Understanding Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania: What Drivers Need to Know
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If you own and drive a vehicle, you need to know the auto insurance requirements in your state. Each state has different rules and regulations for drivers, which can make it more difficult to understand exactly what you need. For example, Pennsylvania has different rules from New York and New Jersey. If you’re a driver in Pennsylvania, you must follow all of the state’s driving laws, including the Pennsylvania liability insurance requirements.
Let’s break down the rules about liability insurance in Pennsylvania so you can make sure you’re meeting all the requirements.
Overview of Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
Liability insurance covers damage the policyholder causes to someone else or their property. There are several different types of liability insurance, but auto liability insurance specifically deals with damage from car accidents. Almost every state in the U.S. requires drivers to meet a minimum requirement of liability insurance coverage, Pennsylvania included.
Types of Auto Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
Under the umbrella of Pennsylvania liability insurance, there are more specific types of liability coverage. Here are the main types you need to consider.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability insurance covers harm you cause to other people’s bodies in a car accident. The insurance policy covers the other party’s medical costs and possibly lost wages if they can’t work due to their injuries.
For example, if you’re at fault for a car accident where the other driver breaks their arm, your bodily injury liability coverage would pay for the driver’s medical treatment.
Bodily injury coverage does not pay for your own medical expenses from an accident. You’d need additional coverage on your insurance policy if you want protection for those expenses.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability insurance covers damage you cause to someone else’s belongings in a car crash. Their property may include their vehicle or something that belongs to them, like a fence or building.
Say, for example, you crash your vehicle into the fence surrounding someone’s home. In that case, your property damage liability coverage would pay to repair or replace that person’s fence.
Property damage liability does not cover damage to your own vehicle from the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is yet another type of auto insurance coverage. This insurance covers your own expenses when a driver without sufficient insurance coverage harms you, your family, or your passengers in a vehicle accident.
Typically, the other driver’s insurance coverage will pay for any resulting medical bills if they’re at fault for the accident. However, many drivers may opt to only carry the minimum coverage requirement, which may not be enough to compensate for moderate and serious injuries.
By carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you’ll still be protected against financial loss even if the driver who causes an accident doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to pay your medical bills. Keep in mind that this insurance does not cover damage to property.
How to Choose the Right Auto Liability Insurance
The first thing to consider when getting general liability insurance in Pennsylvania is the state’s minimum requirements.
In Pennsylvania, all drivers must meet the following minimum auto liability insurance coverage:
- $15,000 for the bodily injury or death of one person
- $30,000 for the bodily injury or death of multiple people
- $5,000 for property damage coverage
As you’re looking at different liability insurance in PA, make sure all the plans meet these minimum requirements. You may also see them expressed as 15/30/5. The commercial auto insurance requirements are the same.
Pay close attention to exactly what each policy covers and does not cover. Even if two policies look similar and cost around the same, when you dig a little deeper, you may find that one has better coverage in some areas than others. You should also consider the reputation of each insurance provider. Some insurance providers offer better customer service and tend to process claims faster than others.
Remember that the Pennsylvania liability insurance requirements are just the minimum amounts of coverage you need to carry. You can choose to purchase additional types of coverage or liability coverage with higher limits for more financial protection.
Tips for Saving on Auto Liability Insurance
No one wants to overpay for car insurance. Try these tips to save money on your Pennsylvania liability insurance policy.
- Bundle your insurance policies: An insurance company may offer discounts if you bundle your Pennsylvania auto insurance with other policies like homeowner’s coverage.
- Keep a safe driving record: Drivers with clean driving records typically have lower auto insurance rates.
- Improve your credit score: A better credit score may lead to cheaper car insurance rates.
- Talk to a licensed insurance agent: An insurance agent may be able to recommend discounts you didn’t know about.
Compare Auto Insurance Options for Better Coverage
The best way to find cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania is to shop around and compare your options. Once you have a clear picture of all the available auto insurance policies in your area, it will be easier to select the right one for your needs.
Insurance policies vary depending on your location and other details, so a custom comparison will help you understand your options. Get your free custom comparison from EverQuote in just a few minutes to find your ideal insurance policy.