Pennsylvania auto insurance

Drive protected with Pennsylvania auto insurance

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, offering a choice of urban and rural settings, with geography that includes mountains, plains and borders shared with five states, Canada and the Great Lakes. With around 13 million residents living in Pennsylvania, the state is the fifth most populous in the country.

High fatality rate

Despite its beauty and popularity, driving in Pennsylvania is dangerous. In 2020, the state ranked sixth in the United States for the number of fatal automobile accidents. There were almost 105,000 car wrecks in the state that year, with over 61,000 injuries and 1,129 fatalities. Pennsylvania's traffic fatalities have continued to increase, with a 9% increase in fatal accidents between 2020 and 2021.

Poor road conditions

Pennsylvania's road conditions place it low on the quality scale among the 50 states. This ranking takes into account the amount of urban congestion, state spending on road maintenance, the number of bridges that are structurally deficient and the condition of pavement on interstates. With often-brutal winter weather in the area taking an additional toll on vehicles, the situation on Pennsylvania roads is definitely hazardous.

Drivers in the Keystone State should ensure they are protected before venturing out on the roads. If you are looking for affordable quality coverage, VIU by HUB can provide you with the necessary tools for comparing Pennsylvania auto insurance quotes from a variety of carriers.

Pennsylvania auto insurance liability requirements

State law requires insurance for all motor vehicles, including buses, cars, motorcycles, RVs, trucks and vans. Minimum liability insurance requirements include the following:

•       $5,000 in Property Damage.

•       $15,000 in Bodily Injury coverage per person.

•       $30,000 in Bodily Injury coverage per accident.

•       $5,000 in Personal Injury Protection.

Uninsured Motorist

While state law does not require you to purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage, the law requires that every insurance company offer it to their auto insurance clients for liability limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident. This coverage pays for expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who either didn’t carry insurance (uninsured) or didn’t carry enough insurance to address all the medical bills or car repair costs (underinsured).

Pennsylvania as a choice no-fault state

Some states are "fault states," in which the driver who caused the accident is liable for all of the related losses for both vehicles. In "no-fault states," each driver is responsible for minor injuries under their own Personal Injury Protection coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. Pennsylvania is in the minority in the U.S. with its status as a "choice no-fault state," which enables drivers to opt in or out of the no-fault system as follows:

•       Limited Tort coverage enables drivers to utilize the no-fault system, offering affordable premiums but preventing the driver from filing a claim against the other driver (unless the injuries are severe, which generally constitutes an exception to no-fault rules).

•       Full Tort coverage enables drivers to avoid using the no-fault system, allowing them to retain their ability to file a claim and potentially recover lost wages, emotional distress, medical bills, pain and suffering, economic issues and other non-financial losses.

Average price of Pennsylvania auto insurance quotes

The average annual cost of an auto insurance policy in Pennsylvania is $1,215, which falls below the $1,445 national average. Two-thirds of the U.S. has a higher average annual car insurance cost than Pennsylvania.

Factors that impact Pennsylvania auto insurance rates

Insurance premiums are based on many factors that cause the rates to vary, including credit history, driving history and the amount of driving you do. The following factors will affect your Pennsylvania auto insurance rates:

Vehicle specifics

The make and model of your vehicle is an important consideration in determining your insurance premium. Sports cars, electric cars and luxury vehicles typically carry higher rates than more modest modes of transportation.

Coverage level

The amount of liability limits you choose will largely determine your cost. Choosing optional coverages like Collision Coverage, Comprehensive Coverage and a variety of other add-ons to your policy will increase your monthly premiums.

Deductible amount

A high-deductible policy will lower your monthly payment but require more out-of-pocket costs in an accident, while a low-deductible policy will cost you less in an accident but cost you more in monthly premiums. Demographics

The following personal data plays a key role in your insurance premiums:

•       Age: Young drivers are typically the most expensive to insure. Rates are the lowest for drivers between 25 and 34. Premiums start to rise again for drivers over 60.

•       Gender: Young male drivers are the most expensive to insure.

•       Marital Status: Married drivers are statistically safer and more financially stable, so a married driver will pay somewhat less annually than a single driver. 

Pennsylvania auto insurance coverage options

While all drivers are required to maintain liability insurance, there are multiple other options you can choose as part of your Pennsylvania auto insurance package.

Comprehensive Coverage

If your car is damaged by something other than an accident, Comprehensive Coverage will pay for the damage. This coverage is usually required for financed or leased vehicles.

Collision Coverage

Collision Coverage pays for repairs or replacement of the policyholder's vehicle following an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Sources: 

PENNDOT

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

United States Census Bureau