Reviews Report
- Average rates from Review.com’s top Pennsylvania home insurance companies range from $499 to $829 per year, based on 2021 quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, provided by Bankrate.com.
- Westfield, Cumberland Grp., and Penn National are among Reviews.com’s selections for cheapest homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania.
- The best homeowners insurance PA companies include those with comparatively low rates, a strong financial standing and positive customer reviews.
Pennsylvania home insurance is not necessarily mandatory unless your home is financed, but can provide you with financial protection in case of a devastating covered loss. Several major and regional carriers operate in the state, which are included in our review of the best homeowners insurance companies for this state.
Reviews.com narrowed the list of homeowners insurance companies based on financial strength, customer ratings, and policy options. We analyzed companies based on 2021 Quadrant Information Services data from Bankrate.com that maps the average home insurance premium, and a unique in-house methodology to compare discounts, coverage, and third-party evaluations to rank and review the best home insurance in Pennsylvania. Comparing quotes from companies that provide home insurance in the state will give you the best chance at finding the best cheap homeowners insurance for your needs.
The 6 Best Home Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
- Nationwide: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Add-On Coverage
- Allstate: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Premium and Deductible Costs
- Erie: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Basic Coverage
- Penn Nat: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Low Rates
- Farmers: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Discounts
- Travelers: Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Green Homes
Compare the Best Home Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
| Average Annual Premiums* | AM Best Financial Strength AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction** J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Nationwide | $778 | A+ | 808 | |
| Pin Allstate | $729 | A+ | 829 | |
| Pin Erie | $542 | A+ | 839 | |
| Pin Penn National | $499 | A- | N/A | |
| Pin Farmers | $756 | A | 814 | |
| Pin Travelers | $829 | A++ | 803 |
Information accurate as of August 2021
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Satisfaction Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Nationwide
Best for Add-On Coverage
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low customer complaint ratings
- Brand new belongings coverage
- Will replace roof with stronger, better materials
Cons
- Lower-than-average customer satisfaction
- Mobile app is geared toward auto policy management
Add-on Coverage
- Better roof replacement
- Replacement cost
- Identity theft
- Valuables Plus
- Water backup
- Earthquake
- Flood insurance
Available Discounts
- Multi-policy
- Protective device
- Claims-free
- Home renovation credit
- Roof rating
- Recent home purchase
- Prior insurance
- Gated community
More Nationwide Insurance Reviews
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Allstate
Best Pennsylvania Home Insurance for Premium and Deductible Costs
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- More-than-average additional coverage options
- Claims-free rewards
- Digital home inventory app available
Cons
- High customer complaint ratings
- Average customer satisfaction rating
Add-On Coverage
- Identity theft restoration
- Water backup
- Scheduled personal property
- Business property
- Sports equipment
- Green improvement reimbursement
- Yard and garden
- Electronic data recovery
- Musical instruments
Discounts Available
- Welcome & loyalty
- Home buyer
- Easy Pay Plan
- Protective device
- Early signing
- Multi-policy
- Responsible payment
- Claims-free
More Allstate Insurance Reviews
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Erie
Best for Basic Coverage
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Strong financial ratings from AM Best
- Lower-than-average customer complaint ratings
- Two flood insurance coverage options
Cons
- Not available nationwide
- No home insurance mobile app or online claims
- Limited discounts
Add-on Coverage
- Water backup/sump overflow
- Identity recovery
- Service line protection
Discounts Available
- Protective devices
- Advanced quote
- Multi-policy
More Erie Insurance Reviews
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Penn National
Best for Low Rates
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Agents and offices throughout the state
- Higher limits available for higher-value homes
- Unique discounts not typically seen including smart home devices and wind mitigation construction
Cons
- Mobile app received low customer ratings
Add-on Coverage
- Identity theft
- Loss assessment
- Replacement cost
- Specified additional amount
- Underground utilities
- Valuable articles
- Water backup/sump overflow
Discounts Available
- Loss free
- Non-smoking household
- New homebuyer
- Retired daytime occupancy
- Recent renovations (last 10 years) of electrical, plumbing or heating
- Roof replacement
- Fire protective devices, including smoke detectors, alarms or sprinkler systems
- Burglar protective devices, including deadbolt door locks and alarms
- Wind mitigation construction
- Smart home protective devices
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Farmers
Best for Discounts
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Agents and branches available throughout Pennsylvania
- Choose from Standard, Advanced and Premier home insurance package
- Claim forgiveness available
Cons
- Limited add-ons
- Lower customer satisfaction rating than other carriers
Types of Coverage Offered
- Flood
- Earthquake
- Replacement cost
- Scheduled personal property
Discounts Available
- Protective devices
- Non-smoking
- Multi-policy
- Vocational
- Claim-free
More Farmers Insurance Reviews
*Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Travelers
Best for Green Homes
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Green home coverage
- File claims online, through the app or over the phone
- Over 1,700 agents and offices throughout PA
Cons
- Few discounts
- Lower than average customer satisfaction rating
Add-on Coverage
- Green home
- Identity fraud
- Water backup
- Personal articles floater
- Jewelry/valuable items
- Replacement cost
- Special personal property
Discounts Available
- Multi-policy
- Early quote
- Protective device
More Travelers Insurance Reviews
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Average Cost of Home Insurance in Pennsylvania
The average cost of Pennsylvania home insurance is $730 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, according to 2021 data from Bankrate.com. Rates are lower than neighboring states such as:
- New York: $987
- New Jersey: $751
- Ohio: $1,111
- Maryland: $1,124
Pennsylvania homeowners insurance rates, though lower than neighboring states, are still likely affected by the area’s weather challenges. The most severe disasters are typically caused by winter storms that can bring heavy snow, freezing temperature and ice. Record-breaking snowfall occurred in February of 2021 and previously in 2019. The 2019 storm was referred to by locals as “snowmageddon” and cost $55 million to clean up. Besides the hazard of freezing temperatures, icy roads, frozen or burst water pipes and roof/structural damages from the weight of snow, Pennsylvania homes may also experience fires, tropical storms and tornadoes on occasion.
