Although you want to find affordable car insurance in central PA, you need to make sure to purchase the right type of insurance for your needs to avoid ending up with too little or even too much coverage.
Confidently decide between affordable auto insurance options with a better understanding of how car insurance works.
What Affects Car Insurance Rates?
All car insurance rates are based on historical information regarding driver age and type, driver record, vehicle type, regional accident occurrences and other facts. The rates also take state requirements into consideration. If you move from another state that has different requirements, you may experience a rate change.
Drivers in Pennsylvania must maintain a baseline amount of:
- $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in liability insurance
- $5,000 in property damage liability
- $5,000 in medical expense protection
Keep in mind that state minimums rarely provide enough protection in most situations, from minor fender benders to serious accidents. Selecting the bare minimum might save a few dollars now, but it exposes your personal assets to significant financial risk later. Talk to your trusted insurance agency and explore the benefits of having adequate liability protection before finalizing your limits.
Why Would Car Insurance Rates Differ in Central PA?
Car insurance rates vary by state and locality, with some areas offering lower premiums than others. Factors like an area’s population density, claims frequency and average commute can affect premiums, often making coverage more affordable in rural and suburban communities. Within central PA, car insurance rates can fluctuate between counties and towns, with major cities being more expensive than less densely populated areas.
What Are Auto Insurance Rules Specific to PA?
Pennsylvania follows a “choice no-fault” system, where your policy’s first-party benefit covers initial medical expenses up to your policy limit, regardless of who caused the accident. Once that limit has been exhausted, the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage typically pays for the remaining medical and rehab costs.
When selecting a policy, you must choose between two tort options that determine your right to sue:
- Limited tort: Offers lower premiums while retaining your right to recover out-of-pocket medical bills, but generally restricts you from suing for pain and suffering unless you sustain a serious injury.
- Full tort: Requires higher premiums but preserves your full right to sue for damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity.
You should also protect yourself against drivers with insufficient insurance. While the at-fault driver is responsible for damages beyond your first-party benefits, such as lost wages and property damage, they may lack the funds to pay. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help you recover damages when the at-fault driver cannot.
Are There More Ways to Lower Premiums and Rates?
You may be able to lower your premiums and rates to make your auto insurance more cost-effective:
- Opt for a higher deductible, knowing a lower monthly premium means higher out-of-pocket costs after an accident.
- Pay your entire annual premium at once rather than in monthly installments.
- Maintain a clean driving record and a strong credit score.
- Consider enrolling in a program that uses telematics to monitor driving behaviors and offers discounts for safe drivers.
- Shop for new insurance quotes every six months to a year, or when your lifestyle changes.
- Bundle your car insurance with other policies.
Where Can You Buy Auto Insurance in PA?
You can find affordable auto insurance in central PA through an agent like AAdvantage Insurance Group. Working with a local insurance agency can help you get the best product, as well as find out about ways to bundle other types of insurance you need to get deeper discounts on car insurance. Contact us to learn more about buying car insurance.
