The best and cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

Erie Insurance ranks as the best car insurance company in Pennsylvania, earning 4.44 out of 5 stars based on our review of pricing, customer satisfaction and financial strength. With average annual premiums of $2,084, it costs $243 less than the state average.

Travelers placed second with 4.30 stars, while GEICO followed with 3.89 stars.

In Pennsylvania, drivers pay an average of $2,327 per year or $194 per month for coverage.

How we picked the top auto insurance companies

When choosing the top car insurance companies in Pennsylvania, we looked at more than just the average cost of coverage. We also considered customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, financial strength ratings from AM Best and complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). If state or regional data wasn’t available, we relied on national averages to keep our comparisons consistent and fair.

For each of the four metrics, we gave companies in each state from 1 to 5 (5 being the best) based on how they performed in each category. Those components were then given the following weights to arrive at an overall star rating.

• Premiums: 25%
• JD Power: 30%
• AM Best: 25%
• NAIC: 20%

You might find interesting

Explore related topics

• Average car insurance cost in Pennsylvania
• Car insurance calculator for teens in Pennsylvania
• Do you need insurance to register a car in Pennsylvania?
• How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in Pennsylvania
• How much is gap insurance in Pennsylvania
• Low-cost car insurance in Pennsylvania
• Non-owner car insurance in Pennsylvania: Which company has the cheapest rates?
• Pennsylvania car insurance calculator
• Pennsylvania car insurance: Rates, state minimum requirements and best companies
• Best and cheapest companies for home and auto bundles in Pennsylvania

See more

Which insurance companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania?

Travelers offers the lowest average car insurance rate in Pennsylvania, with premiums of $1,770 per year.

Other affordable insurers in Pennsylvania include:

• Erie Insurance, which averages $2,044 annually, or $170 per month
• Westfield Insurance, with average premiums of $2,401 a year, or $200 monthly

At the other end of the pricing spectrum, Progressive has the highest average premium at $2,884 per year.

Keep in mind that your actual rate may be different.. Insurers look at factors such as your driving history, credit profile, age, vehicle type and ZIP code when calculating rates, which means pricing can vary significantly from one driver to another.

The rates below are based on a standard profile of a 40-year-old driver with a Honda Accord LX to allow for consistent, apples-to-apples comparisons. All figures reflect full coverage car insurance.

What is full coverage car insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is a combination of coverages that provide broader financial protection. It typically includes liability insurance (required in most states) plus collision and comprehensive coverage, which pay for damage to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, weather, vandalism and other non-collision events. While it offers more protection than minimum coverage, it also costs more and may be especially valuable if you have a newer, financed or higher-value car.

Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from city to city, so drivers need to be sure they’re getting the best deal. Insure.com has done the research for you. Get more information on auto insurance rates by city below.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

Call (844) 814-8854

Ethan Available Now

Jack Available Now

Robbie Available Now

Ellie Available Now

How to find the best car insurance in Pennsylvania

Shopping around for coverage is a great way to make sure you are getting the best rates on your auto insurance.

“It is extremely important to make sure you start off with an apples-to-apples comparison,” says Tim Bottini, a Country Financial insurance agent based in St. Louis. That means checking:

• The same liability limits
• The same deductibles
• The same coverage types

For instance, if one quote lists 25/50/25 in liability coverage and another lists 50/100/100, the lower premium may simply reflect less coverage rather than a better value. Many insurance agents suggest carrying at least 50/100/100, and higher limits may be appropriate depending on your income, assets and overall financial situation.

You can also lower your premium by:

• Maintaining a strong credit score
• Avoiding tickets and accidents
• Bundling home and auto insurance with the same carrier

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Pennsylvania?

Senior drivers in Pennsylvania typically pay higher car insurance premiums than most other age groups, although teens still face the highest rates overall.

The cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Pennsylvania include:

• Travelers: $1,704 per year ($142 per month)
• Erie Insurance: $2,041 per year
• GEICO: $2,245 per year

Insurance companies often charge seniors more because premiums reflect broader risk patterns, including claim frequency and age-related factors such as slower reaction times or changes in vision. However, many seniors can still secure competitive rates by maintaining a clean driving history, limiting annual mileage and taking advantage of mature driver or safe driver discounts.

The chart below highlights the average car insurance premiums for senior drivers in Pennsylvania.

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for young adults in Pennsylvania?

While young adults pay less than teen drivers, they still pay more than older more experienced drivers. The best choice for young adults (early 20s) in Pennsylvania is Travelers with an annual rate of $2,705 or $225 a month.

Erie Insurance had the second cheapest premium at $3,166 a year followed by GEICO was third at $3,367.

If young drivers keep their driving record clean, their rates will drop down as they move out of their 20s.

The table below shows the best insurers for young drivers in Pennsylvania:

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, Erie Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers, with average premiums of $5,014 per year or $418 per month.

“Teenagers and seniors are riskier drivers, so they often pay more for auto insurance than other policyholders in different age groups,” says Chong Gao, director of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance. “For teenagers, the lack of driving experience is a significant factor that impacts their rates; younger drivers with little experience behind the wheel tend to pay higher insurance premiums.”

Travelers is the next most affordable option at $5,248 per year or $437 per month, followed by Progressive at $5,349 per year.

The chart below shows average premiums for teens in Pennsylvania:

Why your cheapest car insurance option may vary

An insurer with the lowest average premium may not offer you the lowest price. Car insurance rates are personalized, and companies calculate risk differently based on individual driver profiles.

