Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Pennsylvania in 2025
Pennsylvania law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75, Chapters 17 and 18, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75, Chapters 17 and 18 establish the Financial Responsibility Law, which requires all motor vehicles registered in Pennsylvania to maintain liability insurance or other acceptable proof of financial responsibility at all times. Under 75 Pa.C.S. Section 1786, no person shall operate or permit the operation of a motor vehicle registered in Pennsylvania unless financial responsibility has been established for such vehicle.
Operating a vehicle without the required liability insurance may result in suspension of vehicle registration, suspension of the driver's license, fines, and restoration fees. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: (717) 412-5300
Official Website: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75, Section 1731 establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Pennsylvania requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $15,000 |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $30,000 total |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 |
| Medical benefits per person | $5,000 |
Pennsylvania requires First Party Benefits coverage, which includes medical benefits of at least $5,000 per person. The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance and first-party benefits. Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond of $35,000 filed with PennDOT, a certificate of deposit of $35,000 with the State Treasurer, or qualification as a self-insurer approved by the Department of Transportation.
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: (877) 881-6388
Official Website: Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Proof of Insurance Documents
Pennsylvania requires vehicle operators to carry proof of financial responsibility at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration and maintain proof while driving. The following formats are accepted:
- An insurance identification card provided by an insurance company or self-insured entity, with certificates issued by the Department of Transportation to authorized self-insureds who may then produce insurance identification cards
- The policy declarations page or a duplicate copy of the insurance policy
- A duplicate of a current insurance binder containing all required identification card information except the policy number, bearing the signature of a licensed insurance agent or broker
- A duplicate of a Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan insurance application containing all required identification card information except the policy number, and is signed by a licensed producer (insurance agent)
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other electronic device
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Pennsylvania law :
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth
- Motor vehicles owned by municipalities when operated by municipal employees in the performance of official duties
- Motor vehicles covered by a certificate of self-insurance issued by the Department of Transportation
- Implements of husbandry or special mobile equipment as defined in Pennsylvania law
- Motor vehicles owned by common carriers or contract carriers that have obtained certificates of public convenience from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and maintain required insurance
- Antique or classic motor vehicles that are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, or similar events and are not used for general transportation
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Pennsylvania or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance identification card must show the vehicle identification number, policy number, coverage effective dates, and confirmation that coverage meets Pennsylvania minimum requirements including first party benefits.
Pennsylvania residents who establish residency must register their vehicles within 60 days of becoming a resident. New residents must obtain Pennsylvania insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements before completing vehicle registration. A person who maintains a place of abode in Pennsylvania for 30 or more consecutive days or accepts gainful employment in the state is considered a resident for registration purposes.
Pennsylvania motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the PennDOT website, by mail, or in person at PennDOT Driver License Centers or authorized messenger services. The Department of Transportation monitors all registered vehicles to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements. Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses will have their vehicle registration suspended.
PennDOT will send a notice of insurance cancellation requiring the vehicle owner to return the registration plate to PennDOT within 30 days. To restore registration privileges after suspension, vehicle owners must obtain valid insurance coverage, submit proof to PennDOT, and pay a restoration fee of $500 for the first offense. The restoration fee increases to $1,000 for a second offense within three years and $2,000 for subsequent offenses within three years.
