Getting into a motor vehicle accident is not fun. Even if there are no injuries, it takes time to exchange insurance information with the other driver and repair damage to the vehicle.
Being in an accident with someone who does not have insurance complicates things even more. That is why it is important to have uninsured motorist insurance if the at-fault party is unable to cover damages.
Minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
Having some type of auto insurance is a requirement for driving a car. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, drivers in the state must carry a minimum of three types of coverage. One is property damage liability, which pays for damage to another vehicle or property. Drivers must have at least a $5,000 limit of coverage.
Another requirement is bodily injury liability. This covers expenses related to medical and rehabilitation care for injuries. The minimum limit is $15,000 for one person and $30,000 for more than one injured person.
The third insurance requirement is medical benefits, which pays the driver’s medical bills, no matter who is at-fault. The minimum required amount is $5,000.
Benefits of uninsured coverage
Although the state mandates minimum coverage, some drivers operate vehicles without carrying any insurance. Others may carry the minimum requirements, which may not be adequate to pay for all expenses. Forbes discusses that uninsured motorist coverage helps in the event the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage. Uninsured and underinsured coverage provides payment to cover injuries and property damage for the driver and passengers.
This coverage helps pay for
- Car damage repairs
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Funeral expenses
Without this type of coverage, the driver must either sue the at-fault party or pay for expenses out of pocket.