Cheapest car insurance in Erie, Pennsylvania (Nov 2024)

Written by Sarah Gray and 2 others
Nov 20, 2024
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Cheapest car insurance in Erie, Pennsylvania (Nov 2024)

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Cheapest car insurance quotes in Erie

On average, auto insurance in Erie costs about $90 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $108 per month for full coverage insurance. Erie drivers pay 19% less than the Pennsylvania average.

There is a common misconception that popular car insurance providers consistently offer better rates than others—but in reality, no one company provides the best rates for everyone. To unlock the best insurance rates, you should shop around and collect quotes from multiple sources and choose the most suitable option for your needs.

Every month, Jerry Insurance Agency helps savvy car insurance shoppers in Erie streamline the insurance comparison process and purchase affordable coverage. Here are some of the cheapest quotes we found.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
National General $124 24 16507 Dodge Dart Sxt State Minimum No
Embark General $288 39 16502 Ford Fusion Titanium State Minimum Yes
First Acceptance $165 38 16507 Dodge Dart Se Aero State Minimum Yes
Embark General $321 54 16503 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 50/100 Yes
First Acceptance $106 23 16502 Toyota Prius 25/50 No
Last Updated Dec 5, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Erie

Jerry administered the nation’s largest insurance shopping survey to uncover the truths about finding affordable insurance—including who offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Erie.

What we found: affordable car insurance rates aren’t housed by just one company. Each car insurance provider offers unique rates for their policyholders, so the cheapest provider for one driver may not be the cheapest provider for another. Factors like customer service and claims handling are also important to consider when choosing an insurer.

While State Auto, Safeco, Progressive, National General, and Travelers are all popular insurance companies in Erie, let’s take a look at how Erie drivers reviewed them on a scale of 0 to 5.

Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Progressive4.33.74.34.4
Allstate4.12.8N/A4.3
State Farm3.93.13.93.6
Liberty Mutual3.63.53.83.5
Geico3.32.633.5

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Erie

Pennsylvania’s minimum car insurance requirements reflect how much insurance you need the carry to legally drive as well as the cheapest coverage option in Erie. However, minimum liability coverage provides minimal financial protection.

You’ll need full coverage if you want to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own vehicle–but that’s not as easy to get in the Keystone State as it once was thanks to the current car insurance crisis. Take a listen to what Jerry’s experts have to say about the state of the insurance industry in Pennsylvania, and how it could affect your policy choices in Erie.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Erie

To legally operate a vehicle on Erie roads, residents must meet the state’s minimum car insurance coverage requirements.

Pennsylvania drivers must hold $5,000 in personal injury protection (PIP), $5,000 in property damage liability per accident, $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, and $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident.

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Erie?

Erie drivers aren’t required to purchase more than minimum coverage—but you may need additional coverage to keep yourself fully protected on the roads.

If an at-fault accident occurs, you could face vehicle repair or replacement costs, as well as medical expenses that exceed the minimum limits of your state-required coverage. Serious injuries to another person or hefty vehicle damages can result in expenses of over $50,000 in some cases.

The bottom line: Consider medical benefits, full coverage with collision and comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or at least 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage for better financial protection.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Erie

In the event of an accident that requires extreme repairs or replacing your vehicle, full coverage is the best car insurance for covering your financial bases.

As per Pennsylvania insurance law, full coverage offers comprehensive and collision coverage:

  • Collision coverage covers the expenses associated with repairing or replacing your car
  • Comprehensive coverage provides coverage if your car is stolen or damaged by non-collision incidents like theft or natural disasters

If you drive a leased vehicle, your lender will typically mandate full coverage with collision and comprehensive insurance.

Jerry’s agents have assisted customers in finding the most affordable full-coverage policies available to them.

Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
State Minimum Yes Progressive $140 52 16507 Ford Escape Xlt
State Minimum Yes The General $310 24 16505 Kia Optima Lx
State Minimum Yes Gainsco $382 26 16502 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit
50/100 Yes Bristol West $426 26 16506 Honda Hr-V Sport
100/300 Yes Progressive $177 29 16510 Chrysler 200 Limited
Last Updated Nov, 2024

To effectively and efficiently compare car insurance quotes online, it’s best to use a car insurance comparison app or website.

Jerry, a top insurance agency, has a handy, free app that compares car insurance quotes and offers personalized service to customers through a team of over 100 licensed insurance agents.

Average cost of car insurance in Erie

From helping thousands of Erie insurance policyholders find the right coverage for their needs, we’ve observed that minimum liability coverage costs an average of $90 per month or $1,080 per year. On the other hand, full coverage in Erie can amount to $108 per month or $1,296 per year.

