Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania (March 2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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In Pennsylvania, the best car insurance company according to MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system is Auto-Owners. For those seeking minimum coverage, Auto-Owners also ranks as the top provider. Families with a teen driver might find Auto-Owners meeting their specific needs effectively.

If keeping costs down is your primary concern, MoneyGeek has also assessed the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Car InsurancePennsylvania
2024

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Pennsylvania based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.

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These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Pennsylvania.

49,001Quotes Analyzed
 
62Companies Compared
 
13ZIP Codes

Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania: Overview

Auto-Owners ranks as the best car insurance company in Pennsylvania, with an impressive MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. The scoring range for Pennsylvania car insurers spans from a high of 94 to a low of 69, showcasing the diversity in quality and service. It is important to remember that these scores represent MoneyGeek's baseline system, with variances possible for different driver profiles.

How does MoneyGeek score companies?

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Category:
Category:Best Overall
Auto-Owners Insurance CoMoneyGeek Score (/100)94Annual Premium$748
ErieMoneyGeek Score (/100)90Annual Premium$870
WestfieldMoneyGeek Score (/100)87Annual Premium$1,084
ChubbMoneyGeek Score (/100)86Annual Premium$1,464
TravelersMoneyGeek Score (/100)85Annual Premium$739
NationwideMoneyGeek Score (/100)84Annual Premium$664
American National P&CMoneyGeek Score (/100)83Annual Premium$950
State FarmMoneyGeek Score (/100)78Annual Premium$1,113
AllstateMoneyGeek Score (/100)76Annual Premium$1,166
GEICOMoneyGeek Score (/100)70Annual Premium$1,398
ProgressiveMoneyGeek Score (/100)69Annual Premium$1,893
DairylandMoneyGeek Score (/100)No DataAnnual Premium$2,498

Overall Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for best full coverage car insurance. It leads the pack with its remarkable services and competitive pricing. Here are the top two providers based on MoneyGeek's comprehensive research:

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($748 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($870 per year)

Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with exceptional policy offerings and standout customer satisfaction, making it a frontrunner. The high scores in claims handling and affordability contribute significantly to its stellar MoneyGeek score.

In Pennsylvania, it's apparent there's a myriad of companies providing different cost and service experiences for consumers. To potentially reduce your expenses, MoneyGeek also reviewed the insurers that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania. Options for more cost-effective policies are available for those looking to balance excellent service with affordability.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Offers rare coverages like diminished value coverage.

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Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.

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Does not rank in the top 2 for customer satisfaction or affordability.

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Does not offer OEM coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners excels in customer satisfaction and coverage, delivering a remarkable MoneyGeek score of 94. With an array of common coverages, including roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, customers can feel secure on the road. While it offers reasonably common coverages like gap insurance and accident forgiveness, Auto-Owners also provides the rare and valuable diminished value coverage, ensuring clients are compensated for losses even when cars lose value after accidents.

Among the coverages Auto-Owners offers, the diminished value coverage is particularly beneficial, addressing the depreciation of a vehicle post-accident, which is an issue car owners may not anticipate. The accident forgiveness program is a plus for those concerned about rates spiking after their first at-fault accident. Moreover, deductible modification is an innovative feature that rewards drivers for safety by reducing their collision deductible, fostering responsible driving behavior.

With top marks in customer satisfaction at 34 (out of 35) and a perfect coverage score of 10 (out of 10), Auto-Owners demonstrates its commitment to client contentment and comprehensive insurance options, making it an excellent choice for a variety of insurable needs.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for outstanding customer service in car insurance.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($748 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,464 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out with its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, both leading contributors to its top MoneyGeek score. Not only does it provide exemplary service, but it also offers this at a more affordable cost than Chubb, the closest competition.

In Pennsylvania, drivers can choose from a range of insurance providers, each with varying levels of customer satisfaction and claims experiences. An insurance company with excellent customer service and efficient claims processing can greatly alleviate the stress associated with accidents and repairs.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Ranks No. 3 for claims handling.

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Offers rare coverages like diminished value and deductible modification.

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Does not excel in customer service.

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Does not offer OEM coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners excels in providing customer satisfaction and coverage, both essential factors contributing to its high MoneyGeek score of 91. The insurer offers both common coverages of rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance. While reasonably common coverages like gap insurance and accident forgiveness are available, it is notable for its rare offering in diminished value coverage, a testament to its comprehensive options.

Additionally, Auto-Owners has a personal automobile plus package, a bundle enhancing protection. With this package, you gain numerous extensions of coverage for a single premium, making this a convenient and cost-effective choice for detailed coverage needs.

