6+ years writing about insurance, travel, and personal finances
Contributor to brands like Credible
In addition to insurance, Nick specializes in writing about business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. He’s been featured in myriad web publications, including Fox Business.
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3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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Updated October 3, 2024
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Table of contents
Home to one of the largest universities in the United States, State College has an average car insurance cost of $128 per month. PennDOT data shows that Centre County had 1% of all vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania in 2022.[1] With only 1.2% of the state population in this county, that could be one reason why rates are cheaper than the national average of $158.
Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest companies in State College auto insurance and how to compare rates.
The average cost of car insurance in State College is $80 per month for liability insurance and $175 per month for full coverage.
The cheapest full-coverage insurance company in State College is Mile Auto.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state with an option of having traditional tort insurance.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in State College
Penn State University students may have different car insurance coverage needs than drivers who commute to the Pennsylvania Military Museum for work. That’s why the best auto insurance policy is the one that aligns with your individual needs. The most important thing is not only to find the best deal in your budget but also to choose the insurance policy that provides the coverage you want.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | 9.3 | $107 | $51 | Students |
Erie | 9.0 | $123 | $59 | Coverage options |
Auto-Owners | 8.5 | $134 | $63 | Bundling |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for students: State Farm
User Reviews | 3.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3/10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $47/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $88/mo |
As the home of Pennsylvania State University, State College may have up to 88,000 enrolled students driving through town. State Farm is one of the cheapest options for these students, regardless of whether they live at home or on campus. Drivers younger than 25 may be eligible for discounts for good grades and keeping their records free of at-fault accidents and moving violations.
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Discounts for students and young drivers
Many National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaints in Pennsylvania
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Average
Okay Insurance, But Too Expensive
Buyer Beware!
Best insurer for coverage options: Erie
User Reviews | 3.8 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0/10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $101/mo |
With the Pennsylvania Insurance Department encouraging drivers to consider coverage amounts greater than state minimums, Erie’s Auto Plus plan offers policyholders extra insurance for an affordable price. It includes a $10,000 death benefit, waived deductible in some incidents, and increased limits for certain coverages. This separate policy add-on only costs $35 or less per year, which may be the best way for cost-conscious drivers to get the best rate on extensive insurance.
Pennsylvania-based insurance experts
Plenty of coverage options to choose from
Must work with independent agents
Fewer discounts than competitors
Disappointed with Service
Disappointing
Erie Lacks Customer Communication
Best insurer for bundling: Auto-Owners
User Reviews | 3.8 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5/10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $58/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $110/mo |
Auto-Owners may be one of the best options for cheap car insurance in State College. Good drivers can find affordable average rates through Auto-Owners and increase their savings via multi-policy discounts by bundling with home, business, or life insurance policies.
Plenty of coverage options
Minimal NAIC complaints in PA
No online claims filing
Lower mobile app ratings than competitors
Premium Too High
Auto Owners Insurance
Agency is Great
How to get the cheapest car insurance in State College
Even the cheapest car insurance companies consider information like ZIP code, marital status, crime rates, and vehicle year before issuing a policy. No matter if you’re a high-risk driver or just looking for the best prices, consider these ways to get the most affordable car insurance:
Ask about group insurance. Graduates of Penn State University should ask about auto insurance coverage opportunities through their alumni or professional groups.
Increase your deductible. People who have a clean driving record may consider increasing their deductible, which may lower their monthly premium estimates for auto insurance coverage. Just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim.
Look for discounts. Many of the top companies in State College offer multiple discounts that can lower your car insurance costs.
Compare quotes. Auto insurers calculate rates differently, so make sure you get quotes from at least three companies to see which one offers you the best rate for the coverage you need.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in State College: State Farm
You’ll never have to wonder if liability-only coverage is the right policy for you: All insurers and independent insurance agents must offer policies that meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Liability-only insurance in many states includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability, which compensate other people for injuries and damages from accidents you cause. They don’t cover injuries or damages to you, your passengers, or your car, which is one reason you might want to include other coverages in your policy.
