Keith Mack
In Pennsylvania, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, and there are more than half a million uninsured drivers in the state. However, Pennsylvania law requires that every automobile insurance policy must offer the option to purchase uninsured motorist protection. This protection covers the insured in the event they are injured by a driver who does not have insurance or has insufficient insurance to cover the damages caused in an accident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage under your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim for accident-related injuries, medical bills, and lost wages from your insurance company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | No |
| Minimum coverage | $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident |
| Coverage | Accident-related injuries, medical bills, lost wages |
| Exclusions | Physical damage to your car |
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What You'll Learn
- Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Pennsylvania
- Uninsured motorist protection covers hit-and-run accidents
- Underinsured motorist protection helps cover damages caused by a driver with insufficient liability limits
- Uninsured motorist claims can be made for accident-related injuries, medical bills and lost wages
- Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state
Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there is a minimum limit of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage if you choose to carry it. You can always purchase more, up to your bodily injury liability limit for each. You can also choose to stack your UM coverage to multiply your coverage by the number of vehicles on your policy. However, it is important to note that uninsured motorist coverage does not cover physical damage to your car. If you want to protect your vehicle, you will need to purchase collision coverage separately.
Uninsured motorist coverage can provide important financial protection in the event of an accident. If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could be responsible for the entire financial burden of the crash. According to a 2021 study, there are more than half a million uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania. Purchasing UM/UIM coverage allows you to take control of your financial security rather than gambling on the person who hits you being well-insured.
Even if you have UIM coverage, getting compensation can be difficult. Some insurance companies make it challenging to file a UM/UIM claim and do not always honor claims in good faith. If your insurance company is not complying with Pennsylvania law or denying benefits, you may need to seek legal assistance to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
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Uninsured motorist protection covers hit-and-run accidents
In Pennsylvania, uninsured motorist protection covers hit-and-run accidents. This type of insurance coverage is designed to protect you, your family members living in the same household, and any passengers in your vehicle if you are hit by an uninsured driver. It also covers injuries sustained in hit-and-run accidents, even if the driver cannot be identified.
Pennsylvania law requires all motorists to maintain vehicle liability insurance. However, not all drivers follow the law, and some may not have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of an accident. Uninsured motorist protection is designed to fill this gap and provide financial protection for victims of uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Under Pennsylvania law, every automobile insurance policy must offer the option to purchase Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection (UM/UIM). This coverage is not mandatory, but insurance companies must provide a specific Waiver Form from the State of Pennsylvania if a customer chooses to decline it.
The minimum limit for UM/UIM coverage in Pennsylvania is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. However, you can purchase additional coverage up to your bodily injury liability limit. Stacking your UM/UIM coverage multiplies your protection by the number of vehicles on your policy, but it only applies to you and your family.
It is important to note that uninsured motorist coverage does not cover physical damage to your vehicle. If you want protection against property damage, you may need to consider additional coverage, such as collision insurance.
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Underinsured motorist protection helps cover damages caused by a driver with insufficient liability limits
In Pennsylvania, underinsured motorist protection (UIM) is a type of coverage under your own insurance policy. This coverage is separate from uninsured motorist protection (UM), although the two are often offered alongside each other. While UM coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver with no auto insurance, UIM coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver whose liability limits don't fully cover the injuries you sustained or don't have enough coverage to pay for the damages.
In Pennsylvania, underinsured motorist protection is not mandatory, but insurance companies are required by law to offer the option to purchase it. The only way an automobile insurance policy may be issued without providing this protection is if the insurance company provides the insured with a specific Waiver Form written by the State of Pennsylvania, and the insured signs and dates that form.
UIM coverage can be crucial in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages to your vehicle. Without it, you could end up paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Even if you file a claim against your own policy, you may have a large collision deductible or insufficient medical payments/personal injury protection to cover the injuries caused to you or your passengers.
In Pennsylvania, there is a minimum limit of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for UIM coverage if you choose to carry it. When selecting your UIM coverage limits, it's important to consider the value of your vehicle and the potential cost of medical bills. It's recommended to add at least enough property damage coverage to replace your vehicle if it's damaged or totaled.
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Uninsured motorist claims can be made for accident-related injuries, medical bills and lost wages
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that can pay for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. It can also cover hit-and-run accidents and accidents caused by a driver whose insurance company denies coverage. This type of insurance is especially important as nearly 13% of drivers countrywide don't have auto insurance, and in some states, this number rises to over 20%.
In Pennsylvania, insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage when issuing an auto insurance policy. This coverage is not mandatory, however, and drivers can choose to reject it in writing on a specific Waiver Form provided by the State of Pennsylvania. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Uninsured motorist claims can be made for accident-related injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Medical costs can add up quickly after a car accident, and uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for these expenses. It can cover medical bills for you and your passengers, as well as lost wages and other damages. This coverage ensures that you and your passengers receive the necessary medical care without having to worry about the financial burden.
Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for pain and suffering and diminished value if your car is worth less after the accident. It is important to note that there may be a deductible for uninsured/underinsured coverage, which is typically lower than the deductible for collision coverage. You can usually purchase additional uninsured/underinsured coverage in increments to ensure you have adequate protection.
In the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to contact the police and file a report. Then, reach out to your insurance carrier to open a claim. It is also advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complex process of filing a claim.
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Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state
Pennsylvania is one of only three states that operates a
Pennsylvania's no-fault system ensures that the insurance pays for the policyholder, passengers, and pedestrians, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. This is also known as personal injury protection (PIP) and covers bodily injury from a car accident. In addition, drivers in Pennsylvania must carry at least $5,000 in medical benefits coverage, which pays for medical expenses incurred by the policyholder and passengers, regardless of fault. It is important to note that no-fault insurance in Pennsylvania does not cover physical damage to vehicles, and separate collision and comprehensive coverage are required for complete vehicle protection.
Under Pennsylvania's choice no-fault system, drivers must choose between limited and full tort coverage when purchasing insurance. Limited tort coverage provides limited rights to sue for non-economic damages, while full tort coverage offers a broader recourse at a higher premium cost. If an accident occurs, the state and the insurance company will honor the driver's pre-existing choice. It is worth noting that Pennsylvania law requires that every automobile insurance policy offer the option to purchase Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM/UIM). This protection allows policyholders to be compensated by their insurance company if they are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
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Frequently asked questions
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance policy in Pennsylvania that covers accident-related injuries, medical bills, and lost wages if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.
The minimum insurance coverage required by law in Pennsylvania is \$15,000 per person and \$30,000 per accident. However, this may not be sufficient to cover even minor injuries, let alone more serious ones.
If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you should first gather all available evidence of liability. You should then contact a law firm, which can help you decide if going to court is in your best interest and assist with the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim.
Yes, you can still make an uninsured motorist claim even if you only have the minimum insurance coverage required by law in Pennsylvania. However, the amount you can claim may be limited, and it may not be enough to cover all your expenses.
