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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Erie, PA

After thorough research, it’s clear that Travelers offers the most affordable car insurance in Erie.

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Updated: 15 September 2023
Written by
Doug Schaffer

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If you’re a Erie resident, finding the best value , especially when it comes to car insurance, is always on your radar. My extensive research shows that Travelers stands out with the cheapest car insurance in Erie.

Getting the right car insurance at the right price is crucial for your financial well-being. Not only are you paying a hefty monthly premium, but having adequate coverage is also vital to protect yourself in case of an accident resulting in injuries or fatalities.

With over 15 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent and more than 35 years buying car insurance, I’m well-acquainted with all the reviewed companies, having been insured by several of them. Each company is reputable, but they shine in different customer groups.

Cheapest And Best Car Insurance Companies In Erie, PA 2023

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Cheapest overall - Travelers
nationwide-icon-logo
Cheapest for teens - Nationwide
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Cheapest for adults - Travelers
state-farm-icon-logo-red
Cheapest for driving violations - State Farm
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Cheapest for full coverage - Travelers
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Cheapest for minimum coverage - Travelers
Cheapest Car Insurance, Erie 2023

Compare The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Erie, PA

J.D. Power Rating (Best 1000) Cheapest For A.M. Best Rating Overall Rating Online Experience Get A Quote
State Farm

843

Driving Violations

A++
4.8

9.7

 Instant Quote
Travelers

822

Full Coverage

A++
4.8

9.5

 Instant Quote
Travelers

822

Cheapest Overall

A+
4.9

9.5

 Instant Quote
Travelers

822

Minimum Coverage

A+
4.9

9.5

 Instant Quote
Nationwide

820

Teens

A+
4.7

9.6

 Instant Quote
Travelers

822

Seniors

A+
4.9

9.5

 Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons ⇄

Our Methodology

I tackled this task from all angles, considering customer service, product options, pricing, and the online user experience. My deep understanding, garnered from buying car insurance and being a licensed agent for over 15 years, along with interactions with agents from various companies, has given me valuable insights into the pros and cons of these insurers.

46

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

14

Brands Reviewed

27+

Research Hours

Reviews Of The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Erie


Cheapest Overall

Overall Rating
4.9
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

In Erie, Travelers stands out not just for having the most affordable car insurance rates but also for its top-notch customer service. While its overall satisfaction reputation is decent, it shines in handling complaints, which means it receives very few customer service issues.

Insurers often keep the premium calculation process shrouded in mystery, leaving drivers wondering why some pay more than others. However, factors like a bad driving record, credit score, and age can influence rates. Travelers takes a fair and balanced approach, giving equal consideration to various factors, which leads to highly competitive rates for all drivers.

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • Cheapest rates for most drivers in Erie
  • Benefit from add-on coverages like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and gap insurance.
  • Enjoy unique discounts, such as new vehicle, loyalty, homeowners, and hybrid vehicle discounts.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • No deductible modification or better car replacement options.
  • Regrettably, rideshare insurance is not available in Pennsylvania.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Car Insurance In Erie

Insurance company Monthly rate for full coverage
Travelers $86
Nationwide $102
Auto-Owners $106
State Farm $109
Erie $114

Cheapest For Driving Violations

Overall Rating
4.8
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
7/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

In Erie, heavy traffic often leads to driving violations and accidents. Insurers tend to hike your rates when you get a ticket for a moving violation, DUI, or an at-fault accident.

For drivers with violations and at-fault accidents, State Farm offers the most budget-friendly rates in Erie. What’s more, they boast the largest sales force in the country, with offices right in the neighborhoods of their insured customers.

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • Offers a diverse range of discounts, including student and good driver discounts.
  • Provides convenient rideshare insurance coverage.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • Lacks options for accident forgiveness, new car replacement, gap insurance, deductible modification, or better car replacement.
  • Does not provide unique coverages like OEM replacement parts.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Car Insurance In Erie After A Violation

Insurance company Monthly rate after a DUI
State Farm $123
Allstate $123
Travelers $129
American National P&C $189
Erie $199

Cheapest Minimum Coverage

Overall Rating
4.9
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

In the race for the most affordable car insurance in Erie, Travelers takes home two trophies: one for the cheapest full coverage and another for the cheapest minimum coverage.

