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Pennsylvania Car Insurance Requirements
Last updated: 2026 · Data reflects current state minimums and industry averages.
Minimum Liability
15/30/5
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,470
Avg. Monthly
$123
Uninsured Drivers
7.7%
PIP Required
Yes
Minimum Coverage Requirements
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 15/30/5 — meaning $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required, covering medical expenses regardless of fault.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Pennsylvania
Drivers in Pennsylvania typically pay approximately $1,470 per year ($123/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data.
Car Insurance Rates by City in Pennsylvania
| City | Est. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $2,040/yr |
| Pittsburgh | $1,610/yr |
| Allentown | $1,530/yr |
| Erie | $1,440/yr |
| Reading | $1,580/yr |
| Scranton | $1,470/yr |
State Regulations and Key Rules
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Drivers choose between limited tort (lower premiums, restricted right to sue) and full tort (higher premiums, full right to sue). PIP of at least $5,000 is required under both options.
What Makes Pennsylvania Unique
Pennsylvania's tort choice system means drivers effectively choose between lower premiums with restricted legal rights or higher premiums with full rights to sue for pain and suffering. This choice has significant long-term financial implications.
Uninsured Drivers in Pennsylvania
Approximately 7.7% of drivers in Pennsylvania are estimated to be uninsured. This is among the lower uninsured rates in the country, though carrying uninsured motorist coverage remains a sound financial decision.
Risk Factors Specific to Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has elevated vehicle theft and vandalism rates compared to the rest of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and bridge infrastructure create specific accident risk patterns. Pennsylvania winters bring heavy snow to both the western plateau and northeastern mountains.
What Pennsylvania’s Minimum Actually Covers
Pennsylvania’s minimum is 15/30/5: $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 total per accident for injuries, and $5,000 for property damage. With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $5,000 property damage limit would leave about $45,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt. On the injury side, a single hospital admission after a serious crash can exceed $15,000 quickly; anything above the limit can be pursued from your assets and future wages.
No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Drivers carry $5,000 of first-party medical benefits, with a choice between “limited tort” and “full tort”. The choice you make affects whether you can sue for pain and suffering after a crash, so it is worth reading rather than accepting the default. Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Pennsylvania, though insurers generally must offer it and you may have to reject it in writing.
How Pennsylvania Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price
An estimated 7.7% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 13 — a middle-of-the-pack uninsured rate.
Our average premium estimate of $1,470 a year puts Pennsylvania above the national middle in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).
How to Save on Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia rates are among the highest in Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh and mid-state cities offer significantly lower premiums. Pennsylvania's full tort vs limited tort choice is significant; full tort provides better legal rights but costs more. Drivers who choose limited tort should understand that they waive most rights to sue for pain and suffering.
- Pennsylvania's minimum liability requirement of 15/30/5 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since Pennsylvania already requires PIP coverage, review whether that limit alone would cover a serious injury claim.
- With an estimated 7.7% of Pennsylvania drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania?
15/30/5: $15,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 of property damage liability.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault state?
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Drivers carry $5,000 of first-party medical benefits, with a choice between "limited tort" and "full tort".
How many drivers are uninsured in Pennsylvania?
An estimated 7.7% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 13.
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The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.