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The cost of car insurance premiums varies across different driver profiles and policy coverage levels. The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,818 per year. Drivers with a minimum coverage policy only pay about $912 per year.

The annual cost rises to roughly $2,141 per year if the driver incurred a violation. Moreover, if you’re going to add a young driver, the cost rises up to $4,037 per year on average.

The car insurance provider you select also affects the cost of your premiums. A full coverage policy from Erie costs just $1,328 on average, while similar coverage from MetLife costs roughly $2,753.

The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

The average car insurance cost in Pennsylvania is not a fixed rate. Along with your personal driving record, insurers consider factors such as state-wide traffic laws, the cost of your vehicle and potential repair costs. MoneyGeek identified the most important factors that affect the rates. In Pennsylvania, the average cost is dictated heavily by the driver’s age and credit score.

Average Costs of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

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  • Driver
    Average Annual Premium
    Average Monthly Premium
  • The Average Driver
    $1,818
    $151
  • Drivers Buying Minimum Coverage
    $912
    $76
  • Adding a Young Driver
    $4,037
    $336
  • Drivers With a Violation
    $2,141
    $178
  • Drivers With Poor Credit
    $2,871
    $239
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Why Are Car Insurance Rates Expensive in Pennsylvania?

Traffic statistics like highway density, urban share and the rate of uninsured drivers also contribute to each state's car insurance rates. The state's low rates of uninsured drivers, vehicle theft and disaster contribute favorably to Pennsylvania car insurance rates. However, its required no-fault insurance policy causes rates to increase. The state's high urban population share and highway density also contribute to increased premiums.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania: Full Coverage vs. Minimum Coverage

Potential buyers should explore costs at different coverage levels. On average, full coverage in PA costs $1,818 per year. A minimum-coverage policy averages out to $912 annually, which is cheaper by $905. However, a minimum policy only covers liability insurance. Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance, which is definitely worth the money in a no-fault state like Pennsylvania.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania by Coverage Level

A state-minimum policy in Pennsylvania is the most affordable car insurance you can buy in this state.

If you plan on getting one, know that you can increase your liability coverage to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. These numbers refer to the liability coverage levels on your policy.

For example, a 50/100/50 policy features:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident
  • $50,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident

Note that a full coverage policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage. This covers damages to your car on top of the standard liability coverage for third parties.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania By Company

Ranked by affordability, MoneyGeek identified GEICO as the cheapest company for minimum coverage in the state, averaging $543 per year. Erie offers the cheapest average full coverage at $1,328 per year.

Even the most expensive companies in Pennsylvania are worth considering for their roadside assistance, identity theft protection and good driver rewards. However, premiums also rise with these added services. For example, MetLife averages $2,753 per year with these bonus coverages.

USAA offers the best option for military families for both minimum and full coverage.

Average Annual Costs of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania - By Company

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How Much Is Car Insurance in Pennsylvania by Age?

Age is a strong indicator of a driver’s accident risk and driving experience. Car insurance companies typically charge more for younger drivers. Additionally, the average car insurance cost in Pennsylvania is the same for younger drivers as well as first-time drivers due to their lack of experience.

For example, a 16-year-old purchasing their own policy in Pennsylvania pays $4,037 on average. Fortunately, younger drivers can join their parents' policy to save on their premiums.

Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania - By Age

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  • Age
    Annual Premium
  • $4,037
  • $3,871
  • $3,502
  • $3,544
  • $2,962
  • $2,411
  • $2,263
  • $2,029
  • $1,857
  • $1,665
  • $1,533
  • 40
    $1,818
  • $1,430

How Does Driving History Affect Car Insurance Costs in Pennsylvania?

Maintaining a problem-free driving history lowers your accident risk and helps to keep premiums low. Similarly, drivers with bad driving records pay high average car insurance costs in Pennsylvania. A speeding ticket adds an additional average of $324 per year to your premiums.

The worse the violation is, the higher the premiums. An at-fault accident, for example, can add up to an additional $1,890 per year. When caught driving under the influence, drivers in Pennsylvania pay an additional $2,023 per year, on average.

Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania - By Driving History

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  • Driving Violation
    Annual Premium
  • Safe Driver
    $1,818
  • Speeding Ticket
    $2,141
  • At-Fault Accident
    $3,071
  • DUI
    $3,204
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Credit Scores and the Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Paying your balances on time and maintaining a strong credit score is a good indicator of reliability, thus lowering car insurance premiums. Pennsylvania car insurance for excellent payers is, on average, cheaper by $307 than for payers with good records. Bad credit negatively affects your car insurance premiums. For instance, drivers with poor credit will have to pay an extra $1,313 per year on average than individuals with good credit.

Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania - By Credit Score

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  • Credit Score
    Annual Premium
  • Excellent
    $1,250
  • Good
    $1,558
  • Fair
    $1,912
  • Below Fair
    $2,271
  • Poor
    $2,871

How Much Is Car Insurance in Your City?

To calculate the average car insurance cost in Pennsylvania, MoneyGeek gathered rates from different cities. Our findings indicate that some cities in Pennsylvania, particularly those with high traffic density rates, also carry high premiums. Philadelphia is the most expensive city, with an average policy costing $2,134. Conversely, Pittsburgh features the cheapest policies, averaging $973.

Companies apply varying rates for locations based on liability, accident rates and repair costs in that specific area. Regardless of your location in Pennsylvania, knowing where the location ranks can help you make a more informed decision. However, know that it is illegal to dodge high fees by registering a vehicle in a cheap city while residing in another.

Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania - By City

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Car Insurance Rates

Take a look at the common questions asked when buying car insurance in Pennsylvania:

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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