If you have the bare minimum car insurance required in the state of Pennsylvania, you may not be fully protected in the event of an accident. Many individuals prioritize bottom-line price over the features associated with car insurance coverage, but this can end up costing you in the event of a Philadelphia car accident.
At a bare minimum, you should immediately consider switching your insurance from limited tort to full tort. The best way to evaluate this is to think of it as having a limited right to recover versus the full right to recover compensation after an auto accident.
The car insurance coverage you select in Pennsylvania can significantly impact your ability to sue a person who injured you in an accident. It is a good idea to evaluate your car insurance coverage on an annual basis and you should also think about getting the highest level of protection that you can afford for the following coverages:
- Liability to help you in the event that fault for the accident is a concern
- Comprehensive coverage for broader protection
- Underinsured motorist coverage for events in which the other driver does not have appropriate coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage to protect you if the other driver does not have car insurance
- Towing to help with the costs associated with having to tow your car away from the accident
- Gap insurance for when there’s a difference between the vehicle’s actual cash value and the amount still being financed
- Funeral expenses for situations in which someone is killed in the accident
- Lost wages if your injuries are so severe that you cannot return to work
- Catastrophic medical for critical injuries suffered at the scene of the accident
It’s also a good idea as a driver in the state of Pennsylvania to get an umbrella policy. You are likely to be surprised at how affordable this coverage can be. You can see how the term full coverage is actually quite deceptive since you may have needs above and beyond what a “full coverage” policy offers.
Think of your car insurance in this way: if you were unable to work for weeks or months or even years after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, how would you be able to cover your expenses like utilities, credit card expenses, medical bills, mortgage, food, gas, car insurance, college expenses for your children, and other responsibilities.
If you have a minimum policy in Pennsylvania, you are benefitting from its cheap nature to get $15,000/$30,000 coverage, but you are also putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. It is far better to get the most coverage that you can possibly afford.
Having one million dollars in coverage for each category is not too much. If it is possible for you to get even more, it is strongly recommended. If you have already been injured in an accident in Pennsylvania, you need to consult with an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney. Finding the right attorney to help you can be a significant benefit to you.