Required Auto Insurance in PA
Auto insurance is a contractual agreement between a vehicle owner and an insurance company, in which the insurer agrees to cover financial losses involving the vehicle within the terms of the insurance policy. This protection can encompass various circumstances, including vehicle damage, theft, and liability claims from accidents causing injury or property damage to others. In essence, auto insurance provides financial security and peace of mind, enabling drivers to manage the risks associated with operating a vehicle. It is mandatory in most states, including Pennsylvania, to ensure that all drivers can cover costs arising from accidents for which they are responsible. If you are involved in a car accident and are unsure of your coverage and how it can affect your personal injury claim, contact the car accident lawyers at PhillyLaw for a free consultation to learn more about your rights to recover from your car accident.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Coverage in Pennsylvania
It is important to meet Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance requirements while also ensuring that you understand how much car insurance is right for you. In Pennsylvania, drivers have the option to choose between limited tort and full tort coverage when selecting their car insurance policies. This choice significantly influences the ability to seek compensation for injuries sustained in auto accidents.
Limited Tort Coverage
A limited tort coverage auto insurance policy allows for a reduction in premiums, providing a more affordable insurance option. However, it restricts the policyholder’s right to sue for pain and suffering unless the injuries meet a “serious injury” threshold, as defined under state law. This means that, except in cases involving serious injury, the policyholder can only recover out-of-pocket medical bills, wage loss, and other actual damages.
Full Tort Coverage
A full tort coverage insurance policy, on the other hand, offers a broader protection. It does not restrict the right to sue for pain and suffering, regardless of the injury’s severity. This option typically comes at a higher premium cost but provides the insured with the ability to fully recover for pain and suffering and other intangible losses from an accident.
PhillyLaw lawyers understand how Pennsylvania’s tort coverages work. Navigating the complexities of Limited Tort and Full Tort coverages can be daunting, but our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Pennsylvania’s auto insurance laws so that we can maximize your options to pursue fair and just compensation for any car accidents.
Pennsylvania Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania requires that all vehicle owners carry a minimum level of auto insurance to legally drive on its roads. Specifically, the mandated liability insurance coverage includes:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily injury liability coverage insurance is a critical component of car insurance policies in Pennsylvania, designed to protect drivers financially if they are at fault in an accident that results in injury or death to another person. In Pennsylvania, the law requires that drivers carry a minimum of $15,000 in coverage for injuries to one person and $30,000 for injuries to multiple people in a single accident.
This coverage helps cover costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees associated with claims brought by those injured in an accident for which you are deemed responsible. It’s important to note that BIL does not cover your personal medical costs or property damage. Given the potential high costs of medical treatments and legal issues following an accident, many drivers opt for coverage limits beyond the Pennsylvania car insurance-required minimum to ensure greater financial protection.
Property Damage Liability Coverage
Alongside bodily injury liability, Pennsylvania car insurance law also requires drivers to have property damage liability coverage. This car insurance protects against damages that you, as the policyholder or driver, cause to someone else’s property during an accident. This not only encompasses damage to other cars but can also include personal property such as homes, fences, and other structures.
The Pennsylvania auto insurance-mandated minimum for Property Damage Liability in Pennsylvania is $5,000 per accident. This coverage is critical as it safeguards drivers from the significant financial burden that could arise from being held accountable for repairs or replacements of damaged property following an accident.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. In Pennsylvania, the minimum personal injury protection coverage amount is $5,000.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that your car insurance company will pay your injury claims up to a specified limit, regardless of who caused the accident. This makes carrying personal injury protection coverage a critical requirement.
Driving without Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Driving without a car insurance policy in Pennsylvania is a serious offense that carries significant penalties to discourage the practice and ensure that all drivers and vehicles are adequately protected. If you are caught driving without the required minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania, you will face several consequences, including:
Three-Month Registration Suspension
Your vehicle registration may be suspended for three months, during which you cannot legally drive the vehicle. To reinstate your vehicle registration after suspension, you’ll be required to provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee.
Driver’s License Suspension
Alongside the suspension of your vehicle registration, your driver’s license may be suspended for three months. Reinstatement of your driver’s license requires paying a reinstatement fee and providing proof of insurance.
Fines and Fees
You will be subject to a minimum fine of $300 for driving without insurance. Additional administrative fees and court costs could further increase the financial burden.
Vehicle Impoundment
In some cases, law enforcement may impound your vehicle if you’re found driving without the required insurance, leading to additional fees for towing and storage.
To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to maintain the required auto insurance coverages as mandated by Pennsylvania state law. Compliance ensures that you, your passengers, and other road users are protected in the event of an accident.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
In addition to the mandatory liability insurance coverages required by law in Pennsylvania, drivers have the option to purchase additional types of auto insurance coverage. These optional coverages offer more comprehensive protection and can help cover costs that exceed the limits of mandatory insurance. Some of the most common types of optional auto insurance coverage in Pennsylvania include:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can be particularly important if you own a newer or more valuable vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects you against non-collision related damages to your vehicle. This includes damages from events such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and collisions with animals.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Even though insurance is required by law, not all drivers comply. Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who does not carry any auto insurance. Underinsured Motorist Coverage comes into play if the at-fault driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover all of your damages. UM/UIM coverage can pay for your injuries and, in some policies, property damage.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
If your vehicle is undergoing repairs due to an accident, rental reimbursement coverage can help cover the cost of a rental car. This ensures you remain mobile and are not left without transportation.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance coverage can be invaluable if you find yourself in need of a tow, tire change, jump-start, or help with locked keys in the car. This coverage provides peace of mind for drivers, knowing that help is just a call away in case of breakdowns or minor mishaps on the road.
Choosing the right combination of optional coverages can provide enhanced protection and comfort, tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. While these coverages do increase your insurance premium, they also offer an added layer of financial security and can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident or other damages to your vehicle.
The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan
The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan is a safety net for drivers who are unable to obtain auto insurance through the voluntary market due to various factors such as a poor driving record or other risk-related reasons. This plan ensures that all drivers have access to the minimum legal requirements for auto insurance, in alignment with Pennsylvania’s laws, thus promoting road safety and financial responsibility.
PhillyLaw Understands Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
Whether you have the minimum Bodily Injury Liability or additional coverage options like Uninsured Motorist Protection, PhillyLaw is here to make sure you can utilize your insurance coverage to mitigate the financial impact of any unforeseen incidents. Contact us today for a free consultation if you have been injured in a car accident to make sure you are exploring all avenues to recover compensation for your injuries.