Pennsylvania State Representative Jeff Olsommer (R-Pike & Wayne) recently introduced House Bill 1666, legislation that would raise the minimum property damage coverage required for drivers from $5,000 to $25,000. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) supports this long-overdue effort to modernize the Commonwealth’s auto insurance requirements.

Pennsylvania’s current minimum property damage limit was established 42 years ago, making it the lowest in the nation. In today’s economy, $5,000 rarely covers the cost of repairs in even a minor collision. According to PennDOT’s 2023 Crash Facts and Statistics, the average cost of a “property damage only” accident—those without reported injuries—exceeds $14,000, nearly three times the current statutory minimum.

As the association representing Pennsylvania’s commercial trucking industry, PMTA has long recognized the importance of financial responsibility on the road. While trucking companies are held to high insurance standards—typically carrying $750,000 to $1 million in liability coverage—many non-commercial drivers carry only the minimum. This imbalance leaves trucking companies financially exposed in crashes caused by underinsured drivers, even when the truck is not at fault.

Raising the minimum insurance requirements will:

• Provide fairer compensation to accident victims, regardless of fault.
• Reduce the burden on trucking companies when personal drivers are underinsured.
• Ensure equitable responsibility among all motorists.
• Discourage excessive litigation and cost-shifting targeting commercial carriers.
• Protect both consumers and businesses from financial hardship after serious crashes.

PMTA believes that updating auto insurance minimums is a common-sense, public safety measure that enhances accountability, improves financial protection, and creates a fairer transportation environment across Pennsylvania.

HB 1666 has been referred to the House Insurance Committee, and PMTA urges lawmakers to support its passage to better protect everyone who travels on Pennsylvania’s roads.