Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

fact checked icon

Updated: May 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Pennsylvania drivers must have auto insurance that meets the following minimum car insurance requirements: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Pennsylvania operates under a choice no-fault system, which means drivers may choose between a no-fault or traditional coverage plan, and car insurance is indeed required.

On average, the monthly cost for the state minimum car insurance in Pennsylvania is around $32. For those searching for the most economical options, more information can be found on the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Pennsylvania Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Pennsylvania drivers.

recency icon

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania as of June 2024.

49,001Quotes Analyzed
 
13Companies Compared
 
62ZIP Codes

Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The minimum amounts are as follows:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $5,000 medical payments coverage

The cost of your premium in Pennsylvania may be influenced by whether the state operates under a fault or no-fault system. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, allowing drivers to choose between a no-fault or traditional coverage system when they purchase their policy.

pennsylvania icon
DOES PENNSYLVANIA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Pennsylvania does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum insurance mandates. However, financing or leasing companies may stipulate that you maintain both collision and comprehensive insurance to protect their investment in your vehicle against damage or loss due to accidents, theft or natural disasters. Essentially, while not state-mandated, drivers with leased or financed vehicles are typically the ones who need to get collision or comprehensive coverage in Pennsylvania.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Pennsylvania's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Please note, individual policy terms and conditions determine specific coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Age is a key factor in determining the cost of minimum coverage auto insurance, and young drivers often face higher rates. In Pennsylvania, drivers aged 22 to 29 fall into the age group with the highest premiums due to their perceived inexperience and higher risk of accidents.

The table illustrates the average cost for minimum coverage auto insurance in Pennsylvania across different age groups. Younger drivers should be aware of these differences when budgeting for their auto insurance costs.

22-29Annual Premium$463Monthly Premium$39
30-59Annual Premium$385Monthly Premium$32
60 +Annual Premium$366Monthly Premium$30

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

For Pennsylvania drivers seeking budget-friendly minimum coverage insurance, Auto-Owners Insurance Co and Westfield offer the most affordable rates.

  • Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $305 per year and $25 per month
  • Westfield: $310 per year and $26 per month

It's essential to evaluate your needs and find the balance between affordability and comprehensive protection. For tailored advice on the best car insurance in Pennsylvania, consider consulting experts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$305Monthly Premium$25
WestfieldAnnual Premium$310Monthly Premium$26
TravelersAnnual Premium$311Monthly Premium$26
American National P&CAnnual Premium$325Monthly Premium$27
ErieAnnual Premium$326Monthly Premium$27
NationwideAnnual Premium$347Monthly Premium$29
State FarmAnnual Premium$387Monthly Premium$32
ChubbAnnual Premium$431Monthly Premium$36

Optional Add-On Coverages in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, drivers can opt for optional add-on coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These add-ons enhance protection beyond the state minimum coverage, covering costs from various scenarios that standard policies may not. Determining how much car insurance you need depends on personal circumstances and asset protection preferences.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage auto insurance hinges on whether it's your first time getting caught or if it’s happened before. For first-time offenders, penalties may be less severe but can still be significant. If you've been caught driving without insurance multiple times, the penalties generally become harsher.

Penalties for driving without insurance can include:

  • Loss of vehicle registration privileges
  • Driver's license suspension along with fees to get it back
  • Potential jail time if involved in an accident without insurance

It's also important to note that there may be a requirement to carry an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility, especially if the offense is considered serious or repeated. This can lead to higher insurance premiums.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

When your car insurance policy is canceled in Pennsylvania, you need to immediately stop driving and obtain a new policy. It's unlawful to drive without insurance in Pennsylvania. You should reach out to your insurance agent to discuss your options or find new coverage with another company.

The Pennsylvania DMV will be notified of your insurance status through an electronic system. If the DMV learns that you are uninsured, you could face penalties, including fines and the suspension of your vehicle registration and driver's license.

If you're struggling to get insured after a cancellation, Pennsylvania offers options. The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan can help high-risk drivers find essential coverage. Remember, driving without at least the minimum coverage required in Pennsylvania can lead to serious consequences.

uninsured icon
WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Pennsylvania may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-payment: If you miss paying your premium on time, your insurer might cancel your coverage.

License suspension: Your policy can be canceled if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked.

Fraudulent claims: Filing false or exaggerated claims can lead to policy termination.

Too many accidents: Getting into multiple accidents could make you too risky to insure, resulting in cancellation.

State minimum requirements: If your policy doesn’t meet Pennsylvania’s state minimum coverage, the insurance company might cancel it.

FAQ: Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Understanding Pennsylvania's state minimum car insurance requirements is essential for all drivers in the Keystone State. Our FAQ section provides clear answers to help ensure you meet legal standards.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Pennsylvania?
Why does Pennsylvania require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Pennsylvania?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Pennsylvania?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.