In November we are answering the most common questions we hear about car insurance. Be sure to check out part 2 later this month. Contact Aversa & Linn with questions about car insurance or assistance in evaluating your claim.
What is car insurance?
Car insurance is a contract that provides financial protection in the event of an accident or other vehicle-related damage. Depending on the type of policy you choose, it may pay for the cost of repairs, medical expenses for yourself and others hurt in the accident, and other damages that occurred as a result of an accident.
What are some of the different types of car insurance coverages?
There are four main types of car insurance coverage: liability, collision, comprehensive, and first party coverages.
Liability insurance covers damage to other people or property in an accident that is caused by the policyholder. It does not cover the policyholder’s own damages.
Collision insurance covers damage to the policyholder’s vehicle in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to the policyholder’s vehicle that is caused by something other than a collision, like theft, weather, or hitting an animal with your car.
First party coverage covers your medical expenses and can also cover you in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the full extent of the damages.
What does Full Tort and Limited Tort mean?
When purchasing auto insurance in Pennsylvania you have a choice: you can select the Limited Tort option or the Full Tort option. Choosing the Limited Tort option results in a cheaper premium, but it may prevent you from recovering any money after a car accident, even if you are injured. Your choice of coverage impacts you, as well as any family members residing in your household.
Who needs car insurance?
In most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, all drivers are required to have car insurance. If you finance your vehicle, your lender may also require you to have certain car insurance coverages. The purpose of car insurance is to protect you financially in the event of an accident or other vehicle-related damage, by paying for medical expenses, repairs, and other damages related to the accident.
Is car insurance required in Pennsylvania?
Yes, all drivers in Pennsylvania are required to have car insurance. Drivers who do not have car insurance may be subject to fines and other penalties.
What is the minimum amount of car insurance required in Pennsylvania?
The minimum amount of car insurance required in Pennsylvania is $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $5,000 for property damage liability per accident.
How much car insurance do I need?
The amount of car insurance you need depends on a number of factors, including the laws in your state and the type of vehicle you drive. In Pennsylvania, the minimum amount will not cover a serious injury. The minimums were set in the 1970s, and have not been adjusted for increased cost of living. They are grossly inadequate to compensate people for harms they suffer in car accidents.
Although collision, comprehensive, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage are not required in Pennsylvania we recommend having the most coverage that you can afford. The less coverage that you have, the more likely you are to be in a situation where you are harmed and your losses are not covered. The attorneys at Aversa & Linn can answer questions you have about coverage, or you can talk to your insurance agent.
What is the penalty for driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania?
The penalty for driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania is a fine of up to $300 and a suspension of your driver’s license for up to 90 days.
What is a car insurance deductible?
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money that the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will pay for any covered damages. For example, if a policyholder has a $500 deductible and they incur $1,000 in covered damages in an accident, they will have to pay the first $500 and the insurance company will pay the remaining $500.
Do I need car insurance if I don’t own a car?
If you don’t own a car but regularly drive someone else’s vehicle, you may still need car insurance. In most cases, your friend or family member’s insurance will cover you in the event of an accident. However, it’s always a good idea to check with their insurer to be sure.
What happens if I don’t have car insurance?
If you are caught driving without car insurance, you may face a number of penalties, including a fine, suspension of your license, and even jail time. In some states, you may also be required to purchase insurance before you can reinstate your license. The penalty for driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania is a fine of up to $300 and a suspension of your driver’s license for up to 90 days. It can also impact your ability to make a claim even if you are not at fault for the accident.
Can I get car insurance if I have a bad driving record?
If you have a bad driving record, you may still be able to get car insurance, but it will likely be more expensive than it would be for someone with a clean record. You may also be required to purchase additional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive.
Can I get car insurance if I have a DUI?
If you have a DUI on your record, you may still be able to get car insurance, but it will likely be more expensive than it would be for someone without a DUI. You may also be required to purchase additional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive.
Can I get car insurance if I have bad credit?
If you have bad credit, you may still be able to get car insurance, but it will likely be more expensive than it would be for someone with good credit. You may also be required to purchase additional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive.
Contact Aversa & Linn with questions about car insurance or assistance in evaluating your claim.
