Insurance Review in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's insurance is shaped by its choice no-fault auto system and winter weather. The limited-tort vs full-tort decision is the most important — and most misunderstood — choice PA drivers make. Here is what to review.
Auto insurance in Pennsylvania: limited tort vs full tort
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. When you buy auto insurance you choose between limited tort (lower premium, but you generally give up the right to sue for pain and suffering) and full tort (higher premium, full right to sue). Many drivers pick limited tort to save money without realizing what they give up.
Because limited tort restricts your rights, strong uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage becomes even more important — it protects you when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. PA's minimum liability is 15/30/5 (confirm current limits with your agent), which is far too low; carry at least 100/300/100.
Home insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania homes face winter storms, older housing stock, and river flooding. Insure for full rebuild cost (older homes often need ordinance or law coverage for code upgrades), and add water backup coverage for basement and sump failures.
Flooding from rivers, heavy rain, and snowmelt is excluded from standard home insurance and requires a separate flood policy — important across much of PA.
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Umbrella coverage in Pennsylvania
An umbrella policy adds liability on top of your auto and home limits. Given PA's dense traffic and older homes, a $1 million umbrella is an inexpensive safeguard for most homeowners.
Smart coverage moves for Pennsylvania
- ◆Seriously weigh full tort — the savings from limited tort are small compared to the rights you give up.
- ◆Carry high uninsured/underinsured motorist limits, especially on limited tort.
- ◆Add water backup and ordinance or law coverage for older homes.
- ◆Ask about flood insurance if you live near a river or low-lying area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Limited tort vs full tort in Pennsylvania — which should I choose?
Full tort preserves your right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident; limited tort is cheaper but restricts that right. Many drivers choose full tort because the added cost is modest compared to the protection. Either way, carry strong uninsured motorist coverage.
What is the minimum auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
PA currently requires 15/30/5 liability plus PIP (confirm current limits with your agent). Those minimums are far too low — carry at least 100/300/100 and strong uninsured motorist coverage.
Does home insurance cover flooding in Pennsylvania?
No. River, snowmelt, and heavy-rain flooding is excluded and needs a separate flood policy, which matters across much of PA.
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