If you're shopping for car insurance in Pennsylvania, you're probably wondering what you'll actually pay. The good news? Pennsylvania drivers typically pay less than the national average. The not-so-good news? Your actual rate depends on a lot of factors—where you live, what coverage options you choose, and even your credit score can swing your premium by hundreds of dollars.
Here's what you need to know about car insurance costs in Pennsylvania, including the unique tort choice that could save you money now but cost you later.
What's the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania drivers pay an average of $172 per month for full coverage car insurance, which works out to about $2,064 per year. That's actually pretty reasonable—Pennsylvania ranks among the 20 cheapest states for car insurance in the country.
If you're only buying the state minimum coverage (which we'll talk about in a minute), you're looking at around $54 per month, or about $648 per year. That's significantly cheaper, but it also means you have a lot less protection if something goes wrong.
Keep in mind these are averages for a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record. Your actual rate will depend on your individual situation—and 2024 brought some steep increases across the board, with Pennsylvania rates jumping about 35% due to inflation, rising repair costs, and a dramatic 60% increase in vehicle thefts compared to 2022.
How Your Location Affects Your Rate
Here's where things get interesting: your ZIP code makes a huge difference in what you'll pay. Insurance companies look at population density, crime rates, accident frequency, and even local repair costs to set rates for different areas.
Philadelphia has the most expensive car insurance in Pennsylvania—and it's not even close. Philadelphia drivers pay an average of $237 per month for full coverage, which is 67% higher than the state average. That's about $2,844 per year. If you're in Pittsburgh, you'll pay around $177 per month (about $2,124 annually), which is closer to the state average but still reflects the higher risk of urban driving.
Rural drivers get the best deal. If you live in a smaller town like Lemont, you might pay as little as $93 per month for full coverage—that's less than half what Philadelphia drivers pay. The difference comes down to risk: fewer cars on the road means fewer accidents, and lower crime rates mean less theft and vandalism.
Pennsylvania's Unique Tort Choice: Full Tort vs. Limited Tort
Pennsylvania is one of the few states that makes you choose between full tort and limited tort coverage when you buy your policy. This choice can save you money upfront, but it could cost you thousands if you're in an accident.
Limited tort is the cheaper option—it typically costs about 10-15% less than full tort, which works out to roughly $200-300 less per year. The catch? If you're injured in an accident, you can only sue for your actual out-of-pocket costs like medical bills and lost wages. You give up the right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet Pennsylvania's "serious injury" threshold (which is a high bar to clear).
Full tort costs more, but it preserves all your legal rights. If someone else causes an accident and you're injured, you can sue for pain and suffering on top of your economic damages. Most insurance experts recommend paying the extra for full tort coverage—it's less than a dollar per day for peace of mind and potentially thousands of dollars in compensation if you need it.
What Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Rate?
Beyond where you live and your tort choice, insurance companies look at a bunch of factors to calculate your premium. Understanding these can help you find ways to lower your rate.
Your age makes a big difference. If you're under 20, you'll pay the highest rates because younger drivers have less experience and statistically get into more accidents. The good news? Your rates typically start dropping around age 25 and continue to decrease until you hit your 70s.
Your driving record is huge. A single speeding ticket can bump your rate, and a DUI or at-fault accident will really hurt your wallet. Keep your record clean for three to five years and you'll see those surcharges disappear.
Credit score matters too. Pennsylvania allows insurers to use your credit when setting rates, and the difference between excellent credit and poor credit can be hundreds of dollars per year. It might seem unfair, but insurers have found that credit scores correlate with claim frequency.
The type of car you drive also plays a role. Sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure because they're expensive to repair and more likely to be stolen. Meanwhile, safe, reliable sedans with good crash-test ratings will get you a better rate.
Pennsylvania's Minimum Coverage Requirements
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $5,000 in property damage liability. You'll also need $5,000 in medical benefits coverage, which pays for your own injuries regardless of who caused the accident—that's the no-fault part of Pennsylvania's system.
Here's the thing: these minimums are pretty low. A serious accident can easily result in medical bills that exceed $15,000 per person, and a totaled car can cost way more than $5,000 to replace. If you cause an accident and your liability coverage maxes out, you'll be on the hook for the rest—and that could mean losing your house or having your wages garnished.
Most insurance experts recommend carrying at least $100,000/$300,000 in liability coverage, plus collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your own vehicle. It costs more, but it's worth it for the financial protection.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs
The best way to save money on car insurance is to shop around. Rates vary wildly between companies—the difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer can be $1,000 or more per year for the same coverage. Get quotes from at least three companies and compare not just the price but also the coverage and customer service reputation.
Ask about discounts. Most insurers offer discounts for bundling your auto and home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or having safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags. If you're a student with good grades, you might qualify for a discount too.
Consider raising your deductible. If you can afford to pay $1,000 out of pocket instead of $500 in the event of a claim, you'll save on your monthly premium. Just make sure you have that amount saved in case you need it.
And finally, keep that driving record clean. Every year without an accident or ticket makes you a better risk in the eyes of insurers, and your rates will reflect that.
Getting Started with Pennsylvania Car Insurance
Car insurance in Pennsylvania doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Yes, you'll need to make that full tort versus limited tort choice, and yes, your location will impact your rate. But with a little shopping around and some smart coverage decisions, you can find a policy that protects you without breaking the bank.
Ready to get your Pennsylvania car insurance quote? Compare rates from multiple insurers, choose full tort coverage for maximum protection, and make sure you're carrying enough liability coverage to protect your assets. Your wallet—and your future self—will thank you.
