Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Laws
Auto Insurance Laws and Trends in PA
Most states in the country use either the tort or no-fault system of insurance to determine the payout of claims. Pennsylvania is one of the few that has implemented a mixed system. They do abide by tort rules, but also offer motorists a second option.
Pennsylvania's unique mixed auto insurance system
- Full Tort: This is the traditional tort system. Whoever is deemed to be at fault for an accident must pay all injuries and property damage expenses incurred. Drivers can choose to sue the responsible party to recover any expenses paid out of pocket , as well as for pain and suffering.
- Limited Tort: With this system, the at -fault party is still held responsible for an accident, but there is a limit on what an injured party can sue for. They cannot sue for pain and suffering – only for injuries that are over and above their medical limits.
Other optional insurance includes coverage for physical damage. Collision covers damages sustained in a collision or upset. Comprehensive will cover any physical damages that are caused by anything other than collision or upset. This includes fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm and hail, and animal collision.
Facts about auto accidents in Pennsylvania
Animal collision is the biggest cause of vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania. Every year, thousands of people are injured and killed because of a collision with a deer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, the rate of vehicle-deer collisions increases about 6% every year. This is especially common in Pennsylvania in the fall and winter months.
Teen drivers in Pennsylvania
Another cause of collisions is inexperienced teenagers behind the wheel. The number of teen drivers has actually decreased by about 50% since Pennsylvania put their Graduated License Program into effect in 1999. This was implemented to help keep reckless teenagers off the road, and it seems to be working. Teenagers are driving more responsibly due to the stricter rules and regulations.