Updated: October 31, 2024
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The best insurance company will depend on your driver profile and needs. In Pittsburgh, Chubb is known for its exceptional customer service and is best for seniors. Auto-Owners Insurance offers the best cheap insurance and is a great option for young adults. Travelers is ideal for teens and those with new cars, while Erie is best for drivers with offenses.
If saving money is your priority, MoneyGeek also found the cheapest auto insurers in Pittsburgh.
BestCar InsurancePittsburghTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We used data from Quadrant Information Services and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to determine which Pittsburgh auto insurance companies have the best claims management process, range of policy options, affordable pricing and financial standing.
The following providers offer the best auto insurance in Pittsburgh:
Because of its excellent client satisfaction and affordability ratings, Erie is our top pick out of the 11 providers we rated. It provides high-quality service at an accessible price point. Erie is also the top auto insurance provider in Pennsylvania as a whole.
With a MoneyGeek ranking of 81 out of 100, USAA is one of Pittsburgh's top providers for military members.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
Ranked #4 out of 11 insurers for affordability
Ranked #4 out of 11 insurers for customer service
Offers better car replacement, accident forgiveness and window glass repair
Limited availability across states
Insurance policies need to be purchased from an agent
MoneyGeek gives Erie high marks for several reasons. The company scored second-highest in claims management, meaning customers can expect speedy claims processing. Unlike many insurers, Erie offers benefits like window glass repair and personal items coverage at no extra charge.
After their first at-fault accident, customers who haven't made a claim with Erie in three years are rewarded with no rate increase. The company also provides better car replacement. If you choose Auto Security coverage, Erie will replace your car with the most recent model if it is totaled. If your car is older than two years, the insurer will upgrade you to a model that is two years newer.
Erie is our top pick out of the 11 insurance companies we analyzed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With annual average premiums of $700, it offers the fourth-cheapest rates and the second-best customer service overall. Although its policies are affordable, they’re $136 more expensive on average than Travelers, the cheapest option.
These rates are for full coverage insurance policies. MoneyGeek only scores companies with enough data for each component, such as affordability, stability and claims management.
| Erie | 84 | $700 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Westfield | 81 | $919 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 81 | $645 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| American National P&C | 80 | $801 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Chubb | 79 | $1,313 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Travelers | 78 | $564 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| State Farm | 74 | $746 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 72 | $669 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Allstate | 69 | $832 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| GEICO | 65 | $1,387 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Progressive | 61 | $1,626 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Dairyland | No Data | $2,916 | 4 | No Data | 4 | 4 |
Without weighing cost, the top car insurance providers in Pittsburgh for customer service are:
Chubb received the second-highest customer satisfaction rating and the highest claims management rating. However, we found that Chubb’s auto insurance premiums are more expensive than other providers.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Ranked #2 out of 11 insurers for customer service
Ranked #1 out of 11 insurers for claims management
Offers OEM coverage
Does not offer roadside assistance
Limited coverage options
Chubb is ideal for drivers who prioritize quick claims resolution and exceptional customer service over cost. Additionally, Chubb stands out among other insurers by offering OEM coverage, which pays for using original manufacturer parts to repair your car when it's damaged in a collision. Using OEM parts helps your vehicle run smoothly and provides added peace of mind.
Chubb’s optional rental car/travel reimbursement coverage comes in handy if your car is in the shop after a covered incident or breaks down while you’re away from home. Chubb also offers an optional Agreed Value Coverage, which can be a money-saving option if your car is deemed a total loss. With Agreed Value Coverage, you and Chubb agree on your car’s value when you purchase a policy, and if the vehicle is totaled, Chubb will cover the cost of this amount.
Insurance providers that offer efficient claims processing and are quick to respond to policyholders' concerns are highly valued.
Chubb gets high claims management and customer service ratings, making it our preferred option. However, it scores slightly lower in customer satisfaction than Auto-Owners Insurance, which is less expensive. Despite the cost advantage, Auto-Owners Insurance does not match Chubb's level of claims management.
MoneyGeek assessed car insurance providers, considering both affordability and service quality. We found that the top options for the mandatory minimum coverage required in Pennsylvania are:
While minimum coverage policies are typically the most cost-effective, they may not provide sufficient liability coverage. It's worth noting that these policies generally do not cover damages to your own vehicle. Keep in mind that the minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania apply across all cities, including Pittsburgh.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
Costs $259 per year on average for a minimum coverage policy
Offers discounts for bundling, safe driving and responsible payments
Tied #1 for coverage options
Scored #5 for customer satisfaction
Claims processing can be improved
Does not offer online quotes
Auto-Owners Insurance is a well-regarded insurance provider that offers customers an extensive range of coverage options and above-average customer service ratings. Moreover, the provider's rates are highly affordable, making it an attractive choice for many drivers.
