Pennsylvania Auto Insurance

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department regulates the auto insurance market in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of 2021, there were over 12 million vehicles in the state, and over 550,000 are uninsured. With over 100,000 reported crashes annually in the state, which cause the death of over 1000 people, drivers need to have auto insurance policies to protect themselves from financial losses in the event of an accident. In Pennsylvania, auto insurance provides financial protection against the damages you cause to another vehicle. In addition, it pays for the medical expenses of those injured in an accident. It also covers you when an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you. However, the type of auto insurance coverage you get is determined by the auto insurance policy you purchase. Also, in Pennsylvania, auto insurance does not cover the replacement of personal property, such as clothes, laptops, and phones, that were stolen from the vehicle. It also does not cover damages caused by mechanical failure or negligence.

Per the Pennsylvania Financial Responsibility Law, vehicle owners in the city must maintain vehicle liability insurance coverage on their cars. This policy covers property damage and bodily injuries caused by accidents. All motor vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and buses, are required to carry liability insurance in the following amounts:

• $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident

• $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident

• $5,000 for damage to property of another person

In addition, personal vehicles are required to carry medical benefits, which is a type of insurance that provides financial assistance to you regardless of who is at fault. The minimum amount that this type of coverage can cover is $5,000.

In Pennsylvania, a no fault state, everyone involved in a car accident is required to file a claim with their insurance company regardless of who is at fault. The auto insurance rates charged by the insurer are based on various factors, such as the vehicle's age, mileage, type, and driving history. The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is around $600 annually for liability coverage of 15/30/5 (state minimum). Meanwhile, you can expect to pay around $2,000 for the full auto insurance coverage annually. Contact a Pennsylvania licensed auto insurance agent for a better understanding of the various factors that affect the cost of auto insurance in the state. The agent can help you find the best car insurance coverage for your needs.

Why Do we Need Auto Insurance?

All drivers in Pennsylvania are required by state law to carry auto insurance. They must have a minimum liability coverage limit of $15,000 per person & $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage liability. Suppose you don't have the proper insurance coverage. In that case, your vehicle's registration privilege could be suspended for up to three months unless the vehicle’s registered owner can prove to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that the vehicle was not in operation during the period of the insurance lapse. Alternatively, the defaulter can pay a civil penalty of $500.

In 2021, there were over 11 million commercial and private vehicles in Pennsylvania, and that same year, there were over 120,000 crashes that claimed over 1,000 lives. In 2020, over 60,000 injuries were reported in car crashes in Pennsylvania. Proper auto insurance is important for drivers in case their vehicle gets damaged or they sustain serious bodily injuries during a fatal accident. Auto insurance provides financial protection against the expenses and liabilities arising from the incident. For instance, if you cause an accident that seriously injures another driver, your auto liability insurance will cover the medical expenses of the individuals involved in the accident and the repairs and replacement of the car. It will also cover the payment of the legal fees if they are sued.

Top 3 reasons why you need car insurance in Pennsylvania:

1. Minimum coverage limits are prescribed and required for all drivers by the Pennsylvania financial responsibility law. This gives basic protection to others from whatever damage you may cause. The national average economic impact of a car crash without injury in 2020 was $4,700, while with injury it ranged between $24,000 - $101,000, depending on severity. Not having enough liability coverage can expose you to lawsuits, where your other personal finances can be exposed to loss.

2. You need to carry personal injury protection in case you or your passengers get hurt in the accident. Medical costs can escalate fast, so get enough coverage, and not just the minimum required.

3. You need personal property protection from damages that could happen to your own property, regardless of who is at fault in an accident and if the guilty party has enough coverage. Comprehensive coverage and the Uninsured - Underinsured combo (UI/UIM) take care of that.

To discuss your auto insurance needs and to get auto insurance quotes, speak with a licensed insurance agent with access to multiple insurance companies.

How Does Auto Insurance Work in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, auto insurance can help protect you from financial losses caused by various types of accidents and theft. It also provides coverage for damages caused by natural disasters and vandalism. It provides:

• Liability coverage (third-party claims due to property damage and bodily injury)

• Medical coverage (covers cost of hospital bills, rehabilitation services, lost wages, and funeral expenses)

• Property coverage (covers damage to or theft of your car)

However, you will have to pay regular premiums to enjoy auto insurance coverage. Your insurance premium is the amount you pay monthly or annually to your insurance company in exchange for auto insurance coverage. Although your insurance company may set its rates, they typically consider various factors like your vehicle's make and model, age, driving history, and the coverages you choose.

