Best Car Insurance Companies in Philadelphia, PA


Updated: December 20, 2024

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The best auto insurance company for you will vary based on your needs and driver profile. However, MoneyGeek found that, overall, Erie offers the best full coverage policies, the best minimum coverage policies and the best policies for young adults in Philadelphia. Chubb is the best insurer for customer service and seniors. Auto-Owners is the best choice for teens on a family policy. Consider American National if you have a traffic violation on your record and Travelers if you have a new car.

MoneyGeek also reviewed the cheapest auto insurance providers for those on a budget.

Key Takeaways

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In Philadelphia, Erie stands out as the best full coverage car insurance provider, earning a MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 for maintaining excellent affordability and customer satisfaction, with an annual premium of $1,369.

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USAA is the best car insurance provider for military personnel in Philadelphia, earning a high MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 due to its competitive rates and excellent services tailored for the military community, making it an ideal choice for full coverage insurance.

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In Philadelphia, Erie is the top choice for minimum coverage insurance with a MoneyGeek score of 82 and an annual premium of $543, while Westfield follows closely with a score of 81 and a slightly higher premium of $570, offering both affordability and quality service compared to other providers.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek provides comprehensive, unbiased reviews of financial products. Our car insurance scoring systems rank Pennsylvania insurers based on customer satisfaction, affordability, essential coverages, financial stability and claims management. MoneyGeek also collected quote data from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and Quadrant Information Services.

49,001Quotes Analyzed
 
13Companies Compared

Best Overall Car Insurance in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the best auto insurance companies are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100 ($1,369 per year)
  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score 80 out of 100 ($1,271 per year)

Out of the 11 insurance providers we evaluated and ranked in Philadelphia, Erie is our top pick for full coverage, receiving excellent affordability and customer satisfaction scores. These scores make this insurer ideal for those looking for low-cost car insurance with quality services.

USAA is the best insurance provider for active duty and retired military personnel and their affiliates in Philadelphia. The company earned a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100, and its premium for a full coverage policy costs $1,276 annually. In addition to being the best insurer in Philadelphia, our data shows that Erie is also the best car insurance company in Pennsylvania.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Erie

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Excellent affordability and customer satisfaction scores

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Offers new and better car replacement coverage

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Limited add-on coverage options

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Lacks roadside assistance and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie received the highest MoneyGeek score among the auto insurance providers we evaluated in Philadelphia. The company balances cost and quality service and is also the city’s second-best provider for claims handling. Although Erie has limited coverage options, the ones they offer are highly beneficial to its customers.

For instance, Erie offers better and new car replacement coverage called Auto Security. If you’ve had your car for less than two years and it is totaled in an accident, Erie will replace it with the newest comparable model year. For vehicles owned longer than two years, the insurer will pay the cost to replace it with a model two years newer.

Erie also offers First Accident Forgiveness coverage for those who have been claim-free for three years. The provider’s deductible modification feature also reduces your deductible by $100 for each consecutive claims-free policy year, up to a maximum of $500.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

How the Best Insurers in Philadelphia Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs

Erie ranks top among the 11 insurance providers MoneyGeek evaluated in Philadelphia. Its rate is the fifth cheapest at $1,369 per year for a full coverage policy, and it has the third-highest customer service rating. Erie’s premium rate is $337 more expensive on average than Travelers, the cheapest option in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, American National has the highest customer satisfaction rating in the city, but its full coverage policies come at a steeper price of $1,441 a year on average. MoneyGeek scores were only assigned to companies if there was sufficient available data to assess each scoring component, including affordability, customer service and financial stability.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:30-59
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Coverage:Full Coverage
Erie83$1,3695434
Westfield81$1,5525343
Auto-Owners Insurance Co80$1,2714345
American National P&C79$1,4415243
Chubb79$2,2875435
Travelers78$1,0324345
State Farm74$1,3104235
Nationwide71$1,2243244
Allstate68$1,4753244
GEICO64$2,3774235
Progressive64$2,3383244
DairylandNo Data$4,7364No Data44

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Customer Service

Without factoring in cost, the best auto insurance companies for customer service in Philadelphia are:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($2,287 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score 70 out of 100 ($1,369 per year)

