BestCar InsurancePennsylvaniaBest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania (May 2023)
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The best car insurance company for full coverage and minimum coverage is Erie. It's also a good option for drivers with offenses and those in the military. If you are a young adult, a senior or has a new car, we recommend Travelers.
If affordability is your primary concern, we've listed the cheapest Pennsylvania car insurance.
BestCar InsurancePennsylvaniaBest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Best Overall - Erie
Best for Service - Chubb
Best for Minimum Coverage - Erie
Best for Young Adults - Travelers
Best for Seniors - Travelers
Best for Driving Offenses - State Farm
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Military - Erie
Best Overall for Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Among full-coverage auto insurance companies, Erie stands out. Our analysis revealed the following as the best car insurance providers in Pennsylvania:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($685 per year)
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($622 per year)
With its excellent customer service and affordable prices, Erie has an edge over its competitors. We also found the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Pennsylvania to help you save money.
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ErieBest Overall
Score:93
Erie offers one of the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania while consistently providing excellent customer service and claims management. Erie's full coverage policy averages $685 per year, significantly less than other Pennsylvania insurers. The company provides better car replacement coverage which other companies don't.
More About Erie
Erie’s better car replacement coverage allows you to replace your totaled car with the newest model if you've owned it for less than two years or a two-year newer model if you've had your car for longer.
Erie offers several other rare coverages, including glass deductible modification and personal property insurance. Erie's comprehensive glass deductible modification coverage waives the deductible for glass repair. With its personal property policy, Erie offers coverage for up to $350 for damage to clothes, luggage and personal belongings while inside an insured car. All drivers can benefit from these coverages.
While this insurer has fewer coverage options, it is one of the cheapest in Pennsylvania. Based on J.D. Power's customer satisfaction analysis, policyholders can expect top-of-the-line service. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), customer complaints were also low, indicating that the company handles insurance complaints promptly and efficiently.
2
Travelers
Score:93
According to our study, Travelers was runner-up for the best auto insurance in Pennsylvania due to a high customer satisfaction rating and flexible coverage options. Travelers offers an average full coverage policy at $622 per year along with Premier New Car Replacement®, which can help replace a totaled car not older than five years with a brand new car of the same make and model.
More About Travelers
Travelers provides valuable add-on coverages, such as gap insurance and accident forgiveness. Gap insurance helps you bridge the gap between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth if your vehicle is totaled, saving you the burden of repaying the remaining loan balance out of your pocket. Travelers also offers accident forgiveness coverage, which is perfect for drivers with clean records as it prevents premiums from going up after their first at-fault accident.
A J.D. Power analysis of customer satisfaction reveals this company provides high levels of service for policyholders. It also rated highest for coverage options, indicating that it provides most policyholders' essential coverages.
How the Best Insurers in Pennsylvania Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
After evaluating 11 auto insurance companies, we determined that Erie offers the best combination of excellent customer service, claim management and affordable premiums. Despite being the cheapest provider, Nationwide failed to impress in customer satisfaction and claims management.
In terms of claims processing and customer satisfaction, Chubb has the highest scores, but it charges a higher annual rate. Enough company data must be available to fulfill all components of MoneyGeek's scoring system to qualify for a score.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Customer Service
Chubb is a good choice for Pennsylvanians who value quality service regardless of cost. In terms of customer service, here are some of the best picks:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($1,252 per year)
- Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($891 per year)
Based on customer satisfaction, we ranked Chubb number one among 10 companies. This insurer also offers several supplementary coverages. However, the price of Chubb’s auto insurance in Pennsylvania is significantly higher than that of other insurance companies.
pros
High score in customer satisfaction
Highest score in claims management
Offers OEM coverage
Had diminished value coverage
cons
4th most expensive auto insurance provider
Limited coverage options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Chubb offers several rare coverages, including diminished value coverage and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage. The company’s Agreed Value Protection lets you agree on the value of your car when you buy your policy, and if your car is stolen or totaled, the company will write you a check for the predetermined value. When the time comes for a covered loss, this coverage could save you a lot of money.
The OEM coverage pays for using original parts if your car needs repairs after a covered loss. By using only original parts, you can ensure your vehicle's safety systems will function optimally in the event of a future accident. The company also offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, enabling you to rent the same car as the one you own while yours is not driveable.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?
Insurers should strive to offer customer service of the highest standard, especially when processing a claim. The following qualities are also indicative of great service:
- You receive prompt replies to your questions or complaints
- Upon approval of a claim, your payments are processed quickly
- Your potential concerns are properly addressed
The claims management and customer service scores for Chubb were marginally higher than those for Westfield. However, Westfield is significantly cheaper and has better coverage options than Chubb.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Minimum Coverage
Erie is the best insurer for minimum liability coverage in Pennsylvania based on Pennsylvania's standard liability requirements. Customer satisfaction and affordability were used to determine the top two companies.
