On average, auto insurance rates for a liability-only policy in Reading costs $45 a month, while full coverage costs around $149 per month. This is right on par with the national average, which makes it a major financial consideration for most drivers.

Let’s take a look at what’s driving car insurance costs in Reading, PA and how you can keep yours affordable.

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How to find affordable car insurance in Reading, PA

Finding affordable car insurance in Reading, PA isn’t always the simplest task. But by following the steps provided below and staying proactive, you can increase your chances of finding affordable coverage.

What to do	Benefits
Shop around	Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers in Reading, PA. Each insurer may offer different rates and discounts, so getting multiple quotes is essential.
Bundle policies	If you have multiple insurance needs, consider bundling your auto insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance, as this can often lead to significant savings.
Maintain a good driving record	Safe driving habits can lead to lower premiums through safe driver discounts. Avoid car accidents and traffic violations—especially serious offenses, like DUIs and reckless driving—to keep your record clean.
Choose the right coverage	Opt for the coverage that suits your needs. If you have an older car, you may not need comprehensive coverage, which can lower your costs.
Increase deductibles	Raising your deductible can reduce your premium. Just be sure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim.
Take a defensive driving course	Completing a defensive driving course can qualify you for discounts with many insurers.
Maintain good credit	Your credit score can impact your insurance rates. Maintain a healthy credit score to secure better premiums.
Ask about discounts	Inquire about any available car insurance discounts , such as multi-car, military, or student discounts , and make sure you qualify for them.
Review and update your policy regularly	As your circumstances change, your insurance needs may change as well. Periodically review your policy to ensure you're getting the best rate for your current situation.

Average cost of car insurance in Reading, PA

Not sure if you’re overpaying for car insurance? The table below shows how average rates for full coverage stack up in Reading, the state of Pennsylvania, and the United States:

Location	Average Cost of Full Coverage Car Insurance (per month)
Reading	$149
Pennsylvania	$120
United States	$149

When it comes to state minimum coverage, it’s a slightly different picture.

Location	Average Cost of State Minimum Coverage (per month)
Reading	$45
Pennsylvania	$43
United States	$62

Learn more:

The average cost of car insurance in 2023

The best car insurance companies in Reading, PA

When it comes to finding the best car insurance companies in Reading, PA, several factors should be considered, including customer satisfaction, financial strength, coverage options, and pricing. While individual preferences and circumstances can vary, here are a few auto insurance companies that are often recognized for their reliability and reputation in the Reading, PA area.

State Farm

State Farm is a well-established insurer known for its extensive network of agents and excellent customer service. They offer a wide range of coverage options and discounts to tailor policies to individual needs.

GEICO

Geico is renowned for its competitive pricing and user-friendly online platform. They provide a variety of coverage choices and discounts, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance consistently receives high marks for customer satisfaction and claims handling. They are a regional insurer with a strong presence in Pennsylvania, offering personalized coverage options.

Allstate

Allstate is a national insurance company with a strong local presence in Reading. They provide a range of coverage options, including innovative features like accident forgiveness and new car replacement.

Progressive

Progressive is known for its innovative approach to auto insurance, including Snapshot, a usage-based insurance program. They offer a variety of discounts and a user-friendly online quote process.

Remember: The "best" car insurance company can vary based on individual factors such as your driving record, coverage needs, and budget. That’s why it’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple insurers and carefully compare their offerings to make an informed decision about the company that best suits your specific requirements in Reading, PA.

Additionally, consider consulting with an

independent insurance broker

or insurance agency that can provide personalized guidance based on your needs.

Learn more:

The best car insurance companies of 2023

Recent trends in Reading car insurance prices

Car owners in Reading, PA have witnessed a notable increase in auto insurance premiums reflecting broader trends across the state. Here are some of the most noteworthy influences:

Inflation: According to

J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study

, 31% of car insurance companies operating in the U.S. enacted rate increases from 2022 to 2023, leading to an average premium increase of 15.5%. While Pennsylvania was not among the states most affected by these rate hikes, drivers in the Keystone State are still feeling the pinch as rates increase 14–15% across the state.1

Increased car purchase and repair costs: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the price of auto parts has increased 10.5% over the past three years.2 This has led to increased overall MSRPs and increased auto repair costs, both of which lead to increases in car insurance premiums.

