June 3, 2025 | Car Accident
If you live and drive in Pennsylvania, you may have heard people talk about the state’s “no-fault” insurance rules. Knowing what this means can help you understand what to expect if you’re involved in a car accident. Pennsylvania is actually known as a “choice no-fault” state because it mixes elements from both fault and no-fault systems.
Below, we’ll break down exactly what Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault insurance system means for drivers and accident victims.
The Difference Between No-Fault and Fault Systems
In a traditional no-fault state, your insurance covers your medical bills and other expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it. You do not need to prove that another driver was at fault to get compensation from your own insurer. The idea behind no-fault insurance is to reduce the number of lawsuits after accidents and make sure injured drivers get compensation faster.
In contrast, a fault-based state means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying all the resulting damages. Injured drivers can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or sue that driver personally.
Pennsylvania combines these two approaches by allowing drivers to choose the type of insurance coverage they prefer.
Pennsylvania’s Hybrid Insurance System Explained
When you buy car insurance in Pennsylvania, you must choose between two options: limited tort coverage or full tort coverage. Each choice affects your legal rights after an accident.
Limited Tort Coverage
Limited tort insurance usually costs less, but it significantly restricts your rights to sue another driver after an accident. If you choose limited tort, your own insurance company pays for at least some of your medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs regardless of fault.
However, you generally cannot sue the other driver for full economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, unless your injuries are severe enough to meet Pennsylvania’s strict standards or if another exception applies. Contact an attorney for a free consultation to see if you qualify.
Full Tort Coverage
Full tort coverage is more expensive but gives you much broader legal rights after an accident. With full tort coverage, you can always sue the other driver for pain and suffering, no matter how minor or severe your injuries are. This option provides greater legal protection and flexibility if you’re hurt.
Although premiums are higher, full tort coverage can be especially valuable if you’re seriously injured and need compensation beyond medical bills and lost income.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law requires every driver to carry at least a basic level of auto insurance. These mandatory minimums ensure everyone has some financial protection after a crash:
- Medical benefits coverage of at least $5,000 per accident
- Bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage of at least $5,000 per accident
Many drivers choose to buy additional insurance beyond these minimums to better protect themselves financially.
Can I Still Sue After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Your ability to file a lawsuit against the other driver depends mostly on the type of insurance you chose.
With limited tort coverage, you can only sue for pain and suffering if your injuries meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury definition or if a different exception applies (which there are many, so don’t lose hope). If they don’t, you typically must rely on your own insurance for coverage.
Full tort coverage allows you to sue the other driver after any accident, no matter how severe your injuries are. You can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Contact the Scranton Car Accident Lawyers of Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for Help Today
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
