To drive legally in Pennsylvania, you must maintain state-required car insurance coverage. The state follows a “choice no-fault” system, giving drivers a rare option to select between limited and full tort coverage. This flexibility makes it especially important to understand what you’re buying—whether you drive daily in Philadelphia traffic or commute through Erie’s snow-packed streets. Below is a 2025 guide to minimum limits, optional protections, and penalties for being uninsured.
What’s the Bare Minimum in Pennsylvania?
Your policy must include at least the following to comply with Pennsylvania law:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $5,000 per accident
- Medical Benefits (PIP): $5,000 minimum
These are the lowest limits allowed, though many drivers—especially in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh—opt for higher coverage due to increased accident risk.
Limited vs. Full Tort Coverage
When purchasing a policy, Pennsylvania drivers must choose between:
- Limited Tort: Lower premiums, but restricted rights to sue for pain and suffering after an accident unless serious injury occurs.
- Full Tort: Higher cost, but full rights to pursue legal action regardless of injury severity.
Drivers in more litigious areas like Scranton or Allentown may prefer full tort for added peace of mind.
Optional Coverages In Pennsylvania
To extend protection beyond the minimum, many drivers in Pennsylvania consider adding:
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Income Loss and Funeral Benefit Options
Full coverage is especially popular in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, where vehicle theft or storm damage can raise out-of-pocket risk.
Laws Covering Driving Without Insurance
Operating a vehicle without insurance in Pennsylvania can result in:
- Suspension of vehicle registration for 3 months
- Fines and restoration fees
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory SR‑22 filing in some cases
PennDOT tracks insurance electronically. In places like Erie or Reading, drivers have reported registration suspensions even without getting pulled over.
How Insurance Is Verified
Insurance companies are required to report policy activity to the state’s Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification System (MVIVS). If your policy is canceled or lapses—even for a single day—PennDOT may send a notice requesting proof of new coverage.
Keep your address current. If you miss this notice, your registration could be suspended before you even realize there’s an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania Car Insurance
What are Pennsylvania’s minimum car insurance requirements in 2025?
Pennsylvania requires at least $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage liability. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of $5,000 is also mandatory.
Does Pennsylvania verify insurance electronically?
Yes. The state uses MVIVS to confirm that every registered vehicle is covered, regardless of location. Even drivers in smaller towns like Altoona or Lancaster can receive insurance verification letters.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Pennsylvania?
Penalties include a $300 fine, registration and license suspension, and potentially an SR-22 filing for high-risk status reinstatement.
Can Pennsylvania suspend your registration for insurance lapses?
Yes. PennDOT may suspend your vehicle registration if it detects a lapse in coverage, even if you’re not involved in an accident or traffic stop.
Compare Pennsylvania’s insurance laws with neighboring states:
New York,
New Jersey,
Maryland,
West Virginia, and
Ohio.