Severe weather: While Reading’s inland location provides shelter from coastal storms, severe thunderstorms have led to severe and even

historic flash floods

, like those recorded in July of 2023. As more vehicles are damaged by floods and hail, comprehensive claims increase, driving up the cost of car insurance.

Policyholders should be aware of these potential effects and periodically review their insurance coverage to ensure it remains affordable and suitable for their needs.

Learn more:

Here’s why car insurance rates are going up right now

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to maintain auto insurance coverage that meets

the state's minimum liability insurance requirements

. These requirements include:

Bodily Injury Liability (BI)

: A minimum coverage of $15,000 per person injured in an accident and $30,000 for all injuries in a single accident. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other injury-related costs for others involved in an accident you are deemed responsible for.

Property Damage Liability (PD)

: A minimum coverage of $5,000 for property damage in an accident you cause. This covers the repair or replacement of vehicles or other property damaged in an accident you're responsible for.

First Party Benefits-Medical (FPB)

: Also known as personal injury protection (PIP), this provides medical coverage for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. The minimum coverage required is $5,000.

Remember, these are just the minimum requirements mandated by the state. Insurance experts generally recommend purchasing higher coverage limits to increase your financial and legal protections in case of accidents.

When Pennsylvania drivers purchase car insurance, they must choose between “limited tort” (
no-fault
) and “full tort” (
at-fault
) coverage. All drivers must purchase PIP coverage, but drivers that choose limited tort coverage typically pay lower rates than those who choose full tort plans.

Liability vs. full coverage: Which should you get in Reading, PA?

Full coverage car insurance

offers several benefits over liability coverage, primarily because it provides a more comprehensive level of protection.

Here are the key advantages of full coverage car insurance compared to liability-only coverage:

Enhanced legal protection: Full coverage policies often come with higher limits for liability coverage, offering better protection if you are sued by another party in a severe accident.

Coverage for your vehicle: Full coverage typically includes

collision

and

comprehensive coverage

, which pay for repairs or replacement of your own vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters. With liability-only coverage, you would need to pay for these repairs or replacements out of pocket.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers: Full coverage policies often include

uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

. This protects you in case you're involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, ensuring that your medical expenses and property damage are covered.

Peace of mind: Full coverage provides peace of mind knowing that your car is protected in various scenarios, even if you are at fault in an accident. It reduces the financial burden of unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Rental car coverage: Many full coverage policies include

rental car reimbursement

, which pays for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after an accident. This can be especially useful for maintaining your daily routine.

Emergency roadside assistance: Some full coverage policies offer

roadside assistance coverage

, helping you with services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes in case of a breakdown.

Flexibility in Coverage: Full coverage allows you to tailor your policy to your specific needs by adding or removing coverages such as rental car reimbursement,

gap insurance

, and more.

While full coverage car insurance offers these benefits, it typically comes at a higher cost compared to liability-only coverage—but it could save you thousands in the long run.

Note: If you lease or finance a vehicle, your lender will require a full coverage insurance policy. In some cases, they may also require increased liability limits.

Learn more:

Liability insurance vs. full coverage

Penalties for driving without insurance in Reading

Driving without insurance

in Pennsylvania can result in significant penalties and legal consequences. The

Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

outlines the following minimum penalties and expenses for a first offense:

$300 to $1,000 fine (fines could be higher for subsequent offenses)

3-month vehicle registration suspension, plus a minimum $112 restoration fee

3-month

driver’s license suspension

, plus a $94 restoration fee ($202 fee to restore a commercial driver’s license)

Your vehicle may also be impounded if you’re caught driving without insurance, which could result in additional fees for retrieval.

In addition to the fines and penalties listed above, you’ll also face serious consequences if you cause an accident while driving without insurance. Not only will you be financially responsible for all damages, but if you’re unable to pay out of pocket, you’ll likely be facing a lawsuit.

