Insurance
Car Insurance in Philadelphia
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Philadelphia drivers follow Pennsylvania rules: at least 15/30/5 in liability plus $5,000 in medical benefits. Those are among the lowest minimums in the country.
The local risk is theft. The Philadelphia metro area had the 7th most vehicle thefts in the U.S. in 2025. And your biggest policy choice is still limited tort or full tort.
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What Pennsylvania requires
- Liability of 15/30/5: $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 per crash, and $5,000 for property damage.
- $5,000 in medical benefits for you and others on your policy, whoever caused the crash.
$5,000 in property damage won't cover much on today's cars. If you cause more damage than your limit, you could owe the rest.
Limited tort or full tort?
- Full tort keeps your full right to sue the at-fault driver, including for pain and suffering.
- Limited tort costs less. But you give up the right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injury is serious: death, serious impairment of a body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.
In a busy city with a lot of fender benders, it's worth pricing both before you choose.
Car theft in Philadelphia
Thefts fell 23% nationwide in 2025. But the Philadelphia area still had 19,117 vehicle thefts, the 7th most of any U.S. metro.
Only comprehensive pays if your car is stolen. To lower your risk:
- Lock the doors, take your keys, and never leave the car running unattended.
- Park in well-lit spots, and roll up the windows.
- Consider a steering wheel lock, an alarm, or a GPS tracker, and ask whether it earns a discount.
Learn what comprehensive covers.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers
About 11.0% of Pennsylvania drivers were uninsured in 2023, below the national rate. But with a 15/30 minimum, many insured drivers carry low limits. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays when their limits are too low. Pennsylvania insurers must offer UM and UIM, and you have to sign a form to turn them down.
What drives car insurance prices in Philadelphia
- Theft and break-ins.
- Dense traffic and street parking.
- Your tort choice, limits, and deductibles.
- Your driving record and your car.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Philadelphia
- Compare the same coverage, including the same tort option. Otherwise you're not comparing the same thing.
- Raise your deductibles instead of dropping comprehensive.
- Ask about discounts for anti-theft devices, a clean record, or bundling with renters insurance.
More ideas: how to lower car insurance.
What to ask before you choose
- "Is this limited tort or full tort? What's the price difference?"
- "Do I have comprehensive for theft? What's the deductible?"
- "Did I keep UM and UIM coverage?"
- "How much would higher liability limits cost?"
- "Is there a discount for an anti-theft device?"
The catch: the cheapest Philadelphia quotes often stack limited tort, minimum limits, rejected UM and UIM, and no comprehensive. In a high-theft area, that combination can leave you with little help after a theft or a crash that wasn't your fault.
Keep reading
Own a home in Pennsylvania? See Pennsylvania homeowners insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
More Pennsylvania guides: Pennsylvania car insurance · Pennsylvania homeowners insurance
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Sources
- National Insurance Crime Bureau, U.S. vehicle thefts experience historic decline (Mar. 18, 2026)
- Insurance Research Council data (2023), via Insurance Information Institute, Uninsured motorists
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Auto insurance
- 75 Pa.C.S. §1705 (election of tort options)
- 75 Pa.C.S. §1731 (UM and UIM coverage)