Understanding Car Insurance
When it comes to car insurance, some individuals may think they don’t need it. However, the fact is, Pennsylvania Law requires that you have auto insurance. But that is not the only reason why you need insurance. Paying for car insurance will help you rest easy when you drive. In the event that something happens, your coverage is there to help pay for fixing your car, help pay for a rental if you’re in an accident, and, among other things, give you the security to know that someone has your back.
Every state is different in what the requirements are, but let’s focus on Pennsylvania’s.
Bodily Injury Liability – PA requires a $15,000 limit per person and a $30,000 limit per accident.
This liability helps to cover any expenses that are related to an injury or death of another individual when the accident is your fault.
Property Damage Liability – PA requires a $5,000 limit.
Property Damage Liability covers exactly as it states. When the accident is your fault, this helps to cover the damage done to another individual’s property. The property could be a vehicle, house, or building.
Medical Benefits – PA required a $5,000 limit.
This helps cover any medical or funeral expenses if you or your passengers are hurt in an accident.
The following options are not required in Pennsylvania, but sometimes your lender may require them if you are leasing a vehicle or financing a vehicle. Discuss with your lender what they require before you purchase your insurance plan on your next vehicle.
Collision
While this isn’t required to have through state law, collision insurance is something to consider whether or not a lender is involved. The reason for this is because it will help cover the repairs or replacement of your vehicle if damaged in an accident.
Comprehensive
Again, just like collision, comprehensive is something you should consider adding to your auto insurance plan. Comprehensive, or “Other than Collision,” helps cover the expenses to repair or replace your vehicle in the event it is stolen, damaged by storms, or vandalized.
These last few are just additional add-ons you can include but aren’t required to have.
Uninsured Motorist
This helps to cover your medical expenses if an accident you are in isn’t your fault, but the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
Underinsured Motorist
Just like the coverage above, the only difference with this is it covers you if the driver at fault doesn’t have enough liability insurance.
Should you find yourself in need of auto insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Many of these coverages are the minimum required by the state but still may not be enough. Here, at WestSide Insurance, we work with many individuals and families find the right auto insurance that fits their needs and budget.
