Short answer: Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries, and $5,000 for property damage. Policies must also include $5,000 of first-party medical benefits. Insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which you can reject in writing. Every policy includes a full or limited tort election.
The required coverage
Pennsylvania's financial responsibility law, 75 Pa.C.S. §1702 and §1711 set the minimums:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident |
| First-party medical benefits | $5,000 |
These are some of the lowest limits in the country. $5,000 of property damage may not cover a minor collision with a newer car.
First-party benefits
Pennsylvania uses a hybrid system. Your own policy's first-party medical benefits pay your medical bills after a crash regardless of who was at fault, up to your limit. Insurers must offer higher amounts and additional first-party benefits, such as income loss and funeral benefits. Many drivers choose more than $5,000, because a single emergency room visit can exhaust it.
UM and UIM: offered, with a signed waiver to decline
Under 75 Pa.C.S. §1731, insurers must offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. You can decline them only with a signed, dated rejection form in the language the statute prescribes. If the rejection form doesn't comply, the waiver can be void and the coverage applies anyway.
With liability limits as low as 15/30, many Pennsylvania drivers on the road can't pay for a serious injury. UIM fills that gap.
The tort election
Every Pennsylvania private passenger policy includes a choice between full tort and limited tort, which controls your right to sue for pain and suffering. If you don't choose, the law treats you as having full tort. See Pennsylvania full tort vs. limited tort.
Fault in Pennsylvania
Outside of first-party benefits, Pennsylvania is an at-fault state. Under 42 Pa.C.S. §7102, you can recover if your negligence isn't greater than the other party's, and your damages are reduced by your share of fault. At 51% or more, you can't recover.
Lapse penalties
Pennsylvania requires continuous coverage on registered vehicles. PennDOT can suspend your registration for a lapse, and driving uninsured can also lead to license suspension, fines and restoration fees. If you stop using a vehicle, follow PennDOT's process for surrendering the registration before you cancel coverage.
Where the minimum leaves you exposed
- Injuries you cause. $15,000 per person rarely covers a serious injury.
- Property damage. $5,000 is very low for today's vehicles.
- Your own medical bills. $5,000 of medical benefits goes quickly.
- Your own car. Collision and comprehensive aren't required by law but are usually required by lenders.
Common scenarios
You rear-end a new pickup truck. Repairs can exceed $5,000, leaving you responsible for the rest.
An underinsured driver causes a crash that injures you. If you rejected UIM, you may be limited to their 15/30 coverage plus your first-party benefits.
You were 40% at fault. You can still recover 60% of your damages from the other driver.
Key terms
- First-party benefits: your own medical and related benefits, paid regardless of fault.
- UM/UIM waiver: the signed, dated form required to decline these coverages.
- Tort election: full or limited rights to sue for pain and suffering.
- 51% bar: you can't recover if you're more at fault than the other party.
Questions to ask your broker
- What would it cost to raise my liability limits to 100/300/100?
- Did I sign a UM or UIM rejection?
- Should I raise my first-party medical benefits?
- Which tort option do I have?
Bottom line
Pennsylvania's minimum is among the lowest anywhere. Raise liability and property damage limits, keep UM and UIM, and consider more than $5,000 of medical benefits. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Pennsylvania and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania?
15/30/5 liability plus $5,000 of first-party medical benefits.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Pennsylvania?
No, but insurers must offer UM and UIM. You can decline only with a signed, dated rejection form.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault state?
It's a hybrid. First-party medical benefits pay regardless of fault, but other claims follow fault rules.
What is the tort option in Pennsylvania?
A choice between full tort and limited tort that controls your right to sue for pain and suffering.
How does fault work in Pennsylvania?
You can recover if you're not more at fault than the other party, reduced by your share.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.