Here's what to know when driving in Pennsylvania
Across the Keystone State, there are 253,838 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap Pennsylvania auto insurance
What's the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erie | $970 |
| 2 | USAA | $994 |
| 3 | General Casualty | $1,115 |
| 4 | Atlantic States Insurance | $1,171 |
| 5 | State Farm | $1,173 |
| 6 | Allied | $1,336 |
| 7 | Nationwide | $1,336 |
| 8 | Donegal Mutual Insurance Co | $1,445 |
| 9 | Esurance | $1,636 |
| 10 | GEICO | $1,654 |
| 11 | Progressive | $1,914 |
| 12 | State Auto | $1,924 |
| 13 | Chubb | $1,933 |
| 14 | Mercury | $2,168 |
| 15 | Encompass | $2,380 |
| 16 | Safe Auto | $2,451 |
| 17 | GMAC Insurance Group | $2,680 |
| 18 | Sentry | $3,049 |
| 19 | American Independent | $3,073 |
| 20 | Metropolitan | $3,076 |
| 21 | Motorists Mutual | $3,099 |
| 22 | Allstate | $3,499 |
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Cheap car insurance for good drivers in Pennsylvania
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania drivers without a recent traffic violation typically save just 10% on their car insurance premiums — well below the US average of 17%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%. Request auto insurance quotes from a diverse collection of companies every few months to find the best rates.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $164 | 10.48% |
| No Accidents | $758 | 35.14% |
| Good Credit | $1,197 | 46.12% |
Cheap insurance for young drivers in Pennsylvania
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very expensive car insurance rates, with those between the ages of 16 and 19 paying the priciest premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Pennsylvania, teen drivers pay $4,834 per year, which aligns with the national teen driver insurance premium average of approximately $4,900.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $6,040 | $4,769 |
| 17 | $5,757 | $4,316 |
| 18 | $5,436 | $3,808 |
| 19 | $5,436 | $3,115 |
Cheap car insurance for bad drivers in Pennsylvania
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. On the other hand, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 44% after a DUI, 35% after an at-fault car accident, and 10% after a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies after DUI violations and at-fault accidents in Pennsylvania align with nationwide averages, but drivers receive lower-than-average rate hikes after speeding tickets. If you have a clean driving record, be sure to check for good-driving discounts from your insurance company.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $2,157 | 35.14% |
| DUI | $2,515 | 44.37% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,563 | 10.48% |
| Bad Credit | $2,596 | 46.12% |
Which Pennsylvania auto insurance companies are the best?
Each car insurer emphasizes its low rates. But just like with any product, the cheapest auto insurance isn't always the best choice. Considering the stakes, it's worth doing your homework to obtain the insurance policy that covers your car completely after an incident. Be on the lookout for a great value, instead of settling for the cheapest car insurance you find.
Compare top car insurance companies' fiscal stability and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the quality of service they will provide. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by AM Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — measures an insurer's financial stability and ability to satisfy its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (AM Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Amica | 4 | Superior |
| Auto-Owners | 5 | Superior |
| Donegal Mutual | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Erie | 5 | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Harleysville | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Mutual Benefit Group | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What auto insurance coverage do you need in Pennsylvania?
The legal liability insurance minimum in Pennsylvania is $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 property damage coverage per accident.
For the minimum required coverage in Pennsylvania, prepare to pay an average of $630 each year. This average cost is cheaper than the national average by 4%. If you opt for better coverage, you can select an insurance policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car collisions, auto theft, or weather incidents. Better insurance comes at a cost: in Pennsylvania, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,247, 98% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 127% more than you would for a basic liability policy.
Take a look at average premiums for basic and comprehensive coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Pennsylvania | $629.91 | $1,246.68 | $1,429.66 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws in Pennsylvania
State minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
Liability insurance
- Bodily injury: $15,000 per person
- Bodily injury: $30,000 per accident
- Property damage :$5,000 per accident
First Party Medical Benefit
- $5,000 per person
Tort Option
- Full or Limited
Optional insurance coverage in Pennsylvania (may vary by carrier):
- Accidental Death Benefit
- Extraordinary Medical Benefit
- Funeral Expense Benefit
- Income Loss Benefit
- Combined First Party Benefit
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Liability coverage is legally required in Pennsylvania, covering injury and lost wages you might cause to another driver or their passengers, as well as damage to the other driver’s vehicle in the event that you are considered “at fault” in an accident. The coverage limits are determined by each individual state and normally split into three categories. In Pennsylvania, the minimum is listed as 15/30/5 and explained below:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person. This is the maximum dollar amount that pays for a single person that you injure in an auto accident.
- $30,000 bodily injury coverage per accident. This is the maximum dollar amount that pays for all injuries that you cause in an accident if more than one person is hurt.
- $5,000 property damage per accident. This is the maximum dollar amount that pays for damage that you cause in an accident.
