Pennsylvania minimum auto insurance: what 15/30/5 really means
Pennsylvania sets minimum amounts of auto insurance every registered vehicle must carry. Meeting the minimum keeps you legal. It does not necessarily keep you protected.
The required coverages
| Coverage | PA minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident |
| First-party medical benefits | $5,000 |
Figures per the PA Insurance Department and 75 Pa.C.S. Chapter 17. Verify current requirements before relying on them.
What happens if a claim is bigger than your limits
Liability coverage pays for injuries and damage you cause to others, up to your limits. If a claim exceeds your limits, you may be personally responsible for the difference. Consider what a modern vehicle or a hospital stay could cost compared with a $5,000 property damage limit or a $15,000 per-person limit.
What the minimum doesn't include
- Damage to your own car (collision and comprehensive)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you rejected it (more)
- Rental reimbursement or towing, unless added
Frequently asked questions
Is the minimum enough?
It depends on your situation. The minimum satisfies the law; whether it protects your assets is a separate question worth reviewing.
What does 15/30/5 mean?
$15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 property damage liability.
Sources
- PA Insurance Department
- 75 Pa.C.S. Chapter 17 (Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law)
- Insurance Information Institute (III)
- NAIC consumer resources
General information only, not advice about any specific policy. Your policy wording controls. Last reviewed November 2026. [Verify each figure and source link before launch.]