Types of Insurance Coverage for Car Accidents

Make Sure You Are Covered in Case of an Accident in Pennsylvania

No matter what state you're in, you are required to carry certain amounts of coverage. Below are general guidelines for car insurance Pennsylvania.

What Type of Insurance Pays for Damages to Others?

Liability Coverage

In many states, drivers are required by law to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Liability coverage is insurance that pays for damages to others if you cause an accident.

In Pennsylvania, liability coverage is required. Your policy must provide at least $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 per accident for property damage.

These are just minimum standards. It's recommended to carry more than the minimum to protect yourself in case of an accident.

What Type of Insurance Pays if Injuries Caused by Uninsured Driver?

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Benefits

To protect yourself against claims from other drivers or passengers in case of a car accident, you can purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. This allows you to get paid by your own insurance company if a negligent driver is either uninsured or does not have enough liability insurance to pay for your bills.

Full Tort Insurance

Under this form of insurance, you and other household members covered under may seek recovery for all unpaid medical out-of-pocket expenses, and may also seek financial compensation for suffering or other non-monetary damages as a result of drivers. Full tort coverage costs a little more than limited tort, but is essential to protect your right to full compensation in an accident.

Limited Tort Insurance

This form of insurance limits your right and the right of members of your household to seek financial compensation for injuries caused by other careless drivers. Under this insurance, you and other household members covered may seek recovery for all unpaid medical and out-of-pocket expenses, but not for pain and suffering or other non-monetary damages, unless the injuries suffered fall within the definition of "serious injury." This is less expensive than full tort, and provides limited coverage in the event of an accident.

Exceptions to Limited Tort

Exceptions to limited tort are as follows:

2. Where the person at fault is convicted or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in the accident;
3. Where the person at fault is operating a motor vehicle registered in another state;
4. Intentional injury;
5. Person at fault does not have car insurance;
6. Where the injured person is not riding in a private passenger motor vehicle; and
7. Claim against a car manufacturer, garage or service station for a defective manufacture design or service 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1705

The above information is for illustration only and not offered for legal advice. You should speak to an attorney.

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer with Our Firm

At Metzger Wickersham, an experienced attorney can assist you or your loved one in your case. Contact us today. Remember, you don't pay us unless you win.

Call 1-800-WIN-WIN-1 (1-800-946-9461) for your free personal injury consultation today.