Erie, PA Auto Insurance
Even though the Atlantic Ocean is hundreds of miles away, Erie residents still have access to beaches and water activities all summer long. But whether you’re driving to work or on the way to soak up sunshine by the water, affordable auto insurance coverage can help protect you and your vehicle on every adventure.
Since 1991, we’ve helped people find the right insurance to match their needs, no matter what their credit or insurance histories look like. If you’re searching for great cheap car insurance in Erie, PA, contact Direct Auto.
Erie, PA Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle they have registered in the state. Pennsylvania auto insurance policies must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits. Wondering what your insurance policy needs to meet coverage requirements in Pennsylvania? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
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Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $15,000 bodily injury per person/$30,000 bodily injury per accident. |
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Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox and more. |
Yes. $5,000 property damage per accident. |
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM) or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage. |
Not required. |
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Medical Benefits Coverage helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Yes. $5,000 per person. |
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Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
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Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Erie, PA Proof of Financial Responsibility & Penalties
Thinking about getting behind the wheel without auto insurance in Pennsylvania? Before you do, consider the serious consequences. If you’re stopped by a police officer and can’t provide proof of coverage, you could be facing the following penalties:
- Minimum $300 fine for driving uninsured
- Three-month vehicle registration suspension
- Three-month driver's license suspension
- Restoration fees to reinstate your vehicle registration
- Restoration fees to reinstate your driver's license
- Vehicle impoundment
Additionally, your vehicle may not be operated by any driver during the registration suspension.
Meanwhile, a lapse in coverage – meaning a period where a registered vehicle does not have the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by state law – could result in a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration.
You may be able to avoid this if the lapse was 30 days or fewer, and you can prove to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that the vehicle was not operated during that time. If you do not provide the insurance and statement:
- Your license may be suspended for three months.
- You will have to surrender your vehicle's license plate, registration sticker, and driver's license.
- You must pay any necessary restoration fees and provide proof of insurance to restore your driving and registration privileges.
However, you have the option to pay a $500 civil penalty in lieu of serving a registration suspension. Paying this penalty, paying a restoration fee and providing proof of insurance will allow you to maintain your vehicle registration without having to serve the three-month registration suspension. You may opt for the civil penalty only one time in a 12-month period.
The best plan is to purchase coverage that meets all of the Keystone State’s requirements, carry proof of coverage at all times and make sure you avoid any lapses.
Pennsylvania Regional Auto Insurance
Depending on where you live, you might have specific wishes and “must-haves” in mind for your car insurance policy. After all, someone who lives and drives in downtown Philadelphia might want more coverage than someone who lives in a quiet town in central Pennsylvania. But no matter what city you call home in Pennsylvania, we’re here to help you get covered.
Allentown, PA, Auto Insurance
Philadelphia, PA, Auto Insurance
Pittsburgh, PA, Auto Insurance
Reading, PA, Auto Insurance
Other Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Resources
Get Covered with Direct Auto Insurance!
Looking for cheap car insurance in Erie? Get a free car insurance quote for a policy that meets your state’s requirements, fits your needs and includes any discounts you’re entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible.