Auto Insurance in Pittsburgh: Everything You Need to Know

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Auto insurance is one of the most important things you can have as a driver. Not only does it protect you financially in case of an accident, but it’s also required by law in Pennsylvania. If you’re looking to get auto insurance in Pittsburgh, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover everything from what auto insurance covers to how to find the best rates.

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What is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and in exchange, the insurance company agrees to pay for certain expenses in case of an accident. Auto insurance can cover expenses like medical bills, damage to your car, and damage to other people’s property.

There are several types of auto insurance, including:

Type of Auto Insurance
What it Covers
Liability
Covers damage you cause to other people’s property and injuries they sustain in an accident that you caused
Collision
Covers damage to your car in case of a collision with another car or object
Comprehensive
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events, like theft, vandalism, or weather damage
Personal Injury Protection
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of an accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Covers expenses in case of an accident caused by someone with inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance at all

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the most basic type of auto insurance required by law in Pennsylvania. It covers damage you cause to other people’s property and injuries they sustain in an accident that you caused. Liability insurance is important because it protects you from financial ruin in case of an accident.

In Pennsylvania, the minimum liability insurance requirements are:

Type of Coverage
Minimum Amount Required
Bodily Injury Liability
$15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
$5,000 per accident

It’s important to note that these are just the minimum requirements. In most cases, it’s a good idea to get more coverage than the minimum to protect yourself financially.

Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Collision insurance covers damage to your car in case of a collision with another car or object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from non-collision events, like theft, vandalism, or weather damage. Collision and comprehensive insurance are optional, but they can be helpful in case of an accident.

When choosing collision and comprehensive insurance, you’ll need to decide on a deductible. A deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible usually means lower premiums, but it also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of an accident. PIP is optional in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to get it if you don’t have health insurance or if your health insurance doesn’t cover car accident injuries.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM) covers expenses in case of an accident caused by someone with inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance at all. UM/UIM is optional in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to get it to protect yourself in case of an accident.

How to Find the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Pittsburgh

Now that you know the basics of auto insurance, it’s time to start shopping around for the best rates. Here are a few tips:

1. Compare Rates from Multiple Companies

Insurance rates can vary widely from company to company, so it’s important to compare rates from multiple companies before making a decision. You can get quotes online or by calling insurance companies directly.

2. Consider Bundling Policies

If you have other insurance policies, like home or renters insurance, you may be able to get a discount by bundling them with your auto insurance.

3. Ask About Discounts

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts, like safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and good student discounts. Ask about any discounts that may apply to you.

4. Review Your Coverage Needs

Make sure you’re not paying for more coverage than you need. Review your coverage needs and adjust your policy accordingly.

FAQ

What is the minimum auto insurance required in Pennsylvania?

The minimum auto insurance required in Pennsylvania is liability insurance with limits of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 per accident for property damage.

Do I need collision and comprehensive insurance?

Collision and comprehensive insurance are optional, but they can be helpful in case of an accident. Consider your own financial situation and the value of your car when deciding whether or not to get collision and comprehensive insurance.

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible usually means lower premiums, but it also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.

What discounts are available for auto insurance?

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts, like safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and good student discounts. Ask about any discounts that may apply to you.

Conclusion

Getting auto insurance in Pittsburgh is an important step to protecting yourself financially in case of an accident. Consider your coverage needs, compare rates from multiple companies, and ask about discounts to find the best policy for you.

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