State Farm has the cheapest high-risk car insurance in Pennsylvania, at $59 per month on average for liability coverage.
Roughly 4.5% of Pennsylvania drivers have an accident on their record, 2.7% have a ticket, and 0.8% have a DUI.
Pennsylvania drivers aged 55 and older are eligible to receive a 5% discount on their insurance after completing an approved driving improvement course.
Average cost of high-risk car insurance in Pennsylvania
High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania pay an average of $102 per month for liability-only car insurance and $182 per month for full coverage. Drivers with clean records pay much less: $90 per month for liability coverage and $161 per month for a full-coverage policy.
Rate increases are larger for more severe violations. For example, a DUI raises rates more than a ticket or an at-fault accident.
The table below shows the monthly average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania for various driver profiles.
Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $90 | $161 |
| Speeding ticket | $102 | $183 |
| At-fault accident | $111 | $198 |
| DUI | $145 | $259 |
| SR-22 | $109 | $195 |
Cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania by violation
State Farm has the cheapest liability-only car insurance rates for Pennsylvania drivers with violations, at $59 per month, according to Insurify data. National General also has low rates, averaging $65 per month for liability coverage, followed by Erie, with liability-only coverage averaging $72 per month.
The type of incident on your record affects what you pay for insurance, and Pennsylvania insurers scale rates accordingly. A speeding ticket results in the smallest increase, an at-fault accident raises rates slightly more, and a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction triggers the steepest insurance premium increases of the three.
Shop for Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
Liability policies average $102/mo. for drivers with an incident
Cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with DUIs in Pennsylvania
State Farm has the cheapest rates for Pennsylvania drivers with a DUI, averaging $75 per month for liability-only coverage.
In Pennsylvania, about 0.8% of drivers have a DUI on their record, according to Insurify data. Besides higher rates, first-time offenders face a $300 fine, alcohol highway safety school, a one-year ignition interlock requirement, and up to six months’ probation.[1]
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With DUIs | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With DUIs |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $127 | $75 |
| Erie | $147 | $87 |
| Auto-Owners | $150 | $89 |
| National General | $188 | $84 |
| Travelers | $191 | $113 |
| GEICO | $194 | $117 |
| Safeco | $213 | $133 |
| Liberty Mutual | $218 | $189 |
| Allstate | $221 | $133 |
| Progressive | $230 | $109 |
| First Acceptance | $238 | $95 |
| Direct Auto | $246 | $125 |
| Root | $247 | $154 |
| Bristol West | $252 | $136 |
| USAA | $256 | $154 |
| Chubb | $296 | $179 |
| State Auto | $332 | $200 |
| GAINSCO | $342 | $191 |
| CSAA | $360 | $249 |
| The General | $389 | $99 |
| Dairyland | $404 | $163 |
Cheapest rates for PA drivers with at-fault accidents
State Farm is the cheapest auto insurance company for Pennsylvania drivers who have an at-fault accident on their driving record. Its average liability-only rate is $63 per month.
Accidents are the most common driving infraction among drivers in the Keystone State. About 4.5% of Pennsylvania drivers have an at-fault accident on their record, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With An At-Fault Accident | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With An At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $107 | $63 |
| Erie | $125 | $74 |
| Auto-Owners | $132 | $78 |
| National General | $158 | $71 |
| Travelers | $163 | $97 |
| GEICO | $163 | $98 |
| Safeco | $172 | $108 |
| Progressive | $176 | $84 |
| First Acceptance | $182 | $73 |
| Liberty Mutual | $183 | $159 |
| Allstate | $189 | $113 |
| Root | $197 | $123 |
| Bristol West | $211 | $114 |
| Direct Auto | $212 | $108 |
| USAA | $218 | $131 |
| Chubb | $251 | $151 |
| GAINSCO | $277 | $154 |
| State Auto | $300 | $180 |
| CSAA | $324 | $224 |
| Dairyland | $338 | $136 |
| The General | $349 | $89 |
Cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets in Pennsylvania
Drivers with a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania may find the lowest rates from State Farm, with an average liability-only insurance rate of $59 per month.
In Pennsylvania, exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 mph adds three points to your license, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. While a speeding ticket can increase your premium, the resulting rate increase is generally less substantial than after a more serious incident.
About 2.7% of Pennsylvania drivers have a ticket on their record, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With A Speeding Ticket | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With A Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $100 | $59 |
| Erie | $121 | $72 |
| Auto-Owners | $128 | $76 |
| National General | $146 | $65 |
| Travelers | $155 | $92 |
| GEICO | $160 | $96 |
| Safeco | $161 | $100 |
| Progressive | $163 | $77 |
| First Acceptance | $168 | $67 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $151 |
| Allstate | $180 | $108 |
| Root | $184 | $115 |
| Direct Auto | $193 | $99 |
| Bristol West | $199 | $107 |
| USAA | $207 | $124 |
| Chubb | $236 | $142 |
| GAINSCO | $256 | $143 |
| State Auto | $287 | $173 |
| CSAA | $296 | $205 |
| Dairyland | $314 | $127 |
| The General | $336 | $86 |
Best Pennsylvania auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only For Drivers With Moving Violations |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $63 |
| Erie | $74 |
| GEICO | $98 |
State Farm, Erie, and GEICO are among the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania. Each insurer has a strong Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and offers features that reward drivers as they work toward a clean record.