Average insurance rates are a great tool to help you get an idea of what your insurance costs could look like, but they won’t necessarily depict the reality of your premiums. Remember that each driver gets a unique rate determined by factors including the type of car, demographics, and driving and claims records.

Average cost of car insurance in Erie by zip code

Insurance companies use specific algorithms to calculate car insurance rates for each driver. Even within the same city, premiums can vary in different ZIP codes and neighborhoods. Higher incidents of theft, accidents, and vandalism in your specific location can lead insurers to flag your ZIP code as a “high-risk” area and increase your rates.

Jerry has helped drivers in different Erieneighborhoods find cheap car insurance.

Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
16502$85$149
16503$86$166
16504$67$124
16505$37$115
16506$65$242
16507$72$98
16508$74$104
16509$41$161
16510$94$150
16511$67$101

Car insurance quotes in Erie by rating factors

Each insurer in Erie determines your car insurance rate based on several factors, including:

  • Your driving record and claims history: Car accidents and tickets tend to result in higher rates.
  • Where you keep your car: Your location and garaging/parking address will impact your premiums. Drivers who live in areas with higher incidences of claims typically pay more for insurance.
  • The kind of car you have: Luxury vehicles, sports cars, and high-performance vehicles will incur higher costs for collision and comprehensive coverage.
  • How you use your car: Drivers who use their car for leisure typically pay less than drivers who take their car to and from work.
  • Your credit score: Insurance companies in Pennsylvania can use your credit score to assess your risk level. Those with lower credit scores tend to pay higher for insurance.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Erie after driving violations

Your driving history is one of the most influential factors when it comes to your insurance rate. Insurance companies are likely to charge you higher premiums if you have a history of violations that indicate a greater risk of insuring you and your vehicle.

Common driving violations in Erie include:

  • Speeding
  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Texting and driving

Cheapest car insurance in Erie after speeding ticket

Speeding is classified by different levels, including:

  • 1-5 mph over limit
  • 6-10 mph over limit
  • 11-15 mph over limit
  • 16-20 mph over limit
  • 21+ mph over limit

A speeding ticket on your driving record will typically impact your car insurance premiums. Luckily, Jerry helps you save on car insurance even if you have a speeding ticket.

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding 21+ The General $310 24 16505 Kia Optima Lx State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor National General $126 24 16507 Dodge Dart Sxt State Minimum No
Speeding 1-5 First Acceptance $199 35 16506 Jeep Renegade Latitude 50/100 Yes
Speeding 21+ Progressive $409 24 16510 Kia Optima Lx State Minimum Yes
Speeding 11-15 National General $153 26 16502 Nissan Altima Base State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Erie after DUI

A DUI offense in Pennsylvania can lead to a higher increase in car insurance premiums compared to other infractions.

Having a DUI offense on your record can mean significantly different car insurance rates between insurance companies, too. To find affordable options following a DUI, it’s therefore best to compare rates from multiple insurance providers before settling on a policy.

Cheapest car insurance in Erie after an at-fault accident

Insurance providers look at your history of at-fault accidents to assess your level of risk. A recent at-fault accident can increase your car insurance rates significantly.

While Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, you can still be deemed at fault in a collision and responsible for paying property damages for another driver’s vehicle—even if you aren’t typically responsible for bodily injury damages.

Filing a property damage liability claim for an at-fault collision can increase your rates. But Jerry has been able to help Erie drivers save on car insurance with at-fault accidents in their driving record.

Accident type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Not At Fault National General $124 24 16507 Dodge Dart Sxt State Minimum No
At Fault With No Injury Embark General $288 39 16502 Ford Fusion Titanium State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault First Acceptance $165 38 16507 Dodge Dart Se Aero State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Embark General $321 54 16503 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 50/100 Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $140 52 16507 Ford Escape Xlt State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 5, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Erie after other driving violations

Apart from speeding tickets and DUIs, other violations—like reckless driving—can also result in high car insurance costs in Erie. But Jerry has helped affected drivers reduce their monthly insurance expenses.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Other Minor Progressive $94 38 16507 Dodge Dart Se Aero State Minimum No
Driving on Sus. License Progressive $149 23 16507 Hyundai Elantra Gls State Minimum No
Seat Belt First Acceptance $58 31 16503 Toyota Rav4 State Minimum No
Improper Passing National General $83 28 16502 Chevrolet Cruze Lt State Minimum No
Defective Equipment National General $76 34 16505 Gmc Yukon Slt State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Erie by age

Your age will impact your Erie car insurance rates. If you’re a teen driver under 25, you can expect to pay higher premiums. Likewise, once you turn 75 you can expect your insurance rates to increase again.

Cheapest car insurance in Erie for young drivers

New drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 generally pay the highest insurance premiums in Erie. Full coverage is a good idea for those with limited driving experience as it offers broader financial protection in case of an accident.

