Minimum Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
The liability limits Pennsylvania requires, whether it is a no-fault state, and whether uninsured motorist or PIP coverage is required.
Short answer: Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability: $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $5,000 for damage to another person's property. Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Auto Insurance Guide; PennDOT Insurance Law fact sheet
| Minimum coverage required | Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability: $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $5,000 for damage to another person's property. Some insurers offer a $35,000 combined single limit that meets both liability minimums. Policies must also include medical benefits (first-party benefits) with a minimum of $5,000. A certificate of self-insurance issued by PennDOT is also accepted as proof of financial responsibility. Liability amounts and self-insurance: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-fact-sheets/fs-inla.pdf |
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| At-fault or no-fault | Pennsylvania uses a choice system. Required medical benefits pay medical bills for you and others covered by your policy regardless of fault. You choose between full tort and limited tort: limited tort gives significant premium savings, but you cannot recover certain damages, such as pain and suffering, unless the injury meets one of the exceptions in the law; full tort keeps unrestricted rights to sue. If you do not specifically elect limited tort, you are deemed to have chosen full tort. |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Optional. The Insurance Department lists uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as optional coverages; they cover bodily injury (not property damage) to you, household relatives and passengers. Stacked UM/UIM coverage (combining limits from more than one vehicle or policy) applies unless you reject it, and rejecting stacking lowers premiums. |
More Pennsylvania car insurance & vehicle laws
- Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania
- SR-22 Insurance in Pennsylvania
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Pennsylvania
- Transferring a Car Title in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability: $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $5,000 for damage to another person's property. Some insurers offer a $35,000 combined single limit that meets both liability minimums. Policies must also include medical benefits (first-party benefits) with a minimum of $5,000. A certificate of self-insurance issued by PennDOT is also accepted as proof of financial responsibility.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault car insurance state?
Pennsylvania uses a choice system. Required medical benefits pay medical bills for you and others covered by your policy regardless of fault. You choose between full tort and limited tort: limited tort gives significant premium savings, but you cannot recover certain damages, such as pain and suffering, unless the injury meets one of the exceptions in the law; full tort keeps unrestricted rights to sue. If you do not specifically elect limited tort, you are deemed to have chosen full tort.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Pennsylvania?
Optional. The Insurance Department lists uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as optional coverages; they cover bodily injury (not property damage) to you, household relatives and passengers. Stacked UM/UIM coverage (combining limits from more than one vehicle or policy) applies unless you reject it, and rejecting stacking lowers premiums.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.