subject: Pennsylvania Automobile Coverage – The Legal Requirements [print this page] Pennsylvania Automobile Coverage The Legal Requirements
Buying auto insurance in PA often confuses drivers, especially if buying for the first time. When presented a document that includes a confusing mix of numbers, legalese and fine print, sometimes the easiest thing to do is to sign the dotted line and simply opt for the lowest-priced, minimum coverage option. However, selecting this type of coverage simply because of an attractive price tag can be a silent problem until the unexpected occurs. This article takes a closer look at the PA state minimums for auto insurance coverage to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next policy.
The Breakdown
Many insurance agents in PA will refer to the state minimum coverage as "15/30/5." This term is short-hand to define the following coverage:
$15,000 bodily injury liability per person
$30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$5,000 property damage liability
$5,000 medical benefits coverage
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury liability covers the expenses that incur to attend the injuries of individuals that bring a claim against you as result of an at-fault accident. With this coverage, each individual is covered up to $15,000, however, expenses are only covered up to $30,000 per accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, a trip to the hospital can exceed $2,000 alone, not including the costs incurred at the emergency room. With two cars filled with 4 passengers each, costs could reach $16,000 before they even get to the hospital.
Property Damage
Property damage liability coverage assumes the expenses that occurred to any property damaged as a result of an at-fault accident. Under the 15/30/5 plan, you would be covered for up to $5,000 to fix anything, from guardrails to telephone poles. To put this in perspective, the cost to replace a utility pole can easily exceed $6,000.
Medical Benefits
Lastly, insurance companies in PA are required by law to protect drivers for medical expenses that incur from any accident. Under the state minimum coverage of PA, drivers are assured up to $5,000 in coverage. After the initial $5,000, health insurance coverage will kick in to cover additional costs, however, if you do not carry health insurance you will be billed personally.
Consulting a reputable insurance agency in PA can help you determine the best coverage for your driving needs. Determining specific coverage for your vehicle insurance can be contingent upon the number of miles you drive in a given time period, the primary use of your vehicle, driving experience, the predominant location where the vehicle will be operated and other variables. Although the state minimum coverage assures individuals are protected to a certain degree, in most cases it proves cost effective to spend a little more to ensure there are no uncertainties.
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