Erie Car Insurance
Find the right car insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Erie’s location amid many busy highway systems, including interstates 79, 90 and 86, and the Bayfront Connector often leads to rather heavy traffic in this city. This includes a number of 18-wheelers in addition to cars and trucks. On nice weekends, the traffic in Erie, PA can be even heavier as families head to Presque Isle to enjoy the beaches along Lake Erie. All of this can lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the winter when the roadways may be covered in ice and sleet. That is why it is so important that you comply with Pennsylvania’s auto insurance requirements.
- National average cost per year: $1,311
- Pennsylvania average cost per year: $1,304
- 23rd most expensive auto premium in U.S.
Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania are on par with national averages. Of course, the above averages will only give you a ballpark idea of how much you might expect to pay for your policy. Your actual Erie auto insurance costs are calculated by each insurance company you contact according to several different considerations. These include such things as the following:
- The make, model and year of your vehicle(s)
- Your driving record and claims history
- The age, sex, marital status and driving records of all licensed drivers in your household
- The number of miles you drive the car each year and the frequency
- The amount of coverage you wish to buy
- The amount of your deductible
- Your credit score
Each insurance company you contact will calculate rates in a different way, so comparison shopping is a great way to find the best price for Erie auto insurance.
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Pennsylvania Car Insurance Requirements
- Bodily injury liability: required
- Property damage liability: required
- Personal injury protection (PIP): required
- Uninsured motorist coverage: not required
- Minimum liability limits: 15/30/5: Coverage up to $30,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $15,000 for one individual, and $5,000 coverage for property damage
While the minimum coverage amounts required by the state may be sufficient to protect your finances in the majority of motor vehicle collisions, an accident that results in significant injuries or major property damage can easily exceed these limits and put you in financial trouble. If you have assets worth protecting, therefore, it may be in your best interest to purchase your coverage with higher liability limits.
Number of Uninsured Motorists in Pennsylvania
- Number of uninsured U.S. drivers: 12.6%
- Number of uninsured Pennsylvania drivers: 6.5%
Although driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is illegal and can result in a steep fine, a suspended license and even the impounding of your vehicle, some drivers on the roads do not have coverage. If one of these uninsured drivers is at fault for a collision with your vehicle, that person is responsible for covering your damage and any resultant injuries. Unfortunately, even with a court order, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to collect this money.
That is why it is a good idea to include uninsured motorist coverage as part of your Erie car insurance. When you have this type of optional coverage, your insurance company covers your losses right away and then tries to collect repayment from the responsible driver on its own behalf. This insurance also covers your damage and injuries if you are involved in a collision with a hit-and-run driver.
Number of Auto Thefts in Pennsylvania
- National number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
- Pennsylvania number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 1.50
The auto theft rate in Pennsylvania is lower than the national average and is even lower in the city of Erie. In 2013, there were only 98 auto thefts reported in this city. That equates to 0.97 thefts per 1,000 cars, which is only about one-third the national average. This is something that insurance companies will take into consideration when calculating your car insurance rates.
In the event that your car is stolen, your Erie auto insurance company can compensate you for your loss only if your policy includes comprehensive, or “other than collision,” coverage. This insurance is covers all noncollision-related damage, such as that caused by falling objects, property crimes, floods and fires that are not caused by a vehicular accident.
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Find the Best Erie Car Insurance Policy
Nobody wants to pay unreasonable rates for their auto coverage. But if you bought a policy without first getting rates from a few competing insurance companies, chances are you are needlessly paying more than you have to. That is why savvy car owners in Erie turn to independent agents in the Trusted Choice network for help when they are shopping for affordable policies.
Trusted Choice agents make comparison shopping easy by contacting reputable insurance companies and making rate inquiries on your behalf. These agents can help you review your selection of customized auto insurance quotes in order to help choose the policy that provides the best value for your money. Find a Trusted Choice agent with an office near you today to learn more about your Erie car insurance options.