Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Pennsylvania's state minimum car insurance coverage has liability limits of 15/30/5. On average, the annual cost for this coverage is $460, making the monthly cost approximately $38.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Nica Gonzales-Villaraza

Updated: October 29, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Pennsylvania drivers must have auto insurance that meets the following minimum car insurance requirements: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, drivers must have $5,000 for medical payments coverage. Pennsylvania operates as a no-fault state, meaning that your own insurance covers your medical costs regardless of who caused the accident.

On average, the monthly cost for the state minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania is around $38. For those searching for the most economical options, more information can be found on the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Cheapest Companies in Pennsylvania for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Pennsylvania
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Pennsylvania Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Pennsylvania drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania as of November 2024.

49,001Quotes Analyzed

13Companies Compared

62ZIP Codes

Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The minimum amounts are as follows:

$15,000 bodily injury liability per person
$30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$5,000 property damage liability per accident
$5,000 medical payments coverage

The cost of your premium in Pennsylvania may be influenced by whether the state operates under a fault or no-fault system. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, allowing drivers to choose between a no-fault or traditional coverage system when they purchase their policy.

DOES PENNSYLVANIA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Pennsylvania does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum insurance mandates. However, if you have a financed or leased car, lenders may require both insurance types to protect their investment in your vehicle against damage or loss due to accidents, theft or natural disasters.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Pennsylvania's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Please note, individual policy terms and conditions determine specific coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Age is a key factor in determining the cost of minimum coverage auto insurance, and young drivers often face higher rates. In Pennsylvania, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premium due to a combination of inexperience and a higher likelihood of accidents.

The table showcases the average cost for minimum coverage auto insurance in Pennsylvania across different age groups.


22-29	$554	$46
30-59	$460	$38
60 +	$440	$37

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

For Pennsylvania drivers seeking budget-friendly minimum coverage insurance, Westfield and Auto-Owners offer the most affordable rates.

Westfield: $228 per year and $19 per month
Auto-Owners: $305 per year and $25 per month

Evaluate your needs and find the balance between affordability and comprehensive protection. For tailored advice on the best car insurance in Pennsylvania, consider consulting experts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


Westfield	$228	$19
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$305	$25
Travelers	$338	$28
Chubb	$356	$30
Erie	$376	$31
American National P&C	$398	$33
State Farm	$433	$36
GEICO	$436	$36
Nationwide	$478	$40
Progressive	$563	$47
Allstate	$666	$56
Dairyland	$944	$79

Optional Add-On Coverages in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, drivers can opt for optional add-on coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These add-ons enhance protection beyond the state minimum coverage, covering costs from various scenarios that standard policies may not. Determining how much car insurance you need depends on personal circumstances and asset protection preferences.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside-assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage auto insurance hinges on whether it's your first time getting caught or if it’s happened before. For first-time offenders, penalties may be less severe but can still be significant. If you've been caught driving without insurance multiple times, the penalties generally become harsher.

Penalties for driving without insurance can include:

Loss of vehicle registration privileges
Driver's license suspension along with fees to get it back
Potential jail time if involved in an accident without insurance

It's also important to note that there may be a requirement to carry an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility, especially if the offense is considered serious or repeated. This can lead to higher insurance premiums.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

When your car insurance policy is canceled in Pennsylvania, you need to immediately stop driving and obtain a new policy. It's unlawful to drive without insurance in Pennsylvania. You should reach out to your insurance agent to discuss your options or find new coverage with another company.

The Pennsylvania DMV will be notified of your insurance status through an electronic system. If the DMV learns that you are uninsured, you could face penalties, including fines and the suspension of your vehicle registration and driver's license.

If you're struggling to get insured after a cancellation, Pennsylvania offers options. The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan can help high-risk drivers find essential coverage. Remember, driving without at least the minimum coverage required in Pennsylvania can lead to serious consequences.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Pennsylvania may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-payment: If you miss paying your premium on time, your insurer might cancel your coverage.
License suspension: Your policy can be canceled if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked.
Fraudulent claims: Filing false or exaggerated claims can lead to policy termination.
Too many accidents: Getting into multiple accidents could make you too risky to insure, resulting in cancellation.
State minimum requirements: If your policy doesn’t meet Pennsylvania’s state minimum coverage, the insurance company might cancel it.

FAQ: Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Understanding Pennsylvania's state minimum car insurance requirements is essential for all drivers in the Keystone State. Our FAQ section provides clear answers to help ensure you meet legal standards.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the state minimum car insurance coverage includes $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage liability. Additionally, Pennsylvania law requires a minimum of $5,000 for medical payments coverage.

Why does Pennsylvania require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Pennsylvania mandates minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure that drivers can cover costs associated with damages or injuries they may cause to others in a car accident. This financial responsibility protects both accident victims and at-fault drivers from incurring unmanageable expenses.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, drivers are not required by law to carry comprehensive insurance; it's an optional coverage. While the state requires you to have minimum coverage, comprehensive insurance offers additional protection against non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Pennsylvania?

Driving uninsured in Pennsylvania is illegal and comes with serious consequences. If caught, you can face a minimum fine of $300, a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license and vehicle impoundment. Reinstating your driving privileges requires a restoration fee and proof of minimum coverage auto insurance.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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