Todd Lasky | March 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state for car insurance. The state requires drivers to have both no-fault insurance and liability insurance coverage. If you do not have the required insurance coverage, you could face fines and other penalties. If you cause an accident as an uninsured driver, you may also face civil penalties for damages.
How Much Is a Ticket for No Insurance in Pennsylvania?
A no-insurance ticket in Pennsylvania can be costly, depending on your circumstances. In addition to a fine, you may also incur other expenses related to a Pennsylvania no-insurance ticket. So, how much does a no-insurance ticket cost?
Pennsylvania law imposes several penalties for driving without insurance, and you may face one or more of the following:
- $300 fine
- Driver’s license suspension for three months
- Suspension of registration
- Fees to reinstate driving privileges
- Fees to reinstate your vehicle registration
In some situations, a person may opt to pay a $500 civil fine instead of having their driver’s license and registration suspended. However, the civil penalty is only available once every 12 months. If you are charged with operating a vehicle without insurance within a year after paying the civil penalty, you will be fined, and your license and registration will be suspended.
Can You Drive Without Insurance in Pennsylvania?
If you choose to drive without insurance in Pennsylvania, you can be charged with operating a vehicle without insurance. You must pay the fine and deal with suspensions. Repeated no-insurance tickets could result in harsher penalties.
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have minimum car insurance. The minimum car insurance amounts are:
- No-fault insurance (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) coverage in the amount of $5,000 per person
- Bodily injury liability insurance in the amount of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability insurance in the amount of $5,000
No-fault insurance pays for medical costs for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident. Liability insurance pays damages to accident victims when you cause an accident.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Because Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, drivers choose between a limited tort and a full tort car insurance policy. The choice of insurance policies can have a significant impact on the amount you receive for a car accident claim.
When you choose limited tort, the damages they can seek from an at-fault driver are limited to economic damages unless you meet the injury threshold. Therefore, you could sue the at-fault driver to recover your lost wages, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. However, you cannot sue for pain and suffering damages unless the accident results in a death, permanent disability, or disfigurement.
When you choose full tort, you do not have restrictions on when you can sue a negligent driver. You can seek compensation for economic damages. However, you can also recover non-economic damages regardless of the severity of your injuries. Therefore, you could receive compensation for emotional distress, physical discomfort, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life.
What Is the Deadline to Sue for a Car Accident in Philadelphia, PA?
There are time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. We refer to these deadlines as the statute of limitations. The Pennsylvania statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits is two years from the accident date.
If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss. The court can dismiss the lawsuit based on the statute of limitations without considering whether you have a valid legal claim.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations could change the filing deadline for a car accident lawsuit. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file a lawsuit.Insurance claims for car accidents can be confusing and frustrating. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