If you file a claim for a loss covered under your insurance policy, your insurer will pay the claim amount. An insurance claim is typically a formal request from you to your insurance company for compensation or coverage for a covered loss. The insurance company will then review the claim and determine whether it is a covered event. The company will issue a payment minus the agreed upon deductible if the claim is approved. If it is an auto liability claim, the payment will be for the third party who sustained injury or property damage. Meanwhile, for other types of insurance coverage like collision, the payment will pay for damages to your vehicle, and medical benefits will pay for bodily injury you sustain in an accident regardless if the accident is your fault or not.

How Does Car Insurance Work if I am Not at Fault?

As a state with no-fault laws, Pennsylvania residents are required to carry medical benefits coverage, so if you get injured in a car accident, your insurer will pay your medical bills regardless of who is at fault. However, what happens when the other driver is at fault? Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not require insurance companies to consider the other party's fault in car accidents. This means that people can file claims even if they are not at fault.

This is why drivers must carry medical benefits insurance with a minimum coverage of $5,000 (known as minimum coverage car insurance). Medical benefits provide coverage for you regardless of whether you caused the accident or not. The insurer of the other party will pay for the other driver's injuries.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort

However, if you decide to sue the other Pennsylvania driver, you have limited options regarding what you can claim. This depends on whether you chose a full or limited tort option when purchasing your auto insurance policy. You can choose to have either full or limited tort auto insurance in coverage. With limited tort coverage, you can lower your premiums and still recover all of your out-of-pocket medical expenses, but you cannot claim certain damages, such as those related to pain and suffering. Meanwhile, you can sue for pain and suffering for full limited tort coverage. If you choose the full tort coverage, you can sue the other party regardless of whether you have enough auto insurance coverage to cover your pain and suffering. For instance, if a serious injury has been caused by careless driving, you can sue the other party for negligence and seek compensation. Serious injuries may be determined based on:

• How much you have been impaired as a result of the injury

• The length of time you have been impaired or will be impaired

• How much treatment you will need to take care of the injuries

• Other unique factors that may be considered to contribute to the seriousness of the injury

Despite the no-fault laws, certain factors can still be considered when seeking non-economic damages, like compensation for individuals who have suffered traumatic injuries that are difficult to determine a monetary value for. In most cases, courts rule that even if the victim has not opted out of the no-fault system, they still have a right to seek compensation. Pennsylvania no-fault coverage will pay for the lost wages and medical expenses. Consult with a Pennsylvania licensed auto insurance agent to help you file a claim after an accident.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Market

In 2020, there were 238 insurance companies operating in Pennsylvania, of which 152 were domestic property and casualty (P&C) companies. With approximately 7% drivers uninsured,in 2022, there were over 770 thousand either uninsured or underinsured vehicles on Pennsylvania roads.

Pennsylvania's auto insurance financial responsibility limit is set at 15/30/5. This means an insured would be entitled to a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury coverage for each person and $30,000 in bodily injury per accident. On the other hand, the insurance limit for property damage was set at $5,000. In addition, an insured must have a minimum coverage of $5,000 as a medical benefit.

In 2021, the state of Pennsylvania was ranked sixth in the country regarding property & casualty insurance premiums, with over 28 billion. In 2020, PA-licensed auto insurance companies were responsible for over $14 billion of the total sum. Private auto insurance reached over $9 billion in direct premiums. Out of this, over $4.8 billion was allocated for auto liability, while approximately $4.2 billion was for collision and comprehensive insurance. Meanwhile, commercial auto insurance reached over $1.7 billion in direct premiums. Out of this, over $1.2 billion was allocated for auto liability, while over $510 million was for collision and comprehensive coverages. Residents of Pennsylvania spend the most (nearly 35%) on auto insurance coverage, with the residential coverage coming in second, at around 14% of all P&C coverage purchased in the Commonwealth.

How Much is Auto Insurance for a Month?

The average cost of car insurance in the US is around $70 to $140 monthly for minimum coverage (auto liability). In Pennsylvania, average car insurance costs around $50 to $100 monthly for minimum coverage. Although the rates vary by insurance providers, different factors are considered when determining auto insurance premiums in Pennsylvania. Some of these factors include:

• Driving history: If you have a history of accidents, your insurance rate might be higher than that of someone with a clean driving record. Also, you might pay more for the policy if you have just gotten your license and have not yet had insurance.

