Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws: How Much Do I Need?

Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry 15/30/5 of liability coverage and $5,000 of First Party Benefit, a medical coverage similar to PIP.
Written by Kianna Walpole
Edited by Jessica Barrett
Reviewed by Brice Regling
Pennsylvania
’s
car insurance
laws require drivers to have $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, $5,000 per accident in property damage liability, and $5,000 in first party medical benefits. 

Pennsylvania auto insurance requirements

Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance requirements include the following
liability limits
:
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$15,000 per person in
bodily injury liability coverage
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$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
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$5,000 per accident in
property damage liability coverage
In addition to the standard liability insurance limits, drivers in Pennsylvania are required to carry no less than $5,000 in first party medical benefits.
All insurance companies in Pennsylvania are required to provide underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) when you sign for a policy. Drivers must reject the offer in writing to opt out of UM/UIM coverage.
While liability coverage pays for the damages and injuries you cause to third-parties, first party medical benefits will cover medical expenses (such as nursing services, lost wages, and funeral costs) for you and those protected under your policy, regardless of fault.
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In minutes, Jerry can help you compare quotes from over 55 carriers, finding you the best coverage at the best rate.
Here’s an example of what a Pennsylvania state minimum insurance policy looks like in the Jerry app.

Pennsylvania is a ‘choice no-fault’ state

Pennsylvania is one of three states that is defined as a ‘choice
no-fault state
’. When purchasing insurance coverage in Pennsylvania, drivers can choose between a limited tort or a full tort liability option.
A limited tort (or no-fault) option is a lower priced option for your auto insurance, but only allows you to sue for economic damages (except in the event of disfigurement or death). Full tort coverage allows you to sue for pain and suffering, but comes at a higher cost.
In most cases, Pennsylvania drivers will still file claims for medical injuries through their own insurance providers, no matter who was at-fault for the accident. 

Is the state minimum car insurance coverage the most cost-effective option?

Although the minimum auto insurance coverage is often cheaper initially, it actually could prove to be the more costly solution. 
Based on data from the LexisNexis US Auto Insurance Trends Report, liability claims rose by 27% in 2022, while total losses made up 27% of collision claims filed.1 
Compared to most states, Pennsylvania’s minimum coverage requirements are quite low, and after a car accident, could easily be maxed out, leaving you to pay out of pocket for any remaining medical bills or repair costs.
If you can’t afford to pay for the damages or restoration fees after your coverage limits run out and the other driver files a claim against you, your assets and future income could be on the line.
When selecting an auto insurance policy, consider increasing your coverage limits beyond the state minimum.
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Expert Insurance Agent Insight

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VP of Insurance Operations @ Jerry, 15 years experience
A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.
Higher limits will offer you an additional financial cushion to fall back on and further protect you from potential court charges—all while providing you with peace of mind that you’ll always have enough protection in place to cover minor and serious accidents.
Another option is to look into a
full coverage policy
. On average, Pennsylvania drivers pay around $1,488 per year for a minimum insurance policy, and $2,067 annually for full coverage
While the price difference may seem big at first, it’s definitely worth the added cost. A full coverage policy with
comprehensive coverage
and
collision coverage
will provide added protection for your vehicle in collision and non-collision related events—and working in tandem with your liability coverage and first party benefits, you’ll be adequately prepared for a variety of situations.
Overall,
car insurance rates vary based on several different factors
, including things like your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage options—meaning, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.
To get an idea of what type of coverage works best for you as a policyholder, it’s wise to compare insurance quotes with an app like Jerry for both the state minimum and full coverage options. 
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 You can change your coverage limits at any time with your insurance agent, or you can use Jerry.
Please note that images featured in this article are for staging purposes only.
“I had my insurance swapped over and lower rates for full coverage with amazing coverage (tow and rental car included) for less than what I was paying and less benefits. So amazing! I would recommend to anyone and everyone who is looking for great coverage & rates, best part took less than 20 minutes to get an offer and coverage.” (AngelaBurk, USA)

Optional coverage in Pennsylvania

A full coverage car insurance policy with liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage opens up a world of add-ons that you can include in your Pennsylvania auto insurance plan. Some of the best additional coverage options include:
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Stacked UM/UIM: In Pennsylvania, drivers who have UM/UIM and more than one vehicle have the option to stack their UM/UIM coverage to multiply their amount by the number of cars on the policy, or receive UM/UIM for more than one policy.
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Accidental death benefit: This benefit is paid to the personal representative of an insured individual if their injuries result in death within 24 months of the accident.
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Extraordinary medical benefits: This type of coverage pays for medical and rehabilitation expenses costing over $100,000 with a maximum of $1 million.
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Gap coverage
: Gap coverage pays the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and the amount owing on your
car loan
if it’s deemed a total loss.
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Roadside assistance
: This covers roadside assistance up to the policy’s limit, including things like jumpstarts, lockouts, tire changes, and towing.

Penalties for driving without insurance

You must be able to show
proof of insurance
or financial responsibility in the state of Pennsylvania whenever you get behind the wheel. 
Failure to do so can result in fines,
driver's license suspension
, motor vehicle registration suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment—plus higher car insurance premiums for the policyholder.
Penalties for
driving without insurance
in Pennsylvania:
These charges apply to all offenses, regardless whether it’s your first or subsequent.
  • $300 fine
  • Three-month suspension for vehicle registration
  • Three-month license suspension
  • Potential vehicle impoundment
Drivers will also be required to pay a $94 restoration fee for their registration, and a $100 license reinstatement fee. 
To avoid license and registration suspensions, motorists can pay a $500 civil penalty
If you have insurance but are unable to provide proof at the time of the incident, you can avoid fines by sending your insurance ID or declaration page to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). 

FAQs

Do you need comprehensive insurance in PA?

Comprehensive coverage isn’t mandatory in Pennsylvania unless your car is financed or leased—however, it is a worthy inclusion to your insurance policy. As part of a full coverage package, comprehensive insurance will provide your vehicle with protection against non-collision related events, such as theft, vandalism, and severe weather.

How long can you go without car insurance before being penalized in PA?

It’s never a good idea to go without car insurance. Driving without insurance comes with hefty fines in Pennsylvania, and any
lapse in coverage
can impact your insurance rates when you go searching for a new policy. 

What happens if the person at-fault in an accident has no insurance in PA?

If you get into an accident in Pennsylvania and the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance, you can still recover compensation for your losses through your own insurance provider if you have collision coverage—and if you have a full tort insurance policy and sustain injuries, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering. 

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