There is really no such thing as the cheapest car insurance provider—that’s why it’s important to work with a broker, like Jerry, to find a Philadelphia car insurance policy that fits you and your budget.

Philadelphia car insurance quotes: Find your best rate in 5 steps

Finding

auto insurance quotes

in Philadelphia can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to do to find the ideal insurance company and the best prices:

Gather your information

Get auto insurance rates

Select your coverage options

Choose a policy start date

Upload necessary documents

Take a look at how the process will look like when you shop with Jerry:

Step 1: Gather your documents

To get car insurance quotes, you’ll need to have the following information ready:

Your full name and driver’s license number

The address where your vehicle will be stored

Your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN)

Any claims, accidents, or violations on your driving record from the past five years

Learn More:

What do I need to get car insurance?

Step 2: Request quotes

When you use the Jerry app, all you need to do is answer a few simple questions about yourself and your vehicle to get free quotes.

Some of the question you may run into will be about past violations, if you have insurance, how you use your vehicle, and whether or not you have any discounts.

Insurers use this information to help determine the cost of your insurance coverage.

After you complete your driver profile, you’ll see a list of real car insurance quotes from companies in the Philadelphia area insuring drivers with your profile.

Find your lowest quote with Jerry

Step 3: Choose your coverage level

In the Jerry app, you’ll also see quotes at several different coverage levels, from the minimum coverage with optional uninsured motorists to a robust

full coverage policy

with add-on coverage.

The cheapest coverage: State minimum

$15,000 per person in

bodily injury liability coverage

$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage

$5,000 per person in

property damage liability coverage

$15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in

uninsured motorist coverage

(can be declined in writing)

Because state minimum insurance can leave you underprotected if you get into an accident, consider purchasing insurance in the following amounts:

$100,000/$300,000 of bodily injury liability coverage

$50,000 of property damage liability coverage

$100,000/$300,000 of uninsured motorist coverage

Comprehensive coverage ($500 deductible)

Collision coverage ($500 deductible)

The amount of coverage you choose is up to you, but most drivers benefit from a full coverage auto insurance policy with liability limits of at least $50k/$100k/$50k. You can even tailor your coverage options to make sure you have the protection you need.

Step 4: Choose your policy start date

When you’re ready to purchase car insurance coverage, you can get a

same-day policy

through the Jerry app.

If you’re

shopping for a car you don’t own yet

, or if your current policy isn’t set to expire for a few weeks, you can schedule your new policy to start up to a month in advance.

Step 5: Upload your documents

You may also need to upload documents, including proof of current insurance or homeownership papers, to give to your new insurer.

After they’re verified, your policy will start and you can access your insurance card and other documents in the app.

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Why is car insurance so expensive in Philadelphia

Car insurance rates in Philadelphia and

Pennsylvania

state are lower than the national average. However, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t susceptible to increases.

There are a few reasons why your car insurance in Philadelphia could be higher than usual:

Higher rate of fatal accidents: In 2021, there were 1,153 fatal crashes in Pennsylvania, equating to an accident rate of 9.5 per every 100,000 people. 1

More claims filed: With a population of 1,527,886, Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the state—meaning there is a higher chance of accidents. Comparing 2022 to 2019, the LexisNexis report notes that property damage claims rose by 35%.2

Major DUIs: There were 42,409 DUI arrests in Pennsylvania in 2022 alone. While the number has decreased since 2021, it still accounts for 35% of all violations filed.3

Above-average car values: Between December 2020 and December 2021, used car and truck prices increased by 37.3% in 2021. On the other hand, new vehicle costs rose by 11.8%.4

Coastal perils: Oceanside car ownership means a higher risk of damage and crashes from severe weather. Insurance companies charge more for full coverage car insurance policies based on that risk.

The average cost of car insurance in Philadelphia

The tables below show the average annual cost of a car insurance policy in 10 Philadelphia ZIP codes.

The 5 most expensive Philadelphia ZIP codes

ZIP code	Average annual premium
19126	$3,315
19140	$3,313
19138	$3,016
19139	$2,922
19144	$2,851

The 5 cheapest Philadelphia ZIP codes

ZIP code	Average annual premium
19106	$1,522
19107	$1,559
19130	$1,738
19102	$1,798
19103	$1,828

Is car insurance going up in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has seen an increase in the cost of auto insurance since 2021. According to a report by

S&P Global Market Intelligence

, Pennsylvania saw a 10.5% rise in premiums in 2023 alone, with these top companies experiencing the biggest increases:

: 14.9%

: 14.2%

: 13.9%

: 11.9%

: 11.1%

If your insurance company has recently instituted a rate increase, your car insurance premium could go up—even if you don’t have any accidents or claims on your record.

Smart driving tips for Philadelphia drivers

Practicing safe driving and maintaining a

clean driving record

can help lower rates in Philadelphia and qualify you for car insurance discounts. Make sure to keep the following tips in mind the next time you drive:

Plan ahead: Account for traffic delays and weather changes so you can give yourself enough time to follow the speed limit.

Drive slow in rain: Slow down, give yourself space for stopping, and avoid harsh braking in rainy weather. Don’t use cruise control when driving on wet roads, as it will reduce your ability to control your vehicle.

