Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires at least 15/30/5 in liability coverage plus $5,000 in medical benefits. Pennsylvania is unusual in that it is a "choice" no-fault state: drivers pick between full tort (the right to sue for pain and suffering) and limited tort (a lower premium but restricted right to sue).
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Pennsylvania at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$1,155/yr
≈ $96/mo
vs U.S. average
-10%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
15/30/5
+ $5K PIP
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
Pennsylvania requires at least 15/30/5 in liability coverage plus $5,000 in medical benefits. Pennsylvania is unusual in that it is a "choice" no-fault state: drivers pick between full tort (the right to sue for pain and suffering) and limited tort (a lower premium but restricted right to sue).
That tort choice can meaningfully change both your premium and your rights after a crash. Comparing quotes lets you see how each carrier prices the option you choose.
Pennsylvania minimum car insurance requirements
Pennsylvania requires $15,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, $5,000 in property damage liability, and $5,000 in medical benefits. When you buy a policy you also choose full or limited tort, which affects your right to sue after an accident.
Pennsylvania is a "choice" no-fault state — drivers select full or limited tort. $5,000 in medical benefits coverage is required.
How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
The average driver in Pennsylvania pays $1,155 per year for auto insurance — that's 10% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
Pennsylvania vs the national average
10% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How Pennsylvania premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in Pennsylvania have risen 16% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: Pennsylvania vs national average
Pennsylvania is up 16% from $995 in 2019 to $1,155 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A Pennsylvania policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania
Driving uninsured in Pennsylvania can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Pennsylvania
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in Pennsylvania, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 28, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Pennsylvania car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in Pennsylvania
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