Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements: Full Tort vs Limited Tort (2025)

Quick Answer: Pennsylvania Minimum Auto Insurance

Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state with unique requirements. The state-mandated minimums are:

This is commonly written as 15/30/5 for liability. Pennsylvania also requires you to choose between "full tort" and "limited tort" options, which significantly affects your rights after an accident.

---

Understanding Pennsylvania's Choice No-Fault System

Pennsylvania offers a hybrid system that's unlike most other states:

The Tort Choice

When you purchase insurance, you must choose:

Full Tort:

• Right to sue for all damages including pain and suffering
• Higher premiums (typically 15-20% more)
• No restrictions on lawsuit rights
• Recommended for most drivers

Limited Tort:

• Can only sue for pain and suffering if injury is "serious"
• Lower premiums
• Restricted lawsuit rights
• May limit recovery after accidents

What Qualifies as "Serious" Under Limited Tort?

With limited tort, you can only recover pain and suffering damages for:

• Death
• Serious impairment of bodily function
• Permanent serious disfigurement

Minor injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or temporary pain typically don't qualify.

---

Required Pennsylvania Coverages

1. Bodily Injury Liability (15/30)

Covers injuries you cause to others:

Important: Pennsylvania's minimums are among the lowest in the nation.

2. Property Damage Liability ($5,000)

Covers damage you cause to others' property:

• Vehicles you hit
• Structures and property
• Personal belongings

Critical concern: $5,000 won't cover most vehicle repairs. Average collision repair costs exceed $4,500.

3. Medical Benefits / First Party Benefits ($5,000)

Covers your own medical expenses regardless of fault:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Rehabilitation
• Some lost wages (if selected)

You can purchase higher limits:

• $10,000
• $25,000
• $100,000
• Unlimited (rare)

---

Why Pennsylvania Minimums Are Dangerously Low

Pennsylvania has some of the lowest minimums in the country:

Real-World Cost Comparison

The Property Damage Problem

Pennsylvania's $5,000 property damage minimum is critically inadequate:

Example scenarios:

• You rear-end a Honda Accord causing $8,000 damage
  • Insurance pays: $5,000
  • You owe: $3,000
• You total a BMW worth $50,000
  • Insurance pays: $5,000
  • You owe: $45,000

---

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania enforces insurance requirements through PennDOT:

Immediate Penalties

Additional Consequences

Financial Responsibility Act

If you cause an accident without insurance:

• You must pay all damages or face license/registration suspension
• Judgments follow you for years
• SR-22 required for reinstatement
• Must maintain insurance for 3+ years

---

Recommended Coverage for Pennsylvania Drivers

Given Pennsylvania's low minimums, higher coverage is essential:

Minimum Recommended: 50/100/50

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Additional Coverages

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

• Not required but strongly recommended
• About 8% of PA drivers are uninsured
• Many more carry only minimums
• Stacking available (more coverage for multi-car households)

Collision and Comprehensive

• Required if you have a car loan
• Protects your vehicle investment
• Essential given low property damage minimums

Income Loss Coverage

• Add-on to first party medical benefits
• Covers lost wages from accident injuries
• Subject to limits and waiting periods

---

Pennsylvania-Specific Rules

Stacking UM/UIM Coverage

Pennsylvania allows "stacking" of uninsured motorist coverage:

Stacked coverage:

• Multiplies coverage by number of vehicles on policy
• Example: $50,000 UM × 2 vehicles = $100,000 available
• Costs more but provides significantly better protection

Non-stacked:

• Single limit regardless of vehicles
• Lower premium
• Must specifically select on application

Proof of Insurance

Pennsylvania accepts:

• Insurance ID card (paper or digital)
• Policy declarations page
• Binder from insurance agent

When required:

• Traffic stops
• Accidents (must exchange info)
• Vehicle registration
• Random verification

Electronic Verification

Pennsylvania verifies insurance through:

• Direct reporting from insurers
• Random verification letters
• Registration renewal checks

If your coverage lapses:

• Insurer notifies PennDOT
• Registration automatically suspended
• Must provide proof + pay fees to reinstate

---

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort: Making the Choice

Full Tort Recommended If:

• You have assets to protect
• You want maximum legal rights
• You can afford slightly higher premiums
• You have family members in the household

Limited Tort May Be Acceptable If:

• Very tight budget is primary concern
• You have excellent health insurance
• You rarely drive
• You understand and accept the restrictions

Important Considerations

Limited tort restrictions apply to:

• You (the policyholder)
• Family members in your household
• Passengers in your vehicle

Exceptions to limited tort:

• At-fault driver was DUI
• At-fault driver was from another state
• At-fault driver was driving commercially
• At-fault driver was intentional

---

SR-22 Requirements in Pennsylvania

When SR-22 Is Required

• DUI conviction
• Driving without insurance
• Multiple serious traffic violations
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• Court order for financial responsibility

SR-22 Details

---

How Much Does Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Cost?

Average annual premiums:

Factors affecting your rate:

• Tort choice (limited vs. full)
• Location (Philadelphia highest)
• Age and driving experience
• Driving record
• Credit-based insurance score
• Vehicle type
• Coverage levels

Philadelphia drivers pay significantly more—often 50-100% above state average.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 plus $5,000 in medical benefits. You must also choose between full tort and limited tort options when purchasing your policy.

What's the difference between full tort and limited tort?

Full tort preserves your right to sue for all damages including pain and suffering after any accident. Limited tort restricts you from suing for pain and suffering unless your injury is "serious" (death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment). Limited tort costs less but significantly limits your legal rights.

Can I change my tort option after buying insurance?

Yes. Contact your insurer to change your tort selection. Changes typically take effect at your next renewal or immediately if requested. Consider the long-term implications before switching.

Why is Pennsylvania property damage minimum so low?

Pennsylvania's $5,000 property damage minimum hasn't been updated in decades and is dangerously inadequate for modern vehicle values. Most experts recommend at least $50,000-$100,000 in property damage coverage.

Does Pennsylvania require uninsured motorist coverage?

No, UM/UIM coverage is optional in Pennsylvania. However, insurers must offer it, and you should seriously consider purchasing it. Many PA drivers carry only minimums, making UIM coverage important protection.

What happens if I drive without insurance in Pennsylvania?

First offense results in 3-month license and registration suspension plus a $500 restoration fee. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you're personally liable for all damages.

---

Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability plus $5,000 medical benefits
• Must choose between full tort (recommended) and limited tort
• State minimums are dangerously low especially for property damage
• Recommended coverage: 50/100/50 minimum with full tort
• Stacking available for UM/UIM on multi-vehicle policies
• Driving uninsured triggers automatic registration suspension
• Philadelphia rates significantly higher than rest of state

---

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Pennsylvania auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025

Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, Pennsylvania Insurance Department