Purchasing an auto insurance policy that covers all of the threats faced by everyday drivers can be overwhelming. So, it’s important to consider all of the coverage options that are offered to residents of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Minimum Insurance Coverage
First and foremost, drivers should be aware of Pennsylvania’s auto insurance policy minimums. Per the Pennsylvania Insurance department, PA’s minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
- $5,000 in Medical Benefits, which cover medical costs for you and those covered by your policy.
- $15,000/$30,000 in Bodily Injury Liability, where the former number applies to a one-person accident and the latter is the total amount available per accident. This coverage pays for damages for which you are found liable, including medical and rehabilitation expenses, if you injure someone in an accident.
- $5,000 in Property Damage Liability, which offers compensation for property that you damage in an accident where you’re at fault.
If you fail to maintain the appropriate insurance coverage for a particular vehicle, the Department of Transportation can suspend the vehicle’s registration. Similarly, operation of the vehicle without appropriate insurance can result in a suspension of your driver’s license.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While only the aforementioned types of insurance are required in Pennsylvania, it’s worth noting that there are many other types of coverage available when picking the features of your insurance policy. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are two common additions.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover instances where the party at fault is uninsured. If you choose to forego uninsured motorist coverage and are involved in this type of accident, you would be forced to sue the liable party, although your chances of actually recovering compensation are low due to the fact that most uninsured parties have very little money and assets.
Underinsured motorist coverage is designed to cover instances where the party at fault is insured, but not to the point where their policy adequately makes up for your damages. You’ll collect what you can from the underinsured motorist, and your company will provide the rest of the funds, depending on your specific policy.
Recovering Lost Wages
A problem that many automotive accident victims face is the loss of wages during time spent recovering from an accident. In many circumstances, these wages can be recovered, though this depends on your insurance plan. Lost wages can be recovered under body injury liability coverage. Other times, you’ll make the claim through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Personal injury protection insurance might also allow you to collect lost wages.
Make Your Case With Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices
Are you unsure how to handle the aftermath of a car accident? Be sure to contact the dedicated attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices as soon as possible, or stop by one of our five PA locations to see if we can help you out.