We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
The Best Home Insurance in Pennsylvania for 2023
Homeowners insurance rates in Pennsylvania are well below the national average.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
If you're a homeowner in Pennsylvania, you'll typically pay a lot less than the national average for home insurance. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania is $995 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s significantly less than the national average of $1,820 per year.
NerdWallet analyzed rates from insurers across the state to determine the best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania. These rates are for a sample homeowner with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and good credit. Your own rates may vary.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania
Several of NerdWallet's Best Home Insurance Companies offer policies in Pennsylvania. Here they are, along with their average annual premiums.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,165
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in Pennsylvania
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Ideal for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Ideal for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
Based in Pennsylvania, Erie is a regional insurer that offers guaranteed replacement cost for the structure of your home. With this coverage, the company will pay to rebuild your home completely after a disaster, even if the amount exceeds your dwelling limit. Not all insurers offer this option, but it’s worth considering as a hedge against rising construction costs.
Got a car to insure, too? If you bundle your home and auto insurance with Erie, you could get a discount of around 20%. You may also be able to save if your home has certain safety and security features such as smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
State Farm, America’s largest home insurer, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. One useful endorsement you may be able to add to a State Farm policy is an inflation guard rider, which automatically increases your policy limits to make sure your coverage doesn’t fall short.
Another perk to consider is the company’s free Ting service. Ting is a smart home device that monitors your electrical system for fire hazards.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
As a Farmers policyholder, you may be eligible for a discount if you go three years without filing a claim. If you go five years and your policy includes the Claim Forgiveness feature, you may not even see your rate go up when you do file a claim.
You can also ask about the Declining Deductibles perk, which reduces your deductible by $50 each year. Another way to save is by bundling your home and auto policies.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than other insurers.
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than other insurers.
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb targets owners of high-value homes, with coverage that isn’t always the cheapest option but comes with plenty of perks. For example, a standard Chubb homeowners policy includes extended replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home. That means if it costs more than expected to rebuild your house after a covered claim, Chubb will pay more than your dwelling coverage limit.
Chubb policyholders may also be able to take advantage of the company’s HomeScan service, which uses infrared cameras to look for problems behind the walls of your home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. You can add other coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains.
Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage, USAA offers good value for homeowners in the military community.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage, USAA offers good value for homeowners in the military community.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military and their families. If you fall into one of those groups, you might want to look into USAA’s offerings. The company’s homeowners policies include some unique perks such as deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and coverage for identity theft.
Homeowners in Pennsylvania can take part in the company’s Connected Home program, which gives you a discount on your policy if you buy and install approved smart home devices. These include water leak sensors, cameras and thermostats.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania is $995. That’s 45% less than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Pennsylvania, those with poor credit pay an average of $2,910 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 193% more than those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania by city
The cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania varies based on where you live within the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Philadelphia is $1,505 per year, while Pittsburgh homeowners pay $995 per year, on average.
City
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
Allentown
$955
$80
Altoona
$955
$80
Bethlehem
$945
$79
Carlisle
$890
$74
Chambersburg
$910
$76
Easton
$945
$79
Erie
$1,000
$83
Greensburg
$970
$81
Harrisburg
$910
$76
Johnstown
$965
$80
Lancaster
$880
$73
Lansdale
$1,025
$85
Lebanon
$920
$77
Levittown
$1,255
$105
Mechanicsburg
$900
$75
Norristown
$1,070
$89
Philadelphia
$1,505
$125
Pittsburgh
$995
$83
Pottstown
$1,005
$84
Reading
$910
$76
Scranton
$1,015
$85
State College
$910
$76
West Chester
$1,010
$84
Wilkes-Barre
$980
$82
York
$890
$74
The cheapest homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania
Aside from the well-rated insurers listed above, Pennsylvanians have other options for homeowners insurance that may be cheaper. Below are companies with average annual rates below the state average of $995.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
Cumberland Mutual
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$625
Penn National
Not rated
$680
Westfield
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$790
What to know about Pennsylvania homeowners insurance
Pennsylvania faces several types of natural disasters that could damage your home. Below are a few problems you might encounter, plus information on how to make sure your home is covered.
Flooding
Flooding is the most common disaster in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
. A standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to buy separate flood insurance. (If you live in a high-risk area and have a mortgage, your lender may require it.)
Note that even if flood insurance isn’t mandated for your property, you may still be at risk. PEMA looked at all Pennsylvania flood locations reported to the National Weather Service between 1993 and 2021, and it found that about 90% of those floods occurred outside the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 100-year flood plain. The 100-year flood plain is an area where the risk of flooding is at least 1% each year.
To find your home’s flood risk, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a tool from the nonprofit First Street Foundation.
Snow, sleet, ice and freezing rain are all common elements of a Pennsylvania winter, and they can lead to home damage like burst pipes and fallen trees. Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage due to snow and ice, with certain restrictions.
For example, you’d typically be covered if a blizzard knocked a tree on top of your home, damaging the roof or other parts of the structure. But if the tree simply fell over onto the lawn, you likely wouldn’t have coverage for the expense of hauling it away.
Your policy will generally cover damage from frozen pipes as long as you’ve taken reasonable measures to prevent them. Say you went out of town for a week and a pipe burst because you left your thermostat set at 50 degrees. Your insurance company might refuse to pay for the damage because you didn’t keep your home warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
Tropical storms and tornadoes can cause severe wind damage to Pennsylvania homes. Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage, but some policies may have a separate deductible for hurricanes, tropical storms or “named storms.”
This deductible is a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. So if your home is insured for $300,000 with a 5% deductible, you’ll have to pay for the first $15,000 of damage from a storm. The deductible can apply to damage from a hurricane, tropical storm or even a tornado that occurs as part of a named storm.
If you’ve got a question about your policy or a complaint about your insurer, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department may be able to help. You can use the agency’s website to file complaints, look up licensed agents and learn about homeowners insurance. You can contact the department with questions at 877-881-6388.
Is homeowners insurance mandatory in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, homeowners insurance is not mandatory. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to buy home insurance.
Can my homeowners insurance company drop me if I have too many claims?
In Pennsylvania, an insurance company can’t cancel your homeowners insurance policy based on your claims history. (However, it can cancel your policy if you fail to pay your premium on time.)
How much is homeowners insurance per month in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania is $995 a year, which works out to about $83 per month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. Your own rate may vary depending on where you live and how much coverage you need.
Is homeowners insurance mandatory in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, homeowners insurance is not mandatory. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to buy home insurance.
Can my homeowners insurance company drop me if I have too many claims?
In Pennsylvania, an insurance company can’t cancel your homeowners insurance policy based on your claims history. (However, it can cancel your policy if you fail to pay your premium on time.)
How much is homeowners insurance per month in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania is $995 a year, which works out to about $83 per month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. Your own rate may vary depending on where you live and how much coverage you need.
Methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