Its unique diminished value coverage also addresses value loss after an accident, even when repairs are complete. Finally, the accident forgiveness coverage grants leniency for your first at-fault accident, preventing your premium from rising unexpectedly. With satisfaction at 44 (out of 45) and coverage at an impeccable 20 (out of 20), Auto-Owners is a top-tier choice for comprehensive car insurance needs.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Minimum Coverage

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for drivers looking for minimum coverage car insurance.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($305 per year)
  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($310 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out for its exceptional balance in affordability and customer satisfaction, which are significant factors in its overall MoneyGeek score. With an annual cost of just $305 for a minimum coverage policy, it presents a compelling offer for the minimum insurance required by law in Pennsylvania.

While many insurers in Pennsylvania offer cheap car insurance for minimum coverage, it's important to consider that minimum coverage may not provide adequate protection. It covers basic liabilities but may leave you vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a significant accident. Opting for more than the minimum required coverage can offer better financial security in the long run.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Offers both reasonably common and rare discounts.

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Ranks No. 1 for affordability.

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Doesn't excel in customer service.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Boasting exceptional affordability and coverage scores, Auto-Owners leads with a MoneyGeek score of 94. With an average annual premium of just $305, customers enjoy comprehensive protection at a cost that's hard to beat.

Auto-Owners stands out for its range of reasonably common and very rare discounts, ensuring drivers have numerous opportunities to save.

It shines with a perfect affordability score of 40 and a stability score of five, reinforcing its position as a financially sound choice with satisfactory customer experiences, supported by a satisfaction score of 23 (out of 25) and a claims handling score of 16 (out of 20). These compelling scores solidify Auto-Owners as a top-tier insurer, well-suited for discerning drivers seeking reliable and economical coverage.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania by Driver Age

Driver age significantly impacts car insurance rates in Pennsylvania, with varying costs, coverages and discounts for specific age groups. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option for teens, with a rounded score of 95, an annual premium of $1,422 and solid performance across satisfaction and affordability. For young adults, Auto-Owners also leads with a MoneyGeek score of 94 and a lower annual premium of $877. Similarly, seniors will find Auto-Owners to be the top choice with a MoneyGeek score of 93 and the most affordable annual premium of $711, making it the best company across all three age categories.

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BEST IN PENNSYLVANIA BY AGE

Best for teens: Auto-Owners
Best for seniors: Auto-Owners
Best for young adults: Auto-Owners

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Families With Teens

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for car insurance for teens.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($1,422 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,125 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out with an impressive balance between customer satisfaction and claims handling. Notably, the annual cost of the winning teen policy at $1,422 emphasizes that finding cheap car insurance for a teen in Pennsylvania can be substantially more affordable when adding them to a family policy rather than obtaining a separate one.

Insurance premiums skyrocket when adding a teen to a car insurance policy, due partially to their inexperience on the road, which insurers see as a high risk. This trend is not unique to Pennsylvania but is consistent across many states. Teens are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, which translates to higher potential costs for insurance companies — a cost that is passed on to the policyholders.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Offers good student and distant student discounts.

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Ranks No. 1 or claims handling.

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Ranks No. 1 for key coverages.

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Ranks No. 3 for customer satisfaction.

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Ranks No. 3 for affordability.

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Missing driver's education discount.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners boasts its high MoneyGeek score notably due to impressive satisfaction (32 out of 35) and perfect scores in claims handling and coverage, each earning 20 out of 20 and 10 out of 10, respectively. Despite lacking targeted young driver discounts like good student, distant student and driver's education, the insurer's superior scores in other categories sufficiently compensate, making it well-rounded.

Regarding coverages, Auto-Owners caters to a variety of needs with rare and valuable options, such as diminished value coverage, which may safeguard your car’s value post-accident. For even more security, the accident forgiveness coverage implies that one at-fault accident won’t cause your premiums to skyrocket, maintaining financial stability after an unfortunate event.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Seniors

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for seniors seeking superior car insurance. Honoring the best providers in the Keystone State, here are the top two car insurance companies according to their MoneyGeek scores:

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($711 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($888 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out with the highest overall score, where customer satisfaction and affordability play central roles in its rating. In securing an Auto-Owners policy, seniors in Pennsylvania can expect to pay an annual premium of $711. To obtain cheap car insurance for a senior in Pennsylvania, one should anticipate a slightly higher cost compared to the rates for those who are in their middle age; however, the increase is typically moderate for those in their 60s.