Chubb earned the second-highest customer satisfaction ratings and ranked first for claims management in the city. This insurer is ideal for those who prefer premium customer service and satisfaction. However, it’s important to note that Chubb is significantly more costly than many other providers in the city, with the third most expensive premium for a full coverage policy in Philadelphia.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Chubb

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Ranks second for customer satisfaction

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Ranks first for claims management

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Offers OEM and diminished value coverage

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Lacks roadside assistance or accident forgiveness coverage

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Limited add-on coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Chubb's policyholders can expect responsive customer service and a streamlined claims process. This insurer is ideal for those who value quality service over premium costs. Chubb also offers several rare coverages, including OEM coverage and diminished value coverage, as well as antique and classic car insurance. Insurance companies rarely provide these add-on coverages, but they can benefit policyholders.

With OEM coverage, Chubb will cover the cost of repairs with OEM parts, which ensures that your vehicle performs properly after an accident. If your car is totaled or stolen, you will receive the exact amount your car is worth when your policy is purchased, regardless of depreciation if you purchase Chubb’s add-on diminished value coverage. This is especially beneficial when you own a vehicle that is rare or has sentimental value.

Those with cars that are at least 30 years old, part of a larger collection or a limited model can benefit from Chubb’s antique and classic car insurance. This coverage is designed for cars that are typically garaged and not used for everyday driving.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?

Companies that offer good customer service provide policyholders with prompt and accurate responses to inquiries, helpful information about their coverage and policies, and timely assistance with claims.

MoneyGeek selected the best insurer for customer service based on reviews from J.D. Power and data from consumer reports platforms. Although American National ranks first for customer satisfaction in Philadelphia, the company earned low marks for claims handling. MoneyGeek ranked Chubb first for this category because it balances customer satisfaction with effective claims management.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Philadelphia

MoneyGeek’s analysis of the best cheap car insurance companies in Philadelphia found that the most affordable and highest-quality policies that meet Pennsylvania’s minimum coverage requirements are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score 82 out of 100 ($543 per year)
  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100 ($570 per year)

A minimum coverage policy is the most affordable coverage type available — however, it also offers the least protection against liability costs and no protection for damage to your own vehicle after an accident. Car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania are the same across all cities, so the cheapest policies in Philadelphia will offer the same amount of protection as the cheapest policies in other cities in the state.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Erie

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An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $543 per year

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Offers discounts for installing safety systems, such as daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems

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Ranks third for customer satisfaction and second for affordability

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Below-average coverage score

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie stands out from its competitors by providing affordable premiums and extensive discount options. Prospective policyholders can secure a reduced rate depending on their age and car features.

For example, students, young drivers and seniors all qualify for lower premiums with Erie. Additionally, those with daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems are also eligible for safety discounts. Other available discounts include setting up automatic payments, plus bundling discounts, for combining insurance policies (home, renters, life, etc.) and covering multiple cars.

In addition to its discounts, the insurer offers key coverages beneficial to Philadelphia drivers, including gap insurance and locked vehicle coverage. Erie’s lease loan protection (gap insurance) pays your auto loan balance (excluding carry-over balance) if your car is over 24 months old and is totaled or stolen. Locked vehicle coverage pays up to $75 locksmith costs if you accidentally lock your keys in your car.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?

Sometimes, cheap premiums mean low-quality service. The best cheap insurer balances low rates with excellent service — Erie balanced both. While cost is an essential factor, it's also important to consider the quality of customer service and ease of claims handling.

MoneyGeek’s research found that Chubb ranks No.1 for claims handling but fell short in affordability. Meanwhile, Travelers offers the cheapest premiums in Philadelphia for minimum coverage policies but ranked low for customer satisfaction.

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Young Adults

The best car insurance companies for young adults in Philadelphia are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100 ($1,715 per year)
  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score 79 out of 100 ($1,485 per year)

Erie ranks third for affordability and customer satisfaction, making it a top choice for young adults looking for a reliable, affordable insurer.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Erie

pros

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Affordable premiums for full coverage policies at $1,715 annually

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High customer satisfaction score

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Offers distant student and young safe driver discounts

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Limited coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie balances affordability with quality service to emerge as the best insurer for young adults. In addition to offering reasonable rates, this provider offers discounts tailored to drivers in their 20s.

For example, Erie offers a distant student discount for young adults who are attending school and don’t typically have access to their parent’s car. This provider also provides a young safe driver discount for drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents.

