Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania 2024
GEICO is the car insurance company I’d recommend to college students in Pennsylvania.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
I spent hours reviewing quotes from various different brands to identify the best car insurance for college students in Pennsylvania. GEICO emerged as the top choice for both affordability and full coverage.
State Farm excelled for Pennsylvania college students seeking minimum coverage policies or outstanding customer service, while Progressive was the preferred choice for those with accidents or violations on their driving records.
This guide will examine each of the three companies and explore how various factors, including location and age, influence insurance rates for Pennsylvania college students.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania 2024
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students often look for affordable options when purchasing their first auto insurance. GEICO offers both a reasonable annual rate of about $1,350 and the backing of a reputable insurer.
GEICO has long been one of the top auto insurance providers, known for delivering great rates and outstanding customer service. The company has also heavily invested in its digital presence, providing a mobile app and website that simplify account management and updates.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Leading rates for college students in the industry
- Several discounts specifically for students
- Easy-to-manage policies via mobile app and website
- Customer satisfaction scores are above average ✓
- Sparse local agent presence
- Lacks gap and rideshare insurance options ✘
Cheapest Overall Rates For College Students In Pennsylvania
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Allstate | $1,350 |
| State Farm | $1,406 |
| Progressive | $3,016 |
| Travelers | $967 |
| GEICO | $2,046 |
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Students who are opting for minimum coverage should select a company that is known for backing its policyholders. State Farm offers a personalized service and some of the most affordable rates for young drivers.
State Farm resolves issues quickly with its efficient claims process and offers individual customer service. For a minimum coverage policy, Pennsylvania college students can expect to spend around $1,406.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Industry-leading team for customer support
- Affordable rates for most college student categories
- High rate of policy renewals
- Customized approach to policy management with a large local agent network ✓
- Policies are less flexible than those from other major providers
- Gap insurance coverage is not offered ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Minimum coverage policies are often a way to save on insurance costs, but they might not offer adequate protection in case of an accident. These low-cost plans only cover the minimum state-required insurance, so you could end up paying extra out-of-pocket expenses.
Minimum coverage policies offer college students a cost-effective solution, providing the required legal insurance and maintaining low expenses.
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Since full coverage insurance is more costly than minimum coverage, it’s wise to choose a company like GEICO known for its competitive rates. On average, Pennsylvania college students pay approximately $3,602 per year for full coverage with GEICO.
In addition to its affordable coverage, GEICO is recognized for its innovative approach. Their website provides a user-friendly experience, enabling policyholders to update their account details in seconds.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers accident forgiveness as a policy feature
- Discount opportunities with a usage-based program
- Competitive full coverage rates for college students
- Higher-than-average customer satisfaction ✓
- No add-ons for new car replacement or rideshare insurance
- Bundle discounts aren’t as high as those from competitors
- Limited local agent presence ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅For college students who drive often to campus or for work, full coverage insurance is recommended over minimum coverage. Full coverage offers broader protection, typically including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Although full coverage policies give more protection, they are also costlier. It’s important to evaluate if the benefits of additional coverage are worth the higher monthly cost.
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅It’s natural for college students to have queries about their auto insurance policies. While many insurers have apps and websites for support, Auto-Owners Insurance offers the added benefit of speaking with a live agent. The extra support can justify the slightly higher premium.
In addition to offering great customer service, the company has several discount options to help lower your insurance costs. College students can expect to pay about $4,329 per year for coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Places importance on connections with local agents
- Known for top-tier customer service
- Provides accident forgiveness and a reducing deductible
- Offers flexible coverage options and discounts ✓
- Restricted to 26 states
- No online tools for policy management
- Quotes are agent-exclusive ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅It’s a common belief that top-quality customer service requires a higher price, but this isn’t always the case, especially with Pennsylvania car insurance companies. Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm both excel in customer satisfaction and offer affordable options for students.
Top Customer Service Scores For Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Companies
| Company | Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Rating |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | 890 |
| Nationwide | 876 |
| Farmers | 872 |
| State Farm | 881 |
| Allstate | 876 |
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Low-mileage policies and discounts can help college students cut their car insurance expenses significantly. State Farm is known for offering the most affordable plans, with annual costs typically around $2,658.
College students considering their first auto insurance policy can rely on State Farm, which scores highly for both customer service and financial stability.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Low-mileage drivers benefit from a generous usage-based discount program.
