Last Updated on January 1, 2026

Drivers in Pennsylvania must carry car insurance (or otherwise prove financial responsibility) to register and legally operate a vehicle. Although Pennsylvania’s system is similar to most states, it has a few quirks that can meaningfully affect your costs and protections — including “choice no-fault” rules and the option to choose limited tort or full tort.

Prices also vary widely by ZIP code. A driver in a rural county may pay far less than a similar driver in a dense metro area — especially in and around Philadelphia. Recent third-party estimates put Pennsylvania’s average annual cost in the low-to-mid $2,000s for full coverage (and a few hundred dollars for minimum coverage), but your actual quote could be much higher or lower depending on your driving record, vehicle, credit-based insurance score, and coverage choices.

The best way to find the best auto insurance in Pennsylvania is simple: shop around. Compare quotes from multiple insurers, verify the coverage details (especially deductibles and exclusions), and choose the policy that matches your budget and risk tolerance.

Key Takeaways

1. Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Is Low: PA requires 15/30 bodily injury liability, $5,000 property damage liability, and $5,000 medical benefits—but many drivers choose higher limits for better protection.
2. Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Matters: Your tort option affects both your premium and your ability to sue for pain and suffering after a crash.
3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Optional: PA doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage, but it can help if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance.
4. Comparing Quotes Can Save You Money: Rates vary widely by ZIP code and driver profile, so getting multiple quotes is often the fastest way to find the best deal.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania

Based on our analysis of value, coverage options, and overall customer experience, here are ten strong picks for Pennsylvania drivers. (Availability, pricing, and discounts can vary by county and driver profile.)

1. Travelers

Travelers is often a strong fit for Pennsylvania drivers who want flexible coverage options and competitive pricing — especially if you have a solid driving history and strong credit. Travelers can also be a good pick if you want to customize your policy with optional endorsements instead of buying a “one-size-fits-all” plan.

• Best for: Drivers who want lots of coverage customization; households that like bundling auto + home/renters.

2. Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance is a standout regional insurer in Pennsylvania and is frequently praised for strong service and claims handling. Erie can be a particularly good option if you prefer a more “local” feel than some nationwide carriers while still getting modern coverage options.

• Best for: Pennsylvania drivers who value customer service and want a strong regional carrier.

3. Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners isn’t as widely discussed as some household-name insurers, but it can be a great value in the states where it’s available. If you want a balance of coverage quality and pricing — without paying “premium-brand” rates — Auto-Owners is worth a quote.

• Best for: Drivers who want a strong mix of value and coverage; people who prefer working through an agent.

4. State Farm

State Farm is one of the biggest insurers in the country, and its scale can translate into broad availability, lots of agent support, and an extensive menu of discounts. If you’re looking to lower your price, it’s worth reviewing State Farm’s discount options and seeing which ones you can stack.

• Best for: Drivers who want a large agent network, lots of discounts, and broad coverage availability.

5. Allied

Allied Insurance (a Nationwide company) can be a smart option if you like Nationwide’s general approach but want to compare branding, discounts, and pricing. Depending on your county and driver profile, Allied may land with a more attractive quote than the “main” brand.

• Best for: Drivers who want Nationwide-backed coverage and are comparison shopping closely for price.

6. GEICO

GEICO is widely known for competitive pricing and a streamlined online experience. Service experiences can vary by situation, but if your priority is finding a low quote quickly, GEICO is usually a “must-check” carrier — and we break down how it stacks up on price here: does GEICO have the cheapest auto insurance?

• Best for: Price-focused shoppers who prefer a digital-first experience.

7. USAA

If you’re eligible for USAA membership (military service members, veterans, and qualifying family members), USAA is often one of the best overall values for auto insurance — balancing strong customer service with competitive premiums. Because eligibility is limited, not everyone in Pennsylvania can buy USAA coverage, but it’s absolutely worth checking if you qualify.

• Best for: Eligible military-affiliated drivers who want top-tier service and strong value.

8. Donegal Mutual

Donegal Mutual is a well-known name to many Pennsylvania drivers and can be a practical choice if you want a carrier with a strong local footprint. It’s especially worth a look if you prefer working through an agent and want a company that’s familiar across the state.

• Best for: Drivers who prefer an agent-based experience and want a Pennsylvania-friendly insurer.

9. Progressive

Progressive is a popular pick for drivers who want lots of quoting tools and flexible pricing structures. Depending on your situation (especially if you have incidents on your record), Progressive may come in higher or lower than you’d expect — which is exactly why it belongs on a short list of insurers to compare in Pennsylvania.

• Best for: Drivers who like online quoting tools and want to compare multiple coverage/deductible combinations quickly.

10. Allstate

Allstate can be a solid option for Pennsylvania drivers who want strong add-on coverage choices and are comfortable paying a bit more for broader protection — especially when bundling home/renters or qualifying for multiple discounts. If your current insurer is increasing premiums aggressively, it’s still worth getting an Allstate quote to see how it compares for your profile.

