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Best cheap car insurance in Philadelphia for 2024

Updated Nov 13, 2024
Progressive, Geico and Auto-Owners are among the best cheap car insurance companies in Philadelphia.
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

The best car insurance companies in Philadelphia

The best car insurance companies for most drivers are the carriers that offer competitive coverage, excellent service and convenient tools to manage your policy — without overcharging for coverage. Finding that perfect blend of price and value can feel challenging, which is why Bankrate’s insurance editorial team took a close look at the data for insurers in Philadelphia.

In addition to average premium data from Quadrant Information Services, we analyzed each company’s coverage options, available discounts, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores in the most recent J.D. Power studies. Based on these metrics and more, we assigned each carrier a Bankrate Score on a 5.0-point scale to quickly capture how well that provider meets its customers’ needs.

Best for digital tools

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. min coverage premium

$563

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$3,410

Full coverage

Why Progressive made our list: With a high Bankrate Score and some of the lowest average rates in our analysis, Progressive ranks among the best auto insurers for many Philadelphia drivers. Progressive offers standard coverage options along with some less common add-ons like custom parts and equipment coverage, rideshare coverage and pet injury coverage. A long list of discounts and the Name Your Price tool may help customers fit their car insurance to their budget.

Why Progressive may be best for digital tools: Progressive ranked first in the industry for digital service according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study, scoring a whole 20 satisfaction points above the next-highest carrier. In addition to its popular Snapshot mobile telematics program, Progressive’s mobile app allows policyholders to access policy information, make payments, file claims, summon roadside assistance and more. If you’re looking for car insurance you can manage from your phone, you may want to get a quote from Progressive.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 624/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
Read full review
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Best for full coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. min coverage premium

$561

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,890

Full coverage

Why Geico made our list: Geico tied for two Bankrate Awards for auto insurance in 2024: Best Auto Insurance Company Overall and Best Budget Auto Insurance Company. It also won the 2024 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company for Young Drivers. With a focus on digital policies, younger and new drivers, military customers and simple, affordable coverage, Geico may be a good option for anyone seeking a no-frills policy with low premiums. However, Geico received below-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power in both the 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and the 2023 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

Why Geico may be best for full coverage: In our analysis of average premium data, Geico’s rates for full coverage car insurance were significantly lower than the competition. If you’re looking for better financial protection for your vehicle — or if your lender requires you to carry full coverage — Geico may be the most affordable way to get it. Be aware, though, that Geico doesn’t offer some popular full coverage add-ons, including gap insurance.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 647/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for discounts

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Avg. min coverage premium

$606

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$2,619

Full coverage

Why Auto-Owners made our list: Auto-Owners tied with Geico for the 2024 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company. Working with a network of local agents, Auto-Owners offers affordable rates for minimum and full coverage, with a wider selection of add-on coverage options than Geico. Auto-Owners also scored above the industry average for claims satisfaction in recent J.D. Power studies. However, Auto-Owners’s network of local agents doesn’t extend to the Philadelphia metro area, and its digital experience ratings from J.D. Power are considerably below the industry average.

Why Auto-Owners may be best for discounts: In addition to competitively low base rates, Auto-Owners offers a generous list of auto insurance discounts to help customers save. Common discounts include multi-policy discounts for drivers who also purchase home or life insurance, favorable loss history discounts and multi-car discounts. Auto-Owners also offers discounts for drivers who opt for paperless billing, drivers who pay their premium in full and make timely payments for at least 36 months and for young drivers who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.3
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for military-focused coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Avg. min coverage premium

$666

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$3,722

Full coverage

Why USAA made our list: Low rates and stellar customer satisfaction scores set USAA apart from the competition in Philadelphia, but there’s a catch: membership is only available to US military members, veterans and their spouses and children. For those who qualify, auto insurance from USAA may be an ideal option: the carrier scored higher than any other insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study and above all but two insurers in the 2023 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, although it should be noted the carrier is not officially eligible for ranking with J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions.

Why USAA may be best for military-focused coverage: USAA’s auto insurance is geared toward the needs of military drivers, with affordable rates and unique discounts. For instance, vehicles garaged on a military installation are eligible for up to 15 percent off comprehensive coverage, while a vehicle stored during deployment could get a 60 percent discount. For USAA families, the MyUSAA Legacy discount can pass on savings of 10 percent to children of USAA customers when they get their own auto insurance.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.2
J.D. Power 743/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
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Best for local agents

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Avg. min coverage premium

$682

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$3,123

Full coverage

Why Erie made our list: While Erie’s limited regional availability lowered its overall Bankrate Score, it’s among the most attractive options for drivers in the regions it covers — including Philadelphia. Erie ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region in the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study and second nationally for claims satisfaction. Erie’s excellent customer service comes with robust coverage options, including the Erie Auto Plus full coverage package, and affordable rates that may be eligible for Erie’s Rate Lock.

Why Erie may be best for local agents: If you prefer to do business in person with an agent who knows your area, Erie may be a good choice. The company works with a network of over 20 local agents in Philadelphia, giving you access to regional expertise and personalized support.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4
J.D. Power 713/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
Read full review
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Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise

Read our full methodology

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team is made up of licensed insurance agents and other industry professionals with combined decades of experience advising customers on auto insurance decisions. To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, we work with premium data from Quadrant Information Services based on ZIP codes in your area.

46

years of industry experience

122

carriers reviewed

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

1.2M

quotes analyzed

The cheapest car insurance companies in Philadelphia

If price is the primary factor in your insurance shopping process, you may want to request quotes from Geico, Progressive and Auto-Owners. According to Bankrate’s research, these are the three cheapest car insurance companies in Philadelphia for state minimum coverage — the cheapest type of policy that satisfies Pennsylvania insurance requirements. However, these three carriers may not be cheapest for everyone. The table below compares rates from more cheap car insurance companies in the Philadelphia area.

