If you drive in Pennsylvania, it’s important to be aware of the state’s car insurance rates. Knowing what other residents pay and understanding which providers can offer you the best deal are essential for saving on your monthly premium. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Pennsylvania car insurance rates.
How Much Are Average Pennsylvania Car Insurance Rates?
U.S. News reports that the average car insurance rate in Pennsylvania is $1,073 per year, or about $89 per month. According to U.S. News, this is the 11th most affordable in the country, falling just behind Iowa’s average car insurance rate. Pennsylvania’s relatively affordable rates likely result from the state’s competitive insurance market and minimum legal requirements for personal auto policies.
How Much Is Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania?
If you’re on a strict budget, you might wonder how to lower your premiums in Pennsylvania. Some residents opt to only purchase the state’s minimum required coverage. While this approach offers less protection in the event of an accident, it helps you save on your monthly payments while still complying with state regulations. Minimum car insurance coverage in Pennsylvania is $1,000 per year, or about $83 per month. This amount can vary depending on several factors, including which provider you choose. For instance, the minimum coverage average through Allstate is $1,682 per year compared to Travelers’ $592 per year.
What Type of Car Insurance Does Pennsylvania Require?
Like most states, Pennsylvania designates specific car insurance requirements for its residents. Here’s a look at the policies you must obtain to legally drive your vehicle:
- Medical benefits: Pennsylvania requires drivers to have at least $5,000 in medical benefits coverage. It pays for medical bills for you and others under your policy, regardless of who caused the accident.
- Bodily injury liability: This policy covers medical bills and damages if you’re responsible for a car accident that injures someone else. The state minimum requirement for bodily injury liability is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability: If you cause an accident that results in damage to another person’s property, this policy covers the costs. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability coverage.
- Limited or full tort coverage: While limited tort coverage prevents you from receiving compensation for pain and suffering after an accident, the premiums are cheaper than full tort coverage that provides unrestricted legal rights.
Note that some insurance companies bundle bodily injury liability and property damage liability. With a combined limit of $35,000 for these two policies, you’ll meet the state’s minimum requirements as long as you also obtain limited or full tort coverage and at least $5,000 in medical benefits coverage.
How Much Is Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania drivers who want more peace of mind when they’re on the road might opt for full coverage car insurance. The statewide average for this type of protection is $1,117 per year, which is $117 more than the average for minimum coverage. The higher cost may be more of a burden on your monthly budget but can provide comprehensive protection in the event of a serious accident. As with minimum coverage, full coverage in Pennsylvania tends to be most affordable through Travelers and most expensive through Allstate.
What Car Insurance Policies Are Optional in Pennsylvania?
The more protection you add to your car insurance policy, the higher your monthly premium will be. Here are some of the optional coverages you might obtain through your provider:
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist: Pays for bodily injury costs to you and your passengers if an underinsured or uninsured motorist causes the accident.
- Funeral benefit: Pays for funeral expenses if a car accident leads to the death of you or a family member.
- Income loss: Covers a portion of your lost wages when car accident injuries prevent you from working.
- Collision: Covers the cost of repairs after your vehicle sustains damages in an accident and usually comes with a $500 deductible.
- Extraordinary medical benefits: Covers medical and rehabilitation expenses between $100,000 and $1 million.
- Towing coverage: Reimburses individuals for the towing costs of recovering a damaged vehicle.
What Other Factors Affect Pennsylvania Car Insurance Rates?
Aside from the amount of coverage you add to your policy, here are some other factors that affect Pennsylvania car insurance rates:
- Credit score: Providers usually offer better rates to those with good credit scores because of their reliable payment history and reduced likelihood of filing expensive claims.
- Driving history: A driving history free of traffic violations can help you lower your monthly premium.
- Age: An older driver with more experience tends to qualify for cheaper rates than a young driver with little experience.
- City: Residents of big cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown may pay higher premiums because of more expensive health care and vehicle repair costs.
What Car Insurance Provider Is Most Affordable in Pennsylvania?
The average car insurance rate tends to be most affordable through Travelers, but other providers may be less expensive depending on your situation. For instance, consider that the average rate for drivers with poor credit is $1,731 per year through Travelers versus $1,202 per year through USAA.
How Can You Obtain Affordable Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Here are some tips for obtaining affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania:
- Compare rates from national and regional insurance providers.
- Look for discounts for going paperless, being a student or senior, or owning a home.
- Buy a car that’s worth less or has reliable safety features.
- Maintain a good credit score and driving record.
We hope this guide helps bring transparency to Pennsylvania car insurance rates. Now that you understand what coverage the state requires, you can build a plan that offers adequate protection while remaining within your budget. This information will also help you compare providers and secure the most affordable monthly premium.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
