6 Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania of 2023
Pennsylvania drivers need car insurance to protect themselves from unexpected events that impact their vehicles, including theft, collisions, and injuries to passengers in their cars.
Whether you drive only occasionally or clock a lot of miles during your commute, you need insurance to protect yourself and the passengers in your car.
In Pennsylvania, all drivers are required to carry insurance on their cars and may face a suspension of their registration or a fine if they allow their insurance to lapse, cancel it, or neglect to buy it when they purchase a new car.
Pennsylvania is an optional no-fault state; the state requires liability coverage in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to property of another person
You may also purchase additional coverage, such as collision protection or comprehensive coverage; many drivers choose to buy a “full coverage” policy that offers protection from personal liability, collisions, theft, and more.
According to PropertyNest research, the average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,215 per year or a little over $100 per month, putting the cost slightly below the national average of $1,442.
Here at PropertyNest, we understand that it may be difficult to choose a company and understand which coverage is best for your needs, so we’ve taken the time to research and rank the 6 best auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania and provide some guidance to help you select the right car insurance policy for your needs.
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The Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
- GEICO: Best for Affordable Coverage
- Progressive: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
- State Farm: Best for Young Drivers
- Travelers: Best Overall Coverage
- Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductible
- Amica: Best for Premium Coverage
GEICO: Best for Affordable Coverage
The Government Employees Insurance Company, more popularly known as GEICO, is the second-largest car insurance company in the United States and has provided car insurance since 1936.
We selected GEICO for our list of the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania because it consistently offers some of the most affordable coverage while still providing excellent service and policy options.
Many factors can impact cost; if you choose GEICO but opt for maximum coverage and riders, you should expect to pay more than a basic policy.
The average annual cost of full-coverage auto insurance with GEICO in Pennsylvania is $970 per year, which is well below the state average.
Read a full GEICO car insurance editor's review.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available with GEICO?
GEICO has low costs, partially because they offer a wide array of discounts to help Pennsylvania drivers save money, broken down into categories.
- Driver Affiliation. Discounts in this category include savings for military members, first responders, federal employees, and members of certain other groups, any of which may save you 10% or more.
- Driver Education. Discounts in this category include completion of a Driver’s Education course or a defensive driving course, plus a good student discount, which can save you up to 15%
- Driver History and Habits. If you’ve gone five or more years without an accident, you can save up to 22%, and there’s also a discount for regular seat belt use.
- Customer Loyalty. GEICO offers a multi-policy discount, which varies depending on what you buy, and they also offer a multi-vehicle discount of up to 25%.
- Vehicle Equipment. You’ll get a 15% discount to insure a new vehicle; additional discounts in this category apply if your vehicle has airbags, anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft system, or daytime running lights.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 824 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A+ |
Progressive: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
Some car insurance companies do a better job than others of rewarding policyholders who don’t engage in risky behavior while driving.
We selected Progressive Insurance for our list because they offer a unique way to decrease your costs with the Progressive Snapshot, which uses an installed device to track your driving behavior and reward good choices, such as driving within the speed limit or leaving space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to reduce hard braking and other risky behavior.
You can take advantage of Progressive Snapshot with your choice of a plug-in device or by using your smartphone.
According to Progressive, their average cost in Pennsylvania is $95 per month or $1,140 yearly, which is less than the state average.
Read a full Progressive car insurance review.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available with Progressive?
Progressive offers many potential discounts that can help you save on car insurance.
- Loyalty Discounts. This category's discount includes policy bundling, multi-vehicle coverage, and continuous insurance, which can help you save if your vehicle has been continuously insured–even if you started with another company.
- Driver Discounts. You can save money if you’re a safe driver with Progressive Snapshot; other discounts in this category include discounts for adding a teen driver, a good student discount, covering a student driver who lives more than 100 miles from home, and owning a home.
- Other Discounts. You can get a break on your rate if you get a quote or buy your insurance online, sign up for paperless billing or automatic payments, or pay your annual premium in advance.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 803 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 2.24 |
State Farm: Best for Young Drivers
State Farm is the largest car insurance company in the United States and has 100 years of experience providing affordable insurance to consumers.
We chose them for our list because they offer a special discount for drivers under the age of 25: the Steer Clear Program.
