Pennsylvania Car Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania served as the glue that held the 13 colonies together during the United States’ infancy, earning the nickname the “Keystone State” for its geographic and political centrality. Delegates debated and signed the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, the U.S. capital at the time.
Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Poconos Mountains, Hershey Park, and many other attractions draw hundreds of millions of visitors to this state, which has a population of just over 13 million. Before you travel across its 46,000 square miles, be aware that the terrain shifts between mountains, valleys, and rural stretches relatively quickly, and excessive snow, freezing rain, sleet, and black ice can make driving uncomfortable. So be sure to connect with an expert InsureOne agent for help with getting the best car insurance in Pennsylvania to protect yourself from the financial fallout of any mishaps on the road.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
Residents of the Keystone State pay more than the average for some policies and less for others. Minimum liability insurance in Pennsylvania costs about $421, well below the national average of $622, while full coverage costs $2,428, which is significantly more than the U.S. average of $2,014.
Although in most states the two policy types are both either above or below the national average, given the low minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania, it is understandable that minimum liability is well below average. As for full coverage, among other issues, the state has many miles of accident-prone winding mountain roads. These highways are even more challenging during the winter when snowfall and slippery pavement are present. Additionally, because this is a no-fault state, insurers assume the risk of paying for claims even when their insured is a cautious driver, as explained below.
What Does It Mean If Pennsylvania Is a No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state, meaning drivers select between limited-tort and full-tort coverage when purchasing a policy. Under limited tort, each driver’s own insurer covers their injury-related expenses regardless of who caused the accident, while property damage remains the responsibility of the at-fault driver. Under full tort, drivers retain the unrestricted right to sue the at-fault party for all damages, including pain and suffering. Both options require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP).
At-fault vs. no-fault rules are similar when it comes to property damage, in that the negligent driver’s insurer pays the bills for both sides, but they differ regarding injury-related expenses — in an at-fault system, the responsible driver’s insurer pays for all these costs, unlike in a no-fault state, where, as mentioned, each driver goes through their own provider.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Pennsylvania
Rates in this state vary drastically. As you compare car insurance quotes in Pennsylvania, you will find premiums that are well below or above the state or national average, depending on the municipality or zip code, as you can see in the table below:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $236 | $47 |
| Bensalem | $272 | $59 |
| Erie | $219 | $42 |
| Harrisburg | $192 | $37 |
| Mifflinburg | $174 | $30 |
| Philadelphia | $373 | $62 |
| Pittsburgh | $224 | $40 |
| Tionesta | $237 | $30 |
| Upper Darby | $330 | $67 |
| Wellsboro | $225 | $29 |
Our average auto policy costs are based on a male driver, aged 30, with a clean driving record. Liability insurance coverage is the state‑required minimum. Full coverage is based on a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will depend on your individual circumstances.
How Bundling Your Vehicle and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Pennsylvania
Similar to how retail stores have periodic sales that discount purchases of multiple items, carriers offer better rates when you bundle your auto and homeowners insurance. Except that it is not periodic in the insurance industry.
If you bundle your auto and home policies, insurers will offer you a 5% to 25% discount. The odds of getting a higher discount are better in a city like Philadelphia, where rates are high and competition among insurers is fierce. In a low-cost, less competitive town like Mifflinburg, the price reduction will be smaller.
Your InsureOne agent will help you compare car insurance quotes in Pennsylvania and personalize your plans so you get affordable rates for the coverage that best protects you and your family.
Discounts for Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Price reductions are standard in the industry, as are many car insurance discounts in Pennsylvania. You can cut your rate by paying your yearly premiums up front, setting up automatic payments, or by qualifying for these and other discounts insurers offer:
- Loyalty
- Military
- Antitheft
- Good driver
- Low mileage
- Good student
- Defensive driver
What Are the Car Insurance Laws in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania auto insurance laws are similar to those of other states, though in many ways they are more lenient. The Keystone State is unique in that it requires insurers to give applicants the right to choose between discounted limited-tort policies and more costly full-tort plans. There are also no requirements for SR-22 insurance in Pennsylvania, which is not common in the U.S.
Here is a brief breakdown of some of the state’s standard laws:
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania?