• Age: The car insurance premium for young drivers is usually higher than that of older drivers due to their lack of experience. Also, those over 65 years old are more prone to getting injured in car accidents and are therefore considered high-risk drivers. However, in Pennsylvania, those between the ages of 25 and 65 often get lower premiums.

• Car type and model: The car you drive also affects your auto insurance cost. Some vehicles are more affordable to insure than others. For instance, a pickup truck is typically 3%-4% less expensive to insure than a similarly priced passenger sedan in Pennsylvania. In addition, car insurance companies prefer to cover safer cars as they are less likely to cause costly claims. As such, if your vehicle has certain security features, like anti-theft devices, you may be eligible for discounts.

• Annual mileage: If you drive long distances daily, your insurance company will typically charge you more. For instance, if you drive more than 50 miles daily, your insurance company may charge you more because if you are always on the road, you are more prone to accidents. On the other hand, if you do not drive often or only drive for leisure, your insurer will typically charge you less.

• Location: In Pennsylvania, where you live affects your auto insurance premium. Your insurance rate might increase if you live in an area with a high car theft rate. In 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a rate of 120 motor vehicle thefts per 100 thousand residents in Pennsylvania, which is over 15 thousand vehicles that were stolen in the Commonwealth in just 1 year. Also, suppose you live in a big metro area like Philadelphia. In that case, you can expect to pay as much as $3,300 annually for full auto insurance coverage, compared to if you live in Harrisburg, where you can expect to pay closer to $1,500 annually.

If you are looking to lower your car insurance premium, consider bundling your coverage with other insurance policies, such as homeowners insurance. You can also raise your deductibles and take advantage of discounts. If you are unsatisfied with the current insurance rate, contact a Pennsylvania licensed agent to find a better deal.

What Types of Auto Insurance are in Pennsylvania?

Auto insurance in Pennsylvania can be divided into two:

• Private auto insurance

• Commercial auto insurance

Private Auto

Private auto insurance covers using private vehicles for personal purposes, such as driving for pleasure or social events. In addition, it provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Private car insurance can cover you when you are on the go and commuting to and from work, but it will not protect you if you work for a rideshare company or use your vehicle for your business. Private car insurance in Pennsylvania has the following types:

• Private passenger auto liability: This covers various types of bodily injuries and property damage sustained by another vehicle driver in an accident caused by you. This type of insurance will not cover the actual damage to your car or bodily injury you sustain.

• Private passenger auto no-fault: In Pennsylvania, all drivers must have medical benefits that can pay for their medical bills regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The minimum limit is $5,000, but you can purchase a higher limit for extra coverage.

• Private passenger auto physical damage: Collision, comprehensive, and underinsured/uninsured coverage are also included with private passenger insurance. This type of insurance covers the damages to your vehicle.

All coverages combined are referred to as: Full coverage car insurance.

Commercial Auto

This type of car insurance covers motorized vehicles owned by the business and/or used for various business purposes, such as delivery trucks, taxis, and service vehicles. It typically covers vehicles with over 15,000 pounds load capacity and cars at repair shops, parking places, and roadside assistance facilities. If you lease a personal vehicle under a business name, it must be covered with commercial car insurance. The following are common types of commercial auto insurance in Pennsylvania:

• Commercial auto physical damage is a type of insurance that covers repairing and replacing a damaged or stolen vehicle. It includes:

  • Collision coverage: This coverage pays for the damages or replacements caused by accidents involving a collision with another vehicle or object.

  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers damages caused by other factors, such as vandalism, theft, animal attack, and earthquakes. However, it excludes damages caused by vehicle or object collision.

• Commercial auto liability insurance is a type of insurance that covers damages or injuries caused by a business vehicle to other Pennsylvania drivers and their property. It does not cover the damages to the vehicle.

PROPERTY DAMAGE (PD)

Property damage liability is an auto insurance policy that covers the cost of repairs or replacements of damages involving another person's property caused by accidents. For instance, if you rear-end another vehicle or your car breaks down your neighbor's fence, your property damage coverage will protect you from financial or legal liabilities.

In Pennsylvania, all drivers must carry minimum coverage car insurance with at least $5,000 in property damage liability. However, this doesn't cover the damages to your vehicle. For full protection, you should purchase comprehensive or collision insurance coverage.

