Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania are cheap, and you can easily find the best prices. Free Pa quotes from multiple companies are just a click away. You don't have to overpay each year since our comprehensive shopping tool allows you to save hundreds of dollars in premiums with your free online quote. We do the shopping so you can do the saving. Keystone State premiums have remained relative stable over the last five years, and many carriers continue to offer low-cost property and casualty policy options for Seniors, young drivers, and all other vehicle owners.
Whether it's finding the companies with the deepest discounts (multi-policy, multi-car, air-bag, good credit, alarm system, theft-deterrence, superior credit, good student, passive restraint etc...) or combining the right deductibles and liability limits to yield the maximum savings, our job is not done until you view the least expensive offers from the top-rated companies. We also consider smaller regional carriers such as Erie and Cincinnati, since they often have extremely competitive rates. Whether you live in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Hershey, Allentown, Reading, Lancaster, Scranton, State College, Lebanon, or any other city, we can help.
How Our Website Works
Our job is simple. We investigate, study, and compare all of the major reputable auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania. We separate the data by zip code, which allows you to instantly view the carriers that will offer you the lowest prices in real time. You simply click on the links of the companies you would like quotes from. All policies meet official PennDOT guidelines including bodily injury, property damage and medical payments. However, we highly encourage higher liability limits, including excess-liability umbrella contracts. Newer financed and leased cars will require collision and comprehensive coverage, and often higher liability limits. Gap riders help offset rapid depreciation of vehicles purchased with no down payment.
It only takes a few moments to pick carriers and compare their prices. You are not required to divulge personal or financial information about yourself, your family or the Vehicle identification number (VIN). And of course, you never will be asked to pay any fees, commissions or any other charge. Our unbiased advice is always completely free, and you can also review prices of vehicles that you may be considering buying, but have not purchased yet. We need the make and specific model, and the ages of household drivers to provide accurate pricing. Clean driving records and excellent credit always help lower the premium.
NOTE: Many employee discounts are offered by large and small companies. Ask us or your employer for details. Often, you'll save between 5% and 15% of the premium. If you payroll-deduct, you may be eligible for additional savings and more liberal underwriting regarding moving violations and at-fault accidents. When you retire, you may still be able to retain the discounted premiums, although direct payroll-deduction may not be available. However, Senior discounts may become available, including reductions for completing defensive driving courses. Drivers that reach age 80 may be required to provide proof of good health, including passing a physical and/or eye exam.
Pa Auto Insurance Companies
There are more than 100 carriers that are licensed to write business in the state. While the vast majority have solid ratings (from A.M. Best, Standard & Poors and/or Moody's), typically the larger companies tend to offer the most competitive rates. Listed below are the 50 insurers that write the most car policies (physical damage) in the state. It is important to understand that prices can be substantially different, depending on many variables. And of course, in many situations, we will use alternative companies, since prices would be more favorable. For example, antique and classic vehicles are often best-covered with specific carriers. Small business owners that own fleets of automobiles also may need specialized coverage.
1. State Farm Mutual
2. Erie
3. Allstate Fire & Casualty
4. Geico Casualty
5. Nationwide Mutual
6. Progressive Specialty
7. Progressive Advanced
8. Nationwide Affinity
9. Nationwide Property And Casualty
10. Allstate Insurance
11. LM General
12. Geico General
13. Travelers
14. American States
15. State Farm Fire And Casualty
16. USAA
17. Mid Century
18. USAA Casualty
19. Pennsylvania National Mutual
20. First Liberty Insurance
21. Allstate Property & Casualty
22. Encompass
23. Donegal Mutual
24. Atlantic States
25. Progressive Preferred
26. Geico Individual
27. Auto Insurance Of Hartford
28. Geico
29. Westfield
30. 21st Century
31. USAA General
32. Liberty Mutual
33. Esurance
34. Progressive Northern
35. Trumbull
36. Safe Auto
37. Progressive Direct
38. Mutual Benefit
39. CSAA Mid-Atlantic
40. Garrison Property & Casualty
41. Travelers Property & Casualty
42. Metropolitan Group
43. Amica Mutual
44. Goodville Mutual
45. CSAA General
46. State National
47. Chubb
48. American National
49. California Casualty
50. Tokio Marine
How To Stay Legal
All drivers in the Commonwealth must have auto insurance or prove financial responsibility. If you fail to cover your vehicle, or allow your existing coverage to lapse for more than one month, you will likely face a 90-day suspension of driving privileges. A $300 fine may also accompany the suspension, and there will be numerous reinstatement fees. The Department of Insurance helps regulate laws and regulations. Obviously, you always want to avoid this situation since it could impact your standing with your carrier for many years. It also complicates the process of changing carriers, since a preferred rate may be difficult to obtain, and standard and non-standard rates will be about 15%-50% higher. Note: If you can prove that the vehicle was not driven during the lapse, a suspension might be avoided.
