July 14, 2025 | Car Accident
Yes, Pennsylvania is considered a “no-fault” insurance state when it comes to car accidents. In fact, the state follows a special kind of rule known as “choice no-fault.” This rule can significantly affect how you file a claim after a car accident, as well as the types of damages that may be available to you. Keep reading below to learn more about Pennsylvania’s auto insurance rules.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work?
Most states follow at-fault insurance rules for car accidents. This means that the driver who is responsible for the accident is also liable for the resulting damages. An injured victim may file a claim with that driver’s insurance company or sue the at-fault driver (typically on a negligence claim) for their damages.
In a no-fault system, drivers are required to carry their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance covers expenses resulting from injuries to you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault. After an accident, you would file a claim with your own PIP coverage to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. In a no-fault system, you generally cannot sue the other driver for your damages unless you suffer severe or catastrophic injuries.
Pennsylvania is unique because drivers may choose between the no-fault system and the at-fault system when they purchase auto insurance. You will be given the choice to purchase “full tort” or “limited tort” insurance. If you choose “full tort” coverage, you keep your right to sue the other driver for all of your damages, including both economic and non-economic damages.
However, choosing “limited tort” coverage means that you must follow the no-fault rules and will generally be prohibited from suing the other driver for your pain and suffering damages unless certain injury thresholds are met.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry both liability insurance and PIP coverage. The minimum requirements in the state are:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for property damage
- $5,000 for personal injury protection
Failure to maintain these minimum coverage amounts can result in fines and penalties, and you should always carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
What Does PIP Cover?
If you file a claim with your own PIP coverage after an accident, you can expect it to cover accident-related medical expenses and lost wages. Some examples of medical expenses that may be covered include:
- Emergency treatment
- Ambulance transport
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Surgery
- Diagnostic imaging
Remember that your policy will only cover an amount up to your policy limits. So, if you only chose $5,000 in coverage, the maximum benefit you can receive is $5,000. You can quickly reach this limit after an accident, especially if you suffered serious injuries. Many drivers choose to purchase additional PIP coverage up to $100,000.
It is also important to note that PIP coverage does not pay for pain and suffering or property damage. If another driver was responsible for the accident, you will need to file a claim with their insurance company to cover compensation for car repairs.
Choosing the Right Insurance Coverage
You may be wondering whether you should choose “full tort” or “limited tort” insurance. The answer depends on your specific situation. Premiums associated with full tort coverage will usually be higher, while you may expose yourself to more risk by going with the limited tort option.
When making your choice, consider your overall appetite for risk and your financial situation. You can always seek advice from your insurance agent for more help.
Contact a Honesdale Car Accident Lawyer at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for Legal Help
If you have been in a car accident, you don’t have to let complicated insurance laws prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Call Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with a Honesdale car accident attorney.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Honesdale, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Honesdale
520 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878
