Last updated: February 18, 2026Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania in 2026
Erie, NJM Insurance, USAA, State Farm, and Travelers are our top picks in Pennsylvania.
Best Value
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in Pennsylvania
- Annual premium: $1,882
- Monthly premium: $157
Best Major Insurer
Editor's Rating:4.9/5
4.9/5Full Coverage Averages in Pennsylvania
- Annual premium: $2,352
- Monthly premium: $196
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in Pennsylvania
- Annual premium: $2,329
- Monthly premium: $194
Key Takeaways
- Our top picks for Pennsylvania car insurance providers for various categories are Erie, NJM Insurance, USAA, State Farm, and Travelers.
- Car insurance in Pennsylvania costs slightly more than the national average for full coverage at $2,473 per year, and less than the national average for minimum coverage at $603 per year.
- The rates noted here are averages, so remember that the prices you’re quoted will likely differ based on your driving record, age, and more.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
- Best Value: Erie
- Best Major Insurer: State Farm
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: New Jersey Manufacturer (NJM)
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: Travelers
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in PA | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in PA | Mid-Atlantic customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $157 | $33 | Above average |
| State Farm | $196 | $47 | Above average |
| USAA | $194 | $41 | Above average |
| NJM Insurance | Data not available | Data not available | Above average |
| Travelers | $126 | $40 | Below average |
| Pennsylvania | $206 | $53 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
1. Best Value - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Headquartered in PA
- Affordable premiums
- Option to lock in insurance rates
Why we chose it
Founded in 1925, Erie holds some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the region. It also offers competitive rates and a range of coverage options, including rental car reimbursement, new- or better-car replacement, gap insurance, and rideshare coverage. It’s a great choice for Pennsylvanians looking to purchase either minimum or full coverage auto insurance.
Erie also offers an option to lock in your auto insurance rate, helping you keep your premium stable. If you add this endorsement to your policy, your rate won’t change unless you move or modify the drivers or vehicles on your policy.
After three years without a violation, policyholders can benefit from accident forgiveness, and for every consecutive year you don’t file a claim, Erie will reduce your deductible by $100, up to a maximum of $500.
Who it’s best for
Customers looking for low prices, people wary of rising auto insurance costs, Pennsylvanians seeking a range of coverage options
Erie Pennsylvania Pricing
| Erie | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $157 | $33 |
| Annually | $1,882 | $398 |
| Difference from Pennsylvania average | -24% | -34% |
2. Best Major Insurer - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Agents in more than 300 Pennsylvania cities
- Robust savings for safe driving
- Strong customer service
Why we chose it
State Farm has insurance agents in over 300 cities in Pennsylvania, which makes it easy to get connected and find coverage. Even though State Farm is a major national car insurance company, its personalized approach allows you to get one-on-one assistance on tasks such as changing your policy and filing a claim.
The company offers below-average rates in Pennsylvania and is known for having high customer satisfaction ratings and an easy auto insurance claims process. It also offers multiple programs that can earn customers discounts for safe driving habits, including a telematics program geared specifically toward young drivers. Its main telematics program, Drive Safe & Save, can earn you a discount of up to 30 percent.
Who it’s best for
People who want to work with a local agent and prefer to purchase a policy from a major insurer, drivers with safe habits behind the wheel
State Farm Pennsylvania Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $196 | $47 |
| Annually | $2,352 | $561 |
| Difference from Pennsylvania average | -5% | -7% |
3. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Military-specific auto coverage
- Discounts for auto financing
- Stellar customer service
Why we chose it
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state is home to 700,000 veterans — the fifth-largest veteran population in the country1. USAA sells auto insurance and other financial products exclusively to individuals affiliated with the U.S. military. It has competitive prices and a strong track record for customer satisfaction, earning the highest customer satisfaction rating for the Mid-Atlantic region in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study.
USAA offers financial services in addition to auto insurance, including auto loans at the following rates, with interest rates as low as 4.5 percent for new cars. It also has several car insurance discounts for teens, including a good student discount and a 10 percent legacy discount to drivers under age 25 who are transitioning from their parents’ policy to their own policy.
Who it’s best for
Military members (including National Guard), veterans, and their families; drivers planning to finance a car with a USAA auto loan
USAA Pennsylvania Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $194 | $41 |
| Annually | $2,329 | $493 |
| Difference from Pennsylvania average | 6% | -18% |
4. Best for Customer Satisfaction - New Jersey Manufacturer (NJM)
What We Like Most:
- Top customer satisfaction ratings in Mid-Atlantic region
- Wide range of discounts
- Local provider
Why we chose it
NJM is a regional insurer that operates in five states, including Pennsylvania. It has a very strong customer service record, ranking first in the Mid-Atlantic region in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study and second in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. It also has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.31, indicating that it receives far fewer customer complaints than average.
NJM offers several endorsements that policyholders can add to their policies, including gap coverage, rideshare insurance, and trailer insurance.
It also offers a full coverage discount for drivers with both collision and comprehensive coverage, a new car discount for customers whose car is two model years old or newer, and a driver training discount for drivers under 21. In Pennsylvania, the company’s mature driver discount is available to policyholders age 55 or older who complete an approved course.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pennsylvania requires insurance providers to offer a minimum 5 percent discount for drivers age 55 or older who complete an approved driver improvement course. A list of courses is available on the PennDOT website.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who prioritize customer service, those who want to work with a local agent, drivers looking for full coverage
5. Best for High-Risk Drivers - Travelers
What We Like Most:
- Low premiums in Pennsylvania
- Extensive list of discounts
- Non-owner insurance
Why we chose it
Insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver if you, for example, have an at-fault accident on your record, have been convicted of a DUI or DWI, or are a new driver. Although Pennsylvania does not require high-risk drivers to file an SR-22, traditional auto insurance companies may refuse to sell you a policy if they view you as too much of a liability.
Travelers has some of the lowest rates in the state for most drivers, including those with violations and teens. It’s worth noting that Travelers’ customer satisfaction ratings fall below average on the most recent J.D. Power studies, but it’s a viable option for those looking for the lowest rates or having trouble finding coverage elsewhere.
Travelers offers several discounts that high-risk drivers can use to lower their premiums, including its telematics program, as well as discounts for teens, including a driver training discount.
Who it’s best for
People looking for the cheap premiums, families with teen drivers, Pennsylvanians with an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI
Travelers Pennsylvania Pricing
| Travelers | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $126 | $40 |
| Annually | $1,516 | $474 |
| Difference from Pennsylvania average | -39% | -21% |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Mid-Atlantic2 | CRASH Network Report Card3 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction4 | NAIC Complaint Index5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 706 | A- | 743 | 1.29 |
| NJM Insurance | 721 | B | 731 | 0.31 |
| USAA | 743 | C- | 741 | 3.10 |
| State Farm | 673 | D+ | 716 | 2.46 |
| Travelers | 633 | C | 691 | 0.30 |
| Average | 656 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania
Minimum Coverage Rates in Pennsylvania
Minimum coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania is less expensive than the national average at $603 annually. That’s 17 percent below the national average.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $603 | $50 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Auto Insurance Costs by City in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, has the highest average premium of major cities in the state at $4,315 annually ($360 monthly) for full coverage. Several other major cities hover around $2,400 annually. Harrisburg has some of the lowest rates of the major cities at $2,055 per year. Insurance in cities tends to cost more than in rural and suburban areas.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $4,315 | $360 |
| Pittsburgh | $2,426 | $202 |
| Allentown | $2,437 | $203 |
| Erie | $2,308 | $192 |
| Scranton | $2,330 | $194 |
| Harrisburg | $2,055 | $171 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania?
According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 110,765 reported car accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024, which breaks down to about 303 every day6. Around 1,000 crashes were fatal, and roughly 49,000 resulted in injuries, with the rest involving only property damage. Over 1,100 people died in car crashes that year, and almost 67,000 were injured. Most drivers involved in crashes were between the ages of 16 and 25.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires the following minimum coverage limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
- Medical benefits coverage: $5,000 per person and per accident
Pennsylvania is technically an at-fault state, but has an interesting auto insurance system, being one of only three “choice no-fault” states (the other two are New Jersey and Kentucky). This means that drivers can choose between full tort and limited tort options. Limited tort costs less, but it also requires that you forfeit the right to pursue damages after an accident in most cases. Full tort, on the other hand, ensures your right to sue the guilty party in an accident, much like in at-fault states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travelers and Erie typically have the lowest insurance rates in Pennsylvania.
| Annual Average Cost | Erie | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $398 | $474 |
| Savings from PA minimum coverage avg. | -34% | -21% |
| Full coverage. | $1,882 | $1,516 |
| Savings from PA full coverage avg. | -24% | -39% |
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry the following auto insurance at a minimum:
- $15,000 in bodily injury per person and $30,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 in property damage
- $5,000 in medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
Pennsylvania established these limits in 1974 and has not updated them since. For bodily injury and property damage liability, it’s wise to purchase limits above the required minimums, as injuries and damages cost much more now due to inflation.
If you’re caught driving without insurance, you can face the following penalties:
- $500 or higher fine
- Suspension of your license and registration for three months (plus a restoration fee to get them back)
- Loss of driving privileges while your registration is suspended7
In Pennsylvania, car insurance averages $206 per month for full coverage and $50 per month for minimum coverage.
Car insurance rates are not negotiable, so asking for lower rates won’t help you save. However, there are several other ways to lower your auto insurance costs:
- Shop around and compare car insurance quotes from at least three providers.
- Consider a pay-per-mile plan if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles yearly.
- Increase your deductibles (but make sure you can pay the increased deductible in the event of an accident).
Car insurance rates are not negotiable, so asking for lower rates won’t help you save. However, there are several other ways to lower your auto insurance costs:
- Shop around and compare car insurance quotes from at least three providers.
- Consider a pay-per-mile plan if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles yearly.
- Increase your deductibles (but make sure you can pay the increased deductible in the event of an accident).
Methodology - How We Review Providers
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance companies based on four key factors:
- Pricing (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage in Pennsylvania for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Medical payments: $5,000
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): To assess companies’ claims handling policies, we use data from independent sources like J.D. Power. We also look at financial strength as rated by AM Best, Moody’s and S&P to evaluate a company’s ability to pay out claims.
- Customer experience (25%): We evaluate the customer experience from end to end, including obtaining a quote and purchasing and managing your policy. We use regional data from sources like J.D. Power (in this case, for the Mid-Atlantic region).
- Coverage options (10%): We prioritize insurers that offer coverage types and add-ons beyond Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements, like gap insurance, accident forgiveness, and usage-based insurance.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
Mental Health Services for Veterans and Military Families in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). (n.d.).
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Pages/VeteransMilitary-Families.aspx
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power Press Releases. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyInsurer Report Card — Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. CRASH Network. (n.d.).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power Press Releases. (2025, October 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Refined Search Results. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). (n.d.).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm
2024 Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). (2025, published).
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/travelinpa/safety/documents/2024_cfb_linked.pdf
Auto Insurance Overview. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). (n.d.).
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/vehicle-services/insurance-overview
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