State Farm: Best for discounts
| 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. | $49/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. | $83/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 gives Pennsylvania high-risk drivers plenty of ways to reduce costs. Its Drive Safe & Save program applies a discount when you enroll, and demonstrating good driving habits can cut your rate by up to 30%.
Drivers younger than 25 can save through State Farm’s Steer Clear program. Remaining accident-free for several years may also unlock discounts.
Cheap rates in Pennsylvania for every violation type
Bundling with home or renters policies adds savings
Highly ranked by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region
Top savings opportunities require sharing driving data through an app
Good driver discount won’t apply until after three years of clean driving
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Erie: Best for rate stability
| 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. | $57/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 | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 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.
Pennsylvania-based Erie includes rate protection with its policies. The Erie Rate Lock feature can keep your premium from increasing after a claim unless you make certain policy changes, such as adding a driver or moving.
After you’ve been a customer for three years, First Accident Forgiveness prevents your rate from increasing the first time you cause an accident.
Ranked No. 1 by J.D Power for overall customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region
Personal item and pet coverage add-ons for more protection
Pennsylvania-based insurer with many local agents
Fewer car insurance discounts than other companies
No option to purchase coverage online
Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
GEICO: Best for accident forgiveness
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $77/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. | $128/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO gives Pennsylvania drivers a faster road back to lower rates after a driving infraction. For example, claim forgiveness keeps your rate from rising after you file your first claim. A clean record pays off quickly, too. GEICO’s accident-free discount can kick in after just one year of safe driving.
DriveEasy telematics program rewards safe driving habits
Accident Assist detects hard braking and offers help
Discounts for deployed military drivers
Claim forgiveness applies to only your first claim
Poor driving while using DriveEasy can lead to higher premiums at renewal
Below-average J.D Power customer satisfaction ranking in the Mid-Atlantic region
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania
High-risk drivers typically pay higher prices for auto insurance, but Pennsylvania drivers have several ways to trim their bills:
Take a PennDOT-approved driver improvement course. If everyone on your policy is 55 or older, taking a defensive driving course can get you a 5% discount for three years.[2]
Raise your deductibles. Choosing higher comprehensive and collision deductibles can reduce your premium. In Pennsylvania, insurers automatically apply a $500 collision deductible unless you request a different amount.[3]
Turn to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan. This state program helps drivers who can’t get coverage from a standard insurer by matching them with a participating company.
Compare at least three quotes. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recommends obtaining quotes with the same coverage limits from at least three insurers. Prices can vary significantly from one company to another.
Work on improving your credit history. Credit problems can lead to higher car loan interest rates and higher insurance premiums in Pennsylvania. Like many states, Pennsylvania insurers are allowed to consider your credit history when setting rates.[4]
Pennsylvania minimum car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers
Some states require drivers with serious violations to file an SR-22 to prove they’re insured or a FR-44 form to show they have the required higher liability limits. Pennsylvania doesn’t require either form.
But if you lose your license, you must complete every step listed in a PennDOT restoration requirements letter to reinstate your license. In addition to paying a restoration fee, you’ll have 30 days to show that every vehicle registered in your name has insurance coverage.[5]
If you lost your license for driving impaired or refusing a chemical test, you’ll need to have an approved ignition interlock system installed on your car before you can reinstate your license.
Uninsured motorist coverage, collision insurance, and comprehensive coverage are optional for Pennsylvania drivers. The table below shows the state’s minimum coverage requirements, which don’t change for high-risk drivers.[6]
Coverage Type | Pennsylvania Minimum Requirement | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $15,000 | Injuries you cause to a single person in an at-fault accident |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $30,000 | Injuries you cause to multiple people in an at-fault accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 | Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property |
| Medical benefits | $5,000 | Medical expenses for you and other covered people after an accident, regardless of fault |
Who is a high-risk driver in Pennsylvania?
If insurance companies see you as too risky to cover at standard rates, they consider you a high-risk driver. The label usually comes after multiple tickets, recent accidents, a DUI conviction, a lapse in coverage, or living in a high-crime area.
High-risk drivers typically pay more for their insurance than drivers with clean records.
Pennsylvania tracks risky driving through a points system. Speeding tickets and other traffic violations add points to your record.
Once you reach six points, PennDOT requires you to take a special exam or attend driver improvement school.[7] If you accumulate 11 points, PennDOT will automatically suspend your license.[8]
Penalties for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania start at a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. They become more severe at 0.10% and 0.16%.
Drivers younger than 21 are considered to be impaired with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.[9] Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania doesn’t require SR-22 or FR-44 insurance.
Compare Pennsylvania Car Insurance Quotes
Full-coverage policies for high-risk drivers average $182/ mo.
How long will Pennsylvania consider you a high-risk driver?
A Pennsylvania DUI can count toward repeat-offense penalties for 10 years. PennDOT reduces your point total by three after each full year without another violation.
Drivers who remain at zero points for 12 months get a fresh start with the next offense.
If you have a ticket or an at-fault accident on your record instead of a DUI, your auto insurance rates may decrease sooner. An at-fault claim typically affects your premiums for about three years if you don’t have additional tickets or accidents, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Pennsylvania high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
Finding affordable high-risk car insurance in Pennsylvania takes some legwork, especially after a DUI, at-fault accident, or speeding ticket. The answers to the frequently asked questions below can provide additional information.
What is the best auto insurance for high-risk drivers in