Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania for 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
Edited by
Reviewed by
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania homeowners pay an average of $1,233 for $300,000 of dwelling coverage, which is well below the national average of $2,304. However, the cost of a policy shouldn’t be the only consideration. To see how Pennsylvania home insurance companies stack up, we’ve gathered average premium data from Quadrant Information Services, along with each provider’s J.D. Power score, AM Best financial strength rating, available coverage, discount opportunities and more.
Based on our findings, USAA, Erie, Allstate, Farmers and Penn National offer some of the best homeowners insurance in PA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
737
/1,000 |
$68
|
$818
|
||
|
674
/1,000 |
$70
|
$844
|
||
|
631
/1,000 |
$65
|
$782
|
||
|
609
/1,000 |
$179
|
$2,143
|
||
|
Penn National
|
Not rated |
$81
|
$970
|
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyThe home insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for home insurance.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The top 5 home insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Best for military-focused coverage
4.7
4.7
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$68/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$818/yr
Customer satisfaction
737/1,000
-
Why USAA made our list: USAA scored the highest in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study, although it is technically not eligible for ranking due to its eligibility requirements. Only active or former military members and their families have access to USAA’s insurance policies and exclusive benefits. The company's average Pennsylvania rates are well below the state average, and policyholders may save even more with potential discounts for protective devices and insuring a home with the carrier for three continuous years. USAA has the highest rating possible from AM Best and includes replacement cost coverage in all policies. These factors and more contributed to USAA's tie for Best Home Insurance Company Overall in the 2024 Bankrate Awards.
Who USAA may be good for: Active-duty military members and eligible families stationed at Carlisle Barracks, Tobyhanna or any of the other Army or Navy bases in Pennsylvania may qualify for USAA coverage and appreciate the carrier's military-focused coverage options, such as uniform coverage.
Best for local agents
4.4
4.4
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$70/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$844/yr
Customer satisfaction
674/1,000
-
Why Erie made our list: Because Erie is a Pennsylvania-based regional insurer, its agents may be more familiar with the needs of homeowners in the state than larger carriers. Founded in 1925, Erie currently has offices in eight Pennsylvania cities, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown and Harrisburg. The company maintains an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and a high ranking in the 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study. However, Erie scored below average in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study in the service category.
Who Erie might be good for: If you would rather do business with a live agent rather than through a mobile app or website, you may want to get a quote from Erie.
Best for customizable coverage
4.2
4.2
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$65/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$782/yr
Customer satisfaction
631/1,000
-
Why Allstate made our list: Allstate tied with USAA in the 2024 Bankrate Awards for Best Home Insurance Company Overall. Its average rates are some of the lowest of any company on our list, and it has a superior financial strength rating with AM Best. Allstate may appeal to homeowners looking for unique coverage options, as many of the carrier's endorsements are not found with other companies. These include yard and garden coverage, electronic data recovery, musical instrument coverage, sports equipment coverage and green improvement reimbursement, which allows you to replace damaged or destroyed items with more energy-efficient options. The company does, however, score slightly below average for customer satisfaction with J.D. Power.
Who Allstate may be good for: Allstate may be a great company for homeowners who want to build a robust policy without breaking the bank.
Best for coverage packages
3.6
3.6
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$179/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$2,143/yr
Customer satisfaction
609/1,000
-
Why Farmers made our list: If you’re looking to bypass the guesswork and choose a pre-packaged policy, Farmers could be a good choice for your home. With the Farmers Smart Plan, homeowners can choose from three different tiers of coverage. The Standard package may be a good choice for young homeowners looking for inexpensive, basic coverage, while Enhanced and Premier packages offer more policy options to those who want additional coverage and aren't as concerned with saving money. The Farmers Flex Personal Home program offers additional optional coverage types, such as extended replacement cost and emergency mortgage assistance.
Who Farmers may be good for: Farmers' packaged coverage options may be appealing to shoppers who are new to the insurance world or are looking for a simplified shopping experience.
Best for regional coverage
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$81/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$970/yr
Customer satisfaction
Not rated
-
Why Penn National made our list: Penn National is a regional company based in Harrisburg that sells policies in 11 states through a network of more than 1,200 independent agents. For a smaller carrier, Penn National still has a fairly robust list of endorsements, including water backup and sump pump overflow, identity theft and valuable articles coverage. However, Penn National is not scored by J.D. Power, so you may want to speak with existing policyholders about their experience.