Additionally, the company offers plenty of standard and more unique discounts to help customers save money on their premiums, including paperless and paying in full discounts. Policyholders enjoy discounts when they bundle multiple policies or insure several cars. Auto-Owners Insurance also rewards safe drivers and those who file few claims. In addition, you can get a discount if you consistently make timely payments for at least three years, a relatively rare discount.
The best insurance companies offering minimum coverage policies should provide affordable rates while maintaining high levels of customer service. Auto-Owners Insurance stands out as our top pick by offering both.
American National, on the other hand, has the highest customer satisfaction rating. However, its claims management ratings are not up to par.
The top auto insurance providers for young adults in Pittsburgh are:
Auto-Owners Insurance received excellent ratings for affordability and has many basic coverage options, allowing policyholders to tailor their policies to their needs without paying high premiums. MoneyGeek also reviewed the top car insurance options for young drivers to help you find the best option for your needs.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Ranked #2 for affordability with an average premium of $645
Offers discounts for anti-theft systems, paying in full and early signing
Offers plenty of coverage options
Rated above average for customer service
Claims management process can be improved
Auto-Owners Insurance is the top choice for young adults looking for cheap auto insurance in Pittsburgh. Its rates are the second-most affordable in the area, providing young drivers with a cost-effective option for obtaining the necessary coverage. In addition to cheap rates, Auto-Owners Insurance offers many coverage options, including roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. These options can help young adults feel more secure on the road, knowing they have access to support in an emergency.
Auto-Owners Insurance also provides plenty of rarer discounts to further reduce premium costs. In addition to discounts for insuring multiple cars and practicing safe driving, the company offers discounts for installing anti-theft systems, paying the full amount upfront and early signing. Such discounts allow young adults to save money on their insurance premiums, making it easier to afford coverage.
Young adults should look for a company that offers cheap rates and excellent claims management. Auto-Owners Insurance is a great choice since it has affordable policies, excellent customer service and provides many discount opportunities.
While Travelers may have lower rates, it falls short in claims management, which can cause young drivers significant inconvenience and stress.
If you're looking to add a 16-year-old to your family car insurance policy in Pittsburgh, these are the best companies to consider:
Compared to the insurers in our study, Travelers offers the cheapest rates and broad coverage options, making it excellent value for your money. Generally, car insurance for teenage drivers is more expensive, but Pittsburgh teens can save an average of $2,023 per year by joining their parent's existing policy instead of buying their own. We've identified the best car insurance options for teens to help you make an informed decision.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Cheapest insurer overall with annual premium of $1,492
Offers plenty of discounts for young drivers
High customer satisfaction ratings
Average claims management process
With an annual premium of $1,492, Travelers is the cheapest insurer overall for teens. Travelers also offers plenty of discounts for young drivers, such as good student discounts and discounts for completing driver's education courses.
Teen drivers and college students who maintain a B average or above can benefit from the good student discount. Additionally, the company offers discounts to students who study at schools at least 100 miles away from their homes and don't have a car on campus.
Travelers offers a range of coverage options for teen drivers, including roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Roadside assistance is particularly useful for young drivers who may not know how to handle unexpected vehicle breakdowns. Accident forgiveness is another valuable feature that can help teen drivers avoid rate hikes and other negative consequences after an accident.
When looking for car insurance providers for teenage drivers, it's important to consider factors like affordability, quality of service and availability of teen-specific discounts. Travelers stands out as the best choice for teen drivers for its affordable rates and range of student discounts. Meanwhile, Auto-Owners Insurance is a great runner-up option for teen drivers who prioritize superior claims management and are willing to pay a slightly higher premium.
The top auto insurance providers in Pittsburgh for seniors are:
Chubb is the best car insurance for seniors in Pittsburgh. It scored highest for claims management and second highest for customer satisfaction. Although drivers in their 60s pay similar rates to those in their 30s, 40s and 50s, premiums can be more expensive for those in their 70s. If saving money is your priority, consider shopping around for affordable car insurance for seniors in Pittsburgh.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
#1 out of 11 insurers for claims management
#2 out of 11 insurers for customer satisfaction
Offers OEM coverage
More expensive than most insurers, at $1,059 yearly
Does not offer roadside assistance
Chubb has a reputation as one of the best auto insurance companies, receiving the highest score for its efficient claims management practices. Additionally, Chubb received the second-highest score for customer satisfaction, reflecting the company's ability to provide excellent service and address customer concerns promptly.
Chubb also offers rental reimbursement coverage with no per-day cap and a $15,000 limit. This generous rental reimbursement policy benefits customers who need a rental car while their vehicle is repaired due to a covered accident.
The insurer offers OEM coverage, which is not commonly available from other providers. This coverage ensures that your vehicle is repaired with original manufacturer parts, maintaining the integrity of its safety systems.
When choosing an insurance company, seniors should look for policies that offer tailored coverage and beneficial add-ons. Despite having higher premiums than the runner-up, Erie, Chubb's impressive performance in claims management and customer satisfaction indicates seniors will receive quick compensation, minimizing financial strain. Seniors should also take note of Chubb's add-on options, such as OEM coverage and no per-day limit on rental reimbursement.