$561
$1,890
$880
$2,513
$606
$2,619
$682
$3,123
$563
$3,410

How much is car insurance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $3,860 per year, or $322 per month, for full coverage insurance and $884 per year, or $74 per month, for minimum coverage. That’s 57 percent more than the Pennsylvania average of $2,455 per year for full coverage and 57 percent more than the national average.

However, the averages shown above represent average costs for 40-year-old drivers with clean records. If that’s not you, your age or your driving record — or any of the other rating factors that impact car insurance pricing — you will likely pay a different rate for auto insurance in Philadelphia. We’ll break down age and driving record, two of the most important rating factors, below.

Philadelphia rates for teens

Teen drivers represent one of the highest risk groups for insurance companies. Their lack of driving experience translates to a statistically higher rate of accidents and violations, which can generate costs for insurers. As a result, Philadelphia teens pay some of the highest rates for insurance — but staying on your parents' policy can diffuse some of the risk (and high costs) of teen car insurance.

On average, an 18-year-old driver in Philadelphia pays $9,551 per year for full coverage insurance. Included on a family policy with both parents, the total average cost of coverage is $6,889 per year.

Coverage type
$994
$869
$1,261
$1,134
$1,394
$1,124
$1,476
$1,290
$1,628
$1,497
*Annual rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
$3,343
$2,938
$4,276
$4,000
$4,960
$4,410
$6,633
$5,273
$6,651
$5,826
*Annual rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.

Philadelphia rates for young drivers

As drivers move into their twenties, the cost of car insurance typically begins to drop, with the most significant decrease after age 25. On average, 25-year-olds in Philadelphia pay $4,757 per year for full coverage, compared to $7,696 at age 20.

Coverage type
$1,096
$645
$1,218
$887
$1,254
$727
$1,370
$829
$1,586
$687
$3,823
$2,275
$5,528
$4,040
$6,242
$4,521
$6,468
$3,036
$6,996
$3,265

Philadelphia rates for adults

In adulthood, car insurance rates typically stabilize for drivers with clean records. On average, Philadelphia drivers pay about $4,167 for full coverage at age 30, $3,860 at age 40 and $3,483 at age 50.

Coverage type
$562
$561
$545
$601
$563
$517
$606
$606
$593
$724
$666
$627
$748
$682
$627
$1,936
$1,890
$1,798
$2,671
$2,619
$2,497
$2,732
$2,513
$2,348
$3,418
$3,123
$2,806
$3,841
$3,622
$3,422

Philadelphia rates for senior drivers

Senior drivers may have lower car insurance costs than other adults thanks to a lifetime of driving experience. However, increased vulnerability to age-related health concerns, such as diminished eyesight and slower reaction times, may prompt insurers to raise rates as drivers enter their seventies. The average annual full coverage premium for 60-year-old Philadelphia drivers is $3,469, while 70-year-olds pay an average of $3,743.

Coverage type
$501
$571
$559
$607
$580
$679
$586
$668
$635
$769
$559
$2,057
$798
$2,476
$580
$2,634
$586
$3,059
$501
$3,102
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

The cheapest car insurance in Philadelphia by driving record

Insurance companies look at your driving record when setting premiums to determine your risk of filing a claim. Drivers with clean records pay the lowest rates, but various driving violations and accidents can affect your rate differently depending on your carrier.

Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Philadelphia

A Pennsylvania speeding ticket conviction can raise your car insurance rates significantly. Philadelphia drivers with a single speeding ticket pay $4,376 per year for full coverage, on average — that's 13 percent more than drivers with clean records.

$561
$3,427
$638
$2,757
$695
$2,440
$727
$3,295
$745
$4,177

Car insurance after an accident in Philadelphia

Car insurance rates tend to increase after an at-fault accident. On average, Philadelphia drivers with a single at-fault accident on their driving record pay 40 percent more for full coverage than drivers with clean records, for an annual total of $5,329. In some cases, an accident where you weren’t at fault can also cause your rates to go up, typically by a smaller amount.

$561
$3,427
$606
$2,619
$866
$3,811
$876
$3,119
$880
$2,513

Car insurance after a DUI in Philadelphia

Under Pennsylvania’s new DUI laws, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties, including a $300 fine, up to six months probation, alcohol highway safety school, a one-year ignition interlock device requirement and an ungraded misdemeanor charge. A DUI will also raise your insurance rates. On average, Philadelphia drivers with a single DUI conviction on their record pay $6,963 per year for full coverage and $1,541 for state minimum coverage. That’s 80 percent more and 74 percent more, respectively, than drivers with clean records.

$626
$4,062
$963
$3,622
$1,183
$6,303
$1,265
$4,596
$1,451
$5,978
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Minimum coverage requirements in Philadelphia

Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is illegal and can carry serious legal and financial consequences. In Philadelphia, all drivers must abide by the requirements of Pennsylvania’s car insurance laws, which include:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $5,000 personal injury protection (PIP)

In Pennsylvania, personal injury protection is typically called First Party Benefit (FPB) coverage. You’ll also be offered uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline these options in writing and stay in compliance with the law. However, most insurance professionals advise taking at least the minimum coverage offered and raising your liability limits if possible.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.

Auto Bankrate Score

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Cost & ratings 50%
  • Coverage & savings 30%
  • Support 20%
  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Written by
R.E. Hawley
Senior writer, Insurance
R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license.
Edited by Senior Editor, Insurance