What Does Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance Cover?

Property damage liability auto insurance covers:

• Vehicle repairs to damage caused by the insured vehicle to another person's car

• Legal fees if you are sued because of an accident you caused

• Your property damage liability can cover the owner's income loss if a business is closed due to property damage caused by a car crash

• The recurring cost of repairs

• The repairs for damage to another person's property, such as a fence, lamppost, and mailbox

The following Pennsylvania car insurance policies will provide coverage for property damage:

• Comprehensive coverage: This coverage is not mandatory in Pennsylvania, but it can cover damage to your vehicle caused by other causes other than a collision, like theft, natural disasters, vandalism, falling objects, or fire, your insurance policy can cover it.

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle when it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object.

• Auto liability: It pays for the injuries and property damage sustained by other individuals in an accident where you are at fault.

BODILY INJURY (BI) - Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

This insurance policy will pay the medical expenses of the other driver injured in a car accident. The state minimum coverage requirement of bodily injury coverage in Pennsylvania is $15,000/$30,000. The $15,000 represents the money available for one person, while the $30,000 represents the total available for each separate accident. In addition, private vehicle owners are required to have medical benefits with a minimum coverage of $5,000, which will cover them if there is an accident, regardless of whether they are at fault or not.

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Cover?

Bodily injury liability typically covers:

• Lost wages: If the driver of another car sustains bodily injury in an accident, you are at fault, and they cannot perform their job roles, your auto liability insurance policy can help provide compensation.

• Medical expenses: This may cover hospital bills, rehabilitation expenses, and ongoing costs of the other driver injured in an accident you are at fault. It will also cover you through your medical benefits coverage.

• Legal fees: If the other party files a lawsuit against you, your insurance can help pay the legal fees and court costs associated with the case.

• Pain and Suffering: An insured’s bodily injury liability insurance can also cover the emotional stress and prolonged pain caused by an accident.

• Funeral cost: If a death is caused by an accident with the insured car, your bodily injury liability insurance can cover the funeral expenses.

The following auto insurance policies will provide coverage for bodily injury in Pennsylvania:

• Auto liability insurance: It provides coverage for injuries and property damage caused by an accident you caused.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: This type of coverage can help victims of an accident to get the compensation they need after they are injured due to an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Approximately 6% (>660,000) of Pennsylvania vehicles are uninsured or underinsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other expenses associated with the incurred injury.

• Medical benefits: Your medical benefits coverage will provide financial recovery to you regardless of whether the accident is your fault or not. You can buy a minimum coverage of $5,000, which protects you from spending out of pocket for your medical expenses.

• Medical payments coverage: This is an optional part of your auto insurance policy. It can help pay the medical and funeral expenses incurred by injured victims from an accident.

LIABILITY Protection - Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

Suppose you are at fault in an accident that causes another driver bodily injury and damage to their property. In that case, your auto liability insurance will provide financial protection against any eventual financial loss. Liability auto insurance covers the injured party's medical expenses and the repair or replacement of their property. There are two types of auto liability coverage, which include bodily injury and property damage.

Bodily injury provides financial protection against the expenses associated with the injuries and rehabilitation of the other driver in an at-fault accident. Meanwhile, property damage liability covers property damage occasioned to a third party's property by repairing or replacing the damaged property. In Pennsylvania, a driver should have a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury per person, with a $30,000 limit per accident and $5,000 in property damage coverage. To further protect against financial losses, individuals in Pennsylvania must also purchase a minimum of $5,000 medical benefits insurance coverage. This type of insurance provides financial protection against the damages you suffer in an accident, irrespective of who is at fault.

In addition to private vehicles, commercial vehicles are also required to carry auto liability insurance in the same amount.

What is the Difference Between Private and Commercial Car Insurance?

In Pennsylvania, commercial and personal auto insurance are similar in that they cover various types of damages, medical expenses, and legal expenses incurred from car accidents. The main difference between personal and commercial auto insurance is the type of coverage provided. Personal auto insurance aims to protect you and your family from financial hardship arising from liabilities you may incur after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. While commercial insurance seeks to provide financial protection to businesses arising from financial and legal liabilities after an accident, where you are at fault. Other differences include:

• Commercial auto insurance policies are typically more expensive than personal auto insurance due to the higher risks involved in insuring commercial vehicle accidents. In addition, commercial vehicles are typically more frequently used and driven.

