Pennsylvania Auto Insurance

Pennsylvania auto insurance provides drivers with a two options. The driver can insure themselves under the tort laws or under the no fault auto insurance laws. The tort laws state that a driver must carry minimum liability coverage in order to pay expenses arising from personal or property damage deemed their fault.

The no fault coverage requires that drivers carry minimum medical expense coverage, which pays for expenses regardless off who was at fault in an accident. Because of this hybrid system, the state is considered a "choice no-fault" state, which is sometimes called a "limited tort state."

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania auto insurance liability minimums under the tort laws are 15/30/5. What that number means is that if a driver causes an accident and is found to be at-fault, their liability coverage would pay up to $15,000 per person injured, up to $30,000 for all injured, and a maximum $5,000 for any property damages. Additionally, Pennsylvania motorists must have medical coverage of at least $5,000, which would pay any medical expenses up to that amount, regardless of who was at fault.

If a driver chooses to be covered under Pennsylvania's no fault system, they forfeit the right to sue another driver for expenses, unless the expenses exceed the limits of coverage. With the tort state laws, a Pennsylvania auto insurance policy holder can sue another driver for damages above and beyond the expenses of the accident.

In addition to the above-mentioned minimum coverage levels, insurers will offer several optional coverage types that should be considered on an individual basis. These include:

• Comprehensive coverage will provide protection of your property if it is lossed or damaged by weather, vandalism, or theft.
• Collision insurance provides coverage to your vehicle if you cause an accident or if no fault can be determined.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury protection provides additional coverage for medical expenses and lost wages if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
• Uninsured motorist property damage coverage provides protection for your property when you are struck by an uninsured driver.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Rates

Pennsylvania auto insurance cost drivers on average $810.85 per year in recent report, ranking the state 21st among all states with regard to annual coverage expenditures. The breakdown of cost by coverage in that study was $488.82 for liability coverage, $293.56 for collision coverage, and $127.00 for comprehensive coverage.

How Your Rates are Calculated

Calculating auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania is tricky and not all providers use the exact same formulas. The most significant determination of how much you pay is based upon your level of risk. Risk is guaged for individual drivers by considering their personal traits and patterns of behavior. This may include such items as:

• The driver's age
• The driver's gender
• The driver's marital status
• Driving record, including all accidents and moving violations
• Type of vehicle being insured
• City or town where the driver lives
• Credit history
• Level of education completed
• Grades, if the driver is a student

In addition to the costs associated with individual driver risk, all insured motorists will pay for some portion of the overall costs and risks of Pennsylvania as a whole. Insurers will undoubtedly pass on the costs of lawsuit settlements and claims. They may also charge more if there are more accidents on Pennsylvania roads because they will determine that the state is a risky or dangerous place to drive.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Companies

There are dozens of highly-rated insurers operating in Pennsylvania. The carriers will offer a wide range of options, from cheap auto insurance and limited service to very expensive coverage and high-quality service. You should shop around to find out which carrier suits your personal needs the best.

Additional PA Information and Resources

For more information on Pennsylvania auto insurance, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. There, you can get ratings for specific carriers, file a complaint, or read details of specific auto insurance laws and regulations.

Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
1209 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2317

---

For other Pennsylvania Insurance Resources, See:

• Pennsylvania Health Insurance
• Pennsylvania Home Insurance

---

Connect With Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Agents Now By Filling Out the Quick Form At The Top Of This Page.

USInsuranceOnline provides referrals to auto insurance agents so consumers can compare prices and save money.