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Last updated: October 11, 2025Best Cheap Car Insurance in Pittsburgh
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Pittsburgh at $984 per year, as well as the cheapest minimum coverage at $373 per year.
Key Takeaways
- Car insurance in Pittsburgh costs an average of $1,655 annually for full coverage and $589 annually for minimum coverage, which is less than the respective Pennsylvania statewide averages.
- Travelers offers the lowest full and minimum coverage rates in Pittsburgh, while Erie is our top pick for customer service.
- Average rates can give you a sense of how much you might pay for car insurance, but the rates you’re quoted will depend on your driving record, age, location, and other factors.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Pittsburgh
- Cheapest: Travelers
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Erie
- Best Major Insurer: State Farm
- Best for Online Purchasing: GEICO
- Best for Low Credit: Nationwide
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Pittsburgh
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Avg. | Minimum Coverage Annual Avg. | Mid-Atlantic Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $984 | $373 | Below average |
| Erie | $1,183 | $438 | Above average |
| State Farm | $1,400 | $412 | Above average |
| GEICO | $1,450 | $416 | Below average |
| Nationwide | $1,037 | $423 | Below average |
| Pittsburgh | $1,655 | $589 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Pittsburgh
1. Cheapest - Travelers
What We Like Most:
- Cheap Pittsburgh rates
- Non-owner coverage available
- Robust affinity group program
Why we chose it
Travelers has the cheapest rates for Pittsburgh drivers for both full and minimum coverage, with average annual premiums that are 41 percent and 37 percent below the citywide average, respectively. It has below-average customer and claims satisfaction ratings, so it is ideal for those who are willing to accept this trade-off for cheap rates. Travelers also offers the lowest average rates in Pennsylvania for drivers with speeding tickets and other violations, including DUIs.
Who it’s best for
Drivers whose top priority is cost, as well as those with violations on their record.
Travelers Pittsburgh Pricing
| Travelers | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $182 | $31 |
| Annually | $984 | $373 |
| Difference from Pittsburgh average | -41% | -37% |
2. Best for Customer Satisfaction - Erie
Why we chose it
Erie is a smaller regional provider that’s available in Pennsylvania (as well as 12 other states) and is known for its great customer experience. While it’s not the cheapest provider in Pittsburgh, it still has below-average rates for full and minimum coverage. It ranked second for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study for the Mid-Atlantic region and third for claims satisfaction in J.D. Power’s most recent Auto Claims Satisfaction study. It also has a rating of A- from the CRASH Network, ranking 7th among 97 providers, further highlighting its stellar customer service record.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who prefer to work with a local agent, prioritize customer service, and don’t mind a potentially subpar digital experience.
Erie Pittsburgh Pricing
| Erie | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $88 | $37 |
| Annually | $1,183 | $438 |
| Difference from Pittsburgh average | -29% | -26% |
3. Best Major Insurer - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Excellent service from local Pittsburgh agents
- Great bundling discounts
- Competitive minimum coverage rates
Why we chose it
For drivers who prefer to get a policy through a major insurer but still prioritize customer service, State Farm is a good option. Of the national insurers, it is the only one that ranked above average in J.D. Power’s study for the Mid-Atlantic region — GEICO is in next place but is a full 30 points behind and falls below average. State Farm sells policies through a network of local agents, so while you can start a quote online, you’ll have to speak with an agent to finalize the purchase. It also has a solid selection of coverage and discount options, including two telematics programs.
Who it’s best for
Those who want to work with a major national insurer without sacrificing customer service and don’t mind going through an agent to purchase a policy. It’s a particularly good choice for those looking for minimum coverage, given its competitive rates in that category.
State Farm Pittsburgh Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $117 | $34 |
| Annually | $1,400 | $412 |
| Difference from Pittsburgh average | -15% | -30% |
4. Best for Online Purchasing - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Easy online quote and purchase process
- Wide variety of discounts
- Offers free claim forgiveness as loyalty perk
Why we chose it
GEICO is known for its affordable rates, and while its rates are not the absolute cheapest in Pittsburgh, they are below average and are particularly affordable for minimum coverage. GEICO has robust digital tools and allows for online purchasing, not just online quotes, unlike most companies on this list. It is below average for Mid-Atlantic customer service according to J.D. Power, but it still ranked fifth. It also offers a wide range of generous discounts to help customers save on premiums.
Who it’s best for
Drivers prioritizing easy online purchasing without needing to speak with an agent, as well as military members and federal employees, due to tailored discounts.
GEICO Pittsburgh Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $121 | $35 |
| Annually | $1,450 | $416 |
| Difference from Pittsburgh average | -12% | -29% |
5. Best for Low Credit - Nationwide
What We Like Most:
- Affordable rates for drivers with poor credit
- Highly-rated claims experience
- Pay-per-mile policy option
Why we chose it
Nationwide is our top choice for drivers with low credit in Pittsburgh, as it has the lowest average rates in Pennsylvania for this category (after USAA, which is only available to those affiliated with the military) at 31 percent below the state average. It also ranked first in J.D. Power’s Digital Experience Study in the service category, indicating that customers are very satisfied with their ability to manage existing policies using Nationwide’s digital tools. For drivers with low annual mileage, its pay-per-mile program SmartMiles is a good choice.
Who it’s best for
Pittsburgh drivers with low credit, as well as those who drive less than average and value a solid digital experience.
