Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Pennsylvania


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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With a bad driving record, insurance companies may charge you a higher premium due to the risk they consider you to pose. However, by shopping around and comparing quotes from many high-risk insurers in Pennsylvania, you can find the best car insurance policy.

High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania can find a policy from State Farm that has great customer service and affordability. State Farm's policy is also the cheapest in the state for high-risk drivers, costing around $1,415 a year. Remember, your personalized insurance quote might vary greatly based on several variables.

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2024

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

Insurers commonly believe that high-risk drivers are more likely to file a claim. If you have a history of at-fault accidents, tickets or a DUI conviction, you may be considered a high-risk driver. Due to their inexperience on the road, insuring a teen driver is also seen as a risky proposition.

Insurance companies typically charge a higher premium to high-risk drivers to account for the higher likelihood of a claim. High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania should anticipate an auto insurance premium increase of around 27%.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

A driver who has a history of serious traffic offenses is considered to be high-risk. These include drag racing, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) and operating a vehicle while their license is suspended or revoked.

Despite having a spotless driving record, insurance companies may still view you as high-risk in specific circumstances. High-risk drivers include, for example:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for High-Risk Drivers

According to MoneyGeek's research, State Farm offers the most affordable auto insurance in Pennsylvania for drivers who pose a higher risk to insurers. The average annual premium for a policy from this provider is $1,415.

For additional information on the insurer’s benefits, downsides and pricing, check out the detailed State Farm review provided by MoneyGeek.

State FarmAnnual Premium$1,415
ErieAnnual Premium$1,529
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,804
TravelersAnnual Premium$2,192
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,354
EsuranceAnnual Premium$2,421
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,749
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$2,993
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SR-22 INSURANCE

Drivers convicted of major traffic violations or caught without insurance or a license need SR-22 insurance. SR-22 is a form that your insurer files to demonstrate your financial responsibility by confirming that you have a policy that meets the minimum state requirements.

Pennsylvania does not mandate drivers to have SR-22 insurance, but drivers should expect an increase in their car insurance in the state.

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for High-Risk Drivers

Amongst the high-risk auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania, State Farm, with a score of 94 out of 100, is the best, as per MoneyGeek's analysis. Our State Farm review takes a comprehensive look at the company's coverage options, average rates and customer service to help you understand more about it.

Erie is the second-best in the state for high-risk drivers, with a total score of 93 out of 100.


1
ErieBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:97

5/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.7/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In Pennsylvania, Erie's high-risk auto insurance costs approximately $1,529 annually. Its premium for high-risk drivers is roughly 22% more than for those with a clean driving record.

More About Erie

Erie is the second cheapest insurer for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania. It only offers a few add-on coverages, including rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

But the company doesn't offer common coverages like roadside assistance, gap insurance and rideshare insurance.

However, it offers nine discounts, including airbag, anti-lock brakes and young safe driver.

2
State Farm
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm’s high-risk auto insurance costs around $1,415 per year in Pennsylvania. Its insurance premium for high-risk drivers is around 11% more than for drivers with clean histories.

More About State Farm

State Farm is a nationwide insurer. It offers a few add-on coverages, including rideshare insurance, as well as discounts for students and drivers with cars that have airbags, anti-theft systems and for a new vehicle.

However, the company doesn't offer common coverages like accident forgiveness, better car replacement coverage or gap insurance.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Quality shouldn't have to be compromised while looking for auto policies on a budget. Finding low-cost auto insurance in Pennsylvania is possible. Even though there isn't a state-funded program for low-income drivers, choosing state minimum coverage or pay-per-mile insurance for those who rarely drive may be good options.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers With a DUI

With an average annual cost of $1,377, MoneyGeek found State Farm's quote to be the cheapest in Pennsylvania for drivers with a DUI conviction. Learn more about the insurer's coverages, discounts and customer service by reading MoneyGeek’s State Farm review.

USAA is also often an inexpensive high-risk auto insurance option in the state for active and retired military personnel with a DUI.

State FarmAnnual Premium$1,377
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,645
ErieAnnual Premium$1,823
EsuranceAnnual Premium$2,318
TravelersAnnual Premium$2,595
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$2,662
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,710
GEICOAnnual Premium$4,327
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

The window of time during which a DUI conviction will remain on a driving record is referred to as the look-back period. The length of look-back periods can vary from state to state, but in general, they are long in order to accommodate stricter jail sentences or penalties for repeat offenders. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a look-back period of 10 years.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Teenage Drivers

Teens and young drivers are generally considered high-risk. According to MoneyGeek's analysis, State Farm is the cheapest auto insurer in Pennsylvania for young drivers. The average annual premium for a State Farm auto insurance policy is $4,998 for teens.

Your age and other variables will affect your rate. Check our State Farm review to find out more about this insurance company.

State FarmAnnual Premium$4,998
NationwideAnnual Premium$5,977
GEICOAnnual Premium$6,459
AllstateAnnual Premium$6,948
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$7,654
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Auto insurance rates may be prohibitively costly, particularly for teens and students. Full coverage auto insurance is preferable to the state minimum since the added protection it provides in the event of a collision is well worth the cost.

To find the cheapest and best auto insurance for teens and student drivers, you must shop around and compare prices in Pennsylvania.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Drivers With Bad Credit

According to MoneyGeek's research on auto insurance quotes with bad credit in Pennsylvania, Nationwide offers the most affordable rate. The average annual premium for a policy from Nationwide is $1,624 for those with bad credit.

Age and other criteria will affect your actual rate. Learn more about this insurance provider by reading our Nationwide review.

NationwideAnnual Premium1,624Percent Change3%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Those with poor credit in Pennsylvania should expect to pay much more for auto insurance than those with good credit. If you have bad credit, it shouldn't stop you from shopping around for good auto insurance. You can compare rates from insurers and find affordable auto insurance with bad credit.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Pennsylvania?

When evaluating high-risk car insurance quotes in Pennsylvania, MoneyGeek found insurance companies generally consider driving history and other factors. As a result, the premium for high-risk drivers is usually higher.

High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania pay $2,182 on average each year for insurance compared to $1,557 for drivers with a clean record. The difference in cost is around $625.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in PA for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$1,557
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$2,182
In Pennsylvania, high-risk drivers pay:$625 more

This is 40% more expensive.

MoneyGeek's Pennsylvania car insurance calculator will help you estimate the cost of a policy based on personal information such as your age, vehicle type, driving history and the coverage amount. Additionally, our tool can assist you in determining which element has the most significant impact on your price.

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Rates updated:

Oct 14, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Pennsylvania if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

Due to the fact that auto insurance is a completely voluntary market, you may be denied coverage if a company feels you present too significant a risk. In the event that this occurs, your best course of action is to contact the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) to find a suitable plan from the residual market. This nationwide organization that is not-for-profit has been offering its services in the auto insurance residual market for the last 48 years, during which time it has assisted high-risk drivers in finding suitable insurance policies.

Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Plan

You can find a residual market plan based on your location using the state-by-state database maintained by AIPSO. The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan (PA ARP) is the residual market plan in Pennsylvania.

Applicants must certify that they've attempted and failed to obtain auto insurance in Pennsylvania during the past 60 days at rates in line with the Plan. All state insurers must be certified by the Governing Committee according to the Insurance Commissioner's requirements and procedures.

    building icon

    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

    subscribe icon

    Email

    paarp@aipso.com

    smartphone icon

    Phone

    (401) 946-2800

    other icon

    Fax

    (855) 224-7349

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    Mailing Address

    Northeast Region, 302 Central Ave., Johnston, RI 02919

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Frequently Asked Questions

It can be difficult to obtain insurance coverage if you are considered a high-risk driver. To simplify the process, MoneyGeek addressed some frequently asked questions regarding Pennsylvania high-risk auto insurance.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania?
How much does car insurance in Pennsylvania cost for high-risk drivers?
Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?
Where do I get car insurance coverage in Pennsylvania if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He 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.


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