Scranton drivers can find the cheapest car insurance rates from National General, State Farm, and Progressive. While Scranton’s average monthly car insurance rates are comparable to the Pennsylvania state averages, they’re significantly lower than national average car insurance rates.
In Scranton, full-coverage car insurance averages $167 per month, while liability only is $100. By comparison, the state averages are $158 and $94, respectively. The national average cost of full-coverage car insurance is $184, while liability policies average $104 per month.
The exact costs you’ll pay vary depending on your driving history, age, credit history, ZIP code, and other factors. Comparison shopping is the best way to find cheap car insurance in Scranton.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Scranton
The auto insurance company that’s best for you will depend on your individual situation and needs. The following three insurance companies are the cheapest options for Scranton drivers.
Best insurer for young drivers: State Farm
Best insurer for coverage options: Erie
Best insurer for high-value vehicles: Auto-Owners
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Scranton
Getting low rates isn’t about finding the first deal that comes your way. In fact, you may have to do a little work and take some steps to get the best rates for auto coverage.
Here are some ways to get cheap car insurance rates in Scranton:1
Increase your deductible. Your deductible is the out-of-pocket expense you’ll pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. The higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay in monthly premiums.
Take advantage of discounts. Most insurance companies offer discounts to give customers a way to save on car insurance. For example, you could receive a discount for taking a defensive driving course, having certain safety features in your car, and maintaining good grades.
Bundle your coverage. Most insurers offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies. You could save by bundling your auto insurance with life or homeowners insurance.
Shop around. The best way to save on auto insurance is by shopping around among different insurance companies. It’s a good idea to compare quotes from at least three companies to see which one offers you the best terms.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Scranton: National General
Liability car insurance meets state minimum requirements and pays for damages to the other drivers’ vehicles and medical bills after an accident you cause. However, it won’t pay for repairs to your car or medical costs you incur.
National General is the cheapest option for liability-only insurance in Scranton, with rates as low as $68 per month. The table below shows other affordable liability car insurance companies in Scranton to consider.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Scranton: State Farm
Full-coverage auto insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, providing protection for your own car, regardless of fault. Because it provides more coverage, it’s typically more expensive than a liability insurance policy.
Drivers in Scranton can find the cheapest full-coverage insurance with State Farm, with rates as low as $82 per month.
The following table outlines what drivers can expect to pay for full-coverage insurance in Scranton.
Car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
To drive legally in Pennsylvania, you must carry the minimum required liability coverage. If you drive without insurance, you face a $300 fine, driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension, and car impoundment.
Pennsylvania state law requires that all drivers carry the following minimum-coverage car insurance:2
Liability insurance won’t be enough protection for many drivers, so you might consider purchasing the following coverages:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Good drivers typically pay the lowest rates on car insurance, so if you have a history of driving incidents, you can expect your rates to go up. Driving incidents include speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), at-fault accidents, and other moving violations.
If you have a history of driving incidents, your insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver and charge you higher rates on your auto insurance policy. When your premiums go up after a driving incident, these increased rates will usually remain in place for at least three years following the claim.3
For instance, drivers with clean records in Scranton pay an average of $100 per month for liability coverage, but a speeding ticket could increase this to $134 per month, on average. A more serious conviction, like a DUI, can increase rates to $161 per month, on average.
The table below shows how average rates in Scranton change based on driving history.
Average cost of car insurance by age
Age is another factor influencing how much you pay for auto insurance. Teen drivers almost always pay the most for car insurance since they have a higher fatal crash rate than other age groups. This is largely due to their lack of experience and propensity for engaging in risky driving behaviors.4
Rates start to decrease around age 35 but increase again around age 70. Fortunately, seniors can reduce their insurance costs by qualifying for low-mileage discounts or taking a defensive driving course.5
The following table outlines average Scranton car insurance rates by driver age group.
Scranton car insurance quotes by credit tier
Pennsylvania is one of many states that allows insurance companies to consider credit scores during underwriting.6 Insurance companies believe that drivers with poor credit scores are more likely to file an insurance claim, so maintaining an excellent or good credit score can help lower your insurance costs.
The following table shows the average monthly cost of car insurance based on credit tier.