Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania 2025
State Farm is one of the best car insurance companies for college students in Pennsylvania. Travelers is the cheapest provider, with an average annual rate of $1,404.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 300 colleges, universities, and technical institutions, including 14 public universities such as Temple University, The University of Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania State University. The state also boasts prestigious private schools like the University of Pennsylvania, along with more than 15 community colleges and over 80 private institutions.
Despite this rich academic landscape, college students in Pennsylvania face some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. Much of this stems from elevated crash risks around school zones. While cars often slow down near campuses, many surrounding roads are poorly lit—especially in winter—and lack sidewalks, creating dangerous conditions for young drivers.
Compounding the issue, Pennsylvania college students are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, failing to wear seat belts, and reckless driving. As a result, insurers charge significantly higher premiums for younger drivers.
The good news is that students can still take steps to lower costs. Options like good‑student discounts, enrolling in defensive driving courses, staying on a parent’s policy, or installing anti‑theft devices can help reduce premiums while ensuring reliable coverage.
Key Takeaways
Student drivers in Pennsylvania must have car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Travelers offers the cheapest insurance policy for students in Pennsylvania, at an average annual rate of $1,404.
There are multiple ways to reduce the cost of car insurance for students in Pennsylvania.
Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Pennsylvania
When selecting car insurance for college students in Pennsylvania, you need to consider your priorities and pick a policy that matches your needs, whether that is low rates or comprehensive coverage.
Use the table below to see our picks for the best auto insurers for students in Pennsylvania.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Allstate | $2,160 |
| State Farm | $1,452 |
| Progressive | $1,548 |
| Travelers | $1,404 |
| GEICO | $3,468 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania
Minimum coverage policies are often an effective way to decrease overall costs, but can leave you vulnerable in an accident. These low-cost plans will only cover the state minimum insurance needed to operate a vehicle, which means paying expenses out of pocket.
Minimum coverage policies are great options for college students as they provide the insurance needed to drive legally while keeping costs low.
As you can see from the table below, GEICO is the cheapest average option at $540 per year.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| State Farm | $684 |
| Erie | $756 |
| GEICO | $540 |
| National General | $720 |
| Travelers | $660 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania
College students who commute to campus or routinely drive for work should consider a full coverage policy over minimum coverage. These plans offer additional protection, often including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
While the full coverage policies offer more protection, they come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of the additional insurance against the extra monthly cost.
Travelers is the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy for students in Pennsylvania, at an average annual rate of $2,880.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Auto-Owners | $3,012 |
| Travelers | $2,880 |
| GEICO | $3,288 |
| State Farm | $3,420 |
| Erie Insurance | $3,120 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Low-Mileage In Pennsylvania
If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan on driving much throughout the school year, there’s no reason to pay for insurance you don’t need. While you’ll still need to maintain the state minimum auto insurance, most low-mileage policies offer discounted rates if you stay below a certain number of miles yearly.
The limit will vary between insurance companies, but is usually around 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.
Use the table below to view the cheapest low-mileage rates for college drivers in Pennsylvania.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| GEICO | $1,020 |
| Allstate | $780 |
| Nationwide | $1,104 |
| State Farm | $960 |
| Travelers | $900 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Driving Violations In Pennsylvania
Driving violations can significantly increase the amount a driver pays for monthly coverage, regardless of age. College students will likely experience an even more significant rate increase after an accident or ticket due to their already high-risk rating.
One way to mitigate the damage of a driving violation is to work with a company like Erie that specializes in insuring motorists with a history of tickets or accidents.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| State Farm | $1,500 |
| Progressive | $1,728 |
| Erie | $1,416 |
| GEICO | $1,872 |
| Travelers | $1,596 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Pennsylvania – By City
Where you live in Pennsylvania can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums.