Who Penn National may be good for: Pennsylvania homeowners who want to work with a smaller company that’s familiar with regional needs may find Penn National appealing.
Additional Pennsylvania home insurance companies to consider
Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Homeowners who want cheap policies
Rate data from Quadrant Information Services shows that, on average, home insurance policies from Cumberland Mutual cost $643 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. Along with low rates, Cumberland Mutual boasts an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and a low complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). However, Cumberland Mutual does not offer much room for customization, and it may be better suited for homeowners looking for cheap, no-frills policies.
Donegal
Homeowners looking for straightforward policies
Donegal’s policies fall on the simpler end of the spectrum. Homeowners looking for straightforward policies may be attracted to Donegal’s short list of endorsements, which include extended coverage limits, replacement cost coverage, identity fraud coverage and scheduled personal property coverage. Donegal exclusively writes policies for homes in the mid-Atlantic region, and its team of licensed local agents may be able to offer state-specific insurance insights.
Encompass
Homeowners wanting to bundle
With the EncompassOne plan, customers can bundle their home and auto policies together and pay a single premium and deductible. EncompassOne is available in three tiers, elite, deluxe and special, all of which offer varying coverage levels and features. That said, Encompass policies tend to be on the pricey side, averaging at $1,268 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
How Bankrate chose the best home insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Bankrate's insurance editorial team started our search for the best home insurance companies in Pennsylvania by developing a metric to score companies. Bankrate’s insurance experts analyzed dozens of home insurance carriers based on average rate data, policy options, discounts, online accessibility and more. We also collected information on insurers’ customer service scores from J.D. Power and financial strength ratings from AM Best.
To summarize our findings, we developed our proprietary Bankrate Score. Carriers are rated on a 5-point scale based on their performance in the key categories listed above. Home insurance companies that performed well in these categories earned a higher overall Bankrate Score. You may be able to use these Scores to quickly analyze carriers and narrow down which ones you might want to request quotes from.
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Compare home insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Cheapest home insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Some of our picks for the best home insurance in Pennsylvania are also some of the cheapest. Depending on the company you choose and the discounts you are eligible for, you may find major savings with some of the following Pennsylvania home insurance companies:
How to get cheap home insurance in Pennsylvania
Finding ideal coverage is highly dependent on your circumstances and budget. Here are a few tactics to find the best cheap Pennsylvania home insurance:
- Shop around: The first quote you get may not be a competitive rate for your coverage selections. Shopping around can help you find the lowest rate and identify companies that are appealing for other reasons like great customer service or certain endorsement options.
- Maintain your roof: Older or poorly-maintained roofs can be easily damaged during storms and may be an indicator of the general level of upkeep around your home. Many insurers give you a better price if your roof is newer and in good repair.
- Address your credit: Pennsylvania home insurance companies can consider your credit when determining insurance rates. They use it to determine your credit-based insurance score and typically offer lower rates to homeowners with stronger credit.
- Consider bundling: Once you determine the best car insurance policy for you, you might consider going with the same carrier for home insurance. Most Pennsylvania homeowners insurance carriers will give you a discount if you carry more than one policy with the company.
Best home insurance discounts in Pennsylvania
In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, there are other common discounts that may be available for further policy savings. Here are a few you may see in Pennsylvania:
How to save on home insurance policy renewals in Pennsylvania
Policy renewal — which typically takes place once a year — provides a great opportunity to shop around and potentially save. Before your next renewal, there are things you can do to improve your chances of reducing your rate:
- Only file claims when necessary: Although Pennsylvania laws prohibit insurers from canceling your home insurance policy because you’ve filed too many claims, homeowners should still be intentional about when to file and when to pay out of pocket. Naturally, for major damage, it makes more sense to rely on your insurance policy, but for smaller losses, it may actually be cheaper in the long run to pay out of pocket. Home insurance providers typically raise rates following a claim, and policyholders may need to shoulder the added insurance cost for years to come. If the repair estimate is close to your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket and avoid a premium surcharge.
- Fortify your home: Many Pennsylvania home insurance providers reward homeowners who take measures to mitigate damage. Although discounts will vary across providers, installing storm shutters or adding hurricane clips may help you earn a discount.