The misconception that car insurance for seniors is invariably more expensive can be debunked, as insurers like Auto-Owners demonstrate competitive rates even as one enters their golden years. Rates for seniors in Pennsylvania and other states tend to be reasonable, especially for seniors in their 60s. Age will indeed factor into insurance premiums, with individuals in their 70s and 80s likely to see increased rates, reflecting the pragmatic adjustments in risk assessment rather than any bias based on age.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Offers roadside assistance, rental car and travel reimbursement.

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Ranks well for key coverage options.

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Does not excel in customer service.

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Ranks No. 3 for affordability with an average annual premium of $711.

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Ranks No. 3 for claims handling.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners stands tall in the insurance market, most notably due to its stellar customer satisfaction (34 out of 35) and full coverage score (10 out of 10), driving its high MoneyGeek score of 93. While this company doesn't offer roadside assistance or rental car/travel reimbursement, its excellent scores in other critical areas, like affordability (28 out of 30) and claims handling (16 out of 20), amply compensate, providing value and peace of mind to policyholders.

With an average annual premium of $711, it’s worth noting that Auto-Owners does not provide senior discounts, a fact that seniors may want to weigh against the company’s overall cost-effectiveness and strong service reputation.

The lack of additional perks like roadside assistance or rental car/travel reimbursement might disappoint some, but the company's comprehensive core offerings ensure essential aspects of a policyholder's vehicle and circumstances are adequately safeguarded.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Young Adults

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for car insurance for young adults, providing a superior balance of cost and quality.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($877 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,088 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out notably in customer satisfaction and coverage options critical for drivers in their 20s. It demonstrates that you can access top-notch service and comprehensive policy features without excessive costs — with the winner's annual premium for young adult drivers standing at $877.

Seeking cheap car insurance for a young adult in Pennsylvania typically involves higher prices compared to those for more mature drivers, primarily due to young motorists' inexperience and higher risk profile. Car insurance for young adults in Pennsylvania, like in other states, is pricier as insurers view younger drivers as more likely to be involved in accidents. With less road experience and historically higher claim rates, carriers offset the risk through higher premiums.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Offers good student and distant student discounts.

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Ranks No. 3 for claims handling.

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Ranks No. 3 for cost.

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Ranks No. 3 for customer satisfaction.

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Does not offer driver's education discount.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners tops MoneyGeek's score due to its stellar satisfaction (34 out of 35) and coverage (10 out of 10), setting a high bar for competitors. Despite not offering any discounts for young drivers, such as good student, distant student or driver's education, its competitive affordability and service render this a minor concern. Moreover, it falls slightly short by not providing both common coverages — rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance — which is noted as a slight negative.

Focused on delivering only the most necessary protections, Auto-Owners excels with a near-perfect satisfaction score of 34 and exceptional coverage implementation, fully rated at 10. With an affordability score of 29 and claims handling at 16, it carves a reputable niche in customer service. What makes this company stand out is its dedication to stability, security and competitive pricing — ensuring customers feel confident and properly supported in their insurance choices.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers With Offenses

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for drivers with driving offenses.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($1,272 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,233 per year)

Auto-Owners is at the forefront, providing Pennsylvania drivers with a blend of competitive pricing and excellent customer satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options. Notably, its affordability and claims handling scores contribute heavily to the overall MoneyGeek score. A driver with offenses can expect to pay about $1,272 per annum for car insurance, reflecting the reality that cheap car insurance for a high risk driver in Pennsylvania tend to be higher than those for drivers with clean records.

The increased cost of insurance after traffic infractions is due to the elevated risk profile associated with these drivers. Insurers often charge higher premiums to account for the increased likelihood of future claims. This trend is consistent across Pennsylvania and other states, where a history of driving offenses can lead to more expensive car insurance quotes.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Ranks No. 3 for claims handling.

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Offers common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.

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Has reasonably common coverages like accident forgiveness.

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Does not excel in customer service.

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Ranks No. 5 for cost.

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Lacks rare coverages such as new or better car replacement.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Affordability and satisfaction scores, with their significant contributions of 27 (out of 30) and 34 (out of 35), respectively, are the primary drivers behind the high MoneyGeek score earned by Auto-Owners. The company doesn't offer specific coverages like roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement, accident forgiveness or new car/better car replacement, yet its superior scores in other categories make it a robust choice.

With an average annual premium of $1,272, Auto-Owners stands out as an affordable option for individuals with driving offenses, as typically, such drivers encounter higher rates. Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with a perfect coverage score of 10 (out of 10), indicating that it offers essential coverages well suited for drivers seeking reliability. While the absence of common and reasonably common coverages might be noticeable, its exemplary satisfaction score of 34 (out of 35) suggests that customers are exceedingly pleased with its service.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for New Cars

MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in Pennsylvania for new drivers looking for quality car insurance coverage.

