Understanding Car Insurance

The MVFRL requires an insured to carry at least $15,000 limit for bodily injury to one person in any one accident, and $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons in any one accident.  What that means is that the minimum car insurance coverage you may purchase in Pennsylvania to be legal is $15,000/$30,000 policy.

The language of the MVFRL has been interpretted and modified since the initial passage of the Statute. This blog will be a running list of those changes and how they may affect an insured.  One such change held by the court is that "guiding or directing a vehicle that is being operated by another is not 'maintenance or use of a motor vehicle.'" Bleser v. Rockwook Ins. Co., Pa.Super. 791 A.2d 1216 (2002). Therefore there was no coverage pursuant to the car policy.

The courts have also assisted in the definition of "injury". The Pennslvania Suprior Court held that "injury" as defined by the MVFRL does not include mental injury which is not the result of bodily injury. Zerr v. Erie, Pa.Super., 667 A.2d 237 (1995).  As a result, mental or emotional distress from witnessing injury to a family member does not itself qualify as  an "injury." Jackson v. Travelers Ins. Co., Pa.Super. 606 A.2d 1384 (1992).  

However, if a policy chooses to provide broader coverage and does not include a prerequisite such as "accidentally sustained bodily harm", then treatment for such mental and emotional distress is covered. Glickman v. Progressive, Pa.Super. 917 A.2d 872 (2007).

Hope you enjoy the information, more to come!

Gladys Wiles