In State College, State Farm offers the cheapest liability-only policies, at $47 per month. The table below shows other affordable car insurance companies in State College.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $47 |
Mile Auto | $48 |
Erie | $54 |
Auto-Owners | $58 |
National General | $61 |
Foremost | $63 |
Travelers | $69 |
GEICO | $72 |
Progressive | $72 |
Safeco | $75 |
Allstate | $81 |
Plymouth Rock | $87 |
Direct Auto | $88 |
The General | $88 |
Nationwide | $91 |
USAA | $94 |
Chubb | $109 |
Dairyland | $112 |
Liberty Mutual | $114 |
Bristol West | $119 |
State Auto | $127 |
CSAA | $136 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in State College: Mile Auto
Full coverage is a type of car insurance that typically includes the state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage, plus collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision covers your vehicle damages when you hit an object or another car; comprehensive coverage pays for repairs when things like weather, animals, fire, floods, and vandalism damage your car.
You might choose full-coverage car insurance if you drive a valuable car or want coverage for incidents like backing into a pole or hitting a pothole. Your lender or lessor might require full-coverage insurance if you finance or lease your car.
Mile Auto has the cheapest full-coverage insurance for State College drivers, with monthly rates of $64.
The table below shows the Pennsylvania insurance companies with the lowest average monthly quotes for full-coverage car insurance in State College.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $64 |
State Farm | $88 |
Erie | $101 |
Auto-Owners | $110 |
Plymouth Rock | $121 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $123 |
Safeco | $123 |
Travelers | $133 |
GEICO | $136 |
Progressive | $137 |
Allstate | $154 |
Liberty Mutual | $157 |
National General | $157 |
Foremost | $164 |
CSAA | $165 |
Direct Auto | $170 |
Nationwide | $175 |
USAA | $179 |
State Auto | $197 |
Chubb | $208 |
The General | $219 |
Bristol West | $221 |
Infinity | $225 |
Dairyland | $259 |
Cheapest recent rates near State College, Pennsylvania
Recent State College, Pennsylvania car insurance prices for Nissan, Ford, Jeep , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around State College, Pennsylvania within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 3, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around State College, Pennsylvania within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 3, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
State College drivers need to maintain the minimum insurance that state law requires. Basic liability coverage is the bare minimum you can purchase to drive legally in Pennsylvania. Liability coverage is often available at a low rate and is the cheapest car insurance option.
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, which means it offers no-fault coverage as well as traditional tort coverage. Drivers can choose limited-tort or full-tort coverage. Limited tort restricts when you can file legal action against a negligent driver, and full tort allows for unrestricted lawsuits against the negligent driver.[2]
Here are the minimum requirements for all Pennsylvania drivers:[2]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident |
Medical payments | $5,000 per accident |
If you want more than minimum liability coverage, it’s a good idea to consider additional coverage options for things like repairing your car or paying for medical services after an auto accident. Along with collision and comprehensive, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department recommends drivers consider these additional vehicle coverages:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage pays for vehicle repairs if you hit a stationary object or vehicle, even if you’re at fault.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision incidents that damage your vehicle, including falling objects, theft, vandalism, fires, severe weather, and more.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for your bodily injury expenses if an at-fault driver with no insurance — or not enough insurance — causes an accident.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance coverage pays for towing and labor costs if your car breaks down.
Rental reimbursement coverage
Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs.
Gap coverage
Gap insurance pays the difference between your insurance settlement and auto loan balance in the event of a total loss.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Even the most responsible Pennsylvania drivers make mistakes, but unfortunately, a single incident can increase your car insurance rates. An at-fault accident causes your insurance company to pay for any damage you cause.
Exceeding the speed limit increases your chances of getting into an accident, which is why speeding tickets also raise your premiums. Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions are one of the most serious traffic violations you can commit, regardless of whether you were involved in an accident.