This provider also offers accident forgiveness coverage, which can be helpful for young drivers — after three accident-free years of driving, this coverage prevents any insurance surcharges after a driver’s first at-fault accident.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?

When shopping for the best auto insurance company, young adults should consider insurers offering affordable policies, applicable discounts and coverages tailored to their needs. Erie meets all these requirements, making it MoneyGeek’s clear choice for Philadelphia’s best provider for young adults.

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Teens and Their Families

The best car insurance company in Philadelphia for teens on their parents’ policy are:

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($3,468 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($3,015 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out among the seven insurers we analyzed for teen drivers due to its competitive rates and high claims handling and customer service scores. Car insurance is usually more costly for teenagers — and only legally available for purchase from those under the age of 18 with a parent or guardian co-signer. Teens have the potential to save a lot of money if they are added to their parent's policy. On average, this could result in $2,023 in savings annually.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Auto-Owners Insurance

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Affordable premiums for teens and families at an average of $3,468 annually

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Offers good student and distant student discounts

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High scores in claims handling and customer service

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Relatively limited add-on coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners balances affordability and quality service to earn the highest MoneyGeek score for this category. The company also offers various discounts that benefit teen drivers.

For example, with Auto-Owners’ good student discount, a student earning a B average may be eligible for a discount of up to 20%. Auto-Owners’ distant student discount also provides savings for students who are enrolled in college or university more than 100 miles away from home who won’t typically be driving.

In addition to these discounts, Auto-Owners also provides some add-on coverages that can be beneficial to younger drivers. Their roadside assistance coverage provides help if drivers lock their keys in their cars, run out of gas, get a flat tire, are stranded with a dead battery and more.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?

The best insurance company for teens offers affordable rates and discounts specifically for teens and students. Teens and their parents should also consider an insurer with coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Although Travelers’ auto insurance premiums are cheaper than Auto-Owners, it ranked slightly lower for customer satisfaction.

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Seniors

In Philadelphia, the best car insurance for seniors are:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100 ($1,840 per year)
  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score 79 out of 100 ($1,216 per year)

With high scores in customer satisfaction and claims handling, Chubb is MoneyGeek’s top pick for the best auto insurer for Philadelphia seniors. Generally speaking, drivers in their 60s can expect to pay similar rates to those in their 30s, 40s and 50s. However, rates may increase when drivers reach their 70s, as insurance companies see this as a higher-risk age group.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Chubb

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Ranks first for claims management and second for customer satisfaction out of 11 insurers

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Offers OEM coverage

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Limited add-on coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Seniors who prioritize quality service and are willing to invest in a more expensive policy should consider Chubb for their insurance needs. Philadelphia-based elderly drivers will find great value in Chubb's reliable claim handling and customer service.

The company offers a few supplemental coverages, including Agreed Value, which allows policyholders to agree to their car's worth when they purchase their policy and receive that amount if their vehicle is stolen or totaled. Chubb also offers antique and classic car insurance for vehicles over 30 years old or with limited production models.

One of Chubb's downsides is that it lacks roadside assistance coverage. However, its OEM coverage is hugely beneficial for most drivers — this coverage pays for the cost of original parts so your vehicle’s safety systems perform properly.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?

Seniors in their 60s often get lower rates compared to other age groups when searching for insurance. The ideal insurance for older drivers should be affordable and offer full coverage plans with personal injury protection (PIP) to offer more protection should serious injuries occur in the event of an accident. While Chubb does not provide discounts for seniors, its excellent customer service makes it stand out from other providers, including the runner-up, Auto-Owners.

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Drivers With Offenses

The best car insurance companies for those with offenses in Philadelphia are:

  • American National: MoneyGeek score 78 out of 100 ($2,271 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score 78 out of 100 ($2,383 per year)

Of the 12 insurers we reviewed, American National has the highest customer satisfaction score and the fourth cheapest average premium, making it our top pick for drivers with offenses.

Generally, car insurance rates will be higher for those with driving violations, with the amount varying depending on the severity of the offense. In Philadelphia, a driver with a DUI offense will pay $1,489 more, on average, than a driver with a clean record. While car insurance is more expensive for drivers with violations, selecting one of the top auto insurers for drivers with driving offenses can help you save money.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

American National Insurance Company

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Ranks relatively well for affordability, with a $2,271 average annual premium

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Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage

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Ranks first for quality service

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Relatively low claims score

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Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness or new car replacement coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Drivers with traffic violations on their record in Philadelphia fare best with American National. This insurer ranks highest for customer service and also offers affordable premiums.