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($237 per year)
- Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($267 per year)
Despite Erie's average scores in individual categories, it consistently scored well in each one, resulting in a high overall score. You will pay the cheapest rates if you purchase minimum coverage in Pennsylvania. However, you will get the least amount of protection. Despite being financially protected against liability costs, you have no coverage for vehicle damage.
pros
Offers the lowest minimum coverage policy at just $237 a year
Provides a wide range of discounts, including rare ones
cons
Relatively low coverage rating
Average score for claims management
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie tops the list in affordability with a pretty solid rating for customer satisfaction. It offers the cheapest policy among the 11 insurers we analyzed in Pennsylvania at only $237 per year.
You may also be able to save on your premium with Erie's variety of discounts, the majority of which are standard. For instance, you can save money by bundling your home and auto policies. You can also reduce your premiums by taking defensive driving courses or crash prevention courses. Your car is eligible for anti-theft discounts if it is equipped with an alarm system or disabling devices.
Rare discounts are also available through Erie such as daytime running lights discounts, where you will get a discount for installing daytime running lamps (DRL) on your vehicle.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?
The cheapest car insurance you can purchase is minimum coverage insurance that meets the state's coverage limits. Erie offers affordable rates without sacrificing quality service, making it a solid choice. This provider offers reasonably priced auto insurance, excellent service, and plenty of discounts. There’s no need to compromise between price and quality with Erie.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Young Adults
Travelers offers the best auto insurance for young adults in the Keystone State. These companies offer the best rates and service for Pennsylvania drivers in their 20s:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($672 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($857 per year)
Even though their auto insurance premiums are generally lower than those for teens, drivers in their 20s often pay more than their middle-aged counterparts. You can save more by researching rates to find the best auto insurance for young adults in Pennsylvania.
pros
Low premium compared to competitors
Scored well on customer satisfaction
Several discounts available
cons
Claims handling can use improvement
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is our top pick for the best auto insurance for young adults in Pennsylvania as it balances affordable policies with an above-average customer satisfaction score.
To help young drivers save, Travelers offers a driver’s education discount, which offers savings for young drivers who successfully complete an approved driver’s education course. If you’re still a student and maintain a “B” average, you may also qualify for a Travelers discount. Going paperless also earns you a discount, as does paying for an entire year of car insurance in advance.
Additionally, Travelers offers Premier New Car Replacement® coverage. If your car is no older than five years and gets totaled, this coverage pays for a new replacement that’s the same make and model.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?
Young drivers should look for insurers that provide reasonable rates and great customer service when choosing a policy. Special discounts for drivers can also be a great benefit. According to our scoring system, Traveler excelled in these areas, as it offers relatively low premiums and a high rating for customer satisfaction. Moreover, the company offers standard and rare discounts to help young adults save money.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Seniors
In Pennsylvania, Travelers is ranked highest for providing the best car insurance for senior drivers. It has great scores for service quality and claims management but scores poorly for coverages offered.
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($570 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($700 per year)
Travelers offers senior drivers a good balance between high-quality service and reliability. Generally, car insurance rates for 60-year-olds are similar to those of middle-aged adults but increase after age 70. By comparing Pennsylvania cheap car insurance for seniors with other companies, drivers can save money.
pros
Earned the second-highest affordability score
Gained a high rating for customer satisfaction
cons
Low customer claims score
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is our top choice for the best car insurance for seniors in Pennsylvania due to its excellent customer service and affordable premiums. With premiums averaging $570 a year, it’s the second-most affordable provider in the state.
While the company doesn’t offer senior-related discounts, there are a few that are easy to qualify for, such as going paperless, paying in full, bundling insurance and having multiple cars.
Travelers also offers roadside assistance coverage, which can be useful for seniors who encounter unexpected, but minor, problems with their car. It can help pay for emergency services such as towing, locksmiths or jumpstarting a dead car battery.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?
Seniors should look for a car insurance company that offers reasonable rates, discounts and valuable coverages. This is why we recommend Travelers for this category. Travelers offers seniors comprehensive coverage and ample personal injury protection at an affordable price.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers With Offenses
Based on our research, Erie is a good option for drivers who have been involved in accidents or have violations. We have made these recommendations based on cost and customer service ratings:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($966 per year)
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($816 per year)
Erie, the fourth most affordable provider in Pennsylvania for drivers with violations, ranks second in claims management and fourth in customer satisfaction, beating out 10 other companies.
The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania goes up $164 for speeding tickets, $299 for at-fault accidents and $519 for DUIs.
pros
Offers reasonable rates
High customer satisfaction and claims rating
Offers varied discounts
cons
Poor rating for coverage
Does not offer several common coverages, such as roadside assistance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
It's important to remember that your driving record influences your automobile insurance rates. Your premiums may rise after an accident, for example, because insurers determine their premiums based on the probability of you getting into another accident. Erie offers drivers with violations on their records affordable rates and opportunities for discounts. The company has the best customer service and claims management reputation on the market, and its policies are among the cheapest.
If you total your car and it is less than two years old, Erie’s better car replacement coverage replaces it with the newest model year. The company’s comprehensive coverage waives the deductible for repairs involving glass. Erie also offers discounts for completing a safe driving or accident prevention course. In addition, drivers can benefit from insuring multiple cars, for autopayments and for paying the full premium in advance.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?