In many states, getting caught driving without insurance or having your license suspended or revoked for another reason may result in an
SR-22 filing requirement
. However, that’s not the case in Pennsylvania.
While you won’t need to file an SR-22 if you’re caught driving uninsured, you will likely face increased insurance premiums due to both a lapse in insurance coverage and the conviction on your driving record.

Learn more:

How to get a Pennsylvania driver’s license reinstatement

What affects the cost of car insurance in Reading, PA?

Several factors can influence car insurance costs in Reading, PA, similar to how they affect insurance rates in other locations. Here are the key factors that can have an impact on car insurance costs in Reading, PA.

Factor	Reason
Driving record	Your driving history is a significant factor. If you have a clean record with no accidents or traffic violations, you are likely to pay lower premiums compared to someone with a history of accidents or tickets.
Age and gender	Younger and less experienced drivers, particularly males under 25, often pay higher rates due to statistically higher accident risks associated with this demographic.
Vehicle type	The make and model of your car can affect your premiums. More expensive or high-performance vehicles tend to have higher insurance costs due to increased repair or replacement expenses.
Coverage levels	The extent of coverage you choose affects your premiums. Full coverage with low deductibles and high limits will be more expensive than basic liability coverage.
Location	Your ZIP code can impact your rates. Drivers who live and garage their vehicles in areas with higher population density, traffic congestion, and a higher incidence of accidents often have higher premiums.
Credit score	In some states, including Pennsylvania, your credit score can influence your car insurance rates. A better credit score may lead to lower premiums.
Marital status	Married individuals often receive lower rates as they are statistically considered lower risk than single drivers.
Mileage	How much you drive can affect your rates. If you have a long daily commute or drive frequently, you may pay more.
Discounts	Many insurers offer discounts for factors such as bundling multiple policies, completing defensive driving courses, having anti-theft devices in your car, and being a good student.
Insurance history	Your previous insurance coverage and history of lapses in coverage can influence your rates.
Claims history	If you have a history of making claims, especially at-fault accidents, your rates may increase.

Keep in mind that each insurance company weighs these factors differently, which is why it's crucial to shop around and obtain quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rates for your driving profile.

Age

Your age has a significant impact on your car insurance premiums. Inexperienced and young drivers tend to pay the most for coverage, with rates steadily decreasing from about age 25 through your 60s. Seniors over 75 may also see a slight increase in rates as reflexes tend to slow with age.

Monthly car insurance rates for Reading drivers aged 18-20

Monthly car insurance rates for Reading drivers aged 21-24

Monthly car insurance rates for Reading drivers aged 25-34

Monthly car insurance rates for Reading drivers aged 35-44

Monthly car insurance rates for Reading drivers aged 45-54

Monthly car insurance rates for seniors in Reading

Gender

In Reading, men typically pay more for car insurance than women.

Housing situation

Homeowners in Reading have the opportunity to benefit from car insurance discounts in two ways:

Multi-policy discounts: Whether you rent or own your home, you may qualify to bundle home insurance or renters insurance with your auto policy.

Lower premiums: In general, homeowners tend to qualify for lower rates than renters, even before bundling homeowners insurance into their coverage.

Credit score

Most U.S. states allow insurers to consider

your credit score

when calculating your insurance premiums. If you have bad credit, you’re more likely to see higher insurance premiums in Reading and the rest of Pennsylvania than drivers with good credit.

How much higher?: Our data indicates drivers in Reading with poor credit pay nearly $580 more per month for a full coverage policy than drivers with good credit.

Vehicle

Drivers in the Keystone state have a unique set of challenges when it comes to choosing a vehicle that can get them around during the harsh winter months while still offering the maneuverability required in densely populated urban areas. Those challenges are what make the Honda CR-V a popular choice in cities like Reading, followed closely by the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram.

Let’s see how the average monthly cost of insurance compares between Reading’s three most popular vehicles.

Vehicle	Monthly cost
Honda CR-V	$146 per month
Ford F-150	$153 per month
Dodge Ram 1500	$183 per month

You’ll pay more to insure higher trims of each of these models, such as the F-150 King Ranch.

