Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Pennsylvania are mandated by state law and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Pennsylvania will result in a $300 fine and 90 day suspension of driving privileges, with a $50 reinstatement fee. Subsequent offenses are subject to higher fines, reinstatement fees, and jail time.
The Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Pennsylvania
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania requires some research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Pennsylvania ranks below national averages for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Pennsylvania include:
– Pennsylvania is a “no-fault” state, and requires PIP insurance
– Vehicle repair costs are generally more expensive in Pennsylvania than elsewhere
– Overall accident fatality rates are higher than national averages
– A very low percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
– Auto insurance fraud
– Vehicle theft rates near national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Pennsylvania is $1,468 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
– If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
– Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Pennsylvania
– Maintain a good driving record
– Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
– Maintain a good credit score
– Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
– Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
– Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Pennsylvania Statistics
– Auto Theft: Pennsylvania has a vehicle theft rate on par with national averages, but it has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
– Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Pennsylvania has been decreasing in recent years, and vehicle accident fatality rates have declined as well. Still, Pennsylvania is above the national average in numbers of deaths in car crashes.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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