Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

By Coverage Level

The more coverage you purchase, the more you’ll pay for auto insurance. In Pennsylvania, minimum coverage must include medical payments coverage.¹

By Company

The cost of auto insurance varies widely depending on the insurance company. At $1,516 annually, Travelers has the lowest average annual full coverage premium in the Keystone State.

By City

Like in all states, Pennsylvania auto insurance rates can vary depending on where you live. Insurance companies consider population density, the cost of living and medical care, theft and vandalism rates, and the likelihood and severity of auto accidents within your zip code, to rate policies. Here’s the average annual cost for full coverage for six of the largest cities in Pennsylvania.

By Age

Many states, including Pennsylvania, allow age to be a contributing factor in car insurance premiums. That means young drivers under 20 generally pay the highest premiums due to their inexperience as drivers.

By Violation

One of the best ways to lower your insurance premium, and keep it low, is to maintain a clean driving record. Having tickets, DUI convictions, or at-fault accidents on your record could catapult you into a high-risk driver category and increase your premium significantly.

By Credit Score

Pennsylvania allows auto insurance companies to take into account your credit score when calculating your premium. The better your credit score is, the less you’ll pay for car insurance.

Everyone wants to pay as little as possible for car insurance. Whether you have a clean driving record or prefer to purchase only the minimum coverage, Pennsylvania drivers will discover the lowest average annual premium with these insurance companies:

*After USAA

1. Choose limited-tort coverage. With limited-tort car insurance coverage, you forfeit the right to sue for pain and suffering after an auto accident, which will usually lower your premium. However, even with this type of coverage, you likely would still be able to sue the at-fault motorist if you experience “severe issues” after an auto accident, which Pennsylvania law defines as “bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”²
2. Sign up for telematics programs. Check to see if your insurance company offers a telematics program so you can earn discounts for driving safely. These programs — either through an app or device installed in your vehicle — track your speed, braking, acceleration, distractedness, and other factors.
3. Take a mature driver course. Pennsylvania law states drivers 55 and older may receive a 5 percent discount on car insurance by completing the Basic Mature Driver Improvement Course.³ Three organizations approved by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles offer these courses.
4. Stack your discounts. Most auto insurance companies let you combine discounts to maximize savings. There are discounts for enrolling paperless billing, having multiple vehicles, being a student who is away from home, and bundling homeowners insurance with auto insurance.
5. Drive less. Insurance companies can base your premium on how many miles you drive each year. If you drive less than 12,000 miles annually, you may save. If you work from home, you might be able to switch to a pay-per-mile insurance policy to lower your premium.
6. Maintain an excellent credit score. Pennsylvania auto insurers may consider your credit score when writing a policy. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and catching up on past-due payments.
7. Raise your deductibles. Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays for collision or comprehensive claims. Having higher deductibles will lower your premium, but keep in mind that you will pay more out of pocket whenever you file a claim.
8. Reduce your coverage. Consider purchasing only the required minimum amount of coverage, rather than purchasing higher limits or a full coverage policy.

Pennsylvania law mandates all residents who own a motor vehicle must have current vehicle liability insurance to cover property damage or injuries to others in a car crash as well as medical payments coverage for injuries to you and your passengers:

• Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
• Medical payments coverage: $5,000 per person and per accident

Pennsylvania is one of three states that gives drivers a choice between limited- or full-tort coverage. If you pick limited-tort coverage, your premium will be lower, but you will not be able to sue for pain and suffering after a car accident unless the injuries fall within the “serious injury” definition, which is defined by Pennsylvania law.⁴ If you opt for full-tort coverage, you will pay more but retain the right to sue for pain and suffering, even if there’s no serious bodily injury after a car accident.

The state also has modified comparative negligence laws, which means you would receive money only if your percentage of fault is less than the defendant’s. For instance, if you’re found 30 percent responsible for an accident and the other person involved is 70 percent responsible, your damages would be tied to your degree of fault.⁵

While some states mandate drivers with a DUI must obtain an SR-22 to prove minimum insurance coverage, Pennsylvania does not require this form.

It’s wise to purchase more than the minimum amount of auto insurance to provide better protection for you and your vehicles. Taking advantage of discounts and maintaining an excellent credit score will ensure you save on your premium. Compare quotes from at least three providers to find the cheapest policy.

We analyze average premiums in Pennsylvania for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, low credit and households with teenagers. Full coverage averages use the following limits:

• Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
• Medical payments: $5,000
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible