The average cost of full coverage after a DUI in Pennsylvania is $259 per month, which is nearly a 61% increase over the statewide average for all drivers.
State Farm is the cheapest company in Pennsylvania after a DUI, with a rate of $76 per month.
A DUI affects car insurance rates in Pennsylvania for three to five years, but the conviction stays on your driving record for a decade.
Cheapest car insurance quotes after a DUI in Pennsylvania
A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Pennsylvania pushes the average liability-only car insurance rate to $145 per month and the full-coverage car insurance rate to $259 per month. But because these are averages, and rates can vary widely by company, it’s important to compare quotes.
State Farm offers the cheapest liability car insurance after a DUI, with a monthly rate of $76.
Check out the table below to see the other cheapest insurers for drivers with a DUI in Pennsylvania.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $76 |
| National General | $87 |
| Erie | $88 |
| Auto-Owners | $90 |
| First Acceptance | $97 |
| The General | $101 |
| Progressive | $106 |
| Allstate | $108 |
| Travelers | $114 |
| GEICO | $119 |
| Direct Auto | $124 |
| Safeco | $134 |
| Bristol West | $138 |
| USAA | $153 |
| Root | $161 |
| Dairyland | $167 |
| Chubb | $178 |
| GAINSCO | $191 |
| Liberty Mutual | $191 |
| State Auto | $200 |
| CSAA | $250 |
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Liability policies average $145/mo. for drivers with a DUI
How a DUI affects car insurance rates in Pennsylvania
A DUI conviction raises car insurance rates in Pennsylvania significantly. It’s a serious offense and shows insurers that you’re a high-risk driver. For full coverage, drivers see an average premium increase of 61% after a DUI, according to Insurify data.
Exactly how much your rate increases depends on various factors, including:
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level: Pennsylvania punishes DUIs on a three-tier system based on BAC levels: general impairment (0.08%–0.099%), high BAC (0.10%–0.159%), and highest BAC (0.16% and higher). Higher BAC levels come with higher fines, more severe court penalties, and longer license suspensions.[1]
Prior offenses: A second or third DUI within 10 years comes with higher fines and longer license suspensions. Insurers also increase rates even more after subsequent offenses.
Age: Younger drivers already pay more for car insurance than most other age groups, so a DUI will make already-expensive rates even less affordable.
Coverage levels: If you have full coverage rather than liability-only coverage, your rate increase will likely be steeper since your policy is already more expensive. Take a look at the chart below to see how average rates in Pennsylvania differ for drivers with and without a DUI.
Average Liability-Only Rates: With DUI vs. Without DUI
Insurance Company | With DUI | Without DUI |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $76 | $50 |
| National General | $87 | $57 |
| Erie | $88 | $58 |
| Auto-Owners | $90 | $62 |
| First Acceptance | $97 | $60 |
| The General | $101 | $68 |
| Progressive | $106 | $66 |
| Allstate | $108 | $67 |
| Travelers | $114 | $75 |
| GEICO | $119 | $78 |
| Direct Auto | $124 | $82 |
| Safeco | $134 | $81 |
| Bristol West | $138 | $91 |
| USAA | $153 | $101 |
| Root | $161 | $106 |
| Dairyland | $167 | $110 |
| Chubb | $178 | $117 |
| GAINSCO | $191 | $126 |
| Liberty Mutual | $191 | $126 |
| State Auto | $200 | $136 |
| CSAA | $250 | $165 |
Best car insurance companies after a DUI in Pennsylvania
The best car insurance company after a DUI in Pennsylvania depends on the severity of the conviction, your budget, and your coverage needs.
We picked the following three car insurance companies as some of the best options for different kinds of drivers in Pennsylvania after a DUI. We’ve vetted them based on various factors, including rates, coverage offerings, verified user reviews, and third-party industry ratings.
Check out how each insurer’s coverage breaks down below, including strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities.
State Farm: Best overall after a DUI in Pennsylvania
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $50/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $82/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm is the best all-around choice for drivers in Pennsylvania with a DUI. It offers some of the most affordable liability rates of any insurer in the state for drivers with a DUI, excellent financial strength, and strong customer satisfaction ratings. It also has fewer complaints than average on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) index.
Affordable rates in Pennsylvania
Local agents
Numerous available discounts
Accident forgiveness not available
Low Trustpilot rating
Gap insurance not available
Erie: Best for local coverage after a DUI in Pennsylvania
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $58/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $96/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
Erie is one of the best insurers for local coverage after a DUI in Pennsylvania. The insurer only operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., which allows it to reduce risk and offer affordable rates. The insurer also has excellent customer satisfaction ratings and good financial strength.
Regional insurer
Affordable rates in Pennsylvania
Top J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in Mid-Atlantic region
Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Fewer discounts than other insurers
Low Trustpilot rating
USAA: Best for military families after a DUI in Pennsylvania
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $101/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $169/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
USAA is the best choice for military members and their families. It offers Pennsylvania drivers affordable liability coverage rates after a DUI. The insurer offers exclusive coverages and discounts to its members, excellent financial strength, and good customer satisfaction ratings.
Low rates in Pennsylvania
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in Mid-Atlantic region
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Available only to military members and their families
Low Trustpilot rating
Above-average number of complaints with NAIC
Our editorial team analyzed our proprietary data, more than 80,000 verified user reviews, and third-party industry ratings to choose the best insurers for drivers with a DUI in Pennsylvania. We also weigh rate affordability, coverage options, available discounts, customer satisfaction rankings, and financial strength.
How to get car insurance after a DUI in Pennsylvania
Follow these steps to get coverage after a DUI in Pennsylvania:
Check your current policy’s status. Insurance companies in Pennsylvania can cancel your car insurance policy if the state suspends your driver’s license. If your insurer cancels your coverage, you’ll need to find a new insurer.
Request your restoration requirements letter. This letter tells you everything the court requires you to do before you regain your driving privileges.
Complete the court-ordered conditions. Complete all the court requirements to clear your license status, such as serving your license suspension period, completing any required alcohol/drug courses, and installing an ignition interlock device.
Compare quotes from high-risk insurers. Compare rates from multiple high-risk car insurance companies. These companies specialize in insuring high-risk drivers, so be sure to get quotes from multiple to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Adjust your coverage to lower costs. If you have an older car, consider reducing your coverage from full coverage to liability only. Reducing your deductible will also lower your premium.
Show proof of financial responsibility. Once you buy a policy, get valid proof of insurance and submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Pay the license restoration fee. You’ll need to pay the $94 non-commercial driver’s license restoration fee.[2]
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DUI laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania car insurance laws follow a three-tiered system for DUI enforcement based on Blood alcohol concentration (BAC): general impairment (0.08%–0.099%), high BAC (0.10%–0.159%), and highest BAC (0.16% and higher).
The state has even stricter BAC limits for minors (0.02%) and commercial drivers (0.04%). If a law enforcement officer pulls you over for a suspected DUI and you refuse chemical testing, the state will automatically suspend your license. First-time offenders can potentially qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program to avoid jail time and reduce charges.
Pennsylvania’s DUI penalties
Penalties in Pennsylvania for a DUI depend on your BAC level and any prior offenses you’ve had within a 10-year period.
First-time general impairment results in an ungraded misdemeanor, up to six months’ probation, a $300 fine, completion of alcohol highway safety school, and treatment if ordered. Higher BAC levels or repeat offenses result in harsher penalties.
How long a DUI stays on your record in Pennsylvania
A DUI stays on your driving record in Pennsylvania for 10 years, and the state will consider any subsequent DUI offenses within that window to be repeat offenses. But a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. The state will only expunge the offense if you have your charges dismissed through the ARD program or through certain limited legal exemptions.
PA SR-22 requirements
Unlike most states, Pennsylvania doesn’t require an SR-22 filing or FR-44 certificate of financial responsibility after a DUI. That said, insurers will still classify you as high risk and charge you much higher rates going forward. If you move to another state, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate.
Minimum car insurance requirements in PA after a DUI
Just like every other driver in Pennsylvania, drivers with a DUI must meet the state’s minimum liability car insurance requirements before getting back on the road. These coverages include bodily injury liability insurance, property damage liability insurance, and medical payments coverage.
Check out the table below to see the required minimum-coverage amounts.[3]
Coverage Type | Pennsylvania Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability insurance per person | $15,000 |
| Bodily injury liability insurance per accident | $30,000 |
| Property damage liability insurance | $5,000 |
After a DUI, you’ll need to satisfy other requirements to regain your driving privileges, such as completing court-ordered suspensions and paying any necessary fees.
How long your DUI will stay on your driving record varies by state. In Pennsylvania, a DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years. But it typically only affects your car insurance rates for about three to five years.
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How to lower DUI insurance costs in Pennsylvania
An increase in your car insurance premium after a DUI is unavoidable. Insurers will see you as a higher risk to insure and charge much higher premiums to make up for that risk. But you can still take some steps to reduce the effect on your rates:
Compare car insurance quotes. Always compare car insurance rates from at least three insurers before buying a policy. Because car insurance costs after a DUI can vary widely from insurer to insurer, it’s important to shop around.
Ask about discounts. Most car insurance companies offer numerous car insurance discounts. Find out which discounts you qualify for and apply for.
Increase your deductible. Raising your deductible will lower your car insurance premiums. Just be sure you can afford the new, higher premium if you need to pay it out of pocket after an accident.
Consider lower coverage levels. If you have an older vehicle or one that’s not worth much, consider dropping collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These coverages may not even matter if you total your car in an accident, and liability-only insurance is much more affordable than full coverage.
Complete a defensive driving course. Take a Pennsylvania defensive driving course to potentially earn reduced rates on car insurance.[4]
Use the PAIP. If you can’t find coverage through standard insurers after a DUI, consider seeking coverage through the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan. This is a state program that guarantees high-risk drivers can get the legally required liability insurance when they can’t find coverage through the private market.[5]
Opt for public transit. If possible, consider taking public transit options where and when you can. This reduces the mileage you drive each year, which insurers consider when setting your rates.
DUI car insurance in Pennsylvania FAQs
Take a look at these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about DUI car insurance in Pennsylvania.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania after a DUI?
State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania after a DUI, with an average liability rate of $76 per month.
How long will a DUI affect your car insurance premium in Pennsylvania?
A DUI will affect your car insurance premium in Pennsylvania for three to five years. But the conviction stays on your driving record for a decade.
How much is DUI insurance in Pennsylvania?
DUI insurance in Pennsylvania costs an average of $145 per month for liability coverage and $259 per month for full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data.
Will Nationwide insure you with a DUI in PA?
Yes. Nationwide will insure you with a DUI in Pennsylvania, but your rates will be much higher than they would be without a DUI.
Sources
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ".08 DUI Legislation."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Insurance Law Overview and Frequently Asked Questions."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Insurance Overview."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Mature Driver Improvement Courses."
- AIPSO. "Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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