Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
The state's flat, rectangular shape and its large population of drivers are not just a coincidence—Pennsylvania has long been a popular place to purchase car insurance. Not only do drivers like to cruise the open road in their limousines and luxury SUVs, but these popular cars have higher collision claims than, say, sedans or compact vehicles. Those who are looking for affordable rates will find them, courtesy of the state's no-fault law, but the average cost per vehicle can still be rather high.
But because your particular location is just one factor in the pricing structure, comparing rates across providers can help you find cheap car insurance no matter where you live. Whether you're in Philadelphia, Reading, or Norristown, finding the best deal on life insurance can be easy when you compare rates from different providers.
Carlay makes it easy to get quotes from more than 50 providers in a minute or less. Instead of filling out endless online forms, dealing with pesky sales agents, and making sure your coverage doesn't lapse, Carlay takes care of the switchover details so you don't have to.
It sounds too good to be true, but check out these quotes from real Carlay customers in Pennsylvania:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
Many Pennsylvanians pay an average of $1,872 per year for basic liability car insurance; if you opt for full coverage, the average yearly cost is $2,193.
The national average is $1,783 per year for basic car insurance and $2,485 per year for full-coverage car insurance.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
A number of factors make car insurance expensive in Pennsylvania.
- No-fault state
A no-fault state, Pennsylvania has some of the highest minimum insurance requirements in the nation. You've got to have it and we can help you choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
- High population density
Pennsylvania is the 5th most populous state in the United States, but if you look at it's density per square mile it comes in as the 2nd least dense after Washington. With an average population density of 284 people per square mile and a high number of miles of roadways and railroads you can understand why car insurance rates would be higher than the national average.
- Inclement weather
When winter rolls in, freezing up the streets and filling up your glass, have you ever struggled to find ways to justify taking out another policy? Then this is the best time where it will help you stay prepared and account for the weather changes.
Carlay provides great savings on insurance. Here are Carlay's average annual insurance premiums compared to national averages for Pennsylvania:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| PA | $2,408 | $1,558 | $2,442 | $1,346 | $2,158 | $1,489 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| PA | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $2,408 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,558 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | $2,442 | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | $1,346 | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $2,158 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $1,489 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania drivers enjoy a competitive insurance market with many options. Regional companies and big industry players, like State Farm and AAA, provide policies to locals.
Finding the right insurance company can sometimes feel overwhelming—the rates are all over the map, and you have no way of knowing what's a good deal without taking quotes from at least three different companies.
When getting auto insurance, factors such as your age, driving record, and location will affect how much you pay. If you own an Infiniti Q50 and have full-coverage insurance, your rates will be higher than if you had a Mazda 6.
Carlay customers in Pennsylvania have found great deals with popular insurers. Here's a list of what they enjoy most:
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay | |
| Kemper | $3,414 | $1,495 | Compare Prices |
| National General | $3,334 | $1,348 | Compare Prices |
| Dairyland | $2,825 | $1,181 | Compare Prices |
| State Auto | $2,739 | $1,015 | Compare Prices |
| Travelers | $2,620 | $899 | Compare Prices |
| Safeco | $2,730 | $877 | Compare Prices |
| Allstate | $2,893 | $845 | Compare Prices |
| Nationwide | $2,404 | $816 | Compare Prices |
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you must have these minimum levels of insurance if you want to drive legally:
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property |
| Personal injury protection | $5,000 per person | Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs after an accident |
Committing the crime of driving without the mandatory minimum insurance is illegal and can result in serious repercussions:
- Fines of at least $300
- Suspension of license and vehicle registration for 3 months
- Reinstatement fees for your license and registration
- Financial liability in the event of an accident
Always have the minimum amount of insurance required by law. It won't cover your expenses if you get into an accident, so you should purchase additional insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Here are some of the coverage options available to you:
| Coverage | Description |
| Collision insurance | Covers damages that are the result of a collision with a vehicle or stationary object |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers damages that aren't the result of a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Reimburses you for your expenses from an accident caused by an uninsured driver |
| Rental reimbursement | Reimburses you for your rental car expenses while your car is being repaired after a claimable accident |
Carlay can help you find a better rate when it comes to choosing an insurance policy. Carlay is an insurance comparison app that helps you find great coverage for your needs.
Carlay has everything you need to make the switch to new car insurance. From taking advantage of discounts, understanding your coverage limits, and learning about how much to expect from settlement payouts, Carlay helps you save without all the confusing jargon.
Now that you know which types of insurance you need, let's explore the factors that can raise or lower your premiums.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Pennsylvania?
Different factors affect your insurance rates, but the most common ones are your age, driving history, location, and vehicle type.
- Cost to insure your car in Pennsylvania by age
Insurance prices vary depending on a number of factors. Young drivers face higher premiums because they have less experience, and statistically are more likely engage in risky behaviors or get into accidents. These drivers may not have much driving experience, and minor accidents can quickly add up.
What young drivers in Pennsylvania need to know
- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers a graduated licensing program that provides
drivers under the age of 18 three opportunities to build their skills, experience and decision-making abilities
as they prepare for full licensure.
- By completing a qualified defensive driving course, young drivers can reduce the cost of their auto insurance.
- Student drivers who maintain a good grade average can qualify for a good student discount on car insurance.
