Cheap Car Insurance Pennsylvania

There are over 120,000 miles of country lanes, roads, highways and interstates in Pennsylvania, many of them scenic and relaxed. But there are also busy, congested stretches and inevitable car accidents that claim as many as four lives every day. In an effort to limit and control bodily injuries and property damage and to ensure that everyone does his/her part to maintain “financial responsibility,” this state insists on mandatory vehicle insurance, without exception. Driving without legitimate insurance can result in registration and license suspension for a minimum of three months, and until proof of insurance coverage is offered. During this time no one else is allowed to drive the uninsured vehicle, and it may even be impounded. However, it is possible to buy cheap car insurance in PA.

The follow insurance coverage is required of all Pennsylvania drivers:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—Regardless of fault, this is a minimum of $5,000 in coverage.
• Bodily Injury Liability—Pays a minimum of $15,000 to others who may be injured, up to a maximum of $30,000 per accident. Rehabilitation costs are included.
• Property Damage Liability—A minimum of $5,000 available for damaging someone else’s vehicle or property.
• Limited Tort/Full Tort—With a limited tort agreement, the injured can sue for additional medical expenses, but not for pain or mental suffering. The full tort removes any limitations from suing the negligent party.

Some insurance companies combine the required bodily injury and property damage into one $35,000 cheap car insurance PA basic package that still meets the mandatory requirements.

The list of optional add-on’s to a basic policy are lengthy and varied:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM)—Covers medical expenses for the injured when the person at fault does not have insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM)—Pays for remaining, uninsured medical expenses. Neither UM or UIM pays out for property damages.
• Funeral Benefits—Paid to family representative in the event of the driver’s or another family member’s death.
• Income Loss—Pays part of loss in wages during recovery period.
• Collision—Required by banks issuing a car loan. Covers vehicle damage in an accident.
• Comprehensive—Also required by banks in case of vehicle damage by vandalism, weather, flooding, fire, theft or hitting an animal. In Pennsylvania, deer abound and frequent our highways. Enough said.

Additionally, it is possible to pick up coverage for extraordinary medical expenses that fall in the $100,000–$1 million range, rental reimbursement, towing coverage and gap coverage for the difference between the payout for a totaled vehicle and the remaining vehicle loan.

Most policies are offered for periods of six months or 12 months, and many premium plans are available. Because auto insurance is mandatory in this state, the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan will assist those who have been unable to obtain insurance by assigning them to one of the licensed insurance companies operating in the state.

Compared to the rest of the country, Pennsylvania’s current average rate of $1359 is 6% below the national average of $1441. This is a reflection of reduced prices for the last two consecutive years. The rates for 2011 are down 20% from those of 2010 and those rates were a drop of 15% from the premiums of 2009. Pennsylvania is very serious about adequate car insurance coverage, but the Keystone State is also doing everything in its power to help drivers comply with these important regulations. Shop around to find the best cheap auto insurance in PA.

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