What are the Auto Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania?

September 9, 2021

Obtaining the Right Amount of Insurance Coverage

Pennsylvania, like most states, requires that each driver maintain insurance or "financial responsibility" for their vehicle to be eligible to drive. This requirement is reinforced by penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines, license, and registration suspensions, or even vehicle impoundment.


According to the Insurance Information Institute, Pennsylvania has one of the lowest uninsured motorist populations in the United States, with less than 6% of drivers not meeting the minimum requirements. Still, whether you are a newly licensed driver in the state or a recent transplant, here is what you need to know about obtaining auto insurance in Pennsylvania.

Minimum Requirements

There are several different options for insurance policies; however, you are required to obtain medical benefits, bodily injury coverage, and property damage liability coverage. The minimums for each include:


  • Medical Benefits: $5,000.
  • Bodily Injury: $15,000 for injuries to one person, $30,000 for the entire accident.
  • Property Damage: $5,000/

In addition to these, drivers have the option to choose between full or limited tort coverage. Our firm recommends obtaining full tort coverage because certain damages, like pain and suffering, may be forfeited with limited tort coverage.


Policy Add-ons

There are over a dozen policy add-ons that private insurers may recommend drivers obtain to ensure they cover all their bases after a collision. These include:


  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: protects the driver, passengers, and the driver's family following an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This only covers bodily injury.
  • Funeral Benefits: pays up to a certain amount for funeral expenses should your loved one die in a collision.
  • Income Loss: pays a percentage of lost wages after an injury keeps you from working.
  • Collision Coverage: pays for vehicle damages after an accident with a $500 deductible from the insurance company.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: pays for vehicle damages after a non-collision-related incident (theft, fire, etc.).
  • And more!

No matter how much coverage you choose to obtain, know that you have a legal right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for any injuries sustained in an accident.


How Our Pennsylvania Attorney Can Help

The Slusser Law Firm team is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured victims across Pennsylvania. With over 170 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand the complexities that can come with accident cases and will be by your side every step of the way.


To schedule a free initial consultation* with a member of our team, call or fill out this form on our website.

January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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