Although young drivers will not enjoy the same rates as older, more experienced drivers, if they shop around and maintain a clean driving record, they can save money on their car insurance.
For the best rates on auto insurance, shop around with Carlay. This table shows average rates by age:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,805 | $992 |
| 21-24 | $2,612 | $1,046 |
| 25-34 | $2,446 | $895 |
| 35-44 | $2,255 | $861 |
| 45-54 | $2,330 | $894 |
| 55-64 | $2,239 | $949 |
| 65+ | $2,100 | $802 |
- Cost to insure your car in Pennsylvania with a poor driving record
Pennsylvania car insurance rates are going through the roof, and you're having trouble finding the lowest rates. Maybe you have a DUI on your record or several accidents. When insurers want to know about your risk level on the road, they look at your driving record. A spotty record with accidents, speeding tickets, and serious offenses like DUIs will have you labeled high risk and increase your Pennsylvania car insurance rates.
Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation (DOT) issues drivers points based on their driving record, and drivers who get six or more points are at risk of a license suspension. Traffic tickets can add up quickly, so it pays to drive safely.
If you have traffic violations, you may be able to save money on your car insurance by using Carlay to get quotes from multiple providers. To make things easier, here
are savings recently obtained by Carlay customers with poor driving records:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,849 | $1,006 |
| Careless Driving | $3,894 | $1,770 |
| Illegal Turn | $3,843 | $1,413 |
| Defective Equipment | $3,373 | $1,220 |
| Speeding over 15 | $2,956 | $1,120 |
| DUI | $3,719 | $1,071 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,121 | $1,061 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,590 | $984 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $3,631 | $983 |
| Seat Belt | $2,843 | $916 |
- Cost to insure your car in Pennsylvania based on where you live
Pennsylvania is home to more than 12 million people, and it's the ninth most densely populated state in the country with about 284 people per square mile. It's a major urban center, and home to the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Also, people living in the state occasionally need to file insurance claims related to severe weather, like winter storms and heavy rainstorms. Because cities have higher rates of accidents, thefts, and claims than rural areas, drivers in cities typically pay more for car insurance.
Below are the 10 cheapest cities for insurance in Pennsylvania:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Allentown | $2,648 | $977 |
| Erie | $2,140 | $816 |
| Freeland | $1,651 | $491 |
| Harrisburg | $2,424 | $942 |
| Lancaster | $2,177 | $862 |
| Philadelphia | $2,799 | $1,018 |
| Pittsburgh | $2,293 | $889 |
| Reading | $2,762 | $923 |
| Stroudsburg | $2,609 | $1,041 |
| York | $2,455 | $980 |
- Cost to insure your car in Pennsylvania based on the type of car you drive
One factor affecting your car insurance premium is the type of vehicle you drive. Cheaper cars tend to cost less in repair or replacement after an accident, whereas luxury vehicles can be much costlier.
If you drive a Chevrolet Aveo or Dodge Ram 1500, chances are you'll find reasonable rates for your car insurance policy. But if you're looking to insure a top-of-the-line vehicle like a Jaguar F-Type or Hummer H3 Luxury, be prepared to spend big since these kinds of vehicles have high MSRPs. Here are the insurance costs for popular cars with and without Carlay:
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
For those living in Farmington and other rural areas, or even for Philadelphians, it's always nice to find ways to save money on insurance. Here are some simple ways you can bring your rates down.
- Shop around for quotes
Comparison shop for car insurance and you'll find the best rate. There's no need to spend hours on the phone, read endless pages of fine print, or slog through a bunch of paperwork.
Carlay saves you an average of over $879 per year on car insurance! Once you sign up and answer a few questions, Carlay compares rates from 50+ insurers and takes care of everything you need to switch to your preferred policy.
- Look for discounts
Several car insurance companies offer discounts to help you reduce your premiums. For example, here are a few of the most popular ones for Pennsylvania drivers:
| Discount type | Who is eligible? |
| Bundling discounts | If you're not driving much, many insurers will give you a break on your insurance rates. Different providers define ‘low mileage' differently, though it's typically between 7,500 and 12,000 miles per year. |
| Low-mileage discounts | A defensive driving course can help reduce your premium by 10–15%. They teach drivers how to better assess road, traffic, and weather conditions to avoid accidents.. |
| Green discounts | Statistics show that people who buy hybrid and electric cars tend to be responsible with them and have fewer accidents. Some insurance companies offer discounts for people who drive these cars. |
| Annual payment discounts | Many insurers offer discounts to customers who pay their annual premium in full, rather than dividing payments out across the year. |
| Safe driving discounts | If you have a clean driving record and no claims, you may be eligible for a safe driving discount that can reduce your premium by up to 30%. |
- Increase your deductible
Increasing your deductible can certainly lower your insurance premium—but it's not always the right move. If you are looking to save money on your car insurance, it would be best to consider purchasing a high-deductible policy. Otherwise, if you make a claim, you may find yourself financially strapped.
Registering Your Car in Pennsylvania
To register your car in Pennsylvania, bring the following to the Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Valid driver's license or ID card
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Car title or signed lease agreement
- Emissions testing certificate, if applicable
- Safety inspection certificate, if applicable
Pennsylvanians need to renew their vehicle registrations every year. They can do so online, by mail, or in person at their local DMV office.