Question:  What is "Full Tort" and "Limited Tort"? 
Answer:     This is a very important choice you must make for yourself and family members.   Limited Tort restricts your rights to bring suite or recover non-monetary damages caused by a negligent party for pain and suffering unless the injuries are defined as serious.  This decision should be discussed with your agent because your decision could have significant consequences.   

Question:  What happens if my insurance policy lapses or I cancel my coverage?   
Answer:     You must return you license plates and registration to Harrisburg immediately.

Financial Responsibility (for most of us, this means an automobile insurance policy) must be maintained at all times for all valid vehicle registrations.  A lapse in insurance coverage could result in the suspension of vehicle registration privileges for 90 days,  unless the lapse was for a period of less than 21 days and the owner or registrant proves to the Department of Transportation that the vehicle was not operational during this short lapse in coverage.  If the Department determines that you operated or permitted the operation of your vehicle without the required insurance, your drivers license will also be suspended for 90 days.   To serve the suspension, the registration plate and card and the drivers license must be surrendered to Penn DOT.  In addition, a $50 restoration fee and proof of insurance must be submitted prior to having these privileges returned. 

Insurance companies are required to notify Penn DOT when a policy is cancelled by the insured or the insurer.  A suspension may be avoided by the return of the registration plate and card to Penn DOT at the time the insurance policy is cancelled.  To surrender the plate and registration card, mail them to: 
                         Pa Department of Transportation
                         Bureau of Driver Licensing
                         P O Box 8687
                         Harrisburg, PA  17105
It is recommended that they be sent with with a return receipt as proof  that the plates were returned.  Please, be advised that none of the following reasons are acceptable for not maintaining vehicle insurance when a valid registration exits:
                          Mechanical breakdown
                          Parked and not being driven
                          No current state inspection
                          License plates were removed from the vehicle 

Question:  What other coverage do I need to purchase?
Answer:     This depends upon many different factors.  For example, if your car is financed or leased, your lender will require you to purchase comprehensive and collision protection.  Many incorrectly refer to this as "full coverage" for your automobile.  This is unfortunate because it may protect the financial institution completely, but NOT necessarily the policyholder.  There are several additional coverage's available that may or may not be appropriate for your needs.  You should discuss each of them with your insurance representative to determine if you need them. 

A more detailed explanation of automobile coverage and additional information may be found by visiting the Insurance Department web page.  Once you are there, click on "Consumer Information" and then the  "Insurance Co Information" section.  You may go there now by double clicking  here:  Pa. Insurance Department.  

Additional "optional" coverage is available with some insurance companies.  Please inquire with the Gorczyca Insurance Agency for availability and further explanations.