- Exceptional customer service experience.
- Boasts high rates of policyholder renewal and retention.
- Strong financial ratings from independent agencies like AM Best. ✓
- Does not offer additional coverage for rideshare and gap insurance.
- May be more costly for drivers with lower credit scores. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅College students who don’t drive frequently during the school year don’t have to overpay for insurance. You’ll still need to meet the state minimum requirements, but affordable policies and discounts can align with your low-mileage driving.
You can often save money with low-mileage insurance policies if you keep your annual driving below a certain mileage. While this mileage limit varies by insurer, it usually ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅While Progressive Insurance didn’t offer the most affordable rates for standard coverage, they were the best choice for Pennsylvania college students with driving violations. Whether dealing with a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still offered reasonably priced coverage.
On average, college students with driving violations are paying about $4,697 annually for auto insurance.
One of Progressive’s additional coverage options is rideshare coverage, perfect for college students working part-time with DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers rideshare add-ons
- Budget-friendly rates for drivers with traffic violations
- Includes vet expenses for your pet if injured in an accident, with collision insurance ✓
- Average customer service experience
- Customer loyalty ratings fall below average ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Traffic violations can cause a considerable increase in monthly insurance premiums for drivers of any age. College students, already classified as high-risk, may face an even more significant rise in rates after an accident or ticket.
To reduce the damage caused by a driving violation, consider working with a company like Progressive that focuses on insuring drivers with a history of tickets or accidents.
Average Cost For College Students In Pennsylvania – By City
| City | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $3,480 | $290 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,968 | $164 |
| Allentown | $2,112 | $176 |
| Erie | $1,908 | $159 |
| Scranton | $1,956 | $163 |
Average Rates For 18 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $254 |
| State Farm | $199 |
| Travelers | $158 |
| Allstate | $257 |
| Progressive | $480 |
Average Rates For 19 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $184 |
| State Farm | $175 |
| Travelers | $128 |
| GEICO | $211 |
| Nationwide | $156 |
Average Rates For 20 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $155 |
| GEICO | $197 |
| Travelers | $114 |
| Allstate | $157 |
| Nationwide | $133 |
Average Rates For 21 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $180 |
| Auto-Owners | $111 |
| Travelers | $89 |
| State Farm | $129 |
| Progressive | $289 |
Average Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $113 |
| State Farm | $117 |
| Progressive | $251 |
| Travelers | $81 |
| GEICO | $171 |
Average Rates For 23 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $74 |
| State Farm | $104 |
| Progressive | $217 |
| Nationwide | $83 |
| Allstate | $108 |
Average Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $96 |
| Allstate | $103 |
| GEICO | $155 |
| Travelers | $70 |
| Progressive | $198 |
Average Rates For 25 Year Old College Students In Pennsylvania
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $80 |
| Travelers | $64 |
| Allstate | $98 |
| GEICO | $150 |
| Progressive | $167 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| GEICO | $180 | $170 |
| Auto-Owners | $111 | $105 |
| Travelers | $89 | $117 |
| State Farm | $129 | $122 |
| Progressive | $289 | $251 |
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Pennsylvania
Sadly, college students often face higher car insurance rates compared to drivers in their mid to late 20s. If staying on a parent or guardian’s policy isn’t an option, you’ll need to find ways to cut your monthly insurance costs.
These strategies will offer practical advice on how to make car insurance less expensive.
Affiliation Discounts
Students often find that joining clubs and organizations on campus is a valuable way to engage in university life. These groups can also offer extra benefits, such as specific discounts. Depending on your insurance company, being part of a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni group could potentially reduce your monthly premium.
Security And Safety Improvements
Unlike other strategies that may be specific to college students, this tip applies to all drivers. Many insurers will reduce your premium if you enhance your vehicle’s security and safety with additional devices.
For instance, implementing anti-theft features like a car alarm could help lower your insurance premiums by as much as 5%.
Used vs. New
New cars are a frequent graduation gift from parents, but they usually come with higher insurance premiums. Although they may offer better gas mileage, the increased repair and replacement costs for new vehicles lead insurance companies to raise rates.
