What Are the Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements?
In Pennsylvania, all drivers must have auto insurance to drive legally. The state calls this maintaining “financial responsibility.” At a minimum, your policy must include liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage and medical benefits coverage, which pays for your treatment regardless of fault. Without this coverage, you could face penalties such as fines, license and registration suspension, and even the loss of your license plates.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Pennsylvania gives drivers a choice between two types of insurance: limited tort and full tort. Limited tort coverage usually costs less, but it restricts your ability to recover compensation from other drivers unless your injuries meet specific legal criteria. Full tort coverage, however, gives you the right to seek compensation from other parties regardless of the severity of your injuries. If you don’t make a choice, the state assumes you have full tort coverage by default.
Minimum Required Coverage for Pennsylvania Drivers
Pennsylvania auto insurance law requires drivers to carry at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $5,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. Additionally, your policy must include at least $5,000 in medical benefits, whether you have full tort or limited tort coverage. This insurance covers your injuries no matter who caused the accident. These minimums represent the least amount of coverage required, but many drivers choose higher limits to better protect themselves from financial losses after a car accident.
Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania
If you get caught driving without insurance in Pennsylvania, the state could fine you, suspend your driver’s license, and suspend your vehicle registration. You could also lose your license plates and face added costs to reinstate your driving privileges. Insurers must report policy cancellations to PennDOT so the state will know if your coverage lapses. You can avoid these penalties by maintaining continuous insurance coverage and keeping proof of your insurance handy every time you drive.
Optional Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
In addition to the required coverage, Pennsylvania drivers can choose from several optional coverages. You can increase your bodily injury, property damage, or medical benefits limits to provide more financial protection after an accident. Other optional coverages include collision and comprehensive coverage, which protect against damage to your vehicle in cases of theft, vandalism, or non-accident events like storms. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also available to protect you if an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries or property damage.
How Limited Tort Works in Pennsylvania
Selecting the limited tort option means you typically can’t sue the driver at fault for an accident unless your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold. While your own insurance policy will cover medical expenses and certain other out-of-pocket costs, you may not be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. This type of coverage can save you money on premiums, but it restricts your right to demand compensation in the event of an accident.
Contact a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Now
If you have questions about Pennsylvania auto insurance requirements or need help after an accident, contact Ainsman Levine, LLC, today. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and review your options.