Here are the minimum liability requirements:
Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This covers medical bills and legal judgments against you. If you are sued for higher amounts, the insurer may be able to negotiate a settlement from the other party that falls within your covered limits. However, to maximize your bargaining position in case of a lawsuit, much higher coverage should be considered. $50,000/$100,000 or $100,000/$300,000 are recommended limits. Leased vehicles typically require bodily injury limits of $100,000/$300,000, with an additional $50,000 of property damage. Gap coverage is also offered.
Property Damage: $5,000. This includes damage to other people's property including vehicles. We believe that $5,000 is an alarmingly low figure and should be increased to $10,000 or higher. Neighbor Ohio recently raised their required amount from $7,500 to $25,000. The impact on your premium will not be substantial if you increase the limit. $100,000 of coverage is needed to qualify for an excess-liability umbrella. These contracts are issued separately, typically with excess coverage of $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million. Business umbrella contracts are issued for much higher face amounts.
Medical Payments: $5,000. This covers medical expenses for yourself and any other passengers in your car. It is not designed to pay healthcare expenses of other persons involved in an accident. You can incrementally increase to $10,000, $25,000 and sometimes $50,000 or $100,000. The $10,000 and $25,000 options are fairly inexpensive with most companies. Corporate and Group policies often offer higher medical payments options. This coverage is not impacted by your Pa Marketplace (Pennie) healthcare benefits.
If the driver and/or passenger are covered under a private or group health insurance plan (which is likely), a primary and secondary coverage will be established. Often, the combination of both benefits will enable many large deductibles and coinsurance to be paid. If you are receiving a federal Marketplace subsidy, it does not impact your auto coverage. UPMC, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger, Ambetter, and Oscar are the carriers that offer Marketplace (Pennie) coverage. If you are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, the same situation applies. Supplemental accident policies may pay a portion of your medical expenses. Selected credit cards also may provide limited medical payments coverage.
Full Or Limited Tort: Limited tort will reduce your premium since you are prohibited from recovering certain damages for pain and suffering (unless specific exceptions are met). With Full Tort, there are no restrictions and you can sue the other negligent entity. Also, if the impact from a collision is not noticed until months later, full tort provides an option for recovery of compensation for pain and suffering. It's possible that your injuries may qualify for a limited tort exception (Title 75 Act 6 of 1990). Since the difference in savings depends on many factors, including number of drivers in the household, it's best to review both prices before making an informed decision.
Additionally, there are many coverages that are NOT a legal requirement, but should always be considered:
Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection -- If you are involved in an accident with someone who either has no coverage or not enough coverage, you may have to pay most or all of the expenses yourself. These two benefits provide an extra layer of protection that is worth the extra premium you are charged. At the very least, select a lower amount to keep premiums affordable. There are still many persons operating vehicles that are not covered or only carry state minimum limits. The potential unreimbursed damages are substantial without these coverages.
Stacking -- Stacking multiplies your uninsured and underinsured protection by the number of vehicles that you are covering. There are different ways to add this benefit. Regardless if you have a single policy, or multiple policies, coverage can be combined. Electing this option also allows your UM/UIM coverage to exceed your basic liability limits. Since there are thousands of vehicles without any or adequate coverage, it makes good financial sense to consider stacking. Note: Although legal in Pennsylvania, stacking is not allowed in all states.