Use the table below to view average rates for different cities in Pennsylvania.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
| Philadelphia | $290 |
| Pittsburgh | $164 |
| Allentown | $176 |
| Erie | $159 |
| Scranton | $163 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
Travelers offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old college drivers in Pennsylvania, at an average monthly cost of $158.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $254 |
| State Farm | $199 |
| Travelers | $158 |
| Allstate | $257 |
| Progressive | $480 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
Travelers provides the cheapest policy for 19-year-old college students in Pennsylvania, averaging $128 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $184 |
| State Farm | $175 |
| Travelers | $128 |
| GEICO | $211 |
| Nationwide | $156 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
The cheapest auto insurance rates for a 20-year-old college driver can be found with Travelers, averaging $114 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $155 |
| GEICO | $197 |
| Travelers | $114 |
| Allstate | $157 |
| Nationwide | $133 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
The most affordable college student car insurance policy for a 21-year-old can be found at Travelers, with an average monthly cost of $89.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $180 |
| Auto-Owners | $111 |
| Travelers | $89 |
| State Farm | $129 |
| Progressive | $289 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 22-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
22-year-old student car insurance can be found from $81 per month, with a Travelers auto policy.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $113 |
| State Farm | $117 |
| Progressive | $251 |
| Travelers | $81 |
| GEICO | $171 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
23-year-old college drivers can find affordable insurance from Travelers at an average monthly cost of $74.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $74 |
| State Farm | $104 |
| Progressive | $217 |
| Nationwide | $83 |
| Allstate | $108 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 24-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
The cheapest car insurance policy for a 24-year-old college student is $70 per month, which can be found with Travelers.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $96 |
| Allstate | $103 |
| GEICO | $155 |
| Travelers | $70 |
| Progressive | $198 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25-Year-Old College Students In Pennsylvania
Travelers offers the cheapest auto policies for 25-year-old college students in Pennsylvania at $64 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $80 |
| Travelers | $64 |
| Allstate | $98 |
| GEICO | $150 |
| Progressive | $167 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy Vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Family Policy | Individual Student Policy |
| GEICO | $170 | $180 |
| Auto-Owners | $105 | $111 |
| Travelers | $89 | $117 |
| State Farm | $122 | $129 |
| Progressive | $251 | $289 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Pennsylvania
Car insurance premiums in Pennsylvania can be especially high for college students, but there are several strategies to help reduce costs. By combining discounts, smart vehicle choices, and safety upgrades, students can make coverage more affordable.
Student-Specific Discounts
Academic performance and safe driving can directly lower premiums. In Pennsylvania, students may qualify for:
- Good student discount: Up to 15% off for maintaining a strong GPA
- Driver’s education discount: Savings for completing approved courses
- Accident-free discount: Staying claim-free for five years with the same insurer can save up to 22%
Affiliation Discounts
Membership in organizations can unlock savings:
- GEICO offers discounts through more than 500 partner groups, including fraternities, sororities, and honor societies
- Alumni associations often extend discounts even after graduation
- Other insurers provide similar affiliation-based savings for campus clubs and professional groups
Vehicle Security And Safety Improvements
Adding safety and security features can reduce risks and lower premiums:
- Anti-theft systems: Average discounts of up to 25%
- Anti-lock brakes: Savings between 5%–10%
- Airbags: Can reduce the personal injury portion of coverage by about 20%
Choosing Between Used And New Cars
While new cars may seem appealing, insurers often charge higher premiums due to costly repairs and replacement risks. For young drivers, a reliable used car is usually the more budget-friendly option, balancing affordability with safety.
Military Discounts
Active duty service members, National Guard, and Reserves personnel may qualify for average discounts of around 15% from several Pennsylvania insurers.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Pennsylvania
For Pennsylvania college students, purchasing car insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, comparison platforms make the process easier by letting you review multiple quotes side by side. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Compare Multiple Quotes
Start by reviewing at least three quotes from different insurers. This ensures you’re not only meeting Pennsylvania’s minimum coverage requirements but also finding the most affordable option.
Tip: If you’re a new driver or coming from out of state, consider adding coverage beyond the minimums. Extra protection such as collision or comprehensive coverage can safeguard you against Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather and terrain.
Step 2: Identify Discounts
Look for providers that offer discounts tailored to your situation. For example:
- Bundling renters insurance with car insurance
- Good student discounts for maintaining strong grades
- Safety feature discounts for vehicles with airbags or anti-lock brakes
Bundling policies often provides bigger savings than individual discounts, so weigh your options carefully.
Step 3: Purchase Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen the best plan, complete the purchase online or through an agent. If you’re switching providers, notify your former insurer to avoid billing overlaps.
Step 4: Receive Proof Of Coverage
After paying your first premium, you’ll receive your insurance card. Keep it in your vehicle at all times to comply with Pennsylvania law.
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, Or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
In Pennsylvania, whether a college student needs their own car insurance or can remain on a parent’s plan depends on residence and vehicle ownership.
Staying On A Parent’s Policy
Students can remain on a parent’s insurance policy as long as their parents’ home is listed as their permanent residence. This applies even if they attend college out of state or live temporarily in a dorm or apartment. Pennsylvania law does not impose an age limit for staying on a parent’s policy, provided the permanent residence requirement is met.
When Students Need Their Own Policy
A separate insurance policy is typically required if:
- The vehicle is titled solely in the student’s name
- The student permanently moves out and keeps their car at their new residence
In these cases, insurers generally require the student to purchase their own coverage to comply with Pennsylvania’s insurance laws.
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.
A lapse in insurance coverage can result in suspension of your vehicle registration for 3 months. During such suspension, your registration plate, card, and driver’s license, where applicable, have to be surrendered to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, after which you’ll have to pay a restoration fee and provide proof of insurance before your privileges are restored. Additional penalties can include a suspension of your driver’s license and a minimum $300 fine.
All vehicles registered in Pennsylvania, including trucks, cars, vans, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles, must maintain $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $5,000 for damage to another person’s property.
Car insurance companies in Pennsylvania will provide you with an insurance identification card that is only valid for the period during which your coverage has been paid. This card must be carried with you so that you can present it to an officer if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation.
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.
Compare College Student Rates To Other U.S. States
| State | Average Annual Premium |
| Alabama | $3,460 |
| Alaska | $3,276 |
| Arizona | $3,412 |
| Arkansas | $3,557 |
| California | $4,016 |
| Colorado | $3,937 |
| Connecticut | $3,325 |
| Delaware | $3,663 |
| Florida | $4,294 |
| Georgia | $3,570 |
| Hawaii | $3,117 |
| Idaho | $3,028 |
| Illinois | $3,132 |
| Indiana | $3,115 |
| Iowa | $3,230 |
| Kansas | $3,500 |
| Kentucky | $3,828 |
| Louisiana | $4,483 |
| Maine | $2,775 |
| Maryland | $3,346 |
| Massachusetts | $3,326 |
| Michigan | $3,952 |
| Minnesota | $3,511 |
| Mississippi | $3,608 |
| Missouri | $3,582 |
| Montana | $3,793 |
| Nebraska | $3,502 |
| Nevada | $3,660 |
| New Hampshire | $2,865 |
| New Jersey | $3,502 |
| New Mexico | $3,649 |
| New York | $3,470 |
| North Carolina | $3,341 |
| North Dakota | $3,265 |
| Ohio | $3,017 |
| Oklahoma | $3,738 |
| Oregon | $3,278 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,472 |
| Rhode Island | $3,661 |
| South Carolina | $3,422 |
| South Dakota | $3,880 |
| Tennessee | $3,277 |
| Texas | $3,643 |
| Utah | $3,425 |
| Vermont | $2,919 |
| Virginia | $3,069 |
| Washington | $3,208 |
| West Virginia | $3,605 |
| Wisconsin | $3,264 |
| Wyoming | $3,358 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Our Methodology
To find the cheapest car insurance rates for college students in Pennsylvania, we analyzed findings from numerous insurance rating sites, some of which analyzed rates from public filings obtained by Quadrant Information Services. We also utilize the combined 25 years of experience from our team of insurance experts to evaluate each carrier.
It’s important to note that even though the rates listed in this guide are accurate, premiums shift daily and can fluctuate based on each driver.
About Doug Schaffer