You can still find a good insurance provider if you have a bad driving record. Good insurance companies understand mistakes can happen and are willing to offer discounts and features that will help reduce the consequences. Because Erie has these attributes, it is an ideal choice for drivers with offenses.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers With New Cars
MoneyGeek analyzed insurers that offer new or better coverage for replacement cars and found that Travelers was the best choice for drivers with new cars. These are our top picks:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($652 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($1,251 per year)
With the lowest premiums and superior customer service, Travelers beats its competitors. It also offers a variety of helpful add-ons.
pros
Offers the cheapest premiums on car insurance
Has above-average rating for customer service quality
Offers new car replacement
Provides gap insurance coverage
cons
Claims management ranks below average
Coverage rating can be improved
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
As the top insurer for affordability and coverage, Travelers provides reasonable rates while offering a wide range of coverages. Traveler's new car replacement program will replace your damaged car with a brand new one if it's less than two model years old, which is an incredible value. Once you drive off the lot, your vehicle loses value rapidly. It can therefore be much cheaper to add coverage to new vehicles over time.
The insurer also offers standard coverages like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. Traveler's new vehicle discount is also available to drivers who own new vehicles, lowering rates if you're the first owner of an older or current model. Other beneficial discounts are also available with this insurer.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?
The right insurance coverage is essential for drivers who have just purchased a new car and want to safeguard their purchase. The best insurance companies for these drivers will offer new car replacement options on their policies. Travelers offers this coverage to new drivers at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice.
Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Military Drivers
In MoneyGeek's ranking of the best auto insurance providers in Pennsylvania for military members and their families, Erie came out on top with a score of 94 out of 100. The average cost of Erie's full coverage is $685 per year.
Military members and their families should consider Erie if they meet its eligibility criteria because it offers reasonable rates and coverages tailored to meet their needs.
pros
Has a relatively cheap premium
Offers accident forgiveness coverage as an optional benefit
Broad range of discounts available
cons
Doesn’t offer OEM insurance coverage
No military-specific discounts
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie is the best insurance company for drivers with military backgrounds and their families. It offers the right balance of affordable premiums and customer satisfaction. Full coverage policies from Erie also rank among the least expensive in Pennsylvania.
If your car is less than two years old and you total it, the company’s Auto Security coverage replaces it with the newest model year. In addition, Lease Loan Protection covers the balance of your auto loan if your car is less than two years old.
Erie offers basic coverages, such as rental car and accident forgiveness. Adding accident forgiveness to your auto policy can reduce premiums after your first at-fault accident, but you’ll need to have been claims-free for three years to qualify. Moreover, Erie offers a variety of discounts, such as defensive driving and bundling.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for You
The car insurance you select can have a profound effect on your finances. Consider several factors when choosing Pennsylvania car insurance, such as cost, financial stability and quality of service. Here, MoneyGeek provides information on how to find which auto insurance company is right for you.
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Research customer service reputations in Pennsylvania
Using data from multiple insurance providers in Pennsylvania, MoneyGeek compared several insurers to help readers find the right policy for them. Various online resources can help you find more information about insurance providers, such as Pennsylvania's Insurance Department, J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek collected information on auto insurance for numerous areas in Pennsylvania. In some regions, however, these facts may not be applicable. Whenever possible, you should obtain quotes from at least three different insurance companies to determine whether they offer coverage that meets your needs.
3
Find the coverages you want in Pennsylvania
Insurance providers advertise specific coverage and discounts online that may not be available in all states. It is always a good idea to inquire about the availability of the insurance plan most appropriate for you from the insurance company.
4
Check financial stability ratings
Financially unstable companies may delay the processing of claims, so you should check a company’s financial stability rating. Larger insurance companies tend to have stronger financial standings than smaller regional firms in Pennsylvania.
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FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Choosing the best car insurance policy depends largely on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you buy the right car by answering some of the most common questions.
What are the best coverages to add to your car insurance policy in Pennsylvania?
Jon Dulin:
You want to make sure you have more than the minimum state coverage. This is because if medical expenses or property damage exceeds the amount your policy covers, you have to pay these costs out of pocket. Increasing this coverage amounts to a couple of hundred dollars a year and is worth it in the long run.
Stacy Mastrolia:
Pennsylvania is one of only a few states with "tort law" coverage options for auto insurance. Tort insurance determines the compensation given to an injured person by the person who caused the accident.
The two coverage options in Pennsylvania are limited tort and full tort.
Limited tort coverage is cheaper than full tort coverage (sometimes a lot cheaper). However, if you choose limited tort coverage, you agree to a limit on the compensation a person can get from an accident. In general, someone with limited tort coverage can sue for out-of-pocket expenses but not for pain and suffering (with limited exceptions).
Full tort coverage places no restrictions on the compensation allowed to an injured person. Full tort coverage is more expensive (10%–15% on average) but may be worth it.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
