Law Overview and Frequently Asked Questions,” Accessed June 4, 2024.
3. PennDOT, “Insurance Overview,” Accessed June 4, 2024.