Pennsylvania Car Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts a variety of landscapes, ranging from rural farmland to bustling cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Visitors can explore its history by visiting landmarks, such as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, or Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in the Appalachian Mountains, fish in Lake Erie, or ski in the Pocono Mountains.
If you live in or are planning to drive in Pennsylvania, it’s important to have proper auto insurance coverage. InsureOne offers the best auto insurance rates in the state, ensuring you’ll have the protection you need on the road.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the yearly average cost for full coverage car insurance is $2,040, which is slightly higher than the national average of $2,014. Meanwhile, for minimum coverage, the average rate in Pennsylvania is $428 per year, which is lower than the national average rate of $622 per year.
It’s important to note that individual rates may vary based on a number of factors such as your ZIP code, age, marital status, credit score, driving record, claims history, and others that we will reveal in the following paragraphs.
What Does Full Coverage vs Minimum Liability Mean?
Full coverage car insurance provides more complete protection than minimum liability car insurance. It includes liability coverage, which financially protects you if you are held responsible for the damages or injuries sustained by others, comprehensive coverage, which protects your vehicle against damages caused by incidents other than accidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters, and collision coverage, which covers damages to your vehicle that occur as a result of a collision, regardless of fault.
For example, if you have full coverage car insurance and your car is damaged due to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, your insurance company will pay for repairs or replacement of your car, depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of repair. If you have only minimum liability insurance, you will not be covered for such a scenario and will have to pay for repairs or replacement out of pocket.
On the other hand, minimum liability insurance provides only the minimum amount of coverage required by law. It includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, without any additional coverage for your own vehicle. While it meets the legal requirements, it offers limited protection for you and your car.
When deciding between full coverage and minimum liability car insurance, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your needs and budget and consider the potential risks before making a decision. Consulting with an InsureOne agent can help you make an informed choice based on your specific circumstances.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in PA
For a comparison of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different Pennsylvania cities, check out our breakdown below.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $231 | $58 |
| Pittsburgh | $107 | $28 |
| Allentown | $121 | $33 |
| Reading | $105 | $28 |
| Lancaster | $97 | $30 |
| Harrisburg | $100 | $27 |
Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed in Pennsylvania.
How Bundling Your Vehicle and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Pennsylvania
Residents in Pennsylvania can achieve substantial savings by bundling their car and homeowners insurance policies.
By combining these policies, it is estimated that you can save around $188 per year, amounting to approximately 7% of the overall premium cost. Bundling not only offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing separate policies, but also provides the convenience of consolidating coverage with a single provider.
Get in touch with your InsureOne agent, who can craft a policy that’s right for you.
What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in PA?
Driver discounts provide a reliable method to lower insurance premiums, especially when you qualify for multiple discounts, amplifying your potential for savings.
In Pennsylvania, there are various driver discounts available, such as:
- Defensive driver
- Good driver
- Military
- Anti-theft
- Loyalty
- Good student
Taking advantage of these discounts can result in significant savings on your insurance costs.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have the minimum insurance coverage mandated by the state.
This state operates under a no-fault system. It means that following an accident, each party’s insurance policy is responsible for covering their own medical expenses and loss of income.
While drivers still have the option to file a claim against the at-fault driver, this is only possible when the injuries and damages exceed the threshold set by the state.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in PA?
In Pennsylvania, the mandatory car insurance requirements include:
- $5,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $15,000 per person / $30,000 total for Bodily Injury coverage in one accident
- $5,000 for Property Damage Liability coverage
All drivers in Pennsylvania must show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle.
While it is possible to drive with the state minimum coverage, if you are leasing a vehicle, your finance company may require you to have insurance coverage with higher limits for comprehensive, collision, and liability damage.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in the Keystone State?
Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania carries severe penalties. A first offense incurs a minimum fine of $300, a three-month suspension of both driver’s license and registration, and possible vehicle impoundment. To reinstate both, expect to pay a $94 restoration fee, while commercial drivers pay a higher fee of $202. Subsequent offenses may incur even greater penalties.
Remember, even a one-day lapse in coverage could result in a fine since the state has access to real-time database information.
Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania does not require SR-22 insurance filing to reinstate a license after being convicted of driving without insurance or other serious offenses.
What Factors Does Pennsylvania Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
In Pennsylvania, some factors that help determine insurance rates include:
- Age
- Gender
- Claims record
- Zip code of residence
- Vehicle type
- Credit score
Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in PA
Car insurance rates are influenced by various factors, including the age of the driver. Insurance companies typically view younger and less experienced drivers as a higher risk, as they are more likely as a collective group to file claims. Consequently, younger drivers often face higher insurance premiums compared to older, more experienced drivers.
To save on costs, young drivers often find it more economical to remain on their parents’ or guardians’ insurance policy until they establish their driving record. This can help to mitigate the higher premiums associated with their age group.
For example, in Philadelphia, a 30-year-old adult might pay $231 per month for full car coverage, while an 18-year-old driver would face a significantly higher premium of $738, which is more than triple the amount.
If you have a new driver, remember that at InsureOne we can help you get the best affordable and quality car insurance policy.
What Is Driving Like in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the weather conditions can vary widely throughout the year, impacting driving conditions. Here are some common weather conditions and how to approach them:
- Snowstorms: This state experiences frequent snowstorms during winter. To drive in snowy conditions, it’s important to maintain a safe speed and slow down when approaching slippery areas. Keep a longer braking distance and avoid sudden changes in direction. Additionally, having winter tires or chains available is recommended.
- Ice: This is another common challenge during winter. Avoid braking or accelerating suddenly when there is ice on the road. Increase the distance between vehicles and be cautious on bridges and shaded areas as they tend to be more prone to ice.
- Heavy rain: During the spring and summer seasons, heavy rain can impair visibility and make the road slippery. Reduce speed and turn on your headlights to improve visibility. It is also important to maintain a greater following distance and be alert for possible puddles and flooded areas.
- Fog: This is common in many areas of Pennsylvania. Slow down and turn on your fog lights to enhance visibility. Use low beams instead of high beams, as high beams can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility.
Always remember to adapt your driving to the weather conditions and be prepared to handle any situation.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania?
In 2022, there were a total of 115,938 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania. Sadly, these crashes resulted in the loss of 1,179 lives and caused injuries to 67,012 individuals.
To provide some context, it is worth noting that the 2022 numbers mark the third lowest total of reportable traffic crashes since 1950, when 113,748 crashes were reported. The following chart shows the number of traffic fatalities that took place in various counties across the state in 2022.
| County | Traffic Fatalities in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Allegheny | 84 |
| Berks | 47 |
| Bucks | 52 |
| Chester | 27 |
| Franklin | 16 |
| Huntingdon | 8 |
| Lackawanna | 22 |
| Lancaster | 57 |
| Montgomery | 51 |
| Philadelphia | 143 |
| Schuylkill | 20 |
| Westmoreland | 32 |
| Wayne | 6 |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in PA?
According to the most recent statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, Pennsylvania has one of the lowest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, ranking 46th. Just 6% of drivers in the state are either uninsured or underinsured.
However, it is important to emphasize the significance of having proper car insurance coverage. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also provides essential financial protection in the event of an accident.
Get the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania Today
At InsureOne, we offer a convenient and all-inclusive auto insurance shopping experience. Our team of expert agents will carefully listen to your individual needs and work diligently to find you the best insurance options that meet your requirements.
You can get a quote online, visit us at an office near you, or call us at (800) 836-2240 for personalized assistance.