• Personal auto insurance is usually for people who drive their cars for personal use, while commercial auto insurance is usually for vehicles used for business purposes and vehicles weighing over 15,000 pounds like dump trucks and cargo vans. Commercial auto insurance also covers employees and multiple vehicles.

• Commercial auto insurance policies typically offer higher liability limits than personal auto insurance. This is because it protects a business's assets in case of a lawsuit.

In Pennsylvania, commercial and personal auto insurance requirements depend on the use of the vehicle and its ownership structure. For instance, cars used for business purposes need commercial insurance, while those used for personal purposes need private insurance. A vehicle leased or purchased in a business name must be insured under commercial auto insurance. Also, when using your vehicle for transporting work equipment or delivering clients, you still need commercial insurance even if you don't make deliveries. Contact a Pennsylvania licensed property insurance agent to determine the auto insurance coverage that suits your needs.

Does Auto Insurance Cover the Driver or the Vehicle?

Medical benefits, uninsured motorists, and underinsured motorists are auto insurance coverages that can cover an insured driver. Meanwhile, other types of auto insurance, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, only provide compensation for the damage to the vehicle, not the driver. If you get into an accident, your auto insurance policy will cover you through your medical benefits coverage even if you are not at fault. Likewise, if the accident's costs exceed your policy's limits, the other driver's insurance policy will provide additional coverage as long as you are not at fault.

However, suppose another person listed on your auto insurance policy is driving your car and gets into an accident, even if they are not at fault. In that case, your medical benefits will not cover them. This is because the medical benefits only cover you and not others. Meanwhile, the other driver’s insurer will compensate the individual driving your vehicle.

How Does Car Insurance Work When you Get Into an Accident?

In Pennsylvania, various details come into play after a car accident. Some of these include the property damages caused by accidents and the bodily injuries sustained.

• Bodily injury: Bodily injury is among the after-effects of a car accident. As a Pennsylvania resident, you must carry a minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident as your bodily injury insurance coverage. With a bodily injury liability insurance policy, you can help pay the medical expenses and other costs associated with the injuries sustained by another person due to the accident you are responsible for. Auto liability insurance can also help pay for the legal expenses you incur if you are sued by the driver injured in an at-fault accident. Instead, you must have a minimum coverage of $5,000 as your medical benefits to treat your bodily injury sustained in an accident. You have two years within which you must file a claim for personal injury protection. You must provide proof of the medical expenses when you file your claim. If your claim is approved, your insurance company will pay the sum due minus your policy’s deductible.

• Property damage: When the insurance company learns about the damage caused during an accident, they will assign an insurance adjuster to the case. The damaged vehicles are typically towed to an auto shop or driven away from the accident scene to a police station. During the investigation, the adjuster visits the vehicle's location to take pictures and documents and gather estimates from the body shops. After gathering all the necessary facts, the insurance company's adjuster goes through the policy to determine the extent of the repairs that the company will be able to cover. The insurance company will authorize payment minus the agreed-upon deductible if the claim is approved.

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Drivers in Pennsylvania must carry auto insurance in order to operate legally. Under Pennsylvania law, this is called financial responsibility, which requires all motor vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles, to have auto insurance. To comply with this law, you must have liability insurance in the following amounts:

• $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident

• $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident

• $5,000 for damage to property of another person

In addition, Pennsylvania residents are required to purchase medical benefits to help pay for their expenses and those covered under the policy if they are injured in an accident, regardless of fault. The minimum amount that this policy provides is $5,000.

When purchasing auto insurance, you can choose between full and limited tort coverage. With full tort coverage, you can sue the negligent party for pain and suffering, while with limited tort, you can forfeit the right to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

• Limited tort coverage: You can recover all of your out-of-pocket expenses, but you are not allowed to recover certain damages, such as pain and suffering, unless the injuries meet one of the exceptions to limited tort as defined in Act 6 of 1990, title 75, section 1705 (d). It might be a good idea if you're thinking about reducing your monthly premium by not recovering from pain and suffering. However, weighing the amount of money you save versus the damages caused by a car accident is important. This is because when you choose limited tort insurance, you automatically waive your rights to recover damages like pain and suffering incurred during an accident.

