Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Pennsylvania?

With a clean driving record, car insurance in Pennsylvania costs $1,872. However, after a DUI, the average rate rises to $3,511, which is $1,639 higher.

Auto insurers raise premiums significantly when they view you as a high-risk driver. If you receive multiple DUIs, average rates rise sharply to $6,271.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest insurer after a DUI is Travelers, with rates averaging $1,347. The next cheapest insurer is Erie Insurance a difference of $1,151 from Travelers. Progressive has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DUI.

Driving under the influence is both dangerous and expensive. You'll face substantial fines and increased car insurance rates for many years. Because each insurer handles a DUI differently and sets its own pricing, comparing quotes from several companies is essential.

The table below lists theaverage car insurance rates after a DUI in Pennsylvania.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
Travelers$952$1,347$1,808
Erie Insurance$1,550$2,498$3,261
Progressive$2,193$2,645$3,330
State Farm$2,473$2,646$2,646
Nationwide$1,196$3,010$4,314
GEICO$2,308$3,852$5,441
USAA$1,806$2,425$2,689

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Pennsylvania?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and DUI will stay on your record for five years.

If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

Typically, the insurance follows the car, not the driver, so your car insurance won't increase since the DUI won't be on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DUI. Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in Pennsylvania?

Although a DUI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A DUI influences car insurance in Pennsylvania and stays on your record for five years. Your premiums should start to go down after several years of maintaining a clean driving record with no additional violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay more for car insurance than older, more experienced drivers because they have less time on the road. Although a DUI raises rates for any driver, a teen's insurance costs surge even higher after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DUI is $3,476.

These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:

  • For teens: Travelers is the cheapest at $3,476.
  • For young adults: Travelers offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $1,528.
  • For adults: Travelers, with an average rate of $1,347.
  • For seniors: Travelers has the most affordable average rate at $1,199.

This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Travelers$2,350$3,476$1,12648%
Erie Insurance$4,041$5,857$1,81645%
Nationwide$4,445$6,055$1,61036%
GEICO$4,295$6,488$2,19351%
Progressive$6,491$7,007$5168%
State Farm$7,313$7,858$5457%
Travelers$2,350$3,476$1,12648%
Erie Insurance$4,041$5,857$1,81645%
Nationwide$4,445$6,055$1,61036%
GEICO$4,295$6,488$2,19351%
Progressive$6,491$7,007$5168%
State Farm$7,313$7,858$5457%
USAA$4,463$7,589$3,12670%
USAA$4,463$7,589$3,12670%

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?

The least expensive city in Pennsylvania for car insurance after a DUI is York, while the costliest city is Philadelphia, with an average rate of $5,311. Your location influences your insurance costs, even without a DUI. Drivers in areas with heavier traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft typically face higher premiums because their cars are at a greater risk. A DUI then raises those already elevated rates even more.

This table lists the average car insurance rates after a DUI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Brookhaven$2,238$4,165$1,92786%
Derry$1,856$3,419$1,56384%
Easton$1,820$3,436$1,61689%
Farrell$1,752$3,251$1,49986%
Lancaster$1,763$3,374$1,61191%
Nanticoke$1,745$3,269$1,52487%
Philadelphia$2,782$5,311$2,52991%
Pittsburgh$1,933$3,580$1,64785%
West Mifflin$1,795$3,318$1,52385%
York$1,647$3,117$1,47089%
Brookhaven$2,238$4,165$1,92786%
Derry$1,856$3,419$1,56384%
Easton$1,820$3,436$1,61689%
Farrell$1,752$3,251$1,49986%
Lancaster$1,763$3,374$1,61191%
Nanticoke$1,745$3,269$1,52487%
Philadelphia$2,782$5,311$2,52991%
Pittsburgh$1,933$3,580$1,64785%
West Mifflin$1,795$3,318$1,52385%
York$1,647$3,117$1,47089%

How to get car insurance after a DUI in Pennsylvania

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver after a DUI, but that doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a DUI conviction may require a little work.

If you have car insurance and get a DUI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a DUI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in Pennsylvania, since each company determines its own rates after a DUI.

Pennsylvania DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in Pennsylvania means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Pennsylvania, you will need an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company that shows the state that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. While an SR-22 doesn't increase your car insurance rates, the cause behind the form does.

A DUI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.

The table below indicates Pennsylvania DUI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
0.1 and 0.16NoneUses programs called Occupational Limited License (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL)Mandatory for high BAC (0.1 or higher) and repeat convictionsYesYes
0.1 and 0.16NoneUses programs called Occupational Limited License (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL)Mandatory for high BAC (0.1 or higher) and repeat convictionsYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

A DUI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a DUI can affect rates for 10 years.

Pennsylvania drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for five years.

Tips to save money after a DUI

A DUI will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased car insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to get lower rates after a DUI.

Ways Pennsylvania drivers can save on car insurance after a DUI include:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two DUI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Pennsylvania DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?

Depending on the state, a DUI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most situations, a DUI influences car insurance rates for three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in Pennsylvania?

Most insurers won't drop your policy after just one DUI, but your premiums will increase significantly. However, if you have multiple DUIs, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage. The greater the risk you pose, the more difficult it becomes to find car insurance.

Tip icon You might also be interested in