Auto & Motorcycle Insurance

Drivers must purchase and maintain auto insurance to legally drive in Pennsylvania. This is called maintaining “financial responsibility” on your vehicles. A lapse in insurance coverage may result in the suspension of your vehicle registration. Operating a vehicle without the required insurance may result in a fine, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the forfeiture of your license plate and registration sticker. Restoration fees and proof of insurance must be provided prior to having either registration or driving privileges returned. Insurers are required to report policy terminations to PennDOT. Drivers are responsible for providing proof of continuous coverage.

• Medical Benefits: This coverage pays the medical bills for you and others who are covered by your policy. The minimum limit is $5,000. Higher limits are also available. 
• Bodily Injury Liability: If you injure someone in an auto accident, this coverage pays damages for which you are liable, such as medical and rehabilitation expenses. The minimum limit is $15,000/$30,000. The $15,000 pays for injuries to one person, while the $30,000 represents the total available for one accident. Higher limits are also available.
• Property Damage Liability: If you damage someone’s property (such as his or her car) in an accident and you are at fault, this coverage pays for repairs to that property. The minimum limit is $5,000. Higher limits are also available. Some companies offer a combined single limit of $35,000 which meets the bodily injury liability and property damage liability minimum requirements.

Pennsylvania law requires a premium reduction of at least 5% for each vehicle on a private passenger automobile policy under which all named policyholders are 55 years of age or older if they have successfully completed a driver improvement course that meets the standards set by PennDOT.

View PennDOT's Approved Mature Driver Improvement Courses

Like driving a car, if you drive a motorcycle on public roads in Pennsylvania you must have insurance.  The motorcycle insurance market is competitive in Pennsylvania, with many insurers offering this coverage.

Many insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists who have completed safety courses, have memberships in certain associations, or have safe driving records.  Anti-lock braking systems help maintain control during sudden stops, and some insurers offer discounts for motorcycles with factory-installed anti-lock braking systems.  Insurers often also offer discounts for “bundling”, or buying multiple policies, such as car or motorcycle insurance and homeowner’s coverage, from one company.  Consumers should discuss whether any of these discounts are available from their insurer.