Pennsylvania Insurance Department Reminds Consumers to Annually Review Auto Insurance Needs

Latest Quarterly Newsletter Discusses Options Relating to Auto Insurance

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department today reminded consumers to annually review their auto insurance needs, highlighting recent studies suggesting that up to one-third of all drivers have not reviewed or updated their auto insurance in the past year.

"While most motorists realize they need to keep their vehicle in good operating condition, many drivers fail to understand the importance of maintaining appropriate insurance coverage - especially for their own financial security," Insurance Commissioner Diane Koken said.

Koken said when examining their insurance needs, consumers should consider such factors as the age of the vehicle, whether comprehensive coverage is needed, the level of their deductible, the availability of discounts and other factors that may change over time.

In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry medical benefits, bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Optional coverages - including comprehensive, collision, uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage and the choice of full or limited tort - help a consumer customize their insurance policy and tailor it to their specific needs.

All consumers should keep in mind these factors when evaluating their auto insurance needs:

  -- Shop around and compare rates from different insurance companies.
  -- In some cases, an insurance company may offer a multi-policy discount
     if a consumer purchases both auto and homeowners coverage.
  -- Ask about discounts for cars that are equipped with safety features,
     such as anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices and automatic seat belts.
  -- If you have a teenage driver on your auto policy, ask about discounts
     for good students and young driver safety programs.

The latest edition of Consumer News You Can Use, the quarterly newsletter from the department's Office of Consumer Liaison, highlights auto insurance. In addition, the department produces a free brochure titled, "A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance." The guide compares rates for the top 20 private passenger auto carriers by region, making it simple for consumers to compare prices. Both publications are available through the Insurance Department's Web site, http://www.insurance.state.pa.us/.

Consumers with questions may contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's automated consumer hotline at 1-877-881-6388, or call any of the Bureau of Consumer Services' regional offices: Harrisburg - (717) 787-2317; Philadelphia - (215) 560-2630; or Pittsburgh - (412) 565-5020.

(717) 787-3289