Finding the right car insurance is essential for safeguarding yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road. Not only is it a legal requirement in most states, like Pennsylvania, but it’s also a critical step in ensuring you’re fully protected. The coverage you need is unique to you and your vehicle. To help you navigate your options, here are some key auto insurance coverages to consider.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage covers repairs to your car if it’s damaged in an accident. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance pays for the damage. However, if you’re at fault or live in a no-fault state, your collision coverage will cover the repairs to your vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers everything outside of collisions. It protects against damage from fire, animal collisions, natural disasters, and more.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects you if you’re at fault in a car accident. Liability is usually divided into three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage. The limits you choose, such as $100,000/$300,000/$50,000, represent the maximum amount your insurer will pay for each category.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your family if you’re injured by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. You can recover damages just as you would from an insured driver, including economic and non-economic losses. While not required in Pennsylvania, you can purchase coverage up to your bodily injury liability limits. You can also choose to stack coverage, multiplying your limits by the number of vehicles on the policy, which increases protection but also raises premiums. Choose limits and stacking options based on your needs and budget.
Medical Coverage
This coverage pays for injuries you and your passengers suffer in an accident. It’s considered no-fault insurance, so you’re eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
Full Tort and Limited Tort
Since 1990, Pennsylvania law lets you choose between full tort and limited tort options. Full tort preserves your right to sue for all damages. Limited tort restricts your ability to sue for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, except in cases of serious injury—defined as death, serious impairment of bodily function, or permanent disfigurement. Even with limited tort, you can still sue if the injury is serious or if the at-fault driver is convicted of DUI or has out-of-state registration. The cost difference for full tort ranges from 20-40%, depending on your coverage selections.
Gap Insurance
Gap coverage helps cover the difference between your car’s purchase price and the remaining loan balance due to depreciation of your vehicle.
We are here to discuss all your options with you. Let us know if you need help choosing or modifying your auto insurance.
We are a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency in Collegeville, PA providing auto, home, business, life, health and group insurance in PA, DE, MD and NJ.