What is the minimum car insurance required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage types (often shown as 15/30/5), plus medical benefits:
| Coverage | Minimum | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | $15,000 per person/ $30,000 per accident |
Helps pay for injuries you cause to others while driving |
| Property damage liability (PD) | $5,000 per accident | Helps pay for repairing or replacing others’ property you damage while driving |
| First-party medical benefits | $5,000 per person | Helps pay medical costs for you and your passengers after a covered accident, regardless of who caused it |
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, drivers must carry at least the minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Pennsylvania also requires $5,000 in medical benefits per person, which helps pay medical costs for you and your passengers after a covered accident, regardless of fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage must be offered by your insurer but may be declined in writing — it is not required.
Check other insurance options for Pennsylvania
Additional Pennsylvania auto insurance coverages to consider
A Farmers Flex Personal Auto policy goes beyond the basics, offering a wide range of optional coverages and features to help you tailor your policy to suit your lifestyle.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, can help pay for losses or damage to your car caused by theft, vandalism, hail, wind, fire, animals and more. Pennsylvania’s mix of urban driving and rural roads — plus unpredictable northeastern winters — makes this coverage worth considering.
Collision
When you’re in an accident, including collisions with other vehicles or objects, collision coverage can help pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for your medical costs if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your expenses. Pennsylvania insurers must offer this coverage, but you may decline it in writing.
Read more about other optional policy features and coverages:
- Accident forgiveness
- Declining deductibles
- Enhanced roadside and ride assistance
- Vehicle replacement plus
- Rental coverage or rental alternative coverage
- New original parts
- $100 glass deductible
What liability insurance is required in Pennsylvania?
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident (total for all injuries)
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
What “15/30/5” means:
- 15 = up to $15,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause
- 30 = up to $30,000 for injuries to multiple people in the same accident
- 5 = up to $5,000 for property damage (such as the other driver’s car)
How much is car insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania drivers paid an average of $1,273 a year for auto insurance, less than the national average of $1,438, according to the most recent data available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Keep in mind that insurance premiums have changed in most states since that data was collected. Your cost will also depend on how much coverage you choose, as well as your driving history, the car you drive and other factors.
Save money with Pennsylvania car insurance discounts
Farmers® offers a variety of discounts for eligible drivers in Pennsylvania. A few examples of how you might lower your premium:
Welcome Discount
New to Farmers? You may qualify for a discount just for switching to a Farmers auto policy. It’s one of the easiest ways to start saving from day one.
Loyalty Discount
The longer you stay with Farmers, the more you may save. Loyal customers who maintain continuous coverage may qualify for a discount that grows over time.
Five-Year Accident-Free Discount
If you’ve gone five years without an at-fault accident, you may qualify for this discount — a reward for your consistent safe driving on Pennsylvania roads.
Signal®
Signal is Farmers’ safe driving app that can reward you with an initial discount just for signing up, plus additional savings based on your driving behavior. It’s an easy way to turn safe habits on Pennsylvania roads into lower rates.
Pennsylvania auto insurance bundling discounts and benefits
Bundling insurance can help you save money and time — and avoid accidental gaps in coverage. Bundling a Farmers car and home policy can save you up to 10% or more off both. Beyond the savings, bundling simplifies your insurance. You’ll have one insurer and one point of contact if you ever need to file a claim. To explore even more bundling options — including condo, RV, life and umbrella policies — talk to a Farmers agent about how much you could save.
Factors that affect your Pennsylvania car insurance rates
While every insurer uses its own rating methods, premiums are often based on your level of risk, the vehicle you drive and where you live. You may be able to lower your premium by maintaining a safe driving record, choosing a higher deductible, qualifying for discounts or bundling your auto policy with other insurance coverage.
Factors that may affect your car insurance rate in Pennsylvania include:
- Your age and driving experience
- Your driving record and claims history
- The type, value and safety features of your vehicle
- How much you drive each year
- Your ZIP code and local accident or theft rates
- The coverage limits and deductible you choose
- Available discounts, such as bundling policies
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault or at-fault state?
Limited tort: You agree to limit your right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident, with some exceptions. In exchange, your premium is generally lower.
Full tort: You retain the full right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident. This option typically comes with a higher premium.
Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system also differs from traditional no-fault states in another way. In a true no-fault state, drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that pays their own medical costs after an accident regardless of who caused it, and the ability to sue is restricted. Pennsylvania requires first-party medical benefits coverage — which serves a similar purpose — but drivers here have broader options for seeking additional compensation, depending on the tort choice they make.
If you have questions about how Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system affects your coverage, a Farmers agent can walk you through your options.
Fun fact: America’s first superhighway
When it opened on October 1, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was America’s first superhighway — an unbroken ribbon of concrete through the Alleghenies with no stop signs, no intersections and no speed limit. It became the model for the entire U.S. Interstate Highway System. — Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
How to get an auto insurance quote in Pennsylvania
Have this information at your fingertips to help make getting a Pennsylvania car insurance quote quick and easy. You can start a free quote online with Farmers FastQuote® or connect with a local Farmers agent.
Drivers and household details
- Name and date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Household occupants (drivers and nondrivers), ages and driving history
- Commute, including how many miles, how often, what hours
- Current insurance information
Vehicle information
- Make, model, year
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Current mileage/odometer reading
- Purchase date
- Loan or lease documentation (if applicable)
Pennsylvania car insurance FAQs
At what age does car insurance go down in Pennsylvania?
Car insurance rates typically start to decrease as drivers gain more experience and maintain a clean driving record, often in their mid-20s. In Pennsylvania, your rate can still depend on factors like your claims history, vehicle, ZIP code, coverage limits and discounts. Rates can continue to change over time, so it can help to review your auto policy regularly and ask about available savings.
Can I register my car in Pennsylvania with out-of-state insurance?
Generally, no. Pennsylvania requires vehicles registered in the state to be covered by a liability insurance policy that meets Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements. If you’re moving to Pennsylvania, contact your current insurer to update your garaging address — rates and coverage requirements vary by state. For guidance on registration requirements and proof of insurance, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or a Farmers agent.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
The cost of car insurance in Harrisburg can vary based on ZIP code, driver profile, vehicle, coverage level, available discounts and your deductible. The most recent NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report shows that Pennsylvania drivers paid an average of $1,273 per year for auto insurance. NAIC reports use insurer-reported data and do not track city-specific insurance rates. Some third-party insurance marketplaces publish city-level estimates, but those figures are typically based on sample profiles or modeled data rather than official city averages.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Pennsylvania?
Yes, in many cases. In Pennsylvania, if a licensed driver has your permission to drive your car, they may be covered under your auto policy even if they are not listed on it. This is often called “permissive use.” However, coverage can depend on your policy, the driver and the situation. Someone who regularly drives your car, especially a household member, should generally be listed on your policy to be covered.
Get a Pennsylvania car insurance quote online today and compare coverage options to find the right balance of protection and savings.
Learn From Experience
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How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?
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