Car Insurance in Pennsylvania (PA)
The average car insurance premium in Pennsylvania is $1,800 per year ($150/month), making it the #20 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $100 (5%) below the national average of $1,900. No-fault (choice) state. Philadelphia has very high rates due to density, theft, and litigation. Pittsburgh and rural areas are much cheaper. Within Pennsylvania, rates range from $1,450/yr in Erie to $2,500/yr in Philadelphia.
Car Insurance Rates by City in Pennsylvania
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 6 major cities in Pennsylvania, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Highest | $2,500 | $208 | +$700 | +$600 |
| Reading | $1,800 | $150 | Same | -$100 |
| Allentown | $1,750 | $146 | -$50 | -$150 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,700 | $142 | -$100 | -$200 |
| Harrisburg | $1,550 | $129 | -$250 | -$350 |
| Erie Lowest | $1,450 | $121 | -$350 | -$450 |
How Pennsylvania Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Pennsylvania with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where Pennsylvania stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Illinois (IL) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1,780 | $148 | $890 | $2,310 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $1,750 | $146 | $875 | $2,275 |
| Delaware (DE) | $1,850 | $154 | $925 | $2,405 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
How much is car insurance in Pennsylvania?
The average car insurance premium in Pennsylvania is $1,800 per year, or about $150 per month. This is $100 below the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $900/year, while full coverage averages $2,340/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after an accident, each driver's own insurance pays for their medical expenses regardless of who was at fault, through mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. No-fault states generally have higher premiums because PIP adds to the cost of coverage. Pennsylvania's average of $1,800/year reflects this added cost.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest option in Pennsylvania is minimum liability coverage, which averages $900 per year ($75/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Erie has the lowest average at $1,450/year.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the highest car insurance rates?
Philadelphia has the highest average car insurance premium in Pennsylvania at $2,500 per year ($208/month). This is $700 more than the state average. Urban areas like Philadelphia typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in Pennsylvania?
To lower your car insurance in Pennsylvania: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in Pennsylvania, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.