Lancaster Car Insurance

Find the right car insurance policy for you.

Ann Herro, Insurance Expert Written by Ann Herro
Ann Herro, Insurance Expert
Written by Ann Herro

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.

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Because of its location between the major cities of Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Lancaster, PA is a hub for automotive traffic. Major roadways, such as U.S. routes 30 and 222 and Pennsylvania routes 72, 272 and 283 all pass through this city’s metropolitan area. This increased traffic also increases area residents’ risk of being involved in a car accident. If you own a vehicle in this city, it is important that you protect your finances by purchasing a Lancaster car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

It is always a good idea to look at policies and rates from at least three reputable insurance companies before you purchase any type of insurance because it can end up saving you a lot of money. Comparison shopping is easy when you work with one of the many independent insurance agents in the TrustedChoice.com network. These independent agents can work with several different insurance providers and to help you gather, review and compare a selection of competitively priced Lancaster car insurance quotes. Find an agent near you to get started.

  • National average cost per year: $1,311
  • Pennsylvania average cost per year: $1,304
  • 23rd most expensive auto premium in U.S.

The average car insurance rate in the state of Pennsylvania is very close to the national average, but the figures listed above only mean to give you a ballpark idea of how much you might expect to pay. Your actual Lancaster auto insurance costs will be calculated based on several different factors, including but not limited to the following:

  • The make, model, year and safety features of your vehicle(s)
  • The age, sex and marital status of the drivers in your household
  • The location where you live and park your car
  • The approximate number of miles you drive each year
  • The driving records and claims histories of the drivers in your household
  • The level of liability coverage you wish to purchase
  • The coverage options you wish to purchase
  • The size of your deductible
  • In many cases, even your credit score

Because each insurance company will almost certainly calculate a different cost for your premiums, comparison shopping is a great way to find the Lancaster car insurance that provides the best value for your money.

Use our independent agent matching system to find the best insurance plan in your area. You tell us what you’re looking for, and our search engine will recommend the best agents for you. Any information you provide will be sent to only the agents you pick. We do not sell to third parties.

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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

The state’s minimum coverage amounts are usually high enough to cover the costs associated with fender-benders and other common motor vehicle accidents. However, a more serious collision, particularly one that results in severe injuries requiring extensive medical care, is likely to greatly exceed these limits. In that case, you need to make up the difference out of pocket. Purchasing higher coverage limits is a good way to protect your assets. Your Trusted Choice agent can help by providing you with rates for various levels of coverage so that you can best determine how much is right for you.

Failure to carry auto insurance that meets or exceeds Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements can result in fines of at least $300, suspension of your driver’s license for three months and the need to pay reinstatement fees. It is also possible that you may have your vehicle impounded, in which case, you will need to pay additional fees to get it back. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does allow drivers to avoid the three-month license suspension by paying an additional fee of $500. Simply put, going without insurance is not worth the risk.

Number of Uninsured Motorists in Pennsylvania

  • Number of uninsured U.S. drivers: 13%
  • Number of uninsured Pennsylvania drivers: 7.6%

If you are in an accident that is the fault of an uninsured driver, that person is still responsible for covering your damage and medical treatments. Unfortunately, even with a court order, it can sometimes be extremely difficult, or even impossible, to collect this money. That is why it is a good idea to include the optional uninsured motorist coverage with your Lancaster car insurance.

When you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company compensates you for your losses immediately. They then pursue payment from the responsible driver on their own behalf. This saves you time, money and hassle and guarantees that you will be compensated. This insurance also covers 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: 2.28
  • Pennsylvania number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 1.02

Auto theft rates in Pennsylvania are lower than the national average, and the risk of car theft is even lower in Lancaster. In 2013, there were only 86 auto thefts reported in this city. That equates to 1.46 thefts per 1,000 cars – a bit below the state average.

If your car happens to be stolen, you can only receive compensation from your insurance company if your Lancaster auto insurance policy includes “other than collision,” also referred to as comprehensive, coverage. This extra insurance also covers other types of damage such as that caused by falling objects, flying debris, floods, vandalism and fires if they are not collision-related.

Find the Best Lancaster Car Insurance Policy

If you bought an auto insurance policy without first taking the time to get quotes from competing insurance companies, chances are good that you are paying more than you have to for your coverage. Unfortunately, many people skip this important step because they find the process too time-consuming or inconvenient. That is why savvy car owners in Lancaster turn to independent agents in the Trusted Choice network for help when they are shopping for insurance.

These independent agents make comparison shopping easy by answering your insurance-related questions and contacting a variety of insurance companies to make rate inquiries on your behalf. They can then provide you with a great selection of policies and quotes that you can review and compare together. Find a Trusted Choice agent with an office near you to learn more about your Lancaster car insurance options.

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