Full Coverage Auto Insurance In Pa: What's Included?

In Pennsylvania, full coverage auto insurance is defined as a policy that provides more than the state's minimum liability coverage. The state's minimum liability coverage includes $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage. Full coverage also includes optional collision and comprehensive insurance, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident or damage from natural disasters, fires, vandalism, etc.

Full coverage insurance costs

The cost of full-coverage insurance in the United States varies depending on several factors, including age, location, provider, and vehicle type. On average, full coverage insurance costs $223 per month or $2,681 per year. However, this cost is based on a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations. The monthly cost can range from $16 to $697, and the annual cost can range from $154 to $10,905.

In Pennsylvania, the minimum requirements for auto insurance include Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that PIP provides medical coverage for the policyholder and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The minimum requirements for Bodily Injury Liability are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, while the minimum requirement for Property Damage Liability is $5,000. Pennsylvania also requires drivers to have at least $5,000 of PIP coverage. Additionally, drivers have the option to choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. Full tort policies allow unrestricted rights to sue, while limited tort policies restrict the ability to sue unless the injuries are severe as defined by Pennsylvania law.

The cost of full-coverage insurance in Pennsylvania will depend on the specific insurance provider, the policy details, and the individual's driving record and credit score. It is recommended to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and to consider the coverage limits and deductibles when determining the cost of full-coverage insurance in Pennsylvania.

State minimum policy

In Pennsylvania, the state minimum car insurance coverage is the lowest amount of insurance coverage you need to legally drive. This is also known as a state minimum policy.

The state of Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, which includes liability insurance and first-party benefit coverage. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the policyholder in the event of an accident. First-party benefit coverage, or FPB, pays for medical expenses incurred by the policyholder and their passengers after a car accident.

The minimum coverage limits for liability insurance in Pennsylvania are as follows:

• $15,000 for bodily injury per person
• $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $5,000 for property damage per accident

Additionally, Pennsylvania requires drivers to have a minimum of $5,000 in medical payments coverage per person, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP covers medical costs, rehabilitation, replacement services, and lost wages for the policyholder and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that each driver's insurance policy will cover their own costs in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This reduces the likelihood of motorists ending up in court or delaying medical treatment due to financial concerns.

It is important to note that the state minimum policy may not cover all potential costs associated with an accident. For example, it may not include coverage for damage to the policyholder's vehicle or injuries to their passengers. As such, it is recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy before purchasing it.

Collision and comprehensive insurance

In the context of auto insurance, 'full coverage' is not an official term or product. However, it typically refers to carrying both comprehensive and collision insurance, in addition to any state-mandated coverages. Comprehensive and collision insurance are both optional coverages that protect your vehicle, but they differ in the type of incidents they cover.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. This includes accidents with other vehicles, regardless of fault, single-car rollovers, and accidents with stationary objects like road signs and guardrails. If your vehicle needs repairs or a full replacement after such an incident, collision insurance will help cover the costs. This is particularly important if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Even the safest drivers can benefit from collision insurance, as it offers protection from the unpredictable actions of other drivers on the road.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, covers non-collision damage to your vehicle. This includes damage from fire, hail, vandalism, theft, falling trees, and weather damage. It also covers damage caused by hitting an animal or an object like a telephone pole. Comprehensive insurance is designed to protect your vehicle from unexpected incidents that are beyond your control, such as natural disasters or vandalism.

Both comprehensive and collision insurance are typically required for a car loan or lease. While neither is mandated by state law, they are crucial for protecting your vehicle from physical damage. The decision to choose one or both depends on your budget and specific needs. Some insurers may require you to purchase both comprehensive and collision insurance together.

Liability coverage

In Pennsylvania, the minimum Bodily Injury Liability coverage per person is $15,000, while the minimum per accident is $30,000. This means that the insurance company will pay up to $15,000 for injuries caused to a single person and a maximum of $30,000 for all individuals involved in an accident. It is important to note that this coverage is for injuries or death of others, excluding the driver's passengers.

Additionally, Property Damage Liability coverage is required in Pennsylvania, with a minimum limit of $5,000 per accident. This covers the costs of repairing or replacing the vehicles of other drivers involved in the accident, as well as damage to other types of property such as fencing, mailboxes, or buildings.

Liability insurance is an essential aspect of auto insurance, ensuring that individuals harmed in a car accident receive compensation for their injuries and property damage, while also providing financial protection for the at-fault driver.

Full tort and limited tort

In Pennsylvania, drivers have the option to choose between full tort and limited tort coverage when selecting a car insurance policy. This choice determines the extent to which a person can seek compensation or sue another driver for damages after a car accident.

Full Tort

Full tort coverage gives the injury victim an unrestricted right to seek compensation for injuries from the at-fault driver. With full tort, one can sue for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This type of coverage is more expensive, with premiums approximately 10 to 15% higher than limited tort. However, it provides the most comprehensive protection in the event of a serious accident, making it a popular choice for parents who want to secure their children's future.

Limited Tort

Limited tort coverage restricts the compensation a person can receive after a car accident. While it still allows individuals to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses, it limits their ability to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Limited tort insurance is more affordable, saving individuals up to 40% on their monthly premiums. However, it may become costly in the long run if a serious accident occurs, as individuals may have to bear the financial burden of any long-term issues or non-monetary damages.

Choosing Between Full Tort and Limited Tort

The decision between full tort and limited tort depends on individual needs and preferences. Those on a budget or with lower risk tolerance may opt for limited tort to save on insurance premiums. On the other hand, those who want the peace of mind of comprehensive protection, especially parents and those with families, may prefer full tort despite the higher cost. It is essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions