Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Pennsylvania? Contact The Slocum Firm to schedule a free consultation today. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Car insurance is not just a legal requirement in Pennsylvania—it’s essential to protect you from financial ruin in the event of an accident. However, dealing with the car insurance company isn’t easy. 

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize the extent of your expenses or injuries after an accident. You might end up paying too much for coverage you don’t need, or worse, not having enough protection when needed. Without the right coverage, you could face hefty out-of-pocket costs for medical bills, repairs, or legal fees.

That’s where we come in. At The Slocum Firm, we’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate Pennsylvania’s car insurance landscape. Our team of experienced Pennsylvania auto accident lawyers will walk you through the different policies, breaking them down so you can make an informed choice. With the right information, you can ensure you can choose a plan that fits your needs and ensure you and your loved ones are protected. 

Types of Car Insurance Coverage Available in Pennsylvania

Car insurance in Pennsylvania offers a range of coverage options designed to protect you financially in various situations. Understanding these coverages can help you make an informed decision about the best policy for your needs. Some of the most common types of car insurance coverage available in Pennsylvania include:

 

• Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is the foundation of any auto insurance policy in Pennsylvania. This coverage protects you financially if you’re found responsible for causing injuries to other people or damage to their property in a car accident. Liability insurance is broken into two categories: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Pennsylvania law mandates that drivers carry both. Bodily injury liability covers the medical expenses of others injured in an accident you cause. This can include hospital bills, follow-up medical care, and lost wages if the injured party is unable to work. Pennsylvania’s minimum coverage for bodily injury is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Property damage liability, on the other hand, pays for damage to another person’s vehicle or property. Pennsylvania law requires at least $5,000 in property damage liability coverage. Higher limits of liability insurance can offer greater protection and peace of mind.
• Personal Injury Protection: This type of coverage is mandatory in Pennsylvania. It covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. It can also help replace lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $5,000 in medical benefits coverage, but you can choose higher limits for more comprehensive protection. It is particularly valuable in Pennsylvania’s no-fault system, as it provides immediate coverage for medical expenses without waiting for fault determination.
• Collision Insurance: Collision insurance is one of the most common optional coverages for Pennsylvania drivers. Unlike liability insurance, which covers damages to others, collision insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of who caused the accident. Without collision insurance, you could face significant repair costs after a crash with another vehicle or a stationary object, such as a guardrail or tree. One thing to keep in mind with collision insurance is that it typically pays the actual cash value of your vehicle, not the full replacement cost. This means depreciation will be factored in when determining how much your insurance company will pay after an accident. 
• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from non-collision-related damages. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and weather-related damage such as hail storms or flooding. In Pennsylvania, where snow storms can be frequent in the winter months, comprehensive coverage is particularly useful for protecting your vehicle from the elements. Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage isn’t required by Pennsylvania law but may be required by your lender if you have a car loan. It’s often paired with collision insurance to provide full protection for your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage helps ensure that you’re protected against a wide range of potential risks to your vehicle beyond just accidents.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: Medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, is another optional insurance policy that covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. Unlike PIP, MedPay doesn’t cover lost wages or other non-medical expenses, but it can help cover deductibles and other payments that PIP might not handle. For Pennsylvania drivers with higher healthcare costs, this can be an important addition to their policy. 
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Despite Pennsylvania law requiring all drivers to have insurance, some motorists still drive without coverage or with insufficient limits. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you in these situations. These policies help cover damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and even lost wages if the other driver can’t pay. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and damages if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover all your expenses. These coverages give you peace of mind that you’ll be financially protected no matter the insurance status of the other driver involved in the accident.

The types of car insurance coverage available in Pennsylvania offer a wide range of protection options to suit your individual needs. Whether you opt for collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, or additional medical payments, these coverages provide critical financial protection in case of an accident.