How much is home insurance in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,233 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is significantly lower than the national average annual premium of $2,304. Pennsylvania homeowners also pay less than homeowners in neighboring states. In New York, the average premium for $300K in dwelling coverage is $1,745 per year. In Maryland, this coverage costs $1,561 per year. Low insurance premiums in Pennsylvania could be partially the result of the state’s lower average cost of living and comparatively low risk for natural disasters like hurricanes.
Below, we showcase average premiums across carriers for varying levels of dwelling coverage. Note that the amount of coverage you need and the rate you are quoted may differ from the averages shown here based on several factors specific to you and your home.
Pennsylvania homeowners insurance rates by city
Your ZIP code can sway how much you pay for your home insurance coverage. Much of Pennsylvania’s population is concentrated in the southeast area of the state around the broader Philadelphia area.
Your location plays a primary role in determining what you will pay for homeowners insurance. For example, if you live in a neighborhood with low crime rates and few potential natural disasters, you are likely to pay less than someone who lives in a region where vandalism is common and winter storms frequently cause damage. The local cost for rebuilding after a claim may also impact your rate. Here are some of the cheapest cities for homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania.
- Mc Knightstown: $1,020 per year — 17 percent below state average
- Wellsville: $1,027 per year — 17 percent below state average
- Craley: $1,028 per year — 17 percent below state average
- Dillsburg: $1,028 per year — 17 percent below state average
- Mount Joy: $1,028 per year — 17 percent below state average
*Rates are for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
The list below shows the range of premium costs you can find even in a single state. Insurers take many factors into account when calculating premiums, but homes in areas with higher costs of living, higher crime rates and more frequent claims typically see higher average rates. Residents of these Pennsylvania cities may pay an above-average rate for their policies.
- Philadelphia: $1,672 per year — 36 percent above state average
- Bristol: $1,502 per year — 22 percent above state average
- Levittown: $1,494 per year — 21 percent above state average
- Bensalem: $1,492 per year — 21 percent above state average
- Croydon: $1,491 per year — 21 percent above state average
*Rates are for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
What does home insurance cover in Pennsylvania?
Understanding which disasters are covered by your home insurance policy is the first step in identifying any potential coverage gaps. If you have an HO-3 policy — the most common type — here’s what you can expect to be covered:
- Tornadoes: Since 1950, tornadoes in Pennsylvania have caused nearly $2 billion in estimated property damage. Your home insurance policy can cover your dwelling, other structures and personal property if they sustain tornado damage. Depending on your insurance company, you might need to pay a separate disaster deductible before your coverage kicks in.
- Fire: Unless a fire is set intentionally, your home insurance coverage should cover your dwelling and personal property up to your policy limits.
- Freezing temperatures: Average snowfalls vary widely across the state. Northwestern PA sees between 75 and 100 inches per year, which can weigh heavily on your home’s roof. Home insurance can help in that instance. However, damage caused by melting ground snow would need to be covered by a flood policy.
Additional home insurance coverage types in Pennsylvania
Residents of the Keystone State may want to consider home insurance add-ons that cover property and belongings against common state-specific dangers. These include:
- Flood insurance: Flood insurance is not included in a standard home policy. Flood coverage is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program and through some private insurers. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, a flood policy may be required by your mortgage lender.
- Replacement cost coverage: Opting for replacement cost coverage may provide you with enough coverage to purchase a new version of damaged or destroyed personal property at today’s cost. Additionally, you might be eligible for replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home, which could help to fully cover rebuilding costs if your house is destroyed.
- Sinkhole insurance: Pennsylvania is amongst the six states most vulnerable to sinkhole damage. However, the damage is not covered through a standard home insurance policy. Pennsylvania offers state maps that indicate whether or not your home is at risk for sinkhole or mine subsidence damage.
- Water backup coverage: Some water damage is automatically covered by home insurance policies. But if water backs up in a sewer or drain line and damages your home, you'll likely need this endorsement to have coverage.
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. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:
Dwelling coverage
$300,000Other structures coverage
$30,000Personal property coverage
$150,000Loss of use coverage
$60,000Liability coverage
$500,000Medical payment coverage
$1,000The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.
Additional profiles:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
Bankrate Scores
Our Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact 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.
-
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 a home 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.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
