Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Guide

Owning a car in Pennsylvania is a big responsibility. You need to become familiar with all the traffic laws and follow registration requirements. You need to drive defensively and watch out for cars and pedestrians. You also need to meet all of the auto insurance requirements. Being financially responsible in Pennsylvania is not only a good idea, it's the law.

Pennsylvania Insurance Regulations

There are two ways to establish financial responsibility and comply with auto insurance laws in the state. The easiest and most practical way for most people to meet this responsibility is to purchase auto insurance in Pennsylvania. If you don't think that you'll ever get into an accident, and have a lot of money lying around, you can choose to self-insure instead; this option requires a deposit of $50,000 for the first vehicle, and $10,000 for every vehicle after that, so it's not the best option for most people.

Mandatory Minimum Coverage in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's required auto insurance coverage is for liability insurance only. You are required to purchase $15,000 of bodily injury liability for one person, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for everybody in an accident, and $5,000 in property damage liability insurance. Keep in mind that these are only the minimum requirements for auto insurance in Pennsylvania; it is very easy to exceed these minimums in a moderate or severe accident. Pennsylvania also does not require you to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist, comprehensive, or collision insurance, although your lender may.

Motorcycle Coverage Requirements

The rules that apply to auto insurance in Pennsylvania also apply to cars; however, not all two-wheeled vehicles are classified by the state as motorcycles, and may not need to be insured. The state considers many small, two or three wheeled vehicles to be mopeds or motor-driven cycles. Mopeds are vehicles with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less that are incapable of traveling more than 25 miles per hour. Motor-driven cycles have a five-brake or smaller horsepower engine. These smaller cycles are less likely to be driven on the roads, and are exempt from auto insurance requirements.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Advice

Pennsylvania has lower levels of required auto insurance coverage than many other states; many accidents could result in higher amounts of damage, so you may want to purchase more insurance, especially if you have a home or other assets that could be taken in a lawsuit. Although uninsured and underinsured auto insurance in Pennsylvania is not required, it is not expensive, and it is a good idea to not skimp on it, especially during difficult economic times when people are cutting back on their expenses. To save on auto insurance, you may want to raise your deductible. Paying the entire six-month premium up front will also save you money. Your driving record and credit score will affect your insurance premiums, so do your best to keep them spotless.