Nationwide Pittsburgh Pricing
| Nationwide | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $86 | $35 |
| Annually | $1,037 | $423 |
| Difference from Pittsburgh average | -37% | -28% |
Pittsburgh Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Mid-Atlantic1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction3 | NAIC Complaint Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 633 | C | 684 | 1.99 |
| Erie | 706 | A- | 733 | 1.13 |
| State Farm | 673 | C- | 710 | 2.16 |
| GEICO | 643 | C- | 692 | 1.97 |
| Nationwide | 636 | C | 728 | 2.73 |
| Average | 656 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 697 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pittsburgh
Travelers offers the most affordable full coverage auto insurance in Pittsburgh at $984 per year, which is 41 percent cheaper than the city average. Nationwide and Erie have the next-cheapest rates at $1,037 per year and $1,183 per year, respectively.
| Company | Annual Pittsburgh Average | Monthly Pittsburgh Average |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $984 | $82 |
| Nationwide | $1,037 | $86 |
| Erie | $1,183 | $99 |
| State Farm | $1,400 | $117 |
| GEICO | $1,450 | $121 |
| Allstate | $1,500 | $125 |
| Progressive | $1,876 | $156 |
| USAA | $1,972 | $164 |
| Pittsburgh average | $1,655 | $138 |
| Pennsylvania average | $1,939 | $162 |
| U.S. average | $2,399 | $200 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pittsburgh
Travelers also offers the cheapest minimum coverage auto insurance in Pittsburgh, with an average annual premium of only $373 per year. Nationwide and Erie also have rates that are well below average, at $412 and $416 annually.
| Company | Annual Pittsburgh Average | Monthly Pittsburgh Average |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $373 | $31 |
| Nationwide | $412 | $34 |
| Erie | $416 | $35 |
| State Farm | $423 | $35 |
| GEICO | $438 | $37 |
| Allstate | $480 | $40 |
| Progressive | $588 | $49 |
| USAA | $682 | $57 |
| Pittsburgh average | $589 | $49 |
| Pennsylvania average | $625 | $52 |
| U.S. average | $635 | $53 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Pittsburgh?
According to the City of Pittsburgh’s crash data, there were 2,958 car accidents in the city in 2024, which represents a decrease from the 3,485 crashes the year before.5 Twenty-one of the crashes in 2024 were fatal, 82 involved serious injuries, and 1,281 involved minor injuries. The remaining 1,574 had no reported injuries.
The vast majority of these crashes occurred in clear weather conditions — only 10 percent occurred in the rain, while 16 percent happened in cloudy or “other” weather. The month with the most crashes was March at 301, followed by January at 297.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania drivers must adhere to the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements mandated by state law, which are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
- Medical benefits: $5,000 per accident
The Keystone State’s minimum liability requirements have not been updated since the 1970s — they are very low, and likely won’t be enough to cover damages in the event of a serious accident. We recommend increasing your limits and adding full coverage for more financial coverage.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, meaning that each driver in an accident is responsible for their own medical expenses. The required medical benefits coverage is designed to help pay for this.
Drivers must also choose between full tort and limited tort coverage, which affects their right to sue for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). A limited tort policy is significantly less expensive, because it limits the right to sue unless injuries meet a “serious injury” threshold.
FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance in Pittsburgh, PA, for both full coverage and minimum coverage. It has average rates of $984 and $373 per year, respectively, both of which are well below the city averages.
How much is car insurance in Pittsburgh, PA?
Car insurance in Pittsburgh, PA, costs an average of $1,655 per year, or $138 per month, for full coverage. Drivers looking for only minimum coverage can expect to pay an average of $589 per year or $49 per month.
Why is PA car insurance so expensive?
Pennsylvania car insurance is expensive for several reasons. First, it is a choice no-fault state, which means that every driver in an accident is responsible for their own injuries. This tends to drive up premiums for everyone in the state, since at-fault drivers are not the only ones shouldering financial responsibility. However, choosing a limited tort policy will save you significantly on your policy. Average premiums in Pennsylvania are actually slightly below the national average, so if your rates are very expensive, it may be due to past violations or because you have low credit, among other things.
How does my credit score affect car insurance?
Your credit score can have a significant effect on your car insurance in Pennsylvania. State law allows insurers to use your credit history as a rating factor when determining your premium, and drivers with poor credit are statistically more likely to file claims. This means that insurers will charge a higher premium. In Pennsylvania, drivers with poor credit pay 65 percent more on average than those with good credit.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyzed average premiums for full and minimum coverage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for good drivers with good credit. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Medical payments: $5,000
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC Complaint Index, Better Business Bureau ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Managing Editor & Industry Analyst
Maya Afilalo holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, communications, and research, which she leverages to provide accurate and reliable information to empower consumers. In addition to overseeing content production, Maya has herself written many articles on auto insurance costs, company comparisons, state laws and requirements, and other topics. She is committed to helping consumers navigate the complex world of car insurance with clarity and confidence. Maya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from North Carolina State University.
Citations
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyInsurer Report Card – Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. CRASH Network. (2025).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Auto Insurance Repair Cycle Times Improve but Price Increases Take a Toll, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2024, October 29).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2025).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmInteractive Mapping Experience. Esri ArcGIS Experience. (2025).
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/854cc687784c461caef34a41f68f2b69
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