First Party Benefit provides coverage for medical costs that you and your passengers incur in an accident regardless of fault. FPB will cover medical expenses such as hospital bills, medical, dental, and nursing services resulting from an accident. In Pennsylvania, minimum FPB coverage of $5,000 per person is required on your policy.
The Tort Option in Pennsylvania will determine the policyholder’s right to sue another driver for pain and suffering. Selecting a limited Tort option restricts your right to sue another driver for non-monetary damage except for extreme circumstances concerning death or permanent disfigurement in return for a lower premium. Choosing a full Tort option allows the policyholder to sue for any post-accident related pain and suffering and usually comes with a higher premium.
These numbers reflect the minimum limits required in Pennsylvania but higher coverage amounts are available with most companies.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state!
Put simply, a no-fault insurance laws system requires drivers to carry their own protection. When an accident happens, no matter who is at fault, your own insurance foots the bill. Each driver takes care of their own costs, and theoretically, the chances of someone suing over culpability are reduced. As a bonus, it guarantees every driver will receive immediate medical treatment in the event of a car accident.
Pennsylvania car insurance FAQs
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault car insurance state?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry first-party medical benefits, providing medical coverage for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Pennsylvania also has optional Tort coverage. This coverage determines your right to sue another driver for pain and suffering. The options for this coverage are limited or full. If you have limited tort coverage, you have minimal options for legal recourse after an incident.
Is car insurance required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Car insurance is required by law in the state of Pennsylvania.
How long is the car insurance lookback period in Pennsylvania?
It depends on the violation. For a DUI, Pennsylvania's lookback period is 10 years. For other violations and citations, such as at-fault accidents, it is three to five years.
How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and the most expensive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia | $2,647 |
| 2 | Chester | $2,029 |
| 3 | Drexel Hill | $1,878 |
| 4 | Norristown | $1,836 |
| 5 | Levittown | $1,808 |
| 6 | Allentown | $1,561 |
| 7 | Reading | $1,532 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | $1,486 |
| 9 | Hazleton | $1,483 |
| 10 | Plum | $1,470 |
| 11 | Easton | $1,451 |
| 12 | Erie | $1,450 |
| 13 | Wilkes-Barre | $1,445 |
| 14 | Scranton | $1,445 |
| 15 | Bethlehem | $1,434 |
| 16 | New Castle | $1,406 |
| 17 | Altoona | $1,394 |
| 18 | Bethel Park | $1,358 |
| 19 | Harrisburg | $1,353 |
| 20 | York | $1,329 |
| 21 | Lancaster | $1,321 |
| 22 | Lebanon | $1,268 |
Recent Pennsylvania Car Insurance Questions and Answers
If the driver is not licensed, does it affect their ability to file a claim?
Most insurance companies do have access to a driver's background when they quote and insure them. Not having a driver's license is usually an issue for insurers but it's not impossible to find insurance for an unlicensed driver, and that seems to be the case in this situation.
Will filing a claim for uninsured driver property damages with my insurance company raise my premiums?
Sorry to hear about the hit and run. Filing an uninsured motorist claim should not affect your rates.
Can insurance be temporarily suspended without it being canceled?
I do not know any insurer that offers a temporary suspension of insurance coverage. You could lower all coverages to the state minimum to make it cheaper, but if it is going to be more than a few months you may want to consider suspending the tags and discontinuing insurance. If you discontinue insurance, it will cost more when you get coverage again.
If a car isn't going to be used for a certain amount of time, does it need to be insured?
As long as the vehicle is still registered and licensed, then it needs to be insured. Pennsylvania can suspend your license if you suddenly drop insurance off a vehicle.
PA driving laws
Pennsylvania texting and driving laws
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Pennsylvania DUI laws
The lookback for DUI offenses in Pennsylvania is 10 years. Multiple offenses within this timeframe will result in enhanced penalties.
First-time DUI offenses are ungraded misdemeanors in Pennsylvania and lead to:
- $300 in fines
- Up to six months probation
- Required alcohol highway safety school
- Required treatment
How do traffic violations impact auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
If you receive a ticket or citation, your car insurance premiums may get more expensive. By how much depends on the violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a snapshot of average auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania after some common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $2,517 | 81% | $1,127 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,079 | 50% | $689 |
| DUI | $2,079 | 50% | $689 |
| Racing | $2,517 | 81% | $1,127 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,464 | 77% | $1,075 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,517 | 81% | $1,127 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,671 | 20% | $282 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,821 | 31% | $431 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $2,120 | 53% | $730 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Improper Passing | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Speeding | $1,568 | 13% | $178 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,568 | 13% | $178 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,568 | 13% | $178 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,569 | 13% | $179 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,677 | 21% | $287 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,411 | 2% | $21 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,653 | 19% | $263 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,406 | 1% | $16 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,406 | 1% | $16 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,394 | 0% | $4 |
Pennsylvania Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Pennsylvania area, while also getting an insider view of the Keystone State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.