Now, there are times when going for the minimum coverage (liability-only) required by Pennsylvania law ($15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage) makes sense. For instance, if you own an older car without any loans, and its value is lower than what a full coverage premium would cost, sticking with minimum coverage might be sufficient.

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • The most economical rates for full coverage in Erie.
  • Demonstrates a commendable track record with fewer complaints than the national average, as per the NAIC.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • No mobile app available for enhanced user experience.
  • It does not offer the convenience of purchasing coverage online.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance In Erie

Insurance company Monthly rate for minimum coverage
Travelers $39
Erie $45
Westfield $48
State Farm $50
American National P&C $50

Best For Full Coverage

Overall Rating
4.9
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

While sticking to the minimum car insurance might seem tempting in Erie, it’s a smart move for those with newer cars worth more than their annual premium to go for full coverage instead. And guess what? Travelers has got you covered with the most pocket-friendly full coverage option in Erie.

And that’s not all – Travelers makes it even better by offering various car insurance discounts to keep your premium affordable. Bundling, multi-car, good student, safe driving, and paperless communications are among the discounts you can benefit from. Hybrid drivers might also qualify for the alternative energy discount.

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • Boasts the cheapest rates for full coverage in Erie.
  • Demonstrates a lower number of complaints compared to the national average with the NAIC.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • Lacks a mobile app for added convenience.
  • Doesn't offer the option to purchase coverage online.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Monthly Full Coverage Car Insurance In Erie

Insurance company Monthly rate for full coverage
Travelers $86
Nationwide $102
Auto-Owners $106
State Farm $109
Erie $114

Cheapest For Teens

Overall Rating
4.7
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claim Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

When it comes to insuring teens added to their parent’s policy, Nationwide takes the cake with the most budget-friendly option. Going for a family policy instead of a separate one is a smarter and more cost-effective move for teenagers.

For instance, if a teen driver in Erie chooses an individual plan, they’ll be facing a staggering $10,149 per year with Nationwide – a price that’s hard to manage for most teens. But here’s the good news: by adding them to their parent’s policy with Nationwide, the premium drops significantly to just $2,750 annually. Quite the difference, right?

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • Presents a wide array of common discounts, including bundling, multi-car, good student, safe driver, anti-theft, paperless, and defensive driving discounts.
  • Extends an additional discount incentive for opting for automatic payments.
  • Provides the option to enhance coverage with add-ons such as mechanical breakdown assistance and identity theft coverage.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • Does not provide new car or better replacement coverage options.
  • Lacks discounts for paying in full or having airbags installed.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Car Insurance For Teens In Erie

Insurance company Family Plan Annual Premium Individual Plan Annual Premium
Nationwide $2,750 $10,149
Travelers $2,949 $10,745
Auto Owners $3,208 $11,189
State Farm $3,898 $7,852
Allstate $3,932 $11,942

Cheapest For Seniors

Overall Rating
4.9
Get A Quote ›

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

⇅

As drivers get older, their car insurance tends to rise accordingly. In Erie, where living costs can be high and some seniors are on fixed incomes, they’re always searching for better rates and willing to switch carriers to save money.

And guess what? Travelers comes through once more as the most budget-friendly option for this expanding demographic. With over 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 daily in America, navigating inflation and living off retirement income, Travelers proves its dedication to making car insurance affordable for these seasoned drivers.

Benefits & Drawbacks

⇅
Benefits
  • Presents the cheapest rates for seniors, providing them with cost-effective options.
  • Offers a good selection of discounts, enabling seniors to save on their insurance premiums.
  • Provides numerous coverage options and add-ons, tailoring policies to suit individual needs.
    • ✓
Drawbacks
  • Rates may increase as drivers age into their 70s and 80s, potentially impacting affordability for older policyholders.
    • ✘

Rates For The Cheapest Car Insurance In Erie For Seniors

Insurance company Monthly rate for full coverage for seniors
Travelers $82
Nationwide $88
State Farm $99
Auto Owners $101
Allstate $108

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Erie

Here’s the rundown of the average car insurance costs in Erie, covering various categories:

Average Cost In Erie – By Age

Age group Average 6 month premium for full coverage
Teens $1,424
20s $1,029
30s $712
40s $672
50s $640
60s $643
70s $758

Average Cost In Erie – By Marital Status

Marital Status Average annual rate
Single $1,399
Married $1,346
Divorced $1,403
Widowed $1,372

Average Cost In Erie – By Gender

Driver’s gender Annual cost
Female $2,638
Male $2,638
Difference $0

Average Cost In Erie – By Accident And Violation History

Violation Average yearly rate
DWI/DUI $2,514
Speeding $1,600
At-fault accident $2,157

Average Cost In Erie – By Credit Tier

Credit Tier Average annual rate
Very Poor (300-579) $2,596
Fair (580-669) $2,171
Good (670-739) $1,800
Very Good (740-799) $1,477
Exceptional (800-850) $1,217

Average Cost In Erie – By Zip Code

Zip code Monthly cost
19118 $2,466
19128 $2,545
19113 $2,565
19127 $2,614
19154 $2,755

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In Erie

Here are the essential liability insurance requirements in Erie:

● $15,000 for injury/death to one person

● $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person

● $5,000 for property damage

Liability insurance only pays for damages to others, not the policyholder. Full coverage, on the other hand, protects both the policyholder and others involved in an accident.

How To Buy Car Insurance In Erie

It’s essential to know that every car insurance company has policies that can fit your needs. However, depending on your situation, one company may be more advantageous than others. If you’re 65, Travelers might be the best option with its low rates for seniors. On the other hand, if you’re 17, Nationwide could be the better choice, focusing on a younger demographic.

To find the best car insurance company for you, ask yourself these five questions:

1. How are the company’s financial ratings?

2. Does the company offer the coverage I require?

3. Do I prefer a local agent’s assistance or searching for policies online?

4. Are the company’s rates competitive for my age group?

5. Are most online reviews about the company positive?

Remember, what works best for you now might not be as competitive in the future. So, compare rates and coverage every six or twelve months when your policy renews.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Car Insurance Policy In Erie

Car insurance rates in Erie, like everywhere else, are influenced by various factors such as:

Age: Your age can lead to rate differences of up to 367%.

Car make and model: Some vehicles cost less to insure than others. For example, trucks are about 3% cheaper to insure compared to sedans, on average.

High-risk violations: Traffic violations and accidents can raise insurance costs from 20% to 200%.

Yearly mileage: The more you drive each year, the higher the chances of accidents, affecting your rates.

Zip code: Where you live can cause fluctuations in your rates.

Marital status: Married drivers usually get lower premiums as they are statistically considered the least risky drivers to insure.

Erie Car Insurance Laws To Know

In Erie, the auto insurance laws are clear-cut and straightforward: all drivers must get at least the minimum required car insurance as per the state. Additionally, they need to carry proof of coverage while driving.

In The News

Billy Penn at WHYY reports that in October 2021, Eriens faced challenges dealing with bullet damage to their cars due to ongoing shootings. He points out that this issue becomes a significant financial burden in a city where over a quarter of the residents live below the poverty rate, and many others are living paycheck to paycheck.

Car Insurance Discounts In Erie

In Erie, most car insurance companies offer money-saving discounts that you might qualify for. Some of these discounts include:

● Having safety equipment like airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, or an anti-theft system

● Owning a vehicle that is three model years old or newer

● Driving accident-free for five years

● Using seat belts

● Completing a defensive driving course

● Having good grades

● Insuring more than one vehicle

● Bundling homeowners, renters, condo, or mobile home insurance with car insurance

● Being active-duty or retired military

Looking For Car Insurance In Other Cities In Pennsylvania?

FAQs

Why is Pennsylvania car insurance so high?

Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania are influenced by several factors, and they can go up due to various reasons. One of them is the number of uninsured drivers on the road, which can cause rates to rise. Additionally, the weather plays a role in driving up rates, as risks like snow, ice, and heavy rain storms can impact driving conditions and lead to more accidents.

How much is car insurance in Pennsylvania a month?

In Pennsylvania, the typical yearly cost of car insurance comes to $1,672.

Which company offers the cheapest car insurance?

When it comes to car insurance in Erie, Travelers takes the crown for offering the most affordable rates.

Sources

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