If you have driving offenses on your driving record in Pittsburgh, these are the top car insurance providers:
Erie is our top pick for drivers with violations. It ties in third place in terms of customer satisfaction, and it has the fourth-cheapest rates overall. Keep in mind that rates will vary depending on the severity of the offense. Drivers in Pittsburgh with a speeding ticket or DUI can expect to pay an extra $265 or $805, respectively, compared to a driver with a clean record. While it's true that car insurance rates are generally higher for drivers with violations, you can still find cheap car insurance for drivers with poor records.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Offers affordable rates at $1,234 per year
Has a track record of excellent customer satisfaction
Offers rental car reimbursement, better car replacement and first accident forgiveness
Lacks roadside assistance and OEM coverage
With affordable pricing and responsive customer service, Erie is a good fit for drivers with offenses. Some of its coverages include rental car reimbursement, better car replacement and first accident forgiveness. Rental car reimbursement is particularly useful when policyholders are involved in an accident, and their vehicle is temporarily out of commission.
Erie’s Auto Security provides policyholders with a new car that is the latest model if they’ve owned it for less than two years and it is totaled in an accident. Finally, with First Accident Forgiveness coverage, Erie will forgive the policyholder’s first at-fault accident (if you’ve been claims-free for three years) and will not raise their rates.
Drivers with violations typically pay higher car insurance rates. Erie offers tailored coverage options, including better car replacement and first accident forgiveness, at an affordable price. These features can help reduce the financial burden on high-risk drivers. American National is the runner-up insurance and may offer cheaper rates for high-risk drivers but scores lower in financial stability.
Drivers with a new car can find the best auto insurance in Pittsburgh from the following providers:
Travelers is the best insurance option for new car owners in Pittsburgh, according to rankings based on affordability and service quality for Pennsylvania drivers with a 2022 model car. The rankings only included insurers offering better or new car replacement coverage, which pays for the cost of a brand-new car if yours is totaled. In addition to providing affordable rates, Travelers also offers above-average customer satisfaction.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Offers affordable premiums at $601 per year
Has key coverage options
Offers new car replacement
Lacks OEM coverage
Travelers is the best auto insurance provider for Pittsburgh drivers who own new cars because it offers affordable premiums at $601 per year, in addition to essential coverages like roadside assistance.
What sets Travelers apart is its Premier New Car Replacement coverage. If your new car is totaled within the first five years, Travelers will replace it with a new car of the same make and model. This feature helps those who want to protect their investment since it gives them peace of mind knowing that they will not have to cover the full cost of replacing their vehicle if an accident occurs.
In addition, Travelers’ roadside assistance offers emergency services, such as tire changes, fuel delivery and towing, flat tire or dead battery.
Insurance policies for drivers with new cars should include new or better car replacement coverage, which ensures that the policyholder receives a new vehicle in the event of a total loss. Travelers offers affordable policies and new car replacement coverage for up to five years. Allstate has higher customer satisfaction rates, but its premiums are almost twice as high as those of Travelers.
When shopping for the best car insurance in Pittsburgh, it's important to consider the insurer's service reputation, cost and financial stability. If you prefer to do your own research to find the best car insurance in Pittsburgh, there are a few steps you can take.
While MoneyGeek has already done some of the legwork for you, you can also examine J.D. Power satisfaction scores and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint ratios. You can also visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's website, where all customer service data is gathered on a state rather than local level.
MoneyGeek quotes are based on the average cost for sample drivers in Pittsburgh, but your actual rates may vary depending on your driver profile. We suggest you get at least three estimates from different insurance providers to have a better sense of how much insurance will cost you.
Insurance companies may promote discounts or coverages on their websites that they may only offer in some states. Double-check that an insurance provider offers the particular coverage or discount you want in Pittsburgh before choosing that company. Some coverages are included in the standard policy, while others come at an additional cost.
When evaluating insurance providers, consider each firm’s financial strength rating. Pittsburgh-based regional insurance businesses may have lower ratings than major insurance companies, which often have stronger financial positions. Low financial stability ratings can indicate that a company could have difficulty paying out its claims.
Here are some of the most common questions people have when searching for car insurance in Pittsburgh to help you make an informed decision.
Erie stands out as the best auto insurer in Pittsburgh with a MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100. It offers affordable coverage at an average cost of $700 per year. Erie also has exceptional customer service, rental car reimbursement, better car replacement and first accident forgiveness, making it the ideal choice for drivers with offenses. With a commitment to providing quality coverage and excellent customer service, Erie sets the standard for auto insurance in Pittsburgh.
If you're looking for cheap car insurance in Pittsburgh, Auto-Owners Insurance may be the right choice for you. With a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100, Auto-Owners Insurance offers the best cheap auto insurance coverage in Pittsburgh, with an average cost of only $257 per year. This insurer is also ideal for young drivers looking for affordable premiums. Despite its low cost, the company still provides quality coverage and customer service.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.