Several factors can affect what you pay, including:

• Driving history
• Credit profile (where permitted)
• Age and marital status
• The type of vehicle you drive
• Your ZIP code and local claim trends

Age plays a major role in pricing. Adding a teen to a policy can significantly increase premiums because teens are the least experienced drivers and tend to have higher accident rates.

“Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents due to their lack of driving experience and tendency to engage in risky behaviors like speeding,” says Eliezer Zupnick, founder of East Leads Group LLC. “Teens are involved in three times as many auto accidents per mile compared to drivers aged 20 and up, making them a high-risk category for insurers.”

To help offset higher premiums, parents can explore good student discounts, choose a more affordable vehicle or reconsider certain coverages if the car’s value is low.

What is the average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, drivers pay an average of $2,327 per year for car insurance.

Rates can vary significantly from one state to another because insurers set premiums based on overall risk patterns, including claim frequency, repair expenses, state laws and local accident trends. Even within Pennsylvania, drivers may receive different quotes depending on factors such as driving history, age, vehicle type and ZIP code.

The chart below displays the average rate in Pennsylvania for a 40-year-old driver with 100/300/100 coverage and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible driving a Honda Accord LX.

Which Pennsylvania cities and ZIP codes are most expensive for car insurance?

Philadelphia has the most expensive ZIP codes for car insurance in Pennsylvania, with average annual premiums of $3,306.

Insurance rates vary by location because where your vehicle is parked overnight affects risk exposure. Areas with frequent severe weather, higher traffic density or elevated crime rates tend to have higher accident and theft claims, which raises premiums for everyone in those cities and ZIP codes.

Here are the most expensive cities and ZIP codes in Pennsylvania for car insurance:

Which cities and ZIP codes in Pennsylvania have the cheapest car insurance?

State College has the lowest car insurance rates in Pennsylvania, with average premiums of $1,805 per year across its least expensive ZIP codes.

Car insurance is generally more affordable in smaller cities and rural areas, where fewer vehicles on the road lead to fewer accidents and claims. Lower population density and crime rates also help reduce premiums.

The table below shows the cheapest cities and ZIP codes for car insurance in Pennsylvania:

How your location in Pennsylvania affects car insurance rates

Where you live in Pennsylvania can have a major impact on your car insurance premium. Insurers evaluate local risk factors such as accident frequency, traffic congestion, repair expenses and weather-related claims when calculating rates.

“States that have a higher rate of severe weather that damages cars or helps cause accidents will typically have higher rates,” says Gao.

Because each insurer weighs these location-based risks differently within its pricing model, premiums can vary significantly even for drivers with similar profiles living in different areas of the state.

Who has the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania?

Traffic violations and accidents can drive up your car insurance premiums because insurers often classify drivers with tickets or accidents as higher risk.

For instance, a speeding ticket can increase the average premium to $2,781 and may impact your rates for up to three years. An at-fault accident generally has a greater effect, raising the average cost of coverage to approximately $3,449.

A DUI is considered a serious offense and typically results in the largest premium increase, with average rates climbing to $4,098.

The table below illustrates the average rate increases following common driving violations.

Minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania

To legally drive in Pennsylvania, you’re required to carry at least 15/30/5 in liability car insurance. This minimum coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident.

But state minimum limits are designed to meet legal requirements – not necessarily to fully protect your finances. In a serious crash, medical bills and repair costs can quickly exceed those limits. If that happens, you could be responsible for the remaining balance out of pocket.

That’s why many insurance experts suggest carrying higher limits, such as 100/300/50, to better protect your assets, income and long-term financial security.

The table below shows the minimum liability limits drivers must carry to legally drive in Pennsylvania.

Final thoughts on the best and cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania

The best car insurance in Pennsylvania depends on your budget, driving profile and coverage needs. Erie Insurance stands out for its overall value, offering competitive pricing along with strong customer satisfaction and solid financial strength.

That said, the cheapest insurer for the average driver may not be the cheapest for you. Factors like your age, driving history, vehicle and ZIP code all influence your final quote, which is why comparing multiple insurers is key.

To get the best rate in Pennsylvania, compare quotes from at least three companies, review coverage limits (not just price) and take advantage of discounts such as bundling, safe driver, telematics or good student savings. A few minutes of comparison shopping can lead to significantly lower premiums without sacrificing coverage.

What our experts say

Q: How does a state’s population affect car insurance rates?

Chong GaoDirector of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance.

Teenagers and seniors are riskier drivers, so they often pay more for auto insurance than other policyholders in different age groups

Methodology

Our car insurance analysis is based on 2026 rate data across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., covering 29,159 cities and 34,595 ZIP codes.

For standard rate comparisons, we analyzed 65,756,440 quotes from 195 companies across 73 insurer groups. Rates reflect a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with 100/300/100 liability limits, $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles, a good insurance score, no violations, a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual miles. The national average premium for this profile is $2,578 per year.

To measure the impact of risk factors, we reviewed an additional 95,071,152 quotes modeling at-fault accidents, DUI/DWI, speeding violations and poor credit, using the same base profile for consistency.

Company rankings are weighted as follows:

• J.D. Power (30%) – customer satisfaction
• Annual premium (25%) – average cost
• AM Best (25%) – financial strength
• NAIC (20%) – complaint index

Alisha Ambre

 

 . .

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

Explore other insurance options in Pennsylvania

Non-owner car insurance in Pennsylvania

Average renters insurance cost in Pennsylvania

Average homeowners insurance cost in Pennsylvania