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($768 per year)
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 66 out of 100 ($1,649 per year)

Travelers earns the highest accolades due to its exceptional performance across several key metrics used by MoneyGeek. Notably, insurers were filtered based on the availability of new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, ensuring that customers with new vehicles receive sufficient protection.

Travelers stands out, with top marks in satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and coverage, which contribute significantly to its overall score. At $768 annually, opting for an insurer like Travelers that offers new or better car replacement could lead to financial savings in the event of an accident. This is because, without such coverage, only the depreciated value of the car is remunerated, which can be substantially lower than the replacement cost.

Travelers

Travelers

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Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.

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Ranks top for claims handling.

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Leads in affordability.

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Offers new car replacement coverage.

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Does not excel in customer service.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

With exceptional scores in affordability and claims handling, Travelers achieves a remarkable MoneyGeek score of 93, reflecting its excellence across the board. Travelers offers new car replacement coverage, an advantageous option for new car owners seeking the reassurance that their vehicle's value is protected, though availability may vary. Furthermore, with an average annual premium of $768, it stands out for its competitive pricing.

Travelers' new car replacement coverage replaces your totaled new car with a brand-new model, not just the depreciated value — providing a significant financial safety net in the event of a severe accident. Additionally, its comprehensive suite encompasses common coverages, such as roadside assistance, rental car and/or travel reimbursement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance. Rideshare insurance extends protection to drivers in Colorado and Illinois.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Military Backgrounds

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Pennsylvania for car insurance for military members, offering an exceptional blend of customer satisfaction and affordability.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($748 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($870 per year)

Though USAA is also a good option for those with a military background, based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability, it did not win in Pennsylvania.

Auto-Owners stands out for its high customer satisfaction and robust claims handling, as indicated by its scores. With an annual premium of $748, it offers a balance of great service and cost-effectiveness. For those focused on rates, they can also look for the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania for military drivers.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

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Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.

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Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.

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Ranks No. 1 for key coverages.

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Does not excel in customer service.

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More expensive than some insurers.

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Does not offer OEM coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners excels with its exceptional satisfaction (32 out of 35) and coverage (10 out of 10) scores, key factors contributing to its high MoneyGeek Score. With an average annual premium of $748, it offers competitive pricing for its robust services.

Given Auto-Owners' perfect coverage score, customers can expect comprehensive protection that may include rare coverages like gap insurance, designed to cover the balance between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the balance still owed on financing. Other reasonably common coverages like new car replacement can shield customers against the early depreciation of a new vehicle. Common coverages, such as accident forgiveness, prevent premiums from skyrocketing after a first at-fault accident, ensuring a level of financial stability post-incident.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for You

In Pennsylvania, the finest car insurance providers excel by offering competitive pricing, impressive financial strength and a history of outstanding service. MoneyGeek has streamlined this discovery process, yet there's still merit in conducting personal research. To ensure a judicious choice, there are at least four investigative steps you should consider when seeking the ideal car insurance provider for your needs. These steps are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from top-tier insurance companies in the Keystone State.

1
Research customer service reputations in Pennsylvania

Customer service is a cornerstone for car insurers in Pennsylvania, as it reflects how well a company assists its clients in times of need. Independent data providers like JD Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offer insights into a company's performance. Auto-Owners stands out with a customer satisfaction score of 44 (out of 45) and claims handling score of 23 (out of 30), according to MoneyGeek's research, indicating exceptional service.

2
Compare quotes

Comparing quotes is essential for Pennsylvania drivers looking to balance cost savings with quality service. Individual research is key to finding the most affordable options based on personal circumstances. MoneyGeek's analysis identifies Auto-Owners as the best for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $305, offering a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious drivers.

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Find the coverages you want in Pennsylvania

The right coverages are crucial for comprehensive protection on the road. Drivers should research insurers to find policies that align with their needs. MoneyGeek's evaluation reveals Auto-Owners and American National P&C as the only insurers with a perfect coverage score of 10, indicating they offer all four key coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance and original equipment manufacturer coverage.

4
Check financial stability ratings

Selecting an insurer with robust financial stability mitigates the risk of unpaid claims due to financial issues. It's worth researching insurers' financial strength. MoneyGeek awards a perfect stability score of five (the maximum) to Auto-Owners, Travelers, GEICO, Chubb and State Farm, all of which hold the highest financial strength rating of A++ from A.M. Best, ensuring exceptional reliability.

FAQ: Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.

Which company offers the best car insurance in Pennsylvania?
What's the best option for cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick 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 knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.