We also like that State Farm has created a comprehensive system of policy bundling that allows people to maximize their savings by bundling their car insurance with one or more additional policies from State Farm.
The average annual cost of car insurance with State Farm is $1,180 for Pennsylvania drivers, putting the cost above 10% below the state average.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available with State Farm?
State Farm offers car insurance discounts in these categories.
- Safe Driving. You can get discounts by joining the Steer Clear program if you’re under 25; additional discounts include the Drive Safe & Save discount and discounts for accident-free driving and taking a defensive driving course.
- Safe Vehicle. You can get discounts based on the safety features of your vehicle, as well as discounts for having an anti-theft device and a discount on medical coverage if your pre-1993 car has passive restraints.
- Policy Bundling. State Farm offers significant savings to drivers who bundle their car insurance with other policies, including homeowners, condo, or renters insurance, or to policyholders who insure more than one car.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 814 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 4.29 |
Travelers: Best Overall Coverage
Travelers Insurance is the second-largest property & casualty insurer in the United States, and its financial strength and stability have earned the company a spot on the Fortune 500.
We chose Travelers for our list because we believe they have the best overall coverage, including options for new car replacement and affordable prices for people with less-than-ideal driving records.
We also appreciate that Travelers has received high ratings for its claims-paying process, something that’s important for everybody who owns a car.
The average annual cost of Pennsylvania car insurance with Travelers is $1,110, making it lower than the state average.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available Through Travelers?
Travelers Insurance offers a large selection of potential discounts to help policyholders save money on car insurance.
- Bundling. If you bundle your car insurance with home or condo insurance or another policy, you can save up to 13% on your premium. A related discount is available if you insure more than one car with Travelers, and you may also qualify for savings if you own a home, even if your homeowners insurance is not with Travelers.
- Car and Driver Discounts. Travelers will give you a discount if you purchase a new car, purchase a hybrid/electric car, have a safe driving record, take a driver safety course, or if you have a young driver on your policy who has maintained good grades or is away at college.
- Policy and Pay Discounts. There are multiple discounts available to policyholders who sign up to make automatic payments, pay in advance, have maintained continuous coverage, or get their quote from Travelers before their existing policy expires.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 824 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 3.88 |
Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductible
Nationwide is one of the best-known car insurance companies in the United States and has a long history of providing affordable insurance to drivers.
We selected Nationwide for our list because they offer a unique rider that will automatically reduce your deductible by $100 per year for each year you don’t have a claim, up to a total reduction of $500.
We also like that Nationwide’s agents are proactive and touch base with policyholders each year to review their coverage and ensure they buy the best policy for their needs.
The average cost of car insurance Nationwide is $1,560 per year, putting it slightly above the Pennsylvania state average.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available with Nationwide?
- Policy purchase discounts: Save an average of $646 when you combine your home and car insurance. Enjoy a one-time discount for enrolling in automatic payments.
- Good driving discounts: Having a clean driving record, no violations, and completing a defensive driving course can earn you discounts. Nationwide's SmartRide and SmartMiles programs can get you extra savings.
- Good student discount: Eligible drivers aged 16 to 24 who maintain a B average or better can enjoy a discount on their car insurance.
- Anti-theft discount: You may be eligible for a discount if your vehicle is equipped with specific anti-theft devices. Proof of installation may be required.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 787 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 2.37 |
Amica: Best for Premium Coverage
Amica is the oldest mutual car insurance company in the United States, starting in Rhode Island in 1907.
We selected them for our list because they offer a premium policy that gives drivers the maximum protection at a reasonable price with their Platinum Choice policy.
We also appreciate that drivers can choose between traditional and dividend-paying policies; choosing the option with dividends will come with a higher premium but the option to make money that exceeds the additional cost back with dividends.
The average cost of Amica’s car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,495 per year, putting it slightly above the state average.
What Car Insurance Discounts Are Available with Amica?
Amica offers a truly impressive array of discounts in five categories.
- Bundling. Save up to 30% by bundling your car insurance with another policy. You can also save if you own a home, keep your car insurance with the same company for at least two years, or insure more than one car with Amica.
- Family. Receive a loyalty discount if you’re under 30, and your parents have had a policy with Amica for at least five years. There’s also a discount for drivers under 21 who complete an accredited driver safety course, for parents insuring a college student away at school, and for any covered student 15-25 who maintains a B average.
