Advisor

Content on Quartz Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Quartz Editorial and Advertising. Quartz Advisor content is free to consumers and always will be, however we and our partners may be compensated if you purchase a product or service through the links on this website.

Cheapest Car Insurance In Pennsylvania (2024)

The cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania comes from Travelers at $24 per month on average.

Invalid Zip Code

Powered by 

Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
06/30/2024 05:55 PM

As car insurance costs continue to increase, it’s a smart move for drivers in Pennsylvania to compare different policy options in order to find the coverage that is most budget-friendly. Our reviews team has researched the best car insurance companies nationwide. We carefully examined each provider’s reputation, how satisfied customers were, the options for coverage, and the average premiums.

In this article, we will discuss effective strategies for reducing costs on insurance and provide information about the most affordable car insurance options in Pennsylvania that match your driving profile.

Key Points

  • Travelers is the cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania overall, with an average rate of $24 per month for minimum coverage and $94 per month for full coverage.
  • Erie and USAA also offer affordable car insurance rates for many driver profiles.
  • If someone is under 25 or has committed traffic violations, their car insurance rates will be higher than the average.
  • You can save on car insurance by opting for minimum coverage, looking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area

Car insurance companies each have their own way of looking at driver profiles, so the provider that is cheapest for one driver may not be the cheapest for you. For instance, here is a quick overview of the least expensive auto insurance providers and the prices they offer for different types of drivers in Pennsylvania.

Cheapest Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Minimum coverageTravelers$24$288
Full coverageTravelers$94$1,128
16-year-oldsTravelers$65$782
45-year-oldsErie$22$262
High-risk driversTravelers$31$367
After a speeding ticketTravelers$28$340
After an accidentTravelers$31$376
After a DUITravelers$32$385
Poor credit driversUSAA$37$448

*Unless stated otherwise, average costs are minimum-coverage rates for single male drivers between the ages of 25 and 35 with a clean driving history.


What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Company In Pennsylvania?

In general, we discovered that Travelers provides the most affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania for most types of drivers. The following sections will cover the average monthly costs of both minimum- and full-coverage car insurance from the cheapest companies in Pennsylvania.

These rates apply to drivers in Pennsylvania with varying ages, locations, and driving histories. The cheapest companies are organized by minimum coverage costs.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage In Pennsylvania: Travelers

Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage that just meets Pennsylvania state minimum requirements may find it at Travelers for about $24 per month or $288 per year on average.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Travelers$24$288
Erie$27$321
USAA$37$448
Nationwide$39$467
Donegal$40$478
State Farm$42$507
Direct$49$593
GEICO$53$635
Progressive$65$777
Allstate$75$900

Cheapest Full Coverage In Pennsylvania: Travelers

If you want the best insurance coverage that offers detailed protection at a great price, Travelers is the number one choice. The provider offers full-coverage insurance for an average of $94 per month.

Full-coverage insurance policies in Pennsylvania generally include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Travelers$94$1,128
Nationwide$130$1,558
Erie$149$1,783
State Farm$219$2,624
USAA$229$2,744
Allstate$231$2,766
Progressive$231$2,775
GEICO$240$2,879
Donegal$249$2,986
Direct$289$3,471

Cheapest Car Insurance In Pennsylvania: Age

Below, you’ll find average insurance costs for Pennsylvania drivers ages 16 to 55 as well as the top five budget-friendly car insurance companies for each age group. Typically, people aged 30 to 55 tend to receive the most affordable car insurance rates. This is because they have more road experience and are less likely to be involved in car accidents compared to younger drivers.

Average Car Insurance Rates By Age

AgeMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
16$151$614
25$48$224
35$42$188
45$41$177
55$39$164

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance: Young Drivers

As mentioned, teenage drivers and early 20s typically pay the most expensive car insurance rates. This is mainly because these drivers don’t have as much experience driving and are more likely to break traffic rules and get into car accidents.

In fact, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for teen drivers was nearly three times the rate for drivers 20 years old and older in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds: Travelers

If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, Travelers may be your best bet for finding the most affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania.

The company’s cheapest average rates for 16-year-old drivers are $65 per month or $782 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. If you’re looking for full coverage, the average is $218 per month or $2,614 per year from Travelers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$65$218
Erie$79$435
Donegal$118$734
Direct$125$502
GEICO$145$548
Nationwide$155$442
State Farm$157$758
USAA$169$938
Progressive$217$793
Allstate$277$768

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For 25-Year-Olds: Travelers

Young drivers in their 20s generally pay much less for car insurance compared to teenagers. However, the rates can still be quite high depending on which insurance company you go with.

