Pennsylvania requires its drivers to have licenses and to maintain financial responsibility. This state mandate applies to all licensed drivers, even if they do not own a vehicle. Auto insurance is required to drive a vehicle in Pennsylvania, and you must register your vehicle and maintain the registration's validity.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Pennsylvania requires drivers to maintain bodily injury and property damage coverages. These coverages insure you against any damages or injuries that you may cause to another driver during an accident. Pennsylvania requires its drivers to carry levels of at least $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 in property damage, or 15/30/5. Unlike in other states, Pennsylvania does not require uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage.
Tort
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. As a result, Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry tort coverage on their auto insurance policies. Pennsylvania policyholders choose between full tort and limited tort coverages. Full tort allows policyholders to reserve all of their rights to file suit against the other party for injuries and expenses incurred as a result of an accident. Though the policyholder can litigate for some damages, limited tort coverages restrict policyholders from collecting on non-economic injuries and damages, such as pain and suffering.
Lapse in Coverage
Pennsylvania drivers who do not secure and maintain auto insurance coverage are subject to suspensions and penalties. An uninsured driver could face a minimum fine of $300, as well as a three-month suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration. The vehicle's plate and registration papers must be surrendered to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation immediately and the vehicle cannot be driven by anyone during the suspension. In addition, drivers must pay a $50 restoration fee for the both the driver's license and the vehicle restoration.
Physical Damage Coverages
Pennsylvania does not require its drivers to carry physical damage coverages. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, the lender may require you to carry these coverages. Physical damage coverages include comprehensive and collision. Together, these coverages insure your vehicle against damages that include fire, theft, acts of nature, acts of animals, and colliding with other objects.
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