Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements

It is very important that you keep a copy of your proof of insurance with you no matter what state you are driving in. You should ensure that your policy meets the guidelines set by the state government of your state of residence. Staying informed on what these guidelines are could prevent serious penalties and fees. It is very highly recommended by insurance experts that you keep coverage of more than the required minimum to help better protect yourself in the event of an accident.

In the state of Pennsylvania, you are required to carry at least $15,000 in liability insurance for death or injury to one person, $30,000 in liability insurance for all injuries in an accident, and no less than $5,000 in liability insurance for personal property damage per accident. Again, these coverage limits are the required minimum for the state of Pennsylvania and not the recommended amount. Experts agree that coverage totaling any less than $1 million could prove to be insufficient in the case of a serious accident.

If you are in a serious accident and are deemed at fault you will be held personally responsible for any amount that exceeds the limits of your coverage. This could mean financial ruin for you and your family and could prove to be the death of any plans for a financially secure future. The other party in a serious accident could file a law suit for additional monetary damages. This could add court costs to the lists of expenses you will have to pay out of pocket for if the damages exceed your coverage amounts.

If you are found to be in noncompliance with the laws of the state of Pennsylvania you could face fines of $300 as well as a suspension of your license to drive in that state and suspension of vehicle registration. Reinstatement of license and registration can be a lengthy process that is costly. It is much more cost efficient to know the minimums and make sure you are in compliance and have proper proof of that compliance with you at all times.