Physical Damage To Vehicle
Collision -- The Physical damage to your vehicle is required if you own or lease. If you don't, and the value of your car or truck is at least $5,000, collision coverage should be considered. $500 and $1,000 deductible options are the most popular. $250 reduces your risk, but is not always cost-efficient. The "sweet spot" may be $500, since this option offers a significant savings vs. lower choices, but also won't empty your bank account. Most carriers allow you to change your deductible at the anniversary date, or any other time when a claim is not being processed. Naturally, you are not permitted to change deductibles or liability limits if an active claim is being processed.
Determining the most cost-effective collision deductible depends on many factors, including the value of the vehicle, how many miles per year it is driven, cost of physical damage repair, typical weather conditions, youthful drivers in household (if any) and percentage of percentage of miles driven that are "highway" vs. "city." We are always available to help you determine the best options. Each vehicle depreciates differently, so the optimum deductible will vary. The presence of youthful drivers in the household substantially increases the risk of an at-fault accident.
In some situations, it is more cost-effective to place a driver on their own policy, although several discounts may be sacrificed. When placed on a separate policy, liability limits can be different, and a different billing mode can be selected. If a major violation occurs (DUI or DWI), it will not impact any other driver's premium. When a high-risk driver leaves the household, additional discounts may become available.
Comprehensive -- Fire and theft is also required if you are making any type of financing payment. Other than glass breakage, a higher deductible makes economic sense. Reporting multiple comprehensive claims within a short period of time could impact discounts you are currently receiving. Removal of a discount could increase premiums by as much as 20%. Therefore, if your windshield was replaced twice within the last 12 months, avoid submitting a third claim, if possible. Of course, the broken windshield or glass should be repaired. The typical cost of replacement is between $175-$325.
Rental Of Vehicle -- If you're involved in an accident that is not your fault, typically, the other company will pay for your replacement expenses until the repair or replacement is complete. However, if the accident is your fault, without this rider, you could easily pay up to $500 out of your own pocket. For a larger SUV or luxury option, the monthly rental cost can be as much as $1,500. Smaller vehicles will cost much less. Occasionally, this benefit is included in the policy. Many credit cards include partial reimbursement for substitute vehicles. NOTE: Utilizing Uber or Lyft for a short period of time (less than one week) can be cost-effective. Rates, of course, can vary, depending upon the place and time of service.
Missing Wages -- If you lose income because of an injury resulting from an accident, a portion can be recovered. This is not often elected. A personal or corporate short-term or long-term disability plan may also duplicate some of the coverage. However, a private disability policy is always medically-underwritten, and premiums can be significantly larger, depending on your age and coverage amount. Individual disability coverage also may not be offered after age 65.
Accidental Death -- If the death of the insured was accidental and a direct result of a collision, a specified dollar amount will be paid. Typically, a two-year window is allowed. Many credit cards and life insurance policies will also offer this benefit as a rider. Accidental riders are also offered on non-Exchange healthcare plans. They are inexpensive and popular riders for persons under age 25. Additional riders are also offered.
Towing And Labor -- Often automatically included if you have collision coverage, this rider will reimburse you up to $50-$100 (each company is different) for your towing and related expenses. Of course, if you are an AAA member, you don't need this rider. Several credit cards and car manufacturers often include basic benefits, although specific limits may apply. Newly-purchased and leased vehicles may provide 12-36 months of free towing and labor coverage.
Monitoring Devices
Although all companies don't currently offer this option to customers, within the next five years, the majority of carriers will provide an option to install an electronic device that records your driving habits, including frequency of driving, your speed, how quickly you come to a stop, how late in the evening you are operating a vehicle, how far you go, and dozens of other bits of information. They will not harm your vehicle and can be easily dismantled by the consumer.
These telematic devices, once installed, could possibly reduce your premium if you drive fewer miles than the average person in your risk class. You're less likely to be involved in an accident or have vandalism damage, and thus, you may see savings as much as 20%. The on-board diagnostic port is placed under your dashboard, so you won't know it's there. We'll keep you updated as more companies begin to offer the installation of the device as an option. As technology improves, the discounts may become larger.
Major insurers that currently utilize these devices include Progressive (SnapShot), State Farm (Drive Safe And Save), Nationwide (SmartRide), Allstate (DriveWise), Esurance (DriveSense), and Liberty Mutual (RightTrack). UBI (usage-based-insurance) and PHYD (pay-as-you-drive) programs are also increasing in popularity. Driving record will still be an underwriting factor, but the rate you pay is strongly dependent upon the miles you drive. Thus, safe low-mile drivers, could save a substantial amount of money on their car insurance policy. High-risk drivers might also benefit.
Senior Drivers In Pa
There are numerous safety courses that are offered to mature drivers. Through AARP, AAA Seniors For Safe Driving, and Safe 2 Drive, it's easy to enroll and complete the course instruction. There are no required written or driving examinations. It's also a legal requirement that carriers offer a 5% premium reduction to anyone age 55 and over that completes a driver improvement course. However, it must meet or exceed PennDOT 75 Pa.C.S. standards. Every three years, the course must be re-taken. Also, at-fault accidents and/or moving violations can invalidate the discount.
Under the "Mature Driver Examination Program," every month, more than 1,000 drivers that have reached age 45 must compete vision and medical tests before their license is renewed. 20/40 vision (or better) in one or both eyes, is required. Glasses or contacts may be worn for the vision test. Drivers that have a history of seizures, must be free of seizures for six months. PennDOT may determine that a restriction should be placed on a license. If this occurs, your carrier will notify you of any changes made to the policy.
Generally, if you are over the age of 75, it is not recommended that you change carriers, unless your existing company is terminating your policy, you moved to the area, or you are forced to make a change because of the specific vehicles you own or specific health conditions. Any new application is likely to require a statement of health along with results from a recent physical. An at-fault accident during your initial policy period could result in a substantial rate increase. Reporting criteria that can impact a license renewal include field of vision, hearing (bus drivers), substance or dug usage, impairment loss (joints), seizures, diabetes and related issues, cardiovascular disease, or other long-term illnesses.
Odds And Ends
Least Safe Highways -- I-79, US-22, I-81, US-30, US-6, I-295, SR-13. Schuylkill County continues to be one of the most dangerous areas of the state with about 1,500 accidents last year. Weekend driving still is the riskiest part of the week to operate a vehicle in any area of the state. Traffic to and from the Jersey shore on weekends in the summer can also cause traffic backups and many fender-benders.
During the Winter months, I-76 (Turnpike) can be very treacherous, especially in the mountains around Somerset. It's not unusual to encounter above-freezing temperatures in the Pittsburgh or Johnstown area, followed by heavy snow as you drive through the mountains in the Somerset area. Often, the Turnpike is temporarily closed to allow road crews to salt and clear the roadway. Typically, closures last less than a few hours.
Vehicles That Have The Most Accidents -- Ford Bronco (older models), Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus X, Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Pickup (F Models), Dodge Ram, Pontiac Grand-Am and GMC Sierra. We also published an article highlighting some of the least expensive vehicles to insure. You can find it here, and we regularly update the list each year.
Philadelphia And Pittsburgh Drivers Judged The Worst (We Don't Agree!) -- Allstate published its "Best And Worst Drivers" list for 2017, and it was a dubious doubleheader win for Pa. The "large" and "small" city winners for the worst drivers in the US were awarded to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh respectively. Ouch. Naturally, we don't agree with the findings that were based on the frequency of accidents. Actually, at times, Harrisburg drivers can be a bit worrisome!
The reported statistics showed that in both cities, you are likely to have an accident about every six years. This compares to other cities, such as Boise, Brownsville (Texas) and Kansas City where the average number of years between accidents doubles. If you would like to view the Top-100 list, please contact us.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Compliant coverage is required for motorcycle drivers. Your policy must be in-force and meet state minimum liability limits. Although not all carriers offer policies, there are many companies that underwrite coverage, and also offer a discount if your vehicles are insured with them under a separate policy. Association memberships and completion of specific courses may also generate a discount. Wearing protective headgear is also required unless you have reached age 22 and have two (or more) years of driving experience.
Completion of a motorcycle safety program through PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation may be used a substitute for the driving requirement. These programs are suitable for novice and experienced riders, and should be strongly considered.
Three-wheeled motorcycles do not have he helmet requirement, although it's highly recommended to wear one. The helmets are required to meet specific safety requirements, and should be annually inspected for wear, cracks, or other damage. A "DOT" (Department of Transportation) sticker on the helmet indicates it is compliant. Other information that must be indicated includes manufacturing date (month and year), size, model, and ID or name of manufacturer. Protective eye wear is also required to be worn.