The Cheapest Homeowner Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
| Home Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium* |
| Westfield | $283 |
| Cumberland Grp | $374 |
| Penn National | $499 |
| Erie | $542 |
| USAA | $714 |
| Allstate | $729 |
| Donegal | $749 |
| Farmers | $756 |
| Nationwide | $778 |
| Travelers | $829 |
| Chubb | $917 |
| PURE | $1,065 |
| State Farm | $1,115 |
*Based on $250,000 in dwelling coverage
Top 3 Cheapest Homeowner Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
- Westfield – $283
- Cumberland Grp. – $374
- Penn National – $499
Top 3 Most Expensive Homeowner Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
- State Farm – $1,115
- PURE – $1,065
- Chubb – $917
Common Home Insurance Perils in Pennsylvania
According to the Insurance Information Institute, most home insurance claims are due to a small number of perils. While this may be the standard case, Pennsylvania is vulnerable to several costly perils that could be devastating for homeowners without coverage.
Sinkholes are rare but can be highly damaging and are most likely to occur in specific parts of Pennsylvania. Wind and hail are also common in Pennsylvania. So much so that hail maps are published to report on storms with hail of 1” in diameter or larger. In addition, strong winds regularly cause widespread damage to homes in the state. The best homeowners insurance policy is one designed to financially protect your home in case of unforeseen damage from events such as these.
Lastly, the state’s rivers and proximity to the Atlantic means many Pennsylvania residents are at risk for flooding damages from heavy rains, tropical storms and hurricanes. However, home insurance policies do not typically cover flooding damages.
Add-on home insurance coverage in Pennsylvania
Some common hazards in the state are not automatically covered by a standard home insurance policy. Purchasing an add-on for the peril or hazard can round out the financial protection needed for Pennsylvania homeowners.
- Flood insurance: Nationwide and Farmers both facilitate purchasing flood insurance directly. If your insurance carrier doesn’t offer to assist with this, you can also buy coverage through the federally-backed National Flood Insurance Program.
- Earthquake coverage: Some areas of Pennsylvania are more prone to earthquakes, including Schaefferstown and Philadelphia. Check with your agent about this coverage or its limits if you are concerned about damage from earthquakes.
- Sinkhole coverage: Sinkhole coverage isn’t common enough to be included in a standard home insurance policy. It may be necessary to speak with your agent about what portion of your coverage would apply here, and what limits you might prefer to have in place.
Pennsylvania Home Insurance FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated the companies based on their third-party agency ratings for customer experience, financial stability, as well as coverage options to determine which might be the best providers.
To compare home insurance companies across the board, we considered the following factors:
- Coverage: The more options a home insurance company has for insurance add-ons and coverages, the higher it scores in our methodology.
- Customer Experience: We reviewed the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ National Complaint Index and compared each homeowners insurance company’s complaint rating.
- Customer Satisfaction: With J.D. Power’s 2020 Home Insurance Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.
- Financial Stability: Reviews.com utilized AM Best ratings to assign a score based on each home insurance company’s financial stability.
- Discounts: We reviewed and compared the number of discounts advertised on each home insurance company’s website. The more available discounts, the higher the score in this metric.
Rates are based on quoted annual premiums from Bankrate.com. These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
The coverage limits for home insurance rates reflect the following coverage and limits:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $250,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $25,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $125,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $50,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $300,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).
About the Authors
Cynthia Paez Bowman is a contributing writer for Reviews.com. Over the last two years, she has covered insurance, home security and more. She has been featured in MSN, Bankrate, Coverage.com, The Simple Dollar and GOBankingRates. She has dual bachelors degrees in International Business and Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. “Is It Getting Harder to Get Home Insurance in High-Risk Areas?” is Cynthia’s favorite story on Reviews.com.