Travelers provides the cheapest car insurance costs on average at $24 per month or $292 per year for minimum coverage. Travelers costs $98 per month or $1,170 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$24$98
Erie$30$164
USAA$41$258
Nationwide$42$137
Donegal$44$277
State Farm$46$233
Direct$54$321
GEICO$56$256
Progressive$68$248
Allstate$79$252

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance: Adult Drivers

People who are in their 40s usually have the cheapest auto insurance rates. You can compare average auto insurance premiums of drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from the top five cheapest companies for each age group below.

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For 35-Year-Olds: Travelers

Drivers in their mid-30s may insure their cars at the cheapest cost by getting a minimum coverage car insurance policy from Travelers. The company offers average minimum-coverage costs of $24 per month or $284 per year. For full coverage, Travelers’s rates average $90 monthly or $1,086 annually.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$24$90
Erie$24$133
USAA$34$199
Donegal$35$221
Nationwide$36$122
State Farm$39$204
Direct$45$258
GEICO$49$223
Progressive$61$214
Allstate$71$209

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For 45-Year-Olds: Erie

Forty-five-year-old drivers may find the most affordable minimum coverage from Erie, with average rates of $22 per month or $262 per year. The cheapest full coverage comes from Travelers at $85 per month or $1,014 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Erie$22$122
Travelers$23$85
USAA$32$184
Nationwide$34$112
Donegal$35$221
State Farm$39$199
Direct$40$226
GEICO$50$216
Progressive$61$201
Allstate$69$201

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For 55-Year-Olds: Erie

People in their 50s can often get the most affordable car insurance rates in Pennsylvania from Erie. The insurer’s average premiums are $20 monthly or $243 annually for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage option is from Travelers, costing $85 monthly or $1,014 annually

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Erie$20$113
Travelers$22$77
USAA$31$174
Nationwide$32$103
Donegal$33$206
State Farm$37$187
Direct$39$207
GEICO$50$206
Progressive$58$179
Allstate$65$187

Cheapest Car Insurance In Pennsylvania: High-Risk Drivers

Besides the kind of coverage and how old you are, how safely you drive has a big impact on how much car insurance costs you. Auto insurers typically determine if you’re a high-risk driver by looking at how many infractions are on your driving record, including fines for speeding, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions.

Average Car Insurance Rates For High-Risk Drivers

Drivers who pose a higher risk have to pay more for car insurance because of their many violations. On average, Pennsylvania motorists who are deemed high-risk may find the most affordable rates from Travelers for minimum coverage or Travelers for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$31$124
Erie$40$198
State Farm$48$239
USAA$49$295
Direct$59$367
Donegal$65$403
Nationwide$73$241
Progressive$75$280
Allstate$84$262
GEICO$90$356

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Travelers

Drivers with a speeding citation on their record can generally find the most affordable coverage from Travelers, with average rates of $28 per month or $340 per year for minimum coverage and $116 per month or $1,389 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$28$116
Erie$31$164
Donegal$40$249
USAA$42$256
State Farm$46$233
Nationwide$57$188
Direct$58$343
Progressive$65$231
Allstate$75$231
GEICO$84$338

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident: Travelers

Getting into a car accident in Pennsylvania can make your car insurance rates go up. Travelers tends to offer the most affordable rates on average at about $31 per month or $376 per year for minimum coverage and $122 per month or $122 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$31$122
Erie$40$198
State Farm$51$250
USAA$53$320
Direct$59$379
Donegal$61$378
Nationwide$64$212
Progressive$87$331
GEICO$91$358
Allstate$101$324

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI: Travelers

If you’re a motorist with a DUI conviction, you may find the cheapest minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania from Travelers for $32 per month or $385 per year on average. They also have rates of $134 monthly or $1,608 annually for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Travelers$32$134
State Farm$46$233
Erie$49$231
USAA$51$309
Direct$59$379
Progressive$72$277
Allstate$75$231
Donegal$94$581
GEICO$95$373
Nationwide$99$324

Cheapest Pennsylvania Car Insurance For Drivers With Poor Credit: USAA

People who have bad credit have to pay more money for their car insurance. Those who don’t have the best credit history may want to check out USAA, which has an average minimum-coverage rate of $37 per month or $448 per year and an average full-coverage rate of $229 per month or $2,744 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in PennsylvaniaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$37$229
Donegal$49$307
Nationwide$51$174
Direct$58$357
Travelers$59$254
Erie$60$347
GEICO$82$424
Progressive$98$395
Allstate$132$380
State Farm$184$939

