Cheap Pennsylvania Car Insurance

Here's what you need 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 Car Insurance

Cheap 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%.

Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Pennsylvania

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive 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.

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. Conversely, 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 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 insurer.

What are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania?

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 A.M. Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — measures an insurer's financial stability and ability to satisfy its policy and contractual obligations.

What is the Best Car Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania?

The legal auto insurance minimum in Pennsylvania is $15,000 Bodily Injury per person, $30,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $5,000 Property Damage 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 a 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 policy.

Contrast average premiums for basic and comprehensive coverage levels below.

Car Insurance Laws

State minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:

Liability

• 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 coverage in Pennsylvania (varies 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 and pays for injury and lost wages that you 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 that drivers 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 his or herself, and theoretically, the chances of someone suing or raising a hissy fit over culpability are lessened. And bonus? It guarantees every driver immediate medical treatment in the event of an 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.

Driving Laws

Pennsylvania Texting and Driving Laws

1. 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
• Requirement to attend alcohol highway safety school
• Requirement to undergo treatment when ordered