If you're moving to Pennsylvania from another state, you'll need to purchase Pennsylvania car insurance within six months of relocating. Pennsylvania's car insurance laws are different than most other states. If you're on a budget, and want to keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible, the following suggestions will help you keep your Pennsylvania car insurance expenses to a minimum.
Choose "no fault" insurance. Pennsylvania is what is referred to as a "choice no fault state". This means that you can choose to purchase your car insurance under the no fault system or the tort system. Under the tort system, one party is found to be at fault, and the victim has full rights to sue the party at fault, both for direct expenses and indirect expenses, like pain and suffering. Under the no fault system, each party pays for their own damages. Choosing no fault insurance affords you lower premiums.
Choose only the minimum required coverage. At a minimum, you must carry liability and medical benefits coverage. Pennsylvania liability minimums are 15/30/5. You must also purchase medical benefits coverage of at least $5000. The medical benefits coverage pays your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
Keep other coverage to a minimum. You may be required to carry collision insurance if you still owe money on your vehicle. But, to keep premiums low, purchase only the coverage that is required.
Check for discounts. Be certain that you've discussed any discounts you're eligible for with your agent. You may be eligible for discounts based on your driving record, your age and your affiliations. You may also get a discount for multiple vehicles and for staying with the same insurance company for a long period of time. For this reason, you may want to buy your Pennsylvania car insurance from the same company you used in your previous state. You'll need to find a new agent in Pennsylvania, however.
It is important to understand the ramifications of purchasing only the minimum Pennsylvania car insurance. If you're under insured and are in an accident, you may not have enough insurance to cover the expenses you need to pay. If you're at fault, you could be sued by the other party if your insurance coverage is not sufficient to cover their medical and property damages - even if you've selected no fault insurance. If you are shopping for car insurance quotes Pennsylvania be sure to discuss the full tort versus limited tort option.
It can be difficult to find the balance between appropriate Pennsylvania car insurance coverage and affordable premiums. Spend some time shopping around and working with your agent to help get the right coverage for your financial situation.