Know when not to drive: During high peak travel times, like rush hour or holidays, accidents are more likely to occur.

Stay up to date with maintenance: Checking your tires frequently and keeping a vehicle maintenance schedule can improve your car’s overall performance and safety.

Drive safe with Jerry

Along with car insurance shopping, Jerry also provides tools to help you track your driving habits and remember important car maintenance dates, keeping you safe on Philadelphia roads.

Are you a safe driver? Find out now.

Savings 101: How to lower the cost of coverage in Philadelphia

It can be difficult finding cheap car insurance in Philadelphia—but it’s not impossible. Here are five of the top solutions for lowering your rates:

Look for discounts: Several of the best car insurance companies offer

car insurance discounts

. You can earn savings by bundling your homeowners and auto insurance policies, or opting for paperless billing.

Buy a used car: Opting for a

used vehicle

instead of a new car can lower your car insurance costs by 3.4% per model year.

Enroll in telematics: Many auto insurance companies allow policyholders to enroll in telematics programs to reduce their monthly premium.

Safe drivers who use telematics

generally pay some of the lowest rates in Philadelphia.

Build your credit: Drivers with a good credit score experience cheaper premiums than those with a poor credit score. Keep your utilization under 30% and pay it in full when possible to improve your rating.

Always shop: Your premium costs can

increase at renewal

, so consistently shopping for car insurance can help you maintain an affordable rate. Use the automatic reshopping feature in the Jerry app to get notified of potential savings opportunities.

Josh Damico

VP Insurance Operations

70% of people haven't re-shopped their car insurance policy, and that means they may be leaving money on the table. If you aren't pleased with your current rate, shop around.

Other factors that determine your Philadelphia auto insurance rates

Not every insurer will provide you with the same quote—each company uses different calculations to determine your rates based on combined risk factors.

Age

Most providers use age to measure your overall risk. Those who are over the age of 25 typically see the lowest rates.

Teen drivers

have some of the highest premiums

Drivers over 25 will see a drop in their costs for liability coverage

Senior drivers in their 50s and 60s

pay the least amount for car insurance

In addition to your age, certain life changes, such as getting married or purchasing your first home, can also change your rates.

Driving history

Your Philadelphia driving record will have one of the biggest impacts on your average rate as it measures your responsibility as a driver. At-fault accidents and violations, whether it’s a speeding ticket or a DUI, can raise your coverage exponentially and make it difficult to find insurance.

Average rate increase after an at-fault accident: 48%

Average rate increase after a speeding ticket: 28%

Average rate increase after a DUI: 47%

Track your driving with Jerry to improve your safe driving instincts and qualify for potential insurance discounts.

Credit score

The state of Pennsylvania allows insurance companies to use your credit score as a determining factor when calculating your premiums. Keep in mind that this can be used to estimate your rate, but not increase them in PA.

Here’s how major insurance providers in Philadelphia use your credit information to decide your rates:

Insurance company	% increase from excellent to fair credit	% increase from fair to poor credit	% increase from excellent to poor credit
Allstate	42%	33%	89%
Auto-Owners	68%	67%	181%
GEICO	40%	36%	91%
Farmers	45%	44%	109%
Nationwide	35%	16%	57%
Progressive	64%	51%	148%
State Farm	79%	82%	225%
Travelers	65%	56%	157%
USAA	31%	47%	92%

Insurance history

If you have several claims with a previous provider, or your current insurer, this could also lead to higher rates. So will any

lapse in your coverage

When you search for auto insurance quotes or renew your policy, your car insurance provider will check your motor vehicle report (MVR) for any claims made in the last seven years. These will be taken into account when calculating your premiums.

To keep your rates low, make sure to have continuous coverage and choose when to file—and not file—a claim.

FAQs

What is the minimum car insurance in Philadelphia?

Drivers in Philadelphia are required to follow the state minimum amounts for Pennsylvania. This includes: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, $5,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance, and $15,000/$30,000 in uninsured motorist, which can be declined in writing.

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

Car insurance is generally the cheapest for senior drivers in their 50s and 60s in Philadelphia.

Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?

In Philadelphia, some of the cheapest car insurance companies include Progressive, Allstate, and State Farm.

How much does it cost to insure a car in Philadelphia?

On average, drivers in Pennsylvania pay around $761 per year for the state minimum amount, and $2,062 for full coverage. However, these costs may vary depending on your driver profile.

Why is Philadelphia car insurance so expensive?

Aside from inflation and supply chain shortages, Philadelphia drivers live in one of the most populated cities in Pennsylvania. The high population density can contribute to more filed claims for theft and vandalism, as well as collisions.

What is the cheapest time to insure a car?

The best time to switch providers or shop for car insurance is 20–26 days before renewal to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Philadelphia?

Yes, it is illegal to drive without at least the state minimum car insurance in Philadelphia. Drivers who are caught without proof of insurance will face the appropriate fines and penalties.

Meet our Experts

R.E. Fulton

Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer

R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.

As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.

Lina Zhang

Licensed Insurance Agent

Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC

Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017. Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.

Josh Damico

Head Of Insurance Operations

18+ Years Experience in Insurance

Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.

*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.