Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the most diverse states in the country. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Pennsylvania is steeped in patriotic tradition. From historical attractions such as the Liberty Bell and its status as home to Pennsylvania Dutch country with a sizable Amish population, the state is rich from a historical perspective.
Today, Pennsylvanians enjoy an eclectic mix of history, nature, and entertainment. The city of Hershey’s Hersey Park is a hit with over 90 acres of rides and attractions. Visitors can also enjoy Gettysburg National Military Park (the site of Gettysburg Battlefield), the calming waters of Presque Isle State Park, and Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, with more than 15 acres of botanical gardens and unique landscapes. For an old-world atmosphere, the city of Intercourse delivers Amish/Mennonite/Hutterite culture on full display.
Quick Facts
- According to PennDOT, there were 1,129 traffic fatalities in 2020.
- Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning all affected drivers in an accident are expected to cover the cost of their own damages, regardless of who caused the accident.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,476 per year, which is lower than the U.S. national average of $1,674. Many factors determine the amount of insurance paid, including age, gender, marital status, credit score, and zip code of residence.
Even a single claim on your record could cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket by as much as 50%. Since each zip code has a unique risk profile (higher or lower number of thefts, vandalism, and similar incidents), drivers can expect to pay different car insurance rates.
What Is the Average Premium in Pennsylvania for Full Coverage Car Insurance?
Pennsylvania drivers pay an average premium of $123 per month for full coverage insurance. We highly recommend seeking full coverage since your out-of-pocket costs in an accident may be substantial with just the state-required minimum.
Full coverage car insurance consists of three liability types: comprehensive, collision, and property damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects drivers from non-collision-related losses, such as theft, fallen trees, and vandalism. Collision coverage pays for damage due to a collision with another vehicle. Property damages cover the cost of repairs for damages caused to another person’s vehicle or property.
Expect to see higher premiums with higher coverage limits and lowered deductibles. To pay a smaller monthly amount, raise your deductible. Just be sure that you can cover that deductible in case of an accident.
For peace of mind, we highly recommend obtaining full coverage above the state’s minimums.
How Much Is It for Just the Minimum Required Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
The average premium state required minimum or liability car insurance in Pennsylvania is $430 per year. Rates vary depending on age, gender, and where you live. For example, drivers in Philadelphia can expect to pay an average monthly rate of $200 per month in full coverage, whereas drivers in the smaller towns of Johnstown and New Castle can expect to pay an average monthly rate of $90 for the same coverage.
Note, Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance will cover your liability, regardless of who is at fault.
How Do Rates Compare Across Major Cities in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania rates vary widely from city to city. For example, the quiet town of Altoona sees an average monthly rate of $131 compared to Darby, which sees an average monthly rate of $230 a month, for full coverage. Here are how some other cities in Pennsylvania compare.
| Pennsylvania City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg | $129 | $42 |
| Philadelphia | $309 | $94 |
| Reading | $153 | $49 |
| Hazleton | $144 | $43 |
| Oil City | $141 | $36 |
Methodology: We use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by the state. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender, and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Are There Good Driver Discounts in Pennsylvania?
Yes, drivers with clean driving records can enjoy many available discounts. Discounts are awarded based on loyalty programs, the number of miles driven, and being accident-free. Different insurance companies treat accident-free discounts differently. For example, one insurance company may award good-driver discounts if you are accident-free for three years, whereas other insurance companies may require that you be accident-free for five years.
Insurance companies also award discounts if you enroll in defensive driving courses, paperless billing, and autopay.
Lastly, bundling (carrying all insurance needs, including home, automobile, and others) under one policy could also help.
We highly recommend checking what discounts you may be eligible for by calling your agent every six months to a year.
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Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws
All Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry the state-required minimum insurance:
- $5,000 Medical Benefits
- $15,000/$30,000 Bodily Injury one person/total available for one accident
- $5,000 Property Damage Liability
In Pennsylvania, you can choose full or limited tort coverage. Limited tort coverage will cost you less in your annual premium, but it limits your ability to recover certain damages from a driver who caused the accident.
All insurance carriers have access to a real-time database to track all insured drivers. Even a single lapse in coverage could be shared with the state, resulting in potential fines and a suspended license and registration.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning each affected party’s insurance policy is responsible for paying that person’s medical expenses and income losses resulting from the accident.
