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Pennsylvania Renters Insurance
Last updated: 2026 · Data reflects current estimated industry averages.
Avg. Annual Premium
$146
Avg. Monthly
$12
Legally Required?
No*
Credit-Based Pricing
Allowed
Primary Risk
Moderate Mixed
Average Renters Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania
Renters in Pennsylvania pay an estimated $146 per year ($12/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data.
Renters Insurance Rates by City in Pennsylvania
| City | Est. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $167/yr |
| Pittsburgh | $149/yr |
| Allentown | $138/yr |
What Makes Pennsylvania Renters Insurance Unique
Philadelphia's premiums run noticeably above the rest of Pennsylvania, largely reflecting higher property crime and liability claim frequency in dense rowhouse neighborhoods.
Risk Factors Specific to Pennsylvania
Underwriters in Pennsylvania weigh a mix of moderate weather and property-crime risk more heavily than in lower-risk states when pricing renters policies.
Renters Insurance Compared With Rent in Pennsylvania
The median gross rent in Pennsylvania was $1,252 a month in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey), 16% below the national median of $1,487. Against that, our estimated renters premium of $146 a year — about $12 a month — equals roughly 12% of one month’s rent for a full year of coverage, above the middle share among the 50 states in our estimates.
The Coverage Detail That Matters Most in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania renters face a mix of risks rather than one dominant peril, so the details of the policy matter more than the headline price. Check whether personal property is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value: an actual-cash-value policy pays depreciated prices, which can mean a few hundred dollars for a laptop that costs over a thousand to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renters insurance required in Pennsylvania?
No. No U.S. state, including Pennsylvania, legally requires tenants to carry renters insurance. That said, individual landlords and property management companies in Pennsylvania can — and often do — require proof of a policy as a lease condition, especially for larger apartment complexes.
How much does renters insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
Renters in Pennsylvania pay an estimated $146 per year ($12/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data. Actual premiums vary based on coverage limits, deductible, credit history (where allowed), claims history, and the specific building or neighborhood.
Can insurers use your credit score to set renters insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows insurers to factor in your credit-based insurance score when calculating renters insurance premiums, alongside coverage limits, claims history, and location. Renters with stronger credit typically qualify for lower rates from most carriers.
What's the biggest renters insurance risk factor in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, risk factors are relatively balanced across weather, theft, and liability exposure — no single peril dominates pricing here, which keeps rates closer to the national middle range.
How much is renters insurance compared with rent in Pennsylvania?
With a median rent of $1,252 a month (2024) and an estimated premium of $146 a year, a full year of renters insurance in Pennsylvania costs roughly 12% of one month's rent.
Related Tools
- → Renters Insurance Calculator — Estimate your coverage needs and costs
- → Home Insurance Calculator — For homeowners comparing coverage
- → Umbrella Insurance Calculator — Extra liability protection beyond renters limits
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*No U.S. state legally mandates renters insurance, though individual landlords may require it as a lease condition. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages as of 2026. Insurance rates change periodically; always verify current pricing with a licensed insurance professional. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.