One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to insurance coverage, however everyone should be aware of the possible consequences of their decisions when choosing their families auto insurance coverage. The only thing worse than you or your children being injured in a car accident, is being injured and without adequate coverage.
Let’s examine your choices:
- Full Tort or Limited Tort – This will determine whether you or your children may sue for pain and suffering. There are exceptions, however, in general, you can only be compensated for pain and suffering if you choose Full Tort. Although Full Tort coverage is slightly more expensive than Limited Tort, if you are in one accident in your life, the benefits will outweigh the added cost. Therefore, we recommend Full Tort.
- There are three other types of required coverage in Pennsylvania. They include:
- Bodily Injury Liability– This protects you if a person files a claim against you after you’re found responsible for the accident that injured them.
- Property Damage Liability– This pays for any damage done to another person’s property when you are found at fault for the accident.
- Medical Expense Benefits – This pays for the medical bills of you and anyone else covered through your insurance policy.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – this is optional coverage that we strongly recommend, especially in the Philadelphia area, where there are many cars on the road with inadequate insurance coverage. It has also been our experience that these uninsured/underinsured drivers are often the same drivers that are at fault in car accidents. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your children. Without it, there may be inadequate coverage.
The following chart highlights minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania and our recommended coverage. This should not be considered legal advice as everyone is unique in their insurance needs. If you have any questions regarding your auto insurance coverage, contact your insurance agent.
REQUIRED VS RECOMMENDED PA CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Pennsylvania Car Insurance Coverage Options | ||
| Options | Minimum Required | Minimum Recommended |
| Tort Option | Limited | Full |
| Bodily Injury Liability | $15,000 per person $30,000 per occurrence | $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence |
| Medical Expense Benefit | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Income Loss | Not Required | $1,000 per month $5,000 in total coverage |
| Uninsured Motorist | Not Required | $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence |
| Underinsured Motorist | Not Required | $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence |
| Stacking of Limits for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists | Not Required | Choosing stacking is essential to maximizing your family’s protection: $100,000 x the number of vehicles in the household |
| Funeral Benefit | Not Required | $1,500 |