All drivers in Pennsylvania are required to obtain proof of insurance to register a vehicle. Drivers can get on the road with state minimum coverage. If driving a leased vehicle, your finance company may request that you obtain insurance coverage with lower deductibles and comprehensive, collision, and property damage limits above the state minimums.
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
- Make and model of vehicle
- Credit score
Fortunately, Pennsylvania drivers can save on car insurance through loyalty discounts, defensive driving courses, enrollment in paperless billing/autopay, driving an older make and model vehicle, and keeping a clean driving record.
Drivers can also opt into insurance plans with higher deductibles and lower comprehensive, collision, and property damage limits.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Expect to pay very stiff penalties for driving without insurance in Pennsylvania.
A first offense will result in a minimum $300 fine by the state, along with a three-month registration and driver’s license suspension and possible vehicle impoundment. Reinstating your driver’s license and vehicle registration will incur a $94 restoration fee. Commercial drivers pay higher restoration fees of $202.
Subsequent offenses may result in greater penalties. Remember, the state has access to a real-time database that reflects lapses in insurance coverages. Even with a one-day lapse, you could be subject to a fine.
Note, Pennsylvania does not require filing for SR-22 insurance to reinstate your driver’s license. Filing for an SR-22 is proof of financial responsibility that high-risk drivers in all but six states must pay when convicted of a DUI, driving without insurance, being involved in an accident without insurance, or collecting too many points on your driving record.
Am I Required to Report an Accident in Pennsylvania to Authorities?
For accidents not investigated by the police and not resulting in injury, death, and severe damage, Pennsylvania requires you to report car accidents within five days of the crash. Filing a crash report requires that you obtain information on all affected parties, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers, and insurance policy numbers.
All accident reports must be filed with the nearest police department or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT). Failure to complete this process will result in suspended driving privileges. Be sure to exercise due diligence in reporting all relevant information to the authorities and keep your driving record spotless.
If an accident does involve injury, death and major damage, you must report it immediately. Generally, you can do this by calling 911.
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What Is Driving Like in Pennsylvania?
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania?
According to PennDOT, there were104,475 reportable crashes in 2020. Of that number, 1,129 people were killed. This is the lowest number of reportable crashes since 1950, and can likely be attributed to fewer drivers on the road due to the pandemic.
For more information on Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics, visit the 2020 report.
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Pennsylvania?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Pennsylvania had one of the lowest percentages of uninsured motorists in the nation in 2019 (6%). Of all motorists, a larger percentage carry the state minimum requirements. Note, driving without insurance can cause your license and registration to be suspended for three months on top of restoration fees and plenty of headaches.
FAQs about Pennsylvania Car Insurance
I Am a Low-Income Driver. What Can I Do About Getting Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
There are many ways low-income drivers can save on car insurance. For starters, low-income drivers can obtain state minimum coverages.
Other ways to save on car insurance include driving an older vehicle, enrolling in paperless billing/auto-pay, signing up for defensive driving courses, and keeping your account clean and in good standing for three to five years. Not all discounts are good driver discounts.
Can an Undocumented Worker Get Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not allow undocumented workers to obtain car insurance. However, a 2021 proposed law is working on offering licenses to undocumented workers, subjecting them to the same requirements as legal workers.
All insurers require a valid driver’s license to obtain car insurance. If you are an undocumented worker, then we highly recommend going through the process of becoming a legal resident.
Is It Possible to Get Car Insurance in Pennsylvania With a DUI Mark on My Record?
Yes, Pennsylvania drivers with a DUI on record can obtain car insurance. Pennsylvania is one of six states that does not require an SR-22 to show proof of financial responsibility after a DUI conviction. However, a DUI mark stays on your record for life (unless legally expunged with a successful appeal).
On top of that, Pennsylvania’s DUI laws are rough. Expect to pay a fine of up to $500 for first-time offenses, on top of a suspended driver’s license up to a year and a jail sentence up to six months. Penalties are subject to change based on the level of intoxication, whether a crash occurred or there was a presence of other narcotics in your system.
Expect your DUI to skyrocket premiums by as much as 100% or higher, depending on the severity of the offense and other factors.
Get a Pennsylvania Cheap Car Insurance Quote Today!
Freeway Insurance can help you find the right amount of coverage for you and your family in line with state minimums or the combination of lower deductibles and higher comprehensive, collision, and property damage limits.
For a personalized car insurance quote, visit us online or at a Pennsylvania office near you, or call (800) 777-5620 for a free, no-obligation quote.
