The Pennsylvania legislature has taken its summer recess again failing to address the critical issue of increasing the automobile insurance minimum coverage levels. This failure means that again this summer the citizens of Pennsylvania will be in danger of being injured by an at-fault driver of a vehicle who only has the minimum coverage of $15,000. This low amount means that an innocent victim of a negligent driver can be financially ruined by an accident. The states that adjoin our county, Maryland and West Virginia, both have higher minimum insurance requirements. The present amount in our state has been the same since 1984. One wonders if our legislators would be satisfied receiving pay and benefits at the 1984 levels.
On a related issue, the United States Congress has proven to be no more concerned for the welfare of their constituents than the Pennsylvania Legislature. The minimum amount of insurance for interstate tractor-trailers remains at $750,000, the same amount it has been since Jimmy Carter was president. A study by a trucking industry group has shown that in more than 40% of accidents involving tractor-trailers, the losses exceed $750,000. We urge everyone to contact their state and federal representatives to demand action to protect citizens while operating their vehicles on our public highways. These failures to act have gone on far too long. In the meantime, we strongly recommend that the maximum amount of underinsurance coverage be purchased by all of our clients. This coverage is critical and relatively inexpensive. You have the right to buy such coverage in an amount that is equal to the liability limit on your insurance policy. Demand this right and NEVER accept less coverage.Please feel free to call our office for a no-cost phone consultation to discuss your rights and options when purchasing automobile insurance.
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