Penn National earns a good score from experts at The Zebra thanks to its wide range of discounts, flexible coverage options, and generally lower-than-average rates compared with similarly sized insurers.
Penn National Insurance Review (2025)
- Overall rating: good (3.9/5 stars)
- Average cost: $852 for a 6-month policy
- Digital Experience Score: Solid (4/5 stars)
Read more below to get a quote directly from Penn National.
Reviewed By Tara Stumpf
Edited By Beth Swanson
Penn National Insurance: A good regional choice
While routine policies and claims are generally straightforward, customer experiences with complex claims or support can be mixed. Its competitive pricing and regional availability make it a practical choice for many drivers in the East and Midwest.
What customers like:
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Longevity: Established history suggests reliable long-term coverage.
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Financial stability: Strong ratings indicate the carrier can pay claims during major events.
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Around the clock support: Support is available when you need it, including evenings and weekends.
What customers don't like:
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App limitations: Poor or missing app forces you to use less convenient methods.
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Support gaps: Staff may be unable to provide answers and require multiple contacts.
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Service delays: Long wait times delay urgent issues and create frustration.
How The Zebra evaluates insurance companies
| Rating | Explanation | Star rating equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Subpar | Lowest ranking, suggesting instability or high risk | 0-1.9 |
| Fair | Somewhat stable but not consistently reliable | 2-2.9 |
| Good | Generally dependable with moderate stability | 3-3.9 |
| Solid | Strong, reliable and dependable with minor risks | 4-4.4 |
| Exceptional | Highest rating, indicating outstanding stability and reliability | 4.5-5 |
Methodology — how The Zebra reviews insurance companies
The team of insurance experts at The Zebra evaluates companies by focusing on customer experience first, with an emphasis on service quality, reliability, and ease of interaction. Unlike previous models, pricing is not scored but is instead presented separately as context for comparison.
Each category has been scored using a combination of our internal customer satisfaction survey results and published scores from reputable organizations such as AM Best and J.D. Power.
- Service Accessibility & Support Quality (25%): This category measures how easy it is to get help when needed, evaluating factors such as support channel availability (phone, chat, in-person, app), response times, agent knowledge, service hours, and language accessibility.
- Claims Experience (25%): This category assesses how smoothly the claims process works, considering ease of filing (online, app, or phone), transparency and communication, processing times, and fairness in dispute resolution.
- Digital Experience & Policy Management (25%): This category evaluates the convenience of managing your policy: this includes mobile app usability, website experience, account management, digital document access, self-service options, and platform integrations
- Trust & Reliability (25%): This category looks at a company’s overall reliability, measuring financial strength, market stability, regulatory history, communication transparency, and consistency in policy terms.
Price context: Pricing varies significantly based on individual circumstances and risk factors. Customers can evaluate cost-effectiveness based on their specific situation and the service quality scores provided.
How much is Penn National car insurance?
Currently, the national average for a 6-month car insurance policy is $1,084, whereas Penn National is about .[1]
Updating data...
| Company | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Penn National | $423 | $852 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
See how Penn National stacks up against competitors →
Discounts offered at Penn National: Comparable options as competitors
Penn National Insurance offers a wide range of discounts to help customers save on their premiums. In addition to savings for multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and good-student discounts, Penn National provides other opportunities through programs like Penn ID, which rewards safe driving habits, as well as discounts for driver’s education, loss-free homes, and non-smoking households.
Paid-in-full savings
Pay for your policy in full rather than monthly to get this discount.
Good student
Keep your grades up to see some savings off your premium.
Student away at school discount
Students who live away from the address listed on the policy can expect some savings.
| Multi-Policy Discount | Anti-Lock Brakes Discount |
| Multi-Car Discount | Good Student Discount |
| Paid in Full Discount | Distant Student Discount |
| Passive Restraints Discount | Driver Education Course Discount |
| Daytime Running Lights Discount |
To learn more about each discount Penn National has to offer, see their discounts page.
Compare with other companies
See how Penn National stacks up against similar companies
Cost: $852 average cost for a six-month policy
Customer satisfaction: Moderate
Our take:
- Straight forward claims process
- Moderate customer satisfaction
- Communication delays
Cost: $833 for a six-month auto policy
Customer satisfaction: Moderate
Our take:
- Similar coverage options as Penn National
- Broader range of discount options than Penn National
- More expensive than Penn National
Cost: $794 average cost for a six-month policy
Customer satisfaction: Excellent
Our take:
- Covers many of the same states
- Similar coverage options
- Similar pricing Penn National
Penn National's customer service & claims experience: reliable for simple tasks
Penn National generally handles routine tasks like managing policies or filing standard claims efficiently, especially through its digital platforms. However, customers report that more complex claims or disputes can take longer to resolve, and reaching support for these issues may be less straightforward.
Thinking about Penn National?
See what other drivers are asking
Good rates with Penn, but how about claims?
That’s a fair question. Most people find Penn National quick and helpful for smaller claims. Things like roof repairs or minor car damage usually get handled fast, but bigger claims can take longer. That’s pretty common with any insurer, especially when multiple estimates or inspections are involve…
Penn National’s mobile app/online tools?
That's a common question with regional, agent-based insurers like Penn National. The short answer: you’ll probably still need to go through your agent for anything more than basic account maintenance.Penn National’s website and app are helpful for the essentials (checking your policy, paying bills,…
How much will your rates climb after filing a claim with Penn National?
No one wants to file a claim, but sometimes it's impossible to avoid. See the table below for some examples of what you could be facing after filing a claim.
Updating data...
| Accident/Violation | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| None | $944 |
| One comp claim | $1,005 |
| Two comp claims | $1,076 |
| At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 | $1,428 |
| At-fault accident - greater than $2000 | $1,454 |
Source: The Zebra
Claims process: Quick but not always smooth
Penn National Insurance offers a straightforward claims process with 24/7 reporting options via phone, online, or mobile app. Many customers report prompt service, with adjusters contacting them within a day and claims settled quickly. However, some policyholders have experienced delays and communication challenges, particularly regarding repair approvals and claim resolutions.[2]
Coverage options: Flexible and customizable
Beyond the standard coverage offerings you expect from any carrier (like liability, collision and comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection) Penn National offers a diverse and comprehensive range of specialized auto coverages. This includes PennPac, designed to provide enhanced protection and peace of mind for drivers with unique insurance needs.
✔️ Auto PennPac®
✔️ Auto loan/lease coverage
✔️ Replacement cost auto coverage
Final thoughts: Is Penn National Right for You?
Penn National Insurance provides affordable coverage and strong financial stability. The company is generally reliable, with a claims process that is professional and thorough, though some customers report occasional delays in adjuster communication and property inspections. While digital tools are available, they are somewhat limited compared with larger insurers. Overall, Penn National remains a dependable option for cost-conscious policyholders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penn National
Get quotes from Penn National and other top companies
Sources:
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Survey. The Zebra
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 editorial 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.