When it comes to shopping for insurance, there are some important details to know about Pennsylvania personal auto insurance. Besides the fact that the state of Pennsylvania requires this insurance from all drivers, they also require certain minimum levels of coverage. They also have rates that are typically higher than the national average, so understanding the different rates and what you can do to alter them is important. Pennsylvania is also a \”tort\” state…meaning that you will need to choose a tort option on your policy or risk losing very important rights. These rights will possibly allow you to collect damages in an accident or risk losing your right to recover damages.

Pennsylvania personal auto insurance doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to meet certain standards. Any coverage that you get must meet the state mandated minimums for bodily injury liability per injured person and per accident. You must also meet certain minimums for damage liability coverage and PIP or personal injury protection. Those are the only standards they impose, so the rest is up to you.

Many things about you and your car will contribute to the cost of your Pennsylvania personal auto insurance. The state of Pennsylvania allows for auto insurers to use your Personal Credit History when giving you insurance. This may affect the coverage they want you to carry, the rate in general, as well as whether they require you to pay your premiums monthly or quarterly. Obviously the better your credit history, the lower your rate will potentially be. The car you drive will significantly impact your rate as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates cars every year. If you have a 5-star safety rating on your car, that means that you are driving one of the safest cars on the road and your insurance premium will reflect positively for your choice in safe cars. If, however, you are driving a car that didn’t do so well, or is missing key safety elements, then you need to be prepared to pay a higher premium.

Pennsylvania operates with a Tort system. What this means is that if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause of the accident, thereby establishing fault. The person who is found at fault is responsible for all expenses for both car damage and injury. That person’s insurance company will then take over handling the claim. Because the Tort System is in effect, Pennsylvania personal auto insurance is often more expensive than the national average. Other states that operate with a no-fault often have lower rates. Understanding the Tort System and the different options that are applicable will ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.

Taking advantage of the different companies who offer Pennsylvania personal auto insurance can save you significant amounts of money. Comparing prices is only part of it. Sure, you want to save money, but you also don’t want to sacrifice coverage. Evaluate how safe your car is and what your driving record is like (and be honest) and then you’ll be able to decide which company will represent you the best should you be involved in an accident. Accidents can be expensive, even if you have good deductibles and a great insurance company, but not as expensive as having no insurance at all.

Author Bio: Univ of Pitt Grad 1984 Started Williams Agency 1986 Providing Better Insurance for Pa & NY residents for Less Money Better Pennsylvania auto insurance for less money email to: dan@williams-agency.net

Category: Finances
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