Insurance Pennsylvania: A Guide to Auto & Home Coverage
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Insurance is something most people need. Insurance protects you and reduces your risks when you own a car or home, and you'll need both types of coverage if you own both. Each state has unique requirements when it comes to insurance. This guide can help you understand the requirements in Pennsylvania and the importance of having the right types of insurance coverage.
Understanding Pennsylvania's No-Fault Auto Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania's insurance rules are fairly typical and straightforward. Anyone who registers a vehicle in the state must provide proof of auto insurance that meets the state's minimum liability coverage limits. Liability insurance covers damages to other people if you are responsible for an accident. Your policy must include the following minimums:
- $15,000 for injuries or death when one person is involved in an accident
- $30,000 for injuries or death from an accident involving two or more people
- $5,000 property damage liability coverage for other drivers
In addition, Pennsylvania is one of the few states that have no-fault insurance requirements. With no-fault insurance, your auto insurance company pays for injuries you sustain in a collision. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs. It also gives you the right to sue someone after an accident if you have to use your no-fault insurance, but you must choose which type of coverage you want among the following two options:
- Limited tort: This option limits your rights when suing someone after an accident, but it costs less.
- Full tort: A full tort policy provides more rights when suing someone after an accident when you didn't cause the collision, but it costs more.
You can customize your auto insurance to meet your needs, budget, and lifestyle, which includes choosing additional coverage types beyond the state minimums. You can add collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and gap insurance coverage. If you have a car loan, you shouldn't be surprised if the lender requires these coverages.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Why Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters
Even though Pennsylvania requires auto insurance coverage for all drivers, there will always be people who choose to break the law by driving without it. You can protect yourself from situations that involve drivers without insurance or with minimal insurance by purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in accidents involving drivers without insurance, while underinsured motorist provides coverage for accidents with drivers who don't have enough insurance. These coverage types come as a package and include:
- Bodily injury coverage for medical bills and other related expenses
- Property damage coverage for damages your car sustains in a collision
Talk to your insurance provider before adding these coverages, as you may not need them if your policy includes collision coverage that may be sufficient for these situations.
The Role of Home Insurance in Weather-Related Risks
While Pennsylvania residents aren't required to have home insurance, most lenders require it for people with home mortgages. A typical home insurance policy covers damages from fire, wind, and hail. It also includes personal liability coverage. Unfortunately, most policies don't include flood coverage, which is a risk for many Pennsylvania homeowners. Flood insurance isn't available in all areas, but you should consider looking into it if you live near a water source (river, pond, or lake).
Pennsylvania also experiences high levels of snow at times. Snow can lead to various types of damage, including roof collapses or water damage. These forms of damage may or may not be covered by your basic homeowners insurance plan. If they are not, add the coverage you need, as your homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania should hedge against every risk your home faces.
Navigating Pennsylvania-Specific Insurance Regulations
States create their own insurance laws and regulations. Thus, if you move to a new state, you may need to update your insurance coverage to meet the requirements. Pennsylvania's insurance laws are comparable to other states, but one key difference is the no-fault car insurance requirements here.
Tips for Comparing Auto and Home Insurance Policies
You can choose your auto and home insurance providers based on your needs, situation, and costs. For some, the challenging part is comparing quotes. Each quote you receive may offer different coverage types and amounts. The best way to compare is with EverQuote. You can request location-specific quotes for your assets to learn about your insurance options. When comparing the results, look closely at the coverage types and amounts to see the differences and read the fine print to learn about any exclusions.
How to Find Affordable Coverage in Pennsylvania
You can look for cheap insurance in Pennsylvania, but the cheapest plan might not provide all the coverage you need. Compare quotes from multiple Pennsylvania insurance companies to ensure that you have all the coverage you need for the risks you face.
The average cost of car insurance nationally is $2,026 a year, which equates to $169 per month. Insurance companies determine costs by analyzing factors that include a person's:
- Age
- Gender
- Vehicle type, age, and value
- Driving history
- Credit rating
Coverage types also affect your rates. Policies with only liability coverage cost less than policies with collision and comprehensive coverage. Car insurance rates have risen over the years, but Pennsylvania residents pay slightly less than the national average. You can look at a comparison of average rates by insurance provider to learn more about average car insurance rates.
Resources for Obtaining Quotes and Additional Guidance
Insurance serves several roles, with the primary function being financial protection. When buying insurance in Pennsylvania, do your research. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is an excellent resource for help if you have questions or need guidance. EverQuote is another great resource. It allows you to request insurance quotes by ZIP code.
Get the Best Coverage for Your Vehicle: Take Action Today!
Car insurance is required in Pennsylvania. You'll face risks and consequences if you drive without it, so make sure you find a policy today. If you're looking for a simple way to find quotes, EverQuote can help. We offer quotes for car and home insurance from many insurance providers, helping you find the best rates and coverage for your unique needs. Try it out today; it only takes a few minutes!