- Driving Habits. You can get a discount by taking a defensive driving course or being claims-free for three or more years.
- Car Safety Features. Discounts are available if your car is equipped with safety features, including anti-theft devices, electronic stability control, forward collision warning, passive restraints, or adaptive headlights.
- Payments. Sign up for paperless payments or automatic billing to save. You can also get a discount if you pay your annual premium in advance.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 891 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 1.32 |
Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Pennsylvania?
Car insurance is mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania.
What Types and Amounts of Car Insurance Are Required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to purchase liability coverage in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to the property of another person
Many drivers purchase comprehensive coverage that includes collision protection and other coverages, but these are not required if you choose the no-fault option.
What Does Car Insurance Cover?
Car insurance coverage may vary from company to company and state to state; in Pennsylvania, you are required to get two types of minimum coverage.
Liability
Your liability coverage protects you if you’re in an accident that leads to the injury or death of one or more people.
Property Damage
Property damage coverage protects you if you damage or destroy someone else’s property, including items such as detached garages and fences; personal belongings inside a vehicle are not covered.
Should I Buy Additional Coverage?
Depending on your personal needs and comfort level, you may consider purchasing comprehensive insurance to protect what is required under Pennsylvania law.
Comprehensive coverage typically includes collision protection plus protection for non-collision events such as severe weather, vandalism, theft, glass & windshield damage, accidents with animals, and other circumstances that may cause damage to your vehicle.
Another additional coverage option to consider is uninsured/underinsured driver protection, which protects you if you’re in an accident where one driver is at fault and doesn’t have adequate insurance.
Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault State?
Pennsylvania is an optional no-fault state, which means that you can choose basic no-fault insurance or go for comprehensive coverage at a higher cost.
If you choose the no-fault option, you must submit any claim for damage to your vehicle or personal injury to your insurance company for payment.
If you don’t choose the no-fault option, there will be an investigation to determine which driver was at fault, and claims will be submitted and paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Does Car Insurance Typically Cover?
Car insurance will cover damage to your vehicle and personal injuries to you and the passengers in your car.
If you opt for comprehensive coverage in Pennsylvania, your insurance will also cover damage to another driver’s vehicle or person.
Items that are not covered are as follows.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Intentional damage means any damage you intentionally cause to your vehicle.
- Contents in your car. If someone breaks into your car and steals something, you’ll need to submit a claim under your homeowners or renters insurance.
- Mechanical failure is unrelated to a covered event.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Car Insurance?
Several factors impact the cost of car insurance:
- The type and replacement value of your vehicle.
- Your driving record.
- The driving record of any other insured drivers.
- Your age.
- Your gender.
- The area where you live.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
You can do several things to decrease the cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania. Here are some options to consider.
- Install safety features in your car.
- Drive safely.
- Take a safe driving or defensive driving course.
- Bundle your insurance with one carrier.
- Sign up for automatic payments or pay your annual premium in advance.
- Take advantage of all available discounts to increase your savings.
It’s possible to reduce your cost by hundreds of dollars each year by layering discounts.
Synopsis
Car insurance is required of every driver in Pennsylvania, and PropertyNest recommends comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind.
Drivers may want to consider purchasing collision coverage, theft coverage, and taking advantage of deductible reduction features to maximize their protection.
We suggest getting at least three quotes from three companies to compare costs and coverages before choosing a policy.
How We Picked the Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
We extensively researched the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania using these criteria.
Cost
Cost is a big concern for drivers in Pennsylvania, so we focused on companies with affordable average costs compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Coverage
Many drivers like having the option to customize their coverage with riders and add-ons, so we prioritized companies with useful riders, including the following.
- Gap protection
- Roadside assistance
- Accident forgiveness
- New car replacement
- Rental reimbursement
Discounts
One of the ways that drivers can reduce the cost of car insurance is by taking advantage of discounts; we prioritized companies that offered a wide array of discounts in multiple categories, particularly those with discounts such as bundling that most people can take advantage of.
Technology
Buying car insurance should be easy, so we focused on companies with useful websites, well-reviewed mobile apps, and those with discounts linked to driving technology.