The company also provides add-on coverages that can be particularly beneficial to drivers with offenses. For example, American National offers roadside assistance coverage, which means you can access 24-hour help if your car breaks down. This provider also offers gap insurance — which covers the gap between how much your vehicle is worth and what you still owe on it — and rental car coverage — which covers the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is totaled after an accident.

The company also provides various discounts like early signing discounts for those who sign up for a new policy before their current plan expires. American National also offers bundling discounts for individuals who combine their home, auto insurance and life insurance premiums. Discounts can be particularly beneficial for drivers with violations on their records, as their insurance premiums tend to be costly.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?

The best insurer for drivers with offenses is one that offers high-quality customer service, competitive rates and significant discounts to offset higher premiums. MoneyGeek’s pick for the best provider for drivers with violations, American National, scored highest in customer satisfaction and fourth in affordability. Other runners-up, such as Allstate, Travelers and State Farm, also offer competitive rates, so they may also be worth considering.

Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for Drivers With New Cars

The best car insurance for Philadelphia drivers with new cars are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($1,042 per year)
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score 43 out of 100 ($2,188 per year)

The ranking for this category was based on the affordability and service quality of insurance policies for drivers with a 2022 model car in Pennsylvania. We limited our rating to insurance providers that offer new or better car replacement coverage. New or better car replacement coverage is an insurance coverage that offers policyholders a new or better car than their existing one if their vehicle is determined to be a total loss due to an accident. Travelers provides affordable policies with attractive coverages for new car owners, making it MoneyGeek’s clear winner in this category.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Travelers

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Has affordable policies for new car owners, costing an average of $1,042 annually

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Offers new car replacement coverage

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High customer satisfaction and coverage scores

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Doesn’t offer deductible modification coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Travelers is our top pick for Philadelphia's new car owners. The company combines quality service with affordable rates. Travelers also offers extensive essential coverages and discount options for new car owners, making them an ideal choice for those looking for reliable coverage.

Travelers’ new car discounts means money off your premium if you purchase or currently own a car that’s less than three years old.

Travelers also provides new car replacement coverage, which will replace your car with a brand new car of the same make and model if your new vehicle is totaled in the first five years of owning it. With their gap insurance, Travelers also covers the difference between your insurance settlement and the balance of your car loan if your car is totaled or stolen.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?

Travelers is our top pick for drivers with new cars due to its affordable policies and new car replacement coverage. Travelers also scored well in terms of discounts, coverage options and customer service. Allstate, our runner-up in this category, ranks first for customer service but falls short in terms of affordability.

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia for You

When shopping for the best car insurance in Philadelphia, consider the cost, service reputation and financial stability of each provider. While we have compiled some information to help you make a decision, we also recommend following these steps to find the right coverage for your needs.

  1. 1

    Research customer service reputations in Philadelphia

    While MoneyGeek has already done the research for you, it's worth noting that you can also find customer satisfaction and complaint data by looking up J.D. Power satisfaction scores and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint ratios for insurers you're interested in. For data collected at the state level, visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website.

  2. 2

    Compare quotes

    MoneyGeek provides average quotes for sample drivers in Philadelphia, but your own rates will vary based on factors unique to you. To better understand what you can expect to pay, collect at least three quotes from different insurance companies.

  3. 3

    Find the coverages you want in Philadelphia

    Be aware that insurers may offer certain coverages or discounts that are unavailable in every state. Make sure that the insurance company offers the specific coverages and discounts you're looking for before making a decision.

  4. 4

    Check financial stability ratings

    When selecting a car insurance provider, don't overlook the importance of financial stability. While large insurance companies tend to be more financially sound, regional insurers available in Philadelphia may have lower ratings. Be sure to check an insurer's financial strength rating before signing up for a policy.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Philadelphia

The best car insurance provider for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. MoneyGeek answered some commonly asked questions about Philadelphia auto insurance to help you find the best insurer in the city for you.

What is the best car insurance company in Philadelphia?

What is the best cheap car insurance company in Philadelphia?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.