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Pennsylvania's minimum liability limits are 15/30/5: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and just $5,000 for property damage. That property damage minimum is among the lowest in the country, and many modern vehicles can cost far more than $5,000 to repair or replace.
What really sets Pennsylvania apart is the tort choice. Drivers must elect limited tort, which lowers premiums but restricts pain-and-suffering claims unless injuries meet a legal exception, or full tort, which keeps full rights to sue; if you never choose, you are deemed to have chosen full tort. Every policy also includes first-party medical benefits of at least $5,000, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional, with stacking applying unless you reject it. Enforcement is tough: a driver found uninsured faces a fine of at least $300 and three-month registration and license suspensions.
| Minimum liability | 15/30/5 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | First-party medical benefits: $5,000 |
| Fault system | Choice no-fault |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Restricted |
Pennsylvania minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Pennsylvania you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $15,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $30,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $5,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Pennsylvania's liability minimums are among the lowest in the country. Some insurers offer a combined single limit of $35,000 that satisfies the bodily injury and property damage requirements.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Besides liability, Pennsylvania requires:
- First-party medical benefits: $5,000
Uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage is optional. Stacking of UM/UIM applies by law unless you reject it, and rejecting it lowers the premium.
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault state?
Pennsylvania lets drivers choose between no-fault and traditional tort options. The choice you make on your policy affects both your premium and your right to sue another driver after an accident.
Drivers choose limited tort (lower premium, restricted pain-and-suffering claims) or full tort; if you do not elect limited tort you are deemed to have elected full tort. Pennsylvania also uses modified comparative negligence (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102): you cannot recover if you were more negligent than the defendants.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Pennsylvania?
Status: Restricted. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says some companies use credit history when determining premium but cannot use it to increase your rate when you renew.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Pennsylvania
Driving uninsured brings a fine of at least $300, a three-month vehicle registration suspension and a three-month license suspension, plus restoration fees. You can pay a $500 civil penalty instead of the registration suspension once in a 12-month period.
Insurers must notify PennDOT when a policy is cancelled, PennDOT can check insurance listed on renewal applications, and inspection stations must require proof of insurance and may notify PennDOT if it is missing.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Pennsylvania drivers
- Check your tort election on your declarations page. Limited tort and full tort affect which injury damages you can claim, and not electing means you are deemed to have chosen full tort.
- Review whether you rejected stacking. By law stacked UM/UIM coverage applies unless you reject it, and rejecting it lowers the premium.
- Return your plates when you cancel. PennDOT must receive plates and card no more than 30 days after insurance is cancelled to avoid a suspension.
- If your car was not driven during a short lapse, document it. A lapse under 31 days can avoid suspension with Form MV-221, a Statement of Non-operation, if the car was not driven.
- Consider whether $5,000 of property damage is enough. A single modern vehicle can exceed it, so ask a licensed agent how higher limits work.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- Motor vehicle agency: PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pennsylvania's minimum car insurance?
Pennsylvania requires bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, $5,000 for property damage, and at least $5,000 in first-party medical benefits. Some insurers offer a combined single limit of $35,000 that meets the liability requirements. These are among the lowest minimums in the country.
What are limited tort and full tort in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort lowers premiums but you cannot recover certain damages, such as pain and suffering, unless injuries meet one of the exceptions in the law. Full tort gives unrestricted rights to sue. If you fail to specially elect limited tort, you are deemed to have elected full tort, so check your policy.
What happens if I drive uninsured in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT lists a fine of at least $300, a three-month registration suspension during which the vehicle cannot be driven, and a three-month license suspension, plus restoration fees ($94 for a driver's license). You may pay a $500 civil penalty instead of the registration suspension once every 12 months.
Can insurers use my credit in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says some companies use credit history when determining premiums but cannot use it to increase your rate at renewal. Insurers also cannot charge different rates based on race, religion, national origin or gender. If you have concerns about how credit was used, you can contact the Insurance Department.
Sources
- PennDOT – Insurance law FAQs
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department – Auto insurance guide
- PennDOT – Penalties for cancelling
- Insurance Information Institute – Background on no-fault auto insurance
- Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer – Contributory negligence/comparative fault laws in all 50 states
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.