Like all states, Pennsylvania has certain requirements for the minimal amount of insurance a driver must have on a vehicle. In a previous blog, we talked about the minimum auto insurance requirements for Pennsylvania, which include bodily injury and property damage, and your medical expenses (also known as first-party benefits). Coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists is not required by law in Pennsylvania, however if a driver wishes to opt out, he or she has to request that in writing.
Some motorists decide to go beyond these basic requirements and get additional auto insurance. In this article, we’ll talk about the options available to you as a vehicle owner in Pennsylvania for more extensive coverage.
Going beyond the minimum amount of coverage
One way to boost your auto insurance in PA is to elect coverage for a higher amount than the minimum on insurance that is required. For example, you are required to carry $15,000 per person, or $30,000 per accident for medical expenses of a person injured in an accident that you caused. You can choose a higher amount if you want additional coverage, especially if you have property or assets that you want to protect from liability.
Likewise, drivers in PA have to carry a minimum of $5000 in insurance per accident for any property that is damaged in an accident they caused. That coverage can be increased to a higher dollar amount, however, to provide additional coverage.
Finally, because Pennsylvania is a “no fault” state, drivers are required by law to carry at least $5000 in coverage per accident for their medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. Motorists can increase this amount as well to provide additional coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists
While insurance coverage for uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists is something Pennsylvanians can opt out of, if they don’t opt out, they are required to carry $15,000 per person, or $30,000 per accident to pay for bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. PA drivers seeking greater coverage can increase that amount.
Optional coverage
In addition to increasing the coverage amounts on required auto insurance, PA motorists have additional options available to them. These types of additional first-party benefits are completely optional:
Income Loss: If a car accident leaves you unable to work, income loss coverage will pay a percentage of your salary up to a defined limit.
Accidental Death: This optional coverage provides a payout to the beneficiary of your policy if you pass away from injuries sustained in an accident within 24 months of the accident occurring.
Funeral Benefit: A payment towards your funeral expenses will be made if you elect this type of coverage and pass away from a car accident within 24 months of the accident happening.
Extraordinary Medical Benefit: This allows you to get additional coverage for medical expenses resulting from an accident, in increments of $100,000, up to a defined limit.
Not sure what type and amount of insurance is best for you? Speak with Superior Auto Tags today!