Pennsylvania Tort Laws

Pennsylvania’s car insurance system allows drivers to choose between two types of tort coverage. Here are the two types of tort coverage you can choose from: 

• Limited Tort Coverage: Limited tort coverage typically results in lower insurance premiums. However, it restricts your ability to sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless you suffer a serious injury as defined by Pennsylvania law. A serious injury is one that results in death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. While you can still recover economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, your ability to pursue non-economic damages is limited. However, there are exceptions where you can retain your right to sue for pain and suffering, such as accidents involving drunk drivers, out-of-state vehicles, or intentional misconduct.
• Full Tort Coverage: Full tort coverage provides unrestricted rights to sue for all types of damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This option provides the most comprehensive legal protection in the event of an accident. With full tort coverage, you have the freedom to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages without having to prove that your injuries are serious. 

Choosing between limited and full tort coverage depends on your personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Limited tort can save on premiums but limits non-economic damage claims, while full tort offers broader protection but at a higher cost. It’s often helpful to consult with an auto insurance attorney to ensure you’re making the right decision.

How to Determine the Right Coverage for Your Needs 

Determining the right coverage involves assessing several key factors and understanding how they relate to your situation. Here are some of the things you should do before choosing an insurance coverage:

• Assess Your Financial Situation: Your financial situation plays a key role in determining the right car insurance coverage for you. Begin by evaluating your budget to determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay for insurance premiums. Higher coverage limits and more comprehensive plans typically come with increased premiums, so it’s important to balance your budget with your coverage needs. Consider your ability to pay out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. Higher deductibles and lower premiums might reduce your monthly costs but can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses if you need to file a claim. Conversely, lower deductibles and higher premiums offer greater financial protection but require a higher monthly payment. Assessing your financial situation also involves considering your long-term financial goals. If you have significant assets or high earning potential, investing in higher coverage limits might be wise to protect your assets in case of a major accident. By evaluating your budget and financial goals, you can choose a policy that provides adequate protection without straining your finances.
• Evaluate Your Vehicle: The type and value of your vehicle play a crucial role in selecting the right car insurance coverage. Start by considering the make, model, and age of your car. If you own a newer or more valuable vehicle, you can benefit from more extensive coverage, like collision and comprehensive insurance, to protect against various types of damage. If your vehicle’s value has depreciated greatly, you may opt for liability and PIP coverage only, as the value of the car might not warrant the additional expense of collision or comprehensive insurance. However, keep in mind that if you have a car loan or lease, your lender will likely require you to maintain full coverage.
• Consider Your Driving Habits: Your driving habits can also influence the type of coverage you choose. If you drive long distances daily, perhaps for work or school, you’re at a higher risk of being involved in an accident due to the increased time on the road. In this case, investing in more comprehensive coverage, as well as higher liability limits, might be a smart move. Additionally, If you frequently drive in high-traffic areas like Philadelphia or on busy highways like I-76, the chances of accidents are higher, making additional coverage more critical. However, if you’re someone who rarely drives or only uses your vehicle for short, infrequent trips, you may be able to get by with lower coverage limits. 
• Consider Your Personal Preferences: Personal preferences significantly impact the choice of car insurance coverage. Reflect on how much risk you’re willing to accept and how much peace of mind you desire. If you prefer comprehensive protection and are willing to pay higher premiums, full tort coverage might be the right choice. This option provides the most extensive coverage and allows you to claim for all types of damages, including pain and suffering. However, if you’re comfortable with limited protection in exchange for lower premiums, limited tort coverage might suit your needs. This coverage can help save money but comes with limitations on claiming non-economic damages. It’s important to consider whether the lower cost outweighs the restrictions on your ability to recover damages for pain and suffering.
• Seek Professional Advice: Navigating the complexities of car insurance can be challenging. Consider consulting with an insurance agent or a legal professional who works in auto insurance. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you understand the complexities of different coverage options. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring you make an informed decision about your car insurance coverage.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can tailor your insurance policy to ensure you’re adequately protected on the road. Remember, your insurance needs may change over time, so it’s essential to review your coverage regularly and adjust as necessary to ensure you’re always adequately protected on Pennsylvania’s roads.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been in a car accident in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to seek legal help. Navigating the insurance claims process, dealing with vehicle liability insurance, and covering unexpected medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Our experienced auto insurance attorneys at The Slocum Firm understand the challenges you’re facing.

Whether you’re dealing with complicated liability insurance issues, personal injury protection claims, or negotiating with your insurance company, we’re here to help. Our attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania auto insurance laws and can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 570-209-7376 for a free consultation. Let us handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on recovery.