Types of Auto Insurance
Explore our guides on different types of auto insurance to find the right coverage for your specific needs
Are you looking for reliable car insurance in Pittsburgh that fits your budget? Finding the right auto insurance is about more than just meeting Pennsylvania's legal requirements. It is about protecting yourself, your family, and your vehicle every time you drive.
Car insurance rates in Pittsburgh can vary widely depending on driving history, annual mileage, and even the zip code. By comparing quotes and understanding different coverage types, drivers can get best car insurance in Pittsburgh that are both affordable and reliable.
Every driver in Pittsburgh must carry at least the state-mandated minimum auto insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania. These requirements are designed to protect both drivers and passengers when accidents occur, but it's important to know what each limit really means.
$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Covers medical costs for others if you're at fault in a crash.$5,000
Pays for repairs to another person's vehicle or property.$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance.$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Kicks in when the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance.$5,000 minimum
Helps cover your own medical expenses, regardless of fault.Pennsylvania law sets the minimum car insurance requirements, but many Pittsburgh drivers choose additional coverage for better protection. Each type of policy is designed to handle different risks you may face on the road, from everyday fender benders to severe accidents or unexpected events.
Liability insurance is the foundation of every auto policy. In Pittsburgh, this coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident.
Comprehensive insurance protects your car against risks that aren't tied to collisions. For Pittsburgh drivers, this means coverage for:
With the city's mix of urban parking and unpredictable weather, comprehensive coverage offers peace of mind when your car is exposed to risks beyond your control.
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, regardless of fault. Whether you're rear-ended on the Parkway East or slide into a guardrail during an icy winter morning, this coverage ensures you're not left covering the entire repair bill yourself.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers must carry First-Party Benefits (FPB) to help with medical costs.
Not every driver in Pennsylvania follows the rules. If you're hit by someone who has no insurance, or not enough coverage to pay for damages, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage steps in.
This type of policy is critical in urban areas like Pittsburgh, where accidents involving uninsured drivers are more common than many expect.
Some drivers are required to carry an SR-22 certificate — often after a serious traffic violation, DUI, or license suspension. While it isn't a type of insurance itself, the SR-22 proves to the state that you carry the required coverage. In Pittsburgh, drivers needing SR-22 insurance should work with companies that specialize in high-risk policies to ensure compliance and keep premiums manageable.
Compare to national average of $2,679, the average cost of auto insurance in Pennsylvania is $2,386 per year for full coverage. Minimum coverage is more affordable in Pennsylvania at around $519 per year, compared to the national average of $808.
$2,243
Annual Full Coverage Premium
-6%
Below State Average
This means drivers in Pittsburgh typically pay a little less than the state average. It makes Pittsburgh a relatively affordable city for car coverage in Pennsylvania. Still, rates can vary depending on your driving record, age, credit score, and the insurer you choose.
Pittsburgh auto insurance quotes can vary dramatically from one company to another, even for the same driver. That is because insurers use different rating systems, factoring in details like your driving record, vehicle type, annual mileage, and even where you live in the city.
Geico – Best for Digital Tools
Avg. Full Coverage
$105/mo
($1,257/yr)Customer Satisfaction
643/1,000
Overview:
Geico stands out in Pittsburgh for its strong online and mobile platforms. Policyholders can manage coverage, pay bills, file claims, and request roadside assistance all from the Geico app, which maintains a 4.8/5.0 rating on the App Store. The company is also recognized for competitive pricing, often making it one of the more affordable options in Pennsylvania.
Best for:
Tech-savvy drivers in Pittsburgh who prefer handling their policies digitally and want affordable coverage options.
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Standout Features:
Progressive – Best for Coverage Packages
Avg. Full Coverage
$180/mo
($2,155/yr)Customer Satisfaction
625/1,000
Overview:
Progressive is well-known in Pittsburgh for its Name Your Price® Tool, letting drivers set their budget and see tailored policy options. With coverage extras like rideshare insurance, gap protection, and accident forgiveness, Progressive appeals to drivers who need flexibility.
Best for:
First-time shoppers, budget-conscious drivers, or rideshare drivers working with Uber or Lyft in Pittsburgh.
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Standout Features:
Auto-Owners – Best for Coverage Add-Ons
Avg. Full Coverage
$64/mo
($768/yr)Customer Satisfaction
Not Rated
Overview:
Auto-Owners offers some of the lowest average rates available and provides plenty of coverage add-ons such as gap insurance, rental agreement coverage, and additional expense protection. The company also maintains a strong network of local agents, which Pittsburgh drivers may appreciate.
Best for:
Drivers who want budget-friendly coverage plus optional endorsements for extra protection.
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Erie Insurance – Best for Regional Coverage
Avg. Full Coverage
$156/mo
($1,876/yr)Customer Satisfaction
706/1,000
Overview:
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Erie is a regional favorite among Pittsburgh drivers. It consistently earns high customer satisfaction ratings and offers unique add-ons like Rate Lock, new car replacement, and pet injury coverage. Erie ranked first in the Mid-Atlantic region in the 2024 J.D. Power study.
Best for:
Pittsburgh drivers who want strong local service and unique policy benefits from a regional insurer.
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Nationwide – Best for Discounts
Avg. Full Coverage
$112/mo
($1,348/yr)Customer Satisfaction
636/1,000
Overview:
Nationwide is a well-known option in Pittsburgh, especially for drivers who qualify for its long list of discounts (good student, SmartRide, automatic payments, and more). The insurer also offers SmartMiles, a pay-per-mile program that could benefit drivers with shorter commutes.
Best for:
Pittsburgh drivers looking for lower-than-average premiums and multiple ways to save.
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Car insurance companies in Pittsburgh offer a variety of discounts that can help drivers lower their premiums without sacrificing essential coverage. While the exact savings vary by insurer, most carriers provide the following opportunities:
Maintaining a clean driving record for three to five years can reduce your rates significantly.
Combining your auto insurance with a homeowners or renters policy often leads to extra savings.
Young drivers enrolled in school who maintain strong grades can qualify for reduced rates.
If you drive fewer miles annually than the average Pittsburgh commuter, you may pay less.
Cars equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, or alarm systems often earn discounts.
Many companies reward customers who pay their policy upfront or set up autopay.
Explore our guides on different types of auto insurance to find the right coverage for your specific needs