Military drivers

Members of the military and their families living in Reading are eligible for added discounts, such as a storage discount during emergency deployment from insurers like GEICO and USAA. If you’re active or retired military, or part of a military family, talk to your insurance agent about

possible military discounts

Learn more:

The best car insurance for military drivers and veterans

Crime

Reading has one of the highest crime rates in both Pennsylvania and the US. So high, in fact, that

crimegrade.org

gives the city an F for violent crimes and a D- for property crimes.

This average crime rate doesn’t impact all neighborhoods the same way, though. For example, areas in the north and east of the city experience more crime than those in the southwest.

To see how this might affect your insurance rates in Reading, check out the tables below that break down insurance rates by zip code.

The cheapest zip codes in Reading

The most expensive zip codes in Reading

Driving record

Insurance companies use your driving history as a key factor in assessing your risk as a policyholder.

A clean record with no accidents or traffic violations typically leads to lower insurance premiums, as it suggests responsible and safe driving habits. On the other hand, a history of accidents, tickets, and violations can result in higher insurance costs, as it implies a higher likelihood of future claims, making you a riskier customer to insure.

The table below outlines how certain violations can affect your insurance premiums.

Average monthly rates after a violation in Reading, PA

FAQs

Who is the cheapest full coverage car insurance in PA?

The cost of full coverage car insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including your location, age, driving history, the make and model of your vehicle, and the coverage limits you choose. That’s why there’s no single insurance company that’s the "cheapest" for full coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania.

Some popular insurance companies operating in Pennsylvania and known for competitive rates for full coverage car insurance include Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Erie Insurance, and Allstate. However, comparing quotes from several insurers is the most effective way to find the cheapest full coverage car insurance for you.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

While no one provider will always have the cheapest rates for all drivers, State Farm tends to offer some of the lowest average rates in the industry. Other providers known for offering low rates include Progressive and USAA, for those who qualify.

How much is car insurance per month in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania motorists pay an average of $1,441 per year or $120 per month for full coverage. A liability-only policy averages about $521 per year and $43 per month.

Why is auto insurance so high in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania car insurance actually tends to cost less than the national average. If you’re noticing higher-than-usual car insurance premiums, it may be time to shop for new coverage.

What is the average car insurance price in Reading, Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance in Reading, Pennsylvania is $45 per month for minimum coverage and $149 per month for full coverage.

What does car insurance cover?

What your car insurance covers depends on the type of policies, limits, deductibles, and add-ons you choose.

At its most basic, car insurance covers damages and medical bills for other drivers if you cause an accident. At its most comprehensive, car insurance provides financial protection for you and your vehicle, as well as coverage for towing, glass repairs, and even some mechanical repairs.

Where can I find the best car insurance quotes in Reading, Pennsylvania?

The best place to find car insurance quotes in Reading, Pennsylvania is on the Jerry app. Jerry partners with over 55 insurance companies to offer you the best quotes based on your unique driving profile.

How often should I update my car insurance policy?

It’s a good idea to shop for new car insurance rates and update your policy as needed about once a year. You can find free quotes in the Jerry app.

Methodology

All premium data in this article comes from real car insurance quotes obtained through the Jerry app and analyzed by our editorial team. Jerry’s data scientists analyzed over 25 million real quotes issued to users in Jerry’s proprietary database. Jerry is partnered with 55+ insurance companies in 48 states.

Unless otherwise stated, all data represents the average of the lowest quoted price for a currently insured single driver with a single vehicle.

Minimum coverage refers to policies with the following coverage limits:

$15,000

bodily injury liability

per person

$30,000 bodily injury liability per accident

$5,000

property damage liability

$5,000 in

personal injury protection (PIP)

Full coverage refers to policies that contain at least the minimum liability required by law in Pennsylvania along with comprehensive and collision insurance with deductibles of either $500 or $1,000.

Sources

https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/how-save-money-your-car-insurance-rates-rise/MMIQBPN4FFHH7AQZDLDZFFUFAI/

Meet our experts

Maria Cruz

Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

Maria is an insurance writer with over 10 years of experience as a professional writer. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2023, she worked at various online publications like Nimble Media, Factinate.com, and served as editor-in-chief at The Medium. She holds a double major in English and Professional Writing and Communications.

Sarah Gray

Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Writer and Editor

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.

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.