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In 10 Pennsylvania Cities

Where you reside in Pennsylvania is another aspect that influences the amount you pay for auto insurance. Auto insurance companies consider drivers riskier to cover in areas with:

  • Larger populations
  • There are a greater number of cars using the road.
  • More car accidents happening frequently
  • More frequent occurrence of traffic violations
  • More incidents of car theft and car vandalism
  • Extreme weather conditions

Certain factors that increase the likelihood of risks have a greater impact on people who own cars in big cities. This is why drivers in bustling cities pay the highest average cost for the least amount of coverage in car insurance. On the other hand, drivers in rural areas with fewer incidents of crime and a smaller population tend to enjoy lower rates.

CityMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Philadelphia$82$351
Pittsburgh$44$179
Lancaster$42$158
Allentown$47$187
Erie$43$172
Reading$44$187
Bensalem$61$225
Norristown$54$201
Scranton$44$181
Easton$42$167

Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In Pennsylvania

We looked at more than 40 insurance companies in Pennsylvania and considered their coverage, service, and reliability, along with the cost. As a result, we found the five best insurers for Pennsylvania residents. Based on our research, we found Travelers to be the best provider for most drivers in Pennsylvania. Here are the ratings we have given to our top recommendations.

Overall RatingCostCoverageReliabilityService
#1 State Farm4.74.34.65.04.5
#2 Travelers4.64.44.94.54.2
#3 Erie4.54.35.04.54.5
#4 GEICO4.54.24.24.94.3
#5 Progressive4.54.04.84.84.1

*The overall and category ratings above are based on nationwide factors.


How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you have a few options to reduce the amount you pay for car insurance. These include:

  • Opting for minimum coverage: If you only get the minimum coverage your state requires, you will have the least expensive car insurance.
  • Seeking out discounts: Most insurance companies have multiple discounts that can help cut down on premium costs, from military and good student discounts to discounts for drivers that remain accident free for five years.
  • Raising your deductible: A higher deductible will lower your premium costs, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
  • Bundling your auto insurance: You can often bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners insurance policy or other type of coverage to earn a discount.
  • Comparing quotes: Getting price estimates from multiple companies can help you figure out which provider will give you the best offer.

Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs as a way to save money. These programs use telematics to monitor your driving habits–from your speed and braking to the time of day you drive. If you drive carefully, you might receive a significant discount. However, certain programs may increase your rates if you engage in unsafe driving habits.

Some companies also offer diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. A diminishing deductible option decreases your deductible amount each time you renew your policy. Accident forgiveness ensures that your rates won’t increase after your first accident with the company.

What Does Pennsylvania Require For Car Insurance?

Drivers in Pennsylvania must meet minimum insurance requirements as outlined by state law, which include basic liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $5,000 medical benefits also required

Liability coverage only takes care of other parties’ injuries and property damages in an accident that you cause. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property damages, but only in the case that the at-fault driver has little to no auto insurance.

Getting comprehensive insurance will ensure that your car is covered if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by floods, fire, animals, or other natural disasters. Collision insurance covers your car repairs after an accident.


Our Take: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Pennsylvania

When it comes to both minimum and full coverage, Travelers is the best and most affordable car insurance company for most drivers in Pennsylvania. While the above costs can give you an idea of what you’d pay for car insurance in Pennsylvania, seeking an individualized rate will help give you a more accurate picture of what you’ll pay.

Many companies offer quick and no-cost tools online that allow you to get price estimates easily. Alternatively, you can also contact an insurance agent or representative directly at the company. Once you have collected quotes from three or more car insurance providers, compare them to find the best option for you.

Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area

Best Cheap Car Insurance In Pennsylvania: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Pennsylvania:

How much is car insurance per month in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania is $45 per month or $541 per year. For full coverage, the average is $206 per month or $2,471 per year.

Is Pennsylvania Car Insurance Cheaper?

Pennsylvania auto insurance is typically cheaper than the national average. Nationwide, the average cost of minimum-coverage insurance is $670 per year, while the average in Pennsylvania is $541 per year. For full coverage, residents of Pennsylvania pay about $2,471 per year on average, which is more than the national average of $2,216 per year.


How We Rate Insurers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.

*Data accurate at time of publication.