One way to lower teen car insurance rates is to keep newer drivers on a parent or guardian’s policy. Jerry has helped both parents and young drivers in Erie find affordable premiums.

Cheapest car insurance in Erie for senior drivers

Car insurance rates tend to rise again once drivers reach their mid-70s. Older drivers are statistically more likely to be in an accident and experience serious injuries after a collision. Higher medical expenses encourage insurance providers to charge senior drivers steeper premiums.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Erie based on insurance history

Your insurance history plays a significant role in your car insurance rates. This includes whether you currently have an active insurance policy or not. A lapse in your insurance coverage can mean a higher premium.

You can sign up for payment reminders with Jerry to make sure you never miss a car insurance payment. If your coverage has lapsed or you’re currently uninsured, however, Jerry can help you track down savings on a new policy.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Erie for drivers with poor credit

Insurance companies in Pennsylvania are permitted to use credit scores when setting premiums. In general, drivers with poor credit scores are more likely to file claims and therefore pay more for insurance than those with good credit.

Our data shows that drivers with credit scores over 750 tend to pay 20% less than drivers with credit scores under 550.

Here’s how drivers with low credit scores saved with Jerry.

Credit Range
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
660-750 Progressive $140 52 16507 Ford Escape Xlt State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $94 38 16507 Dodge Dart Se Aero State Minimum No
660-750 First Acceptance $53 60 16503 Jeep Grand Cherokee Col State Minimum No
<550 The General $310 24 16505 Kia Optima Lx State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $149 23 16507 Hyundai Elantra Gls State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Car insurance premiums vary depending on the type of vehicle you have. Different repair and replacement costs, theft rates, and safety ratings all play a role in your premium.

In Erie, common car models include:

  • Honda Civic
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Jeep Cherokee
  • Honda Accord
Popular Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Toyota Rav4 First Acceptance $58 31 16503 State Minimum No
Honda Civic Lx Progressive $161 24 16504 State Minimum Yes
Honda Civic Lx Progressive $209 23 16502 State Minimum Yes
Honda Accord Lx Progressive $164 30 16509 25/50 Yes
Jeep Cherokee Latitude The General $156 24 16502 State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Cheapest car insurance in Erie for new vs. old car

New vehicles usually have higher insurance costs than older ones. On average, a car that’s 10+ years old costs around $104 per year to insure in Erie. Cars less than 4 years old generally cost an average of $116 per year.

How to lower car insurance costs in Erie

1. Shop around and compare quotes

You can’t get the best deal on auto insurance without comparing quotes from at least three different companies. Experts recommend comparison shopping for car insurance quotes every six months.

Take a look at the most competitive plans in five minutes or less with Jerry. Download the app, sign up, and get five to seven quotes delivered straight to your phone. It’s the best money you’ll never spend—because our five-star-rated app is free!

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

Getting the right car insurance discount can transform a good rate into a great one. You could save by joining a program for:

  • Good drivers. If you’ve held a clean driving record for at least three years, you’re due for some sweet discounts.
  • Telematics device users. Telematics devices track how far you drive, when you drive, and how you drive. If you brake often and hard, this isn’t the program for you. But if you’re a calm and mellow driver, you could reap a low rate as a reward!
  • Good students. Full-time high school and college students with a B average or better can translate their scholastic successes into savings.
  • Insurance bundlers. Bundle your car and home insurance and you could pay less for each of them.

Once you know which discounts you qualify for, check out the Jerry app to help you achieve even lower premiums.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

If you’ve got full coverage car insurance, increasing your deductible is an easy way to keep your monthly expenses low without sacrificing coverage.

Why is car insurance in Erie so expensive?

Erie car insurance rates can be pretty steep for a few reasons:

  • Insurance requirements: Because Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, Erie drivers must purchase car insurance with higher (and pricier) minimum insurance requirements than other areas.
  • Bad traffic: As population trends upward in Erie, more cars on the road leads to busier traffic and increased accident risk.
  • Uninsured drivers: The rate of uninsured drivers in Erie is relatively high compared to some other cities. The extra costs of an accident with an uninsured driver often translate into higher premiums.
  • Expensive healthcare: Healthcare costs can be high in Erie, with some residents opting out of health insurance. In anticipation of increased medical expenses after an accident, insurers raise their rates.
  • Car thefts and crime: As a state, Pennsylvania saw a 25% increase in car thefts from 2019 to 2020. More vehicles filing comprehensive claims for repairs or market pay-outs create higher premiums.
  • Northern weather conditions: Erie gets its fair share of snowy roads, making it hard for drivers to avoid difficult winter driving conditions. Since this increases the risk of accidents and damage, insurance costs go up.

FAQ

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  • What is the cheapest car insurance in Erie?
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MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.