• Best for: Drivers who prioritize coverage features and plan to stack discounts (especially bundling).

Pennsylvania Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania requires drivers to maintain minimum auto insurance coverages. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department summarizes the minimum required coverages as: $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury liability, $5,000 property damage liability, and $5,000 medical benefits (source).

Minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania include:

• $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $5,000 of property damage liability coverage
• $5,000 of medical benefits coverage (often called first-party benefits), which helps pay medical bills after an accident

Pennsylvania is also considered a no-fault state in the sense that certain medical costs are handled through your own policy regardless of fault. When you buy your policy, you’ll also choose between limited tort and full tort. Full tort usually costs more but preserves broader rights to sue for pain and suffering; limited tort often costs less but limits those rights (learn more in the state’s Auto Insurance Guide).

Pennsylvania does not require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, but it can be a smart add-on in a state where uninsured driving still exists. If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage, which are typically part of what people call full coverage.

Even though the state minimums are legal, they’re low. Many Pennsylvania drivers choose higher liability limits and add UM/UIM coverage to reduce the risk of major out-of-pocket costs after a serious crash.

Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania

Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is illegal — and it’s risky even beyond the legal penalties. Uninsured driving still exists: recent state-by-state estimates put Pennsylvania’s uninsured motorist rate at about 11% (2023), meaning roughly 1 in 9 drivers may be uninsured (source).

If PennDOT determines you were operating (or registering) a vehicle without the required insurance, you may face penalties. PennDOT’s Insurance Law FAQs outline consequences that can include a $300 fine and a 3-month suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license, plus restoration fees (source).

Depending on the situation, you may also qualify for a civil penalty option in lieu of a registration suspension for certain first-time insurance lapse situations — but eligibility rules apply and you must apply through PennDOT (details).

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania with DUI

A DUI can raise auto insurance premiums in Pennsylvania substantially — sometimes for multiple renewal cycles. The size of the increase depends on your insurer, your prior history, and how your company rates violations. If you have a DUI on your record, prioritize comparing quotes from multiple companies and ask each insurer how far back they look when pricing policies (learn more here: how much does insurance go up after a DUI?).

As a starting point, consider getting quotes from several of the major insurers listed above (and any strong regional options available in your county). If you’re having trouble getting standard coverage, you may need to work with an independent agent who can shop non-standard carriers on your behalf.

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania with At-Fault Accidents

If you caused an at-fault accident in Pennsylvania, you can expect higher premiums — especially if the accident involved injuries, significant property damage, or multiple claims. Different insurers treat accidents differently, so shopping around is often the fastest way to reduce the impact at renewal.

To keep the increase as low as possible, focus on maintaining a clean driving record going forward, raising deductibles if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk, and asking about accident forgiveness (if available). For more context on what tends to raise premiums, see: top causes of car insurance rate increases.

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania with Speeding Tickets

A speeding ticket may or may not impact your rate immediately, but it can still show up at renewal — and multiple tickets (or a severe violation) can raise premiums quickly. If you’re unsure what to expect, review: how much will a single speeding ticket increase your rates?

Your best move after a ticket is to compare quotes before renewal and look for discounts that can offset the increase (bundling, safe driver programs, paying in full, defensive driving, and telematics programs where available).

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for Young Drivers

Young drivers pay higher rates in Pennsylvania because insurers see newer drivers as higher risk. That doesn’t mean young drivers are “stuck” with expensive premiums, though — the best strategy is to compare multiple insurers, pursue student and safe-driver discounts, and consider adding a young driver to a family policy when possible (see more: cheapest car insurance for young drivers).

Keeping liability limits strong is especially important for young drivers, since one serious accident can create financial exposure far beyond the state minimums.

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania with Poor Credit

Pennsylvania insurers are generally allowed to consider credit-based factors when pricing policies. If you have poor credit, you could pay more for the same coverage than a driver with excellent credit — even with a similar driving record (learn more: does credit score affect your car insurance rates?).

Because insurers evaluate credit differently, comparing quotes can make a huge difference. It also helps to understand what insurers are actually using when they price you — see: what is my car insurance score?

SR-22 Insurance in Pennsylvania

Many states require an SR-22 (or similar filing) after certain violations. Pennsylvania typically focuses on maintaining and proving financial responsibility and may require proof of insurance to restore driving and registration privileges after a lapse or suspension. If you’re unsure what documentation applies to your situation, check PennDOT’s insurance resources and reinstatement rules directly (PennDOT Insurance Law FAQs).

FAQs on Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

The best car insurance in Pennsylvania depends on your location, driving history, and coverage needs. Start by comparing quotes from multiple insurers (including at least one regional carrier and at least one national carrier), then confirm you’re comparing the same coverages and deductibles.

Finally, don’t buy based on price alone: Pennsylvania’s minimum limits are low, so consider higher liability limits and optional protections (like UM/UIM) to better protect your finances after a serious crash.