Student Discounts
Although student discounts for maintaining good grades are common knowledge, college students can also receive other types of discounts, such as:
- Distance education student discount
- Discount for safe driving practices
- Discount for completing driver’s education
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
Even though insurance answers are typically straightforward, the need for your own policy as a college student will vary based on several factors. Let’s explore situations where staying on your family’s plan is feasible and where you might need independent coverage.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
While health insurance sets an age limit for children on their parent’s plan, car insurance doesn’t have this restriction. Kids living at home or using their parents’ permanent address during college can continue to be covered under the same auto insurance policy.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
Changing addresses is the main reason a college student would need to purchase their own insurance. Once they have a different permanent address from their parents, they must buy a new car insurance policy.
Common Auto Insurance Claims In Pennsylvania
Auto insurance claims in Pennsylvania generally fit into four common categories, such as:
- Collision Claims (5.8 claims per 100 years of vehicle operation)
- Comprehensive Claims (2.81 claims per 100 years of vehicle operation)
- Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 claims per 100 years of vehicle operation)
- Property Damage Claims (3.36 claims per 100 years of vehicle operation)
Try Usage-Based Car Insurance
Usage-based car insurance, akin to telematics, tracks driver behavior, but it also includes a feature that is particularly attractive to college students.
Usage-based car insurance offers discounts and lower premiums when you drive fewer miles annually. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a smart option for affordable coverage if your car remains in the dorm lot or at home for most of the school year.
Temporary Car Insurance
While not every car insurance provider offers temporary policies, it’s an excellent option for college students who don’t plan on driving often.
Temporary auto insurance policies often provide six-month coverage and allow cancellation after the period ends. This is a practical choice for college students who won’t need coverage while at school or for those studying abroad for a semester.
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
Finding creative ways to cut down on car insurance costs is key for college students. Telematics is one of the most effective tools for lowering your monthly premium.
Insurance companies use telematics to track and analyze your driving habits. The safer you drive, the lower your rates, and the higher the chances of getting discounts for safe driving.
How To Get Discounts
Car insurance can be pricey for college students, especially if there are tickets or accidents on your driving record. Utilizing carrier-provided discounts is a good way to help lower your coverage costs.
Car insurance providers have unique discount offerings for their policyholders. Be sure to check these out before committing to a plan:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Pennsylvania
As a college student, buying your first car insurance policy might seem stressful. Luckily, platforms like Insuranceopedia make the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.
These platforms make comparing insurance rates from multiple providers quick and easy, but you’ll still need some information ready to navigate the process. Below is a guide to the steps you should follow for buying your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Gather the necessary information in advance, including your car details, driver’s license numbers, policy member information, and driving record.
Step 2: Assess the amount of insurance coverage required by Pennsylvania law.
Step 3: Decide whether to buy your policy through the internet or a local insurance agent.
Step 4: Collect and compare at least three insurance quotes.
Step 5: Purchase your policy and notify your former insurance provider about the transition.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws To Know
Like many other states, Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry auto insurance. However, Pennsylvania has a specific mandate for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is not always required elsewhere.
The minimum insurance coverage in Pennsylvania includes $10,000 for both PIP and PDL (Personal Damage Liability). While this amount may seem adequate, you might need more in the event of a serious accident. Experts often suggest buying more than the state-required minimum.
Our Methodology
To determine the lowest car insurance rates for Pennsylvania college students, we examined findings from various review sites, some of which analyzed rates from public filings via Quadrant Information Services. Our team's 25 years of combined insurance experience also played a key role in evaluating each carrier. Please remember that while the rates mentioned in this guide are correct, premiums can change daily and may differ based on the driver.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in Pennsylvania?
While GEICO generally has the lowest rates for college students, Progressive and State Farm are also worth considering depending on your driving record and coverage needs when looking for car insurance in Pennsylvania.
Do college students need car insurance in Pennsylvania?
Car insurance is required for everyone in Pennsylvania who drives. College students have the option to stay on their parents’ policy while living at home or to buy their own coverage after moving out.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Pennsylvania?
Car insurance is generally more costly for younger drivers in Pennsylvania. College students usually pay less than 16-year-olds but still face much higher rates compared to 25-year-old drivers.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
If you plan to add a college student to your family insurance policy, speak with your insurance provider before they commence college. Typically, insurers will require the student’s new zip code and confirmation that their main address is still the family home. Extra requirements may be necessary for students studying out-of-state.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
If you keep your primary residence with your parents as a college student, you can stay on their car insurance. But once you move out and establish a new permanent address, you will need to secure your own auto insurance policy.