As mentioned, the minimum Pennsylvania DMV insurance requirements are more lenient than those of many other U.S. states. By law, all Keystone State drivers must have the following levels of coverage:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury liability
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $5,000 for property damage liability
- $5,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
These limits are very low. While obtaining these minimum coverages is cost-effective, a single accident can cause well above $5,000 of property damage. Your InsureOne agent can help you view various quotes for higher levels of protection to ensure you get adequate coverage for you and your family.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania?
If you drive in this state without having a policy in place, you may be subject to a host of fines and penalties, some costly and some very inconvenient:
- $300 in fines
- A 3-month license and registration suspension
- A restoration fee for your registration
- A $94 license restoration fee
- A $202 restoration fee if you have a commercial license
What Factors Does Pennsylvania Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
Each state has its own laws on which factors insurers may consider when setting your rate. In this state, your gender cannot affect your premiums, but these factors can:
- Age
- Job title
- Location
- Credit score
- Type of vehicle
- Driving history/record
- Coverage limits/deductibles
What Happens If I Damage Property in Pennsylvania?
Fender-benders are all too common in the congested streets of Philadelphia. Major accidents occur frequently at high-speed curves on I-80 and I-95. If you cause one of these accidents and you only have a state minimum liability policy, your insurer will only pay $5,000 toward your injuries, $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident for the injuries of others, and $5,000 for property damage you cause.
While you should strongly consider obtaining full coverage, at the very least, you should discuss with your agent getting more than these minimums to help you cover accident-related costs that may exceed these limits.
rs 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?
There are many dangerous roads in this state. Some of these include I-79, I-95, I-80, and I-83. They are mountainous and curvy, and drivers can have a difficult time avoiding accidents in the best of times, but certainly when there are visibility issues due to heavy rain and snow. Wet or icy roads further exacerbate the issue.
Philadelphia has busy roads, with higher speeds. Rapid freeze and thaw cycles in the state can create sudden potholes, which present a danger, even for drivers who know the roads well.
As with driving in any state, driving cautiously, especially when there are hazardous conditions, can help you avoid getting into an accident.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania?
In 2023, there were 1,211 crash-related deaths on state roads. The following data is for individual municipalities within the state:
| City | Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes |
|---|---|
| Allentown | 9 |
| Bensalem | 0 |
| Erie | 4 |
| Harrisburg | 7 |
| Mifflinburg | 0 |
| Philadelphia | 128 |
| Pittsburgh | 20 |
| Tionesta | 0 |
| Upper Darby | 0 |
| Wellsboro | 0 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Pennsylvania?
In the Keystone State, 11% of motorists did not have any coverage in 2023. Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, and if a driver without adequate coverage crashes into you, your policy might not help you pay for damages to your vehicle unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your agent can help you add this protection to your policy to avoid having to pay to replace or repair your car out of pocket in such circumstances.
Get the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania Today
At InsureOne, we offer bilingual services, and all of our customers get the white-glove treatment they deserve. When it comes to getting customized Pennsylvania car insurance that matches your unique preferences, we do all the work so you do not have to.
Our agents will show you how to get affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania that protects you and your family financially, should you ever get into an accident. Reach out to us by getting a quote online, stopping by one of our offices, or calling us at 800‑836‑2240.
FAQs
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
The average full coverage policy costs $2,428, and the minimum liability costs $421. The U.S. average for these policies is $2,014 for full coverage and $622 for minimum liability.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania?
Drivers in this state are required to obtain at least $15,000 in coverage for a single injury that occurs in an accident and $30,000 to cover multiple injuries in a single accident. Additionally, $5,000 for property damage and $5,000 for personal injury protection are mandatory in the state.
Is Pennsylvania an At-Fault or No-Fault State for Car Insurance?
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Drivers choose between limited-tort and full-tort coverage. Under both options, the negligent driver pays for property damage. For injury-related expenses, limited-tort policyholders file claims with their own provider, while full-tort policyholders retain the right to sue the at-fault driver for all damages, including pain and suffering.
What Factors Influence Car Insurance Rates in Pennsylvania?
Other than gender, the state allows insurers to use factors that are commonly used to determine rates, including age, driving history, credit score, location, job title, coverage limits, and type of vehicle.