Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Guide
Whether you’re tailgating to a Penn State Nittany Lions game, cheering for the Pittsburg Steelers or Philadelphia Eagles, exploring Civil
War history at Gettysburg, indulging your chocolate cravings in Hersey or doing business in Harrisburg, the
Keystone State has over 120,000 miles of open road, things to see and places to go. From Erie to Chester, Waynesburg to
Wilkes-Barre and all points in between,
car insurance
is crucial to being a responsible Pennsylvania driver.
Auto Insurance Resources for PA State Residents
As of 2010, there were more than 8.3 million licensed drivers in the Keystone State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 7% of
Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Crash Facts and Statistics for 2008 report a total of 125,327
reportable traffic crashes; 60,520 involved property damage only; 88,709 resulted in injuries; and 1,468 people were killed. Alcohol was involved
in 534 of the fatal accidents. Tailgating and other reckless driving practices, speed, drinking and distraction were the leading causes of all
accidents. The Pennsylvania DOT estimates that the economic loss to every man, woman and child in the state as a result of traffic accidents was
$926 in 2008. Uninsured, alcohol-impaired and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving
in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania State Minimum Car Insurance
Pennsylvania state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Keystone State is a financial
responsibility state with a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Pennsylvania does not require that you
carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive coverage, if you own property or other
valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requirements shown below:
- $15,000 bodily injury per person per accident
- $30,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability
- $5,000 personal injury protection
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Laws
Pennsylvania law requires that you carry proof of Pennsylvania auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer
asks to see it. Failure to provide proof of Pennsylvania insurance can care a minimum fine of $300 for a first offense.
The PA DOT can also suspend your registration and driver’s license for up to 3 months. During the suspension you will be required to surrender
your registration plate, card, sticker and driver’s license. Failure to comply will result in your vehicle being impounded, and you will be charged
for the towing and storage. After the suspension period, you will have to pay $50 to restore your Pennsylvania vehicle registration, $50 to
reinstate your driver’s license and show proof of PA car insurance.
Regulating Agency and References
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit their website at
www.insurance.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Pennsylvania auto insurance
requirements, penalties and related information at
www.dmv.state.pa.us
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC
provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government
officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories.
Visit NAIC at www.naic.org
Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at
www.iii.org
Related Car and Motorist E Insurance Articles
Filing a Car Insurance Claim. What Happens After the Crash?
What to Do When an Uninsured Driver Hits You
Traffic School Can Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums
How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?