Pittsburgh, PA Car Insurance
Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Pittsburgh.
How much does car insurance cost in Pittsburgh?
Residents in Pittsburgh may find car insurance to be quite expensive, with an average payment of $934 every six months, or $155 per month. The rates are higher than both the state average of Pennsylvania and the national average, which are $888 and $742, respectively. According to our survey, 40% of our customers believe that they are paying more than they should for their car insurance coverage in Pittsburgh.
However, based on our latest data, Travelers current rates are nearly 43% lower than the industry standard, with a six-month policy costing only $528. Whether you're content with your present provider, considering other options, or simply looking to learn more about auto insurance in Pittsburgh, The Zebra is here to help. Let's explore how various factors, such as age, credit score, and location, can affect your premiums and discover ways to secure the best possible rate.
| Car Insurance in Pittsburgh vs. Pennsylvania | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $888 |
| Pittsburgh Average | $934 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Pittsburgh
Travelers takes the prize for the cheapest car insurance in Pittsburgh with coverage for just $88 per month or $528 for a six-month policy.
A close second on our list is Nationwide, offering auto insurance rates of just $100 per month ($600 for six months).
Finishing out as third-cheapest on our list is State Farm. A policy from State Farm in Pittsburgh costs $668 per six-month policy, which still comes in at around $111 per month.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Pittsburgh:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Pittsburgh is $934 per six-month policy — $155 per month.
- The cheapest company in Pittsburgh is Travelers ($528) with Nationwide as a close second.
- 40% of Zebra customers in Pittsburgh are using our tools because they feel they're paying too much for their current auto insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Pittsburgh car insurance rates by company
Travelers, at $88 per month or $528 per six-month policy, is the cheapest auto insurance for full coverage in Pittsburgh, as per our data for 2023. Nationwide, at $100 per month or $600 for a six-month policy, is the second cheapest insurance company in the city.
Looking to learn more about top-rated car insurance companies? The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey is a valuable resource that can provide you with the information you need.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $504 |
| Nationwide | $533 |
| Erie | $673 |
| State Farm | $700 |
| GEICO | $725 |
| Allstate | $750 |
| Progressive | $938 |
| USAA | $986 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Shop around to save on car insurance
Comparing auto insurance policies is the best way to ensure that you are getting the most affordable coverage that meets your needs. Our online comparison tool takes the hassle out of shopping for car insurance. By entering your ZIP code, you can easily view rates from top insurers such as State Farm, Progressive, GEICO, and Nationwide, among others. In just minutes, you can find the best and cheapest car insurance in Pittsburgh.
Average car insurance in Pittsburgh by rating factor
Individual rates for car insurance are determined by insurance companies based on a series of rating factors that drivers possess. Rating factors are the details about drivers that determine the level of risk they pose as insured drivers. These can consist of age, gender, location, credit score, and more. Although the majority of companies use the same rating factors, the extent to which these factors impact your premium can vary from one company to another.
It is important to note that some rating factors may change over time, and as a result, the most suitable car insurance provider for you may also change. Obtaining new quotes regularly can help you determine whether you are still receiving the best rates.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: The cost of your car insurance in Pittsburgh is affected by multiple rating factors, including end-of-year earnings, which compare the revenue of premiums with the cost of paying insureds’ claims. Even if you have an impeccable driving record with no claims, you may still be charged higher rates by a specific insurer due to increased business expenses in your location.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Pittsburgh
Car insurance companies place a significant emphasis on age as a rating factor. Teen drivers, and their parents, are often surprised to discover that they are subject to significantly higher auto insurance premiums than other age groups. Insurers have collected data indicating that teens have a higher accident rate, and, therefore, they carry the burden of the highest car insurance costs in many locations. Through these increased expenses, the insurance firm can offset the cost of claims.
In Pittsburgh, new policy premiums for teen drivers are on average $3,044 higher per year than those for drivers in their 20s. While it may not seem entirely equitable, keep in mind that it isn't personal. An insurer's objective is to help safeguard against the risk associated with inexperienced drivers, and as drivers become older and gain more experience, their rates will begin to become more reasonable.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,220 |
| Erie | $1,809 |
| GEICO | $1,902 |
| Nationwide | $2,082 |
| State Farm | $2,291 |
| USAA | $2,626 |
| Progressive | $3,243 |
| Allstate | $6,442 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Pittsburgh drivers between 20 and 40 are Travelers and Nationwide
Data shows that the majority of Pittsburgh drivers fall between the ages of 20 and 40. This age group pays an average of $1,078 every six months, but by choosing one of these companies they could see savings of up to 45%!
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Pittsburgh
Car insurance can vary greatly in cost depending on the type of coverage you choose. It's important to understand your current coverage and how it affects your rates in order to save money. According to our data, about 40% of drivers in Pittsburgh have basic coverage. But 25% only carry the minimum required coverage for the state. While this option may be cheaper than comprehensive coverage, it can also leave you underinsured.
"Full coverage" includes collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, both of which come with a deductible and raise your rates. Nevertheless, they offer the highest level of protection.
You could also consider adding roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage to safeguard against uninsured drivers. Even though these options increase costs, experts at The Zebra advise having them to provide extra protection and save you money in the long run if an accident occurs.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
In an analysis of our data, 44% of drivers in Pittsburgh have owned vehicles. 49% have leased vehicles, which are usually obligated to carry "full coverage" insurance, as required by most lending associations. If you are not leasing or financing your vehicle, you might consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source, before making any decisions. The general rule of thumb is if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage. Bear in mind, however, that dropping these coverages means that you will have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $163 |
| State Farm | $206 |
| Nationwide | $207 |
| GEICO | $208 |
| Allstate | $240 |
| Erie | $258 |
| USAA | $294 |
| Progressive | $341 |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This may include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Pennsylvania's requirements include 15/30/5 liability limits, but also $5,000 in a first-party medical benefit. It is also a no-fault state, which means that you'll pay for your own damage, regardless of who caused the accident. There is also a tort option that determines your rights to sue over pain and suffering.
Carrying the minimum required limits can save money, but may leave you in a risky financial position if you're ever involved in an accident and are underinsured. Learn more about insurance laws in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh car insurance rates by credit score
Credit score is a determining factor in premium rates in many states, including Pennsylvania. Auto insurance providers consider credit score when determining premiums for several reasons. Statistical analysis of past data suggests that drivers with lower credit scores have a higher likelihood of making claims, having lapses in coverage, and engaging in risky driving behavior. As bad credit is linked to greater risk, the lower your credit score, the more expensive your premium will be.
Pittsburgh drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 90% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850), according to our analysis. The data indicates that 31% of drivers in Pittsburgh have an "average (580-679)" credit score. Based on our research for 2023, Travelers is the cheapest option for Pittsburgh drivers for this credit range.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $808 |
| USAA | $1,049 |
| Allstate | $1,291 |
| GEICO | $1,351 |
| Travelers | $1,420 |
| State Farm | $1,471 |
| Progressive | $1,812 |
| Erie | $1,842 |
Zebra Tip: If you've improved your credit score, it's time to shop for car insurance!
In Pittsburgh, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $916 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you have recently paid off a loan or taken other credit-improving actions, check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if your recent efforts could save you on your car insurance!
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
The most common type of insurance claims are those which involve collisions and are caused by the driver who is at fault. In 2023, an at-fault accident raised the average car insurance rates in Pittsburgh from $15 to $75 per month. The cheapest insurance company in Pittsburgh after an at-fault accident is Travelers.
Affordable auto insurance rates can be maintained by keeping a clean driving record no matter where you reside. Your insurance premiums will be affected by various factors, including reckless driving charges, DUIs and DWIs, speeding citations, and at-fault accidents. The length of time your premiums will be affected depends on the severity of the citation or accident and can range from three to five years. While at-fault accidents and speeding tickets generally stay on your record for three to five years, DUIs and DWIs can have a longer-lasting impact.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $737 |
| State Farm | $858 |
| Erie | $931 |
| Allstate | $985 |
| Nationwide | $1,002 |
| GEICO | $1,184 |
| USAA | $1,468 |
| Progressive | $1,731 |
Pittsburgh car insurance rates by violation
Check out the table below to see exactly how much a citation or violation could cost you in Pittsburgh.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Pittsburgh, PA
Why does car insurance in Pittsburgh seem expensive?
Auto insurance rates in Pittsburgh are high for a variety of reasons. One factor is the city's high cost of living, which results in insurance companies charging more to cover their costs. However, other factors also impact insurance rates, such as credit history, driving record, and coverage level. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss why car insurance is expensive in Pittsburgh, regardless of your driving profile
As mentioned above, most cities have experienced an increased cost of living for residents, which usually means an increased cost of doing business for auto insurers. These costs are passed on to the consumer through higher rates. This will affect those with clean driving records as well as those who drive infrequently, just because of being in an expensive area.
Your insurance premiums are influenced not only by your driving record and credit rating but also by your geographic location within Pittsburgh. ZIP codes experience different rates of crime, theft, and uninsured drivers. If your location is known for higher crime rates, your auto insurance premium will likely be higher compared to those living in a safer area.
Expensive Pittsburgh ZIP codes: 15289, 15272, 15210, 15290, 15282
Cheap Pittsburgh ZIP codes: 15241, 15243, 15236, 15228, 15237
Certain climates or regions that have hurricanes, frequent flooding or experience regular natural disasters will increase the risk for insurance companies, resulting in higher premiums. Weather-related damage is covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you are concerned about possible damage we definitely recommend you carry this as part of your policy in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is not immune to heavy traffic, which inevitably leads to more accidents. This causes a spike in the costs associated with accident-related claims, which are then spread across other drivers in the area through higher insurance premiums, even for those who have never been in an accident. Also, the rate of uninsured drivers in Pittsburgh is about 28%, which adds more risk to other drivers. Consider carrying uninsured motorist coverage (UMP) coverage to help protect you if you're involved in an incident with an uninsured driver.
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against flooding
Damage caused by weather-related events is covered under comprehensive coverage. Although Pittsburgh isn't specifically known for severe weather, it can happen from time to time. If you're concerned about potential damage due to weather or storms, consider comprehensive coverage even if your car is paid off.
Bundling insurance policies in Pittsburgh
While it's true that car insurance rates might be on the rise across the country, there are still avenues to explore for potential savings. When searching for a fresh auto insurance plan, think about combining it with your homeowners or renters insurance policy. This approach can frequently lead to a considerable markdown — possibly a 10% or higher reduction on your total premiums. Discover additional information about bundling home and car insurance policies.
If you have different policies for your home and car, it's a good idea to check if bundling them can save you money. In many cases, the benefits make it worth the effort.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Pittsburgh, PA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $475 |
| Nationwide | $514 |
| State Farm | $531 |
| Allstate | $598 |
| Erie | $639 |
| GEICO | $714 |
| Progressive | $903 |
| USAA | $957 |
Even though certain factors may be beyond your influence, there are actions drivers can take to improve their profiles for insurance companies. Our top recommendation is to compare auto insurance quotes from various auto insurance providers and find the most affordable rate that still provides adequate coverage and customer service. This is particularly important if there have been any changes in your personal circumstances, such as a move, a birthday, or an improvement in your credit score. Remember that certain insurers are more expensive than others, so don't hesitate to change providers if it's right for you.
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Frequently asked questions
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.