Shopping for auto insurance in Pennsylvania isn't like buying coverage in most other states. You'll face a choice that doesn't exist elsewhere: limited tort versus full tort. It sounds like legal jargon, but this decision will determine whether you can sue for pain and suffering if you're injured in a car accident. Choose wrong, and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table when you need it most.
Pennsylvania is one of just a handful of "choice no-fault" states, giving you flexibility in how your policy works. But with that flexibility comes complexity. Between tort options, first-party benefits, and outdated minimum coverage limits, there's a lot to untangle. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself on Pennsylvania roads without overpaying.
What Pennsylvania Law Requires
Pennsylvania's minimum auto insurance requirements haven't changed in decades, and it shows. You're required to carry $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $5,000 in property damage liability. You'll also need at least $5,000 in medical benefits, known as First Party Benefits or Personal Injury Protection.
Here's the problem: that $5,000 property damage minimum was set when cars were a lot cheaper. Today, even a minor fender bender can easily exceed that limit. Hit a newer SUV or pickup truck, and you could be personally liable for thousands in damages beyond what your insurance covers. Most insurance professionals recommend at least $50,000 in property damage coverage, and preferably $100,000 or more.
The good news? Pennsylvania's requirements aren't changing in 2025, so you don't need to update your policy unless you want better protection. The bad news? Those minimums were inadequate years ago, and they're even more insufficient now.
The Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Decision
This is the big one, and it's unique to Pennsylvania. When you buy auto insurance here, you must choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. It's not about how much insurance you have—it's about what you can do if someone else injures you in an accident.
Full tort gives you complete rights to sue the at-fault driver for both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). If someone runs a red light and injures you, you can seek full compensation for everything you've endured.
Limited tort costs less—typically 10 to 15 percent lower premiums—but there's a catch. If you choose limited tort, you give up your right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet Pennsylvania's "serious injury" threshold. That means death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Anything less, and you're stuck covering your own non-economic losses, even if the accident was completely the other driver's fault.
There are exceptions. Even with limited tort, you can still sue for pain and suffering if the at-fault driver was drunk, uninsured, or driving a vehicle registered out of state. You can also sue if you were on a motorcycle or injured as a pedestrian. But most accidents won't qualify for these exceptions.
Full tort is the default option in Pennsylvania, which tells you something. If you want limited tort, you have to sign a waiver acknowledging that you're giving up legal rights. Most attorneys recommend paying the extra few dollars per month for full tort. The potential savings from limited tort pale in comparison to what you could lose if you're seriously injured and can't prove your injuries meet the legal threshold.
Understanding First Party Benefits (PIP)
Pennsylvania calls it First Party Benefits, but it's the same thing as Personal Injury Protection or PIP in other states. This coverage pays for your medical expenses and certain other costs after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It's part of what makes Pennsylvania a choice no-fault state.
The minimum required coverage is $5,000, but your insurer must offer you the option to purchase up to at least $100,000 in medical expense benefits. You can opt for the minimum by completing a coverage selection form, but think carefully before you do. A single emergency room visit after a moderate accident can easily exceed $5,000, leaving you to cover the rest out of pocket or through your health insurance.
Beyond medical expenses, you can add optional first-party benefits that provide real financial protection. Income loss coverage typically pays 80 percent of your gross income if you can't work after an accident. Funeral expense benefits cover cremation or burial costs. Accidental death benefits pay your beneficiary if you die within 24 months of accident-related injuries. You can even add extraordinary medical benefits that extend coverage up to $1 million for catastrophic injuries.
First Party Benefits cover you, your passengers, and even family members living with you if they're injured as pedestrians or in someone else's vehicle. This broad coverage is one of the advantages of Pennsylvania's system—you don't have to worry about whether the other driver has insurance before you can get your medical bills paid.
What You'll Actually Pay
Auto insurance costs in Pennsylvania track pretty close to the national average. As of 2024-2025, you're looking at around $1,788 per year for full coverage or about $149 per month. If you opt for just the minimum required coverage, expect to pay around $1,092 annually, or roughly $91 per month.
Those are averages, of course. What you actually pay depends on where you live, your age, your driving record, your credit score, and the vehicle you drive. Philadelphia drivers pay significantly more than someone in rural Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old will pay far more than a 40-year-old with a clean record. One speeding ticket or at-fault accident can push your rates up 20 percent or more.
Rates have climbed in recent years. Full coverage that cost around $2,100 in 2024 is now averaging closer to $1,788 according to recent data, though some sources show higher figures. The variation comes down to data sources and how they calculate averages, but the trend is clear: Pennsylvania auto insurance is getting more expensive, just like everywhere else.
Smart Coverage Decisions for Pennsylvania Drivers
Don't settle for minimum coverage just because it's cheaper. Those state minimums are dangerously low for modern vehicles and medical costs. Consider bumping your bodily injury liability to at least $100,000/$300,000 and your property damage to $50,000 or $100,000. Yes, it costs more, but the difference in premium is modest compared to the financial devastation of a serious at-fault accident.
Think hard about the tort choice. Limited tort saves money now, but it could cost you far more if you're injured. Unless you're on an extremely tight budget, full tort is worth the extra cost. You can't predict when an accident will happen or how serious your injuries will be. Keeping your full legal rights makes sense.
Consider raising your First Party Benefits above the $5,000 minimum, especially if you have a high-deductible health insurance plan. Medical costs add up fast after an accident, and PIP pays out quickly without the hassle of coordinating with health insurance or waiting for a liability determination.
Shop around. Pennsylvania insurance rates vary dramatically between companies, and the cheapest insurer for your neighbor might not be the cheapest for you. Get quotes from at least three companies, and don't just compare prices—look at coverage options, customer service ratings, and claims handling reputation.
Getting Started
Pennsylvania auto insurance is more complicated than in most states, but that complexity gives you control over your coverage. The tort choice, the PIP options, and the flexibility in coverage limits mean you can tailor a policy to your needs and budget. Just don't make the mistake of cutting corners to save a few dollars a month. The right coverage protects you when it matters most—when you're injured, facing medical bills, or dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. Take the time to understand your options, ask questions, and choose coverage that actually protects you. Your future self will thank you.