• Full tort coverage: With full tort coverage, you retain the right to sue the other driver who caused the accident. This type of insurance also covers non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering. With this type of insurance, you can seek compensation for the damages that you have suffered, even though the other party's liability insurance will pay for your medical expenses. The main drawback of full tort coverage is that you will have to pay a higher premium than what you'll get with limited tort coverage. However, full tort coverage might be a good idea if you are not on a tight budget.

Full tort coverage is considered a better option if you can afford it. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident with a person who ran a red light, you would get a payment for the damages to your vehicle and the medical expenses you incurred, such as the ambulance trip and surgery. Unfortunately, even though Limited Tort coverage can provide you with a payment for the damages, it does not cover the months or years and quality of life you will lose due to the accident.

Whether to buy full or limited tort insurance depends on your tolerance for risk and financial situation. For example, limited tort might be a better temporary option than full tort if you're in a tight financial situation. Meanwhile, if you are not willing to take the chance of carrying the burden of the aftermath of an accident after being seriously injured, then full tort might be the best choice for you. Make sure to discuss your options with a knowledgeable auto insurance agent who can assess your car insurance needs and give professional advice based on the assessment.

In addition to bodily injury, property damage, and medical benefits, you may also need to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage policies. These types of insurance will protect you from the damages caused by other vehicles and objects if your car collides with them. Before looking for the right auto insurance coverage, you must understand the coverage that best protects you. Since there are no minimum requirements, you can get a suitable amount to cater to your insurance needs.

The most overlooked coverage is uninsured and underinsured insurance. With every 16th vehicle on the road in Pennsylvania without enough insurance or none at all, UI/UIM protection remains a must-get coverage. Regardless of the amount of coverage you get, all PA UI/UIM insurance comes with a standard $500 deductible.

Speak to a Pennsylvania licensed agent to help you find the right policy that best suits your specific needs.

Does Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Cover:

Does Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Yes, in Pennsylvania, car insurance provides coverage for rented cars. It provides financial protection for the rental vehicle from physical damage and liability issues. Collision coverage will also cover the financial implications of a collision with another vehicle or things other than a vehicle. If you cause damage to another person's vehicle or property while in a rented car, your auto insurance will cover it. Before renting a vehicle, it is important to speak with a Pennsylvania licensed agent to determine if your current auto insurance policy will cover it.

Can I Use my Insurance When Renting a Car?

Yes, you can also use your insurance policy when renting a car in Pennsylvania. This means you won't need additional coverage from the rental car company. Although you may not need to buy additional insurance when you rent a car in Pennsylvania, your medical benefits insurance policy will only cover the rental vehicle for personal use. Therefore, it is important to get commercial insurance if you plan on using the car for business purposes. To find out more about rental car insurance coverage, contact a Pennsylvania-licensed auto insurance agent for more information.

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

Yes car insurance in Pennsylvania offers coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance policies which will cover repairs if the damage is caused by a collision, fire, theft, or other covered incident. However, auto insurance does not cover routine repairs. Collision coverage will also cover repairs if your vehicle hits a tree or fence. In addition, your comprehensive insurance policy will pay for the repairs if your vehicle is damaged by fire, flood, vandalism, or any other cause other than a collision. Talk to a Pennsylvania-licensed property insurance agent about your insurance options. The agent can help you understand the various types of auto insurance coverage that will pay for your vehicle's repairs regardless of who is at fault.

Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Yes, car insurance will typically cover the replacement of windshields through its collision and comprehensive coverage. For instance, if a tree branch or hailstorm damages your windshield, your comprehensive coverage will pay for the replacement. Collision insurance will also typically cover the cost of replacing a windshield after it has been hit by another vehicle or a pole. If you are involved in a car accident that causes damage to another vehicle's windshield, your auto insurance will cover the replacement of that windshield.

Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

No, auto insurance does not cover engine failure caused by a mechanical fault. However, it will cover engine repairs if the damage is caused by other factors like vandalism, fire, or collision. A comprehensive auto insurance policy can cover the cost of repairs if an engine fails due to certain perils such as fire, vandalism, or flood.

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft of Personal Items?

No, car insurance in Pennsylvania does not cover the theft of laptops, clothes, and other personal items from your vehicle. However, your renters or homeowners insurance can cover these items even if the car was not on the property when the theft occurred. A comprehensive insurance policy will only cover the permanent features and components, excluding the items left inside the vehicle.

A knowledgeable and experienced Pennsylvania licensed property insurance agent can help you find your car's best possible insurance coverage. In addition, the agent can discuss the various benefits of different policies and help you make an informed decision.