Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Pennsylvania (October 2024)


Auto-Owners provides the cheapest car insurance for individual drivers with low income and poor credit in Pennsylvania at $40 per month. At $43 per month, Travelers is the most affordable option for families with low income.

Pennsylvania does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for families or individuals with low income. One option to manage costs is to find the provider with the most affordable rate. There are also ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

Although state minimum coverage will help you drive legally, there are downsides. For example, minimum coverage may not fully cover the damages in an at-fault accident, leaving you financially vulnerable.

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Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance provider in Pennsylvania for individual drivers with low income and poor credit history. Its average minimum coverage premium is $40 per month or $478 per year.

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Cheapest for Families With Low Income

Travelers is the cheapest car insurance provider in Pennsylvania for families with low income. Its average minimum coverage premium is $43 per month or $517 per year.

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Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

Chubb is the cheapest car insurance provider in Pennsylvania for seniors with low income and poor credit scores. Its average minimum coverage premium is $38 per month or $456 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to get the cheapest average costs for drivers with low income in Pennsylvania.

49,001Quotes Analyzed
 
13Companies Compared
 
62ZIP Codes

Does Pennsylvania Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Car insurance companies in Pennsylvania do not consider income when calculating rates. Instead, they look at factors like age, driving record, credit history and type of car. At-fault accidents and moving violations can increase your rates significantly. To find the cheapest rates, it's essential to compare quotes from several insurance companies. This approach helps you see the different options available and choose the most affordable one.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. For drivers who rarely drive, pay-per-mile insurance can be the best option to save money. MoneyGeek has rounded up the cheapest insurers for drivers with low income in Pennsylvania to help you save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania

To legally drive in Pennsylvania, you must have car insurance that meets the state's minimum car insurance requirements. Your policy must include:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • $5,000 medical payments coverage

Different types of policies cater to varying needs. A liability-only car insurance policy covers the other driver's expenses if you cause an accident. However, it doesn't cover damages to your own vehicle. To protect your own car, consider a full coverage car insurance policy, which includes collision and comprehensive coverages. Understanding the risks and benefits of each coverage will help you decide what's best for your situation.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in Pennsylvania

Your credit record can affect your car insurance rates in Pennsylvania. A lower credit-based insurance score may signal to insurers that you're a higher risk, which can lead to more expensive premiums.

Pennsylvania drivers with poor credit records can find affordable rates with:

  • Auto-Owners: $478 per year; $40 per month
  • Chubb: $567 per year; $47 per month

The cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania for drivers with low income and a good credit history are:

  • Auto-Owners: $305 per year; $25 per month
  • Westfield: $310 per year; $26 per month

Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000 and other penalties. Make sure you're covered to drive legally and safely.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$478$40
Chubb$567$47
Westfield$604$50
American National P&C$634$53
Nationwide$650$54
GEICO$728$61
Erie$778$65
Travelers$780$65
Progressive$927$77
State Farm$994$83
Allstate$1,132$94
Dairyland$1,223$102
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Pennsylvania

Although car insurance rates don't depend on income, your family situation can influence your premiums. In Pennsylvania, a single parent with a teen faces an annual premium that's $515 higher than a married couple with a teen, who pays $517 yearly and saves $515 annually.

The cheapest car insurance companies for married couples with a teen in Pennsylvania are:

  • Travelers: $517 per year; $43 per month
  • Auto-Owners: $588 per year; $49 per month

The cheapest car insurance companies for a single parent with a teen are:

  • Travelers: $1,032 per year; $86 per month
  • State Farm: $1,123 per year; $94 per month

These rates show that married couples with a teen can secure more affordable minimum coverage auto insurance than single parents with a teen. Keeping a good credit score is vital for accessing cheaper car insurance rates across the board.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Family Type:
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
Travelers$517$43
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$588$49
Nationwide$603$50
State Farm$711$59
Allstate$954$80
GEICO$1,032$86
Progressive$1,057$88

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in Pennsylvania

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach the early senior years (typically around age 55 to 65), especially if you have a clean driving record. The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low income and poor credit history are:

  • Chubb: $456 per year; $38 per month
  • Auto-Owners: $479 per year; $40 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase, as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. Pennsylvania has specific guidelines for seniors getting car insurance to ensure they meet the requirements.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
Chubb$456$38
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$479$40
Nationwide$584$49
Westfield$601$50
American National P&C$678$57
GEICO$721$60
Travelers$778$65
Erie$798$67
State Farm$913$76
Progressive$934$78
Allstate$1,072$89
Dairyland$1,113$93
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in Pennsylvania?

Income doesn't directly affect car insurance rates in Pennsylvania. However, rates can increase if low income leads to a poor credit record. The reverse is also true: good credit can mean lower rates. Understanding the factors contributing to car insurance rates can help you make informed decisions when choosing the best car insurance for you.

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    Driving record

    At-fault accidents and moving violations can significantly increase your car insurance rates. A clean driving record can help you secure lower premiums.

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    Age and gender

    Younger drivers and male drivers often face higher rates due to higher risk profiles. Older and female drivers generally enjoy lower premiums.

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    Credit history

    A poor credit history can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores to assess risk.

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    Location

    Urban areas with high traffic and crime rates can have higher premiums, while rural areas typically have lower rates.

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    Vehicle type

    Luxury and sports cars usually cost more to insure due to higher repair costs and theft rates. Economical cars often have lower premiums.

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    Coverage levels

    Higher coverage levels increase your premiums. State minimum coverage is cheaper but offers less protection.

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    Insurance company

    Different insurers have varying underwriting methods and discounts. Comparing quotes can help you find the best rate.

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    Claims history

    A history of filing claims indicates a higher risk to insurers, which can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might pay not to file a claim.

How to Save on Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

You don't need a state-sponsored program to cut costs — finding affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania is possible with the right strategies. Here are some tips to lower your premiums:

  1. 1
    Choose minimum coverage

    Opting for state-mandated minimum coverage helps you save while still meeting legal requirements to drive. You can keep your premiums affordable by adhering to the basic coverage limits.

  2. 2
    Comparison shop

    Gather quotes from multiple insurers to compare rates and discounts. Shopping locally increases the chance of finding the lowest rates available in Pennsylvania.

  3. 3
    Look for discounts

    Many insurers offer discounts based on factors like safe driving, good student status, military service or bundling policies. Take advantage of these to reduce your premiums.

  4. 4
    Increase your deductible

    If you choose to get collision or comprehensive coverage, opting for a higher car insurance deductible can lower your monthly premium. Ensure you can afford the deductible in the event of an accident.

  5. 5
    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    Pay-per-mile insurance is an excellent option for low-mileage drivers. You pay a base rate plus a per-mile fee, so your costs are directly related to how much you drive.

  6. 6
    Bundle your policies

    If you need other types of insurance, bundling your auto policy with homeowners or renters insurance can lead to significant discounts. The best home and auto bundles can save you around $496 each year.

  7. 7
    Drive a cheaper car

    The make, model and year of your car significantly impact insurance costs. Opting for the cheapest cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars in premiums annually.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Finding affordable car insurance can be challenging for drivers with low income in Pennsylvania. Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about low-income car insurance in the Keystone State.

Does Pennsylvania have a state-backed low-income car insurance program?

How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania?

Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania?

What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low income in Pennsylvania?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.