PA Teen Driver Law Information
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began implementing new legislative changes eight years ago that help young drivers obtain more comprehensive training, which leads to much safer highways for everyone. Legislative Act 81 requires more instructional hours of experience, including more at night. A total of 65 hours is now needed for juniors, including five hours in inclement weather conditions.
There are also new rules regarding how many passengers (and their ages) can be transported at the same time. For example, as you might expect, the number of passengers can not exceed the number of available seat belts. Also, the number of non-family passengers under age 18 is limited to one, for the six-month period following the issue of a junior license. After six months of clean driving (no violations or at-fault accidents), the number of passengers can be increased to three.
A worthwhile tool for teen and new drivers is WreckCheck, a free mobile phone app for Android and iPhone smartphones. A hard copy can also be printed. The app advises the driver what procedures to follow after an accident has occurred. Assistance with filing and accident report and submitting a claim helps expedite the process. Information that should be collected includes photos of other driver's license plate, damage to all vehicles and property, and the surrounding area. You should never allow anyone to take a picture of your driver's license. However, it is prudent to exchange license information with the other party involved in an accident.
The cheapest auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania are just moments and a click away. Providing your zip code helps us instantaneously find the companies that will save you the most money. The quotes we provide are free and only the most respected carriers are recommended. Your expected annual savings can easily be several hundreds of dollars each year.
UPDATES FROM THE PAST:
We made the Top 10! In the most recent Bankrate research, our state is ranked as one of the 10 cheapest states to own a car or truck. The results were based on three main criteria -- cost of maintenance and repair, insurance, and gasoline/oil prices. Iowa, Ohio and Illinois were the states with the three lowest prices. Wyoming, Louisiana and Florida were the three most expensive.
Pa State regulators are monitoring the practice of "price optimization," which has occurred in other states. Allegedly, some insurers may increase premiums based on the likelihood the customer will "shop around" for better rates. Of course, if the are not likely to look elsewhere, their prices creep up.
The alleged practice is not legal and is very difficult to prove. Despite allegations by the "Consumer Federation Of America," State commissioners do not believe this practice exists.
About 20 years ago, the IFPA (Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority)was created to help minimize auto fraud in the state and help with investigations and prosecutions. All active insurers that write policies in the state contribute funds each year to help with ongoing expenses.
A little bit of that return on investment was given this week when more than 25 persons were arrested for various fraud offenses, including someone attempting to set a car on fire in the Philadelphia area.
Ride-sharing in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other potential cities is still being debated. Companies such as "Uber" provide some liability coverage to their drivers. But their failure to adequately protect consumers is a major concern to the Public Utilities Commission. Another issue is the vagueness of responses from companies such as Uber when requested to disclose precisely what benefits drivers of their vehicles actually have.
Uber has stated that it offers $1 million of liability protection and will be expanding protection to include a "start to finish" coverage from the time the driver enters into an agreement to when the transaction is completed and the car is returned.
Uber and Lyft (also a ride-sharing company) are still in the news. Now, Senator Wayne Fontana proposes (for the second time) to license and regulate these types of companies. Background checks and mandatory liability insurance would be two of the regulations that must be added to support the legislation.
Also, drivers would have to display a photo identification at all times and be over the age of 20. Although eventually, most areas of the state would offer services, initially, it's expected that Uber will have the initial jump on market share.
State Farm lost an important Commonwealth Court decision resulting from suspending a young customer's policy after learning her license was suspended for underage drinking. The incident occurred last year, although the 90-day suspension was not related to drinking while driving.
Alanna Dougherty only had coverage for about 14 days before she was notified of the termination. She subsequently challenged State Farm's position of not mentioning misrepresentation as a factor in their decision.
If you are a motorcycle owner, a new customized license plate that honors Veterans is now available. "Honoring Our Veterans" plates features images of a Bald Eagle and an American Flag on a conventional background. The fee is $35, although a portion of the cost is given to the Veteran's Trust Fund. For four years, vehicles have been able to purchase this special plate, but this is the first time it has been made available for motorcycles.
Registration stickers have officially been eliminated! Beginning December 31st, stickers are no longer required to be displayed, after more than 70 years. More than $3 million in expenses will be saved, although vehicle registration is still required.