Auto Inurance In Pennsylvania

It is interesting to note trends in car insurance since the beginning of large scale direct marketing of auto insurance through media and internet promotion. A review of premiums in Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2004 (the most recent year of statistics) is illustrative of trends seen nationwide.

In the year 2000, average car insurance premiums in Pennsylvania were $698.56 . This reflects the average premium paid by drivers in Pennsylvania for annual car insurance. This resulted in17 states having higher annual premiums than Pennsylvania in 2000. In the year 2001, this amount changed to $698.56. More recently, premiums in 2003 averaged $812.67. As you can see, there is a marked, change in premiums during that time. However, when you consider the 2004 rates, the trend starts to flatten. For 2004, rates in Pennsylvania averaged $842.66 in Pennsylvania. This reflects a 3.70 percent change from 2003. In 2004, higher premiums were found in 17 states. In 2003, 20 states had higher rates than Pennsylvania.

Looking inside the numbers can shed a little light on premiums in Pennsylvania compared to others. Pennsylvania law sets the maximum speed limit in rural areas at 65 . This the the maximum speed people can drive on highways throughout the state. Lower speed limits are considered by underwriters as being better for claims and therefore, all other factors being equal, companies can offer slightly lower rates in states with lower speed limits. Similarly, the maximum speed limit within cities in Pennsylvania is 55, which is also factored by companies when setting rates.

In 2004, auto insurance premiums averaged $842.66 in Pennsylvania. This is a change of 3.70 percent from 2003 when rates averaged $812.67. Based on the 2004 figures, liability coverage averaged $507.66, collision averaged $312.63, and comprehensive averaged $130.85. There were 17 states with higher average premiums and 32 that were lower. In 2003 there were 20 states with higher rates than Pennsylvania. Taking a look at a longer trend, premiums for car insurance in Pennsylvania in 2000 averaged $698.56 and in 2001, $698.56. In the year 2000, 17 states had higher premiums. DUI and alcohol laws also affect rates charged by companies. Pennsylvania presently maintains a blood alcohol limit for driving while intoxicated of 0.08.

However, cheap car insurance can be found in Pennsylvania if you know where to look and are smart about shopping for quotes. There are many online sites that allow users to obtain instant free quotes online. These can generally be divided into two categories. The first are sites owned by the company that will be writing and carrying your policy. Although they may advertise the ability to see side-by-side quotes from their competitors, usually you are going to get a single quote. The other type of site are what are commonly referred to as "lead brokers" in the industry, but known as "comparison sites" to the public. These sites collect basic information about your car insurance needs, then match you to companies or agents offering policies in your area. This allows the ability to actually compare rates from multiple companies. In addition, because of the competitive nature this type of system creates, most brokers are prepared to offer their best rates up front. However, the downside of these services is that you will likely be contacted directly by a broker, often by phone. Be prepared to get multiple calls after clicking the "submit" button.

Again, finding affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania isn't overly difficult or time-consuming in today's environment. Make sure you are fully prepared with all relevant information about your vehicle, drivers, and driving history before visiting an online quote site in order to save significant time. Then choose one or two of the big direct carriers you hear or see on commercials, together with a couple of the lead brokers in order to get a full range of prices that are available. Don't forget to consider claims history and practices, and don't always go for the lowest rate. Carefully consider your options and decide how much savings is necessary before you switch carriers. People are actually saving hundreds of dollars per year on car insurance in Pennsylvania when they have done their homework and attack the process logically. We hope with the information presented above that you will too.