In State College, people with a clean driving record pay an average of $80 per month for liability-only insurance. After a speeding ticket, that increases to $100 per month, on average. However, a DUI increases it even more — to an average of $122 per month.
Here’s how your driving record affects rates with different car insurance companies in State College.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ | With At-Fault Accident ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $47 | $57 | $60 | $75 |
Mile Auto | $48 | $60 | $65 | $76 |
Erie | $54 | $68 | $71 | $86 |
Auto-Owners | $58 | $71 | $75 | $92 |
National General | $61 | $75 | $79 | $97 |
Foremost | $63 | $84 | $87 | $100 |
Travelers | $69 | $85 | $90 | $110 |
GEICO | $72 | $88 | $93 | $114 |
Progressive | $72 | $88 | $94 | $114 |
Safeco | $75 | $93 | $95 | $119 |
Allstate | $81 | $99 | $105 | $129 |
Plymouth Rock | $87 | $114 | $121 | $138 |
Direct Auto | $88 | $107 | $116 | $140 |
The General | $88 | $109 | $116 | $140 |
Nationwide | $91 | $112 | $119 | $144 |
USAA | $94 | $114 | $121 | $149 |
Chubb | $109 | $135 | $142 | $173 |
Dairyland | $112 | $137 | $144 | $178 |
Liberty Mutual | $114 | $151 | $158 | $181 |
Bristol West | $119 | $145 | $153 | $189 |
State Auto | $127 | $169 | $180 | $202 |
CSAA | $136 | $170 | $183 | $216 |
Average cost of car insurance by age
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department notes that many insurance companies consider drivers younger than 25 to be a higher risk than older adults.[2] Studies show that teen drivers have crash rates four times the rates of drivers 20 years and older.[3]
Most drivers see rates decrease around age 35, but they can see increases again around age 70. Older drivers may have age-related impairments that affect their driving ability and increase fatal crash rates.[4]
The following table shows how rates vary across multiple age groups.
Age ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Teens | $280 |
20s | $198 |
30s | $160 |
40s | $142 |
50s | $127 |
60s | $118 |
70s | $111 |
State College car insurance quotes by credit tier
Credit-based insurance scores are unique factors insurance companies use when setting premiums. These scores assess a potential policyholder’s credit scores and history; insurers typically consider people with poor credit as higher-risk than people with excellent or good credit.
Pennsylvania is one of the many states that allow insurers to use credit as a factor when determining rates.[2] Here’s how your credit affects average car insurance quotes in State College.
Rates by Credit Tier
State College car insurance FAQs
Learn about the types of car insurance coverage before shopping rates, and check out the answers to common questions about coverage in State College below.
How much is car insurance in State College?
The average cost of car insurance in State College is $80 per month for liability insurance and $175 per month for full coverage.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in State College?
State Farm, Mile Auto, and Erie are the cheapest car insurance companies in State College, with liability rates of $47, $48, and $54 per month, respectively.
To find the cheapest rates for you, get quotes from multiple insurance companies so you can compare them. Using an online comparison tool, start with at least three insurers to help you find the best and cheapest quotes.
What are the best car insurance companies in State College?
The best car insurance companies in State College that Insurify identified are State Farm, Erie, and Auto-Owners. These insurers have high Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores, good AM Best financial strength ratings, and high J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Pennsylvania
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. "2022 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics."
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department. "Automobile Insurance Guide."
- IIHS. "Teenagers."
- IIHS. "Older drivers."
Nick Dauk is a freelance writer specializing in business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. His work has been featured in Fox Business, BBC, The Edge, Business Insider, and Bisnow. Nick is a first-generation college graduate, having majored in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. His eclectic coursework, combined with previous managerial roles in the retail and broadcast television industries, have helped him develop an interdisciplinary approach to writing.
For nearly a decade, Nick has created content for mom-and-pop businesses and global corporations. As a travel writer, his global adventures have also been featured on Inside Hook, Houston Chronicle, Culture Trip, and Matador. When he's not traveling, Nick can be found in Orlando spending time with his wife and toddler.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in