Margaret Huntley Last Updated On: July 25, 2023

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Your Guide to Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State has so much to offer its residents, from the exciting cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, to historic Gettysburg, to beautiful Lake Erie, and even the deliciously exciting Hershey’s Park! Whether you’re a born and bred local or a new resident, chances are you’ll need a car to get around. And wherever there’s cars, there’s car insurance. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about car insurance in Pennsylvania. 

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Table of Contents

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Let’s get right into it. The average Pennsylvania auto insurance rate is:

  • $2,040 annually for full coverage
  • $428 annually for minimum coverage 

These are some pretty good rates when compared to the national averages:

  • $2,014 annually for full coverage
  • $622 annually for minimum coverage 

We do have to keep in mind, however, that these are average costs. They do not reflect what each and every person can expect to pay for their car insurance policy. This is because car insurance rates are also affected by factors such as age, driving history, and type of vehicle. 

But these average rates can give you a good baseline to assess what you might be expected to pay for insurance in the state. For example, if a company quotes a rate drastically above or below the average, then you should start asking questions.

Minimum Coverage Limits in Pennsylvania

Not everyone realizes this, but it is illegal to drive without insurance. 

This is true in almost every state and Pennsylvania is no exception. Drivers in Pennsylvania must carry at minimum:

  • Bodily injury coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident 
  • Property damage liability coverage of $5,000
  • First party benefits of $5,000
  • Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.*

*Note: You can request to reject underinsured or uninsured motorist coverages. 

If you are caught driving without meeting these Pennsylvania car insurance requirements, you can be fined up to $300 and have your driver’s license, vehicle registration and license plate suspended for three months. Plus, you’d be totally financially responsible for any accidents that might occur. 

Remember that these are just the minimum coverage limits according to Pennsylvania car insurance laws. Insurance experts highly recommend carrying policies with increased limits to offer drivers more protection.

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Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania

Each coverage on your policy looks after a different type of expense that may be incurred. We thought it would be helpful to provide a brief explanation of what each of these coverages looks after: 

  • Bodily Injury: This coverage looks after medical costs for other people injured in an accident for which you are at fault. It also provides you a legal defense if you’re sued. 
  • Property Damage Liability: This coverage looks after costs to repair damages to other people’s property caused by an accident for which you are at fault. 
  • First Party Benefits: This covers personal medical expenses for yourself and others present in your vehicle at the time of an accident. 
  • Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist: This coverage kicks in when you get into an accident with someone who does not meet the legal minimum insurance requirements, so that you’re not stuck with the bill. 
  • Collision: This coverage looks after damages to your vehicle after an accident. 
  • Comprehensive: This coverage takes care of expenses related to non-collision events such as theft or vandalism. 
  • Full Tort: This coverage allows you to sue other drivers for pain and suffering if you are injured in an accident. 
  • Limited Tort: This coverage places some restrictions on your ability to sue other drivers. 
  • Gap Insurance: This covers the difference between the depreciated value of your vehicle and the outstanding lease balance you owe on the vehicle. 

When you hear the term “full coverage policy,” that refers to car insurance with all the legal minimum coverages, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the standard amount of coverage recommended to all drivers that are able to afford it. 

That said, you can see how these additional coverages can be an asset. Of course, cost is a big factor in your decision. Next, we’ll explore ways to save on car insurance premiums, so you can pack in more coverage for less.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

While we can look at the broader picture of car insurance across the state, insurance is ultimately personal. The perfect automobile insurance policy varies depending on your individual needs and budget. 

In order to save money, no matter your situation, follow these important steps:

  • Compare multiple Pennsylvania car insurance quotes to ensure you find the best policy available. 
  • Properly assess how much coverage you realistically need. 
  • Speak to an insurance expert for advice and clarification.
  • Practice safe driving habits to maintain a clean driving record, because even those with previous claims, tickets, or DUI charges can benefit from maintaining a clean record going forward. 
  • Consider bundling with home insurance to save on both policies.
  • Look for other discounts offered by different providers such as alumni, veterans, or safe driving. 

If you are diligent in understanding all of your options, finding the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania will be a breeze!

Best Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania

As you compare car insurance quotes in Pennsylvania, be sure to check out the following insurance providers. They are known for offering the most affordable car insurance rates in Pennsylvania! 

  • Geico
  • Erie
  • Nationwide 
  • Progressive 
  • Allstate 

Ideally, you’ll want at least three quotes from different providers to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, so these companies are a great starting point. Get access to free quotes from these providers and more by clicking here.

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Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws for Teen Drivers

Young drivers have limited experience on the road, making them high risk to insurance providers. Young drivers tend to pay much more for insurance than adults do. 

With that in mind, it’s important to get teen drivers on the road as soon as they are comfortable doing so. The faster they lock in a record of safe driving, the sooner those car insurance rates decrease. 

Remember that Pennsylvania currently has the following laws in place for teen drivers:

  • Must be 16 years of age to apply for a learner’s permit
  • Must complete 6 months of supervised driving with a learner’s permit including:
    • Total 65 hours of driving
    • 10 hours of driving at night
    • 5 hours of driving in inclement weather
  • After those 6 months, they can obtain a license with the following restrictions:
    • No more than one passenger under 18 for the first 6 months
    • No more than three passengers after those first 6 months
    • No driving between the hours of 11pm and 5am
  • Driver obtains full, no-restrictions license at age 17 (or after a full year if driver got learners permit later than 16)

Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Be sure to adhere to these and all other driving laws, no matter your age, for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. 

Registering a Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Maybe you’re moving to the state, or maybe you’re purchasing your first new car. Whatever the reason, if you are registering a vehicle in Pennsylvania, here’s what you need to bring with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
  • Valid title for all vehicles you’re registering, issued in your name
  • Proof of Pennsylvania car insurance which must indicate policy effective and expiration dates, can be:
    • Insurance ID card
    • Declaration page of policy
    • Copy of valid binder or application
  • Form of personal ID
  • Completed MV-1 form, these forms can be obtained from:
    • Messenger
    • Tag agency
    • Driver and Vehicle service center
    • If the vehicle is leased, you must also have an MV-1L form completed by leasing company
      • Note that this might require power of attorney to obtain
    • A tracing of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) OR verification of VIN by authorized party
    • Appropriate title, lien, registration fees (payable to commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
    While this may seem like a lot of documentation, if you have all of it prepared before going to the DMV, you’ll save yourself a ton of time.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Car Insurance Requirements

This was quite a bit of information. But it wouldn’t be a comprehensive guide if we didn’t include everything, now would it? 

When it comes to car insurance in Pennsylvania, remember:

  • The average cost is $2,040 per year for full coverage and $428 for minimum coverage 
  • You have to follow all Pennsylvania driving laws including minimum coverage limits and teen drivers’ restrictions 
  • Do plenty of research to understand what type of car insurance policy you want and where you can find the best price 

Ready for Pennsylvania auto insurance quotes? Just ask and you shall receive. Click here for access to free quotes, fast. 

We’ve got you covered. 

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Margaret Huntley Margaret Huntley is a creative writing and philosophy student at Western University. She has been working as a freelance writer for over two years and has written about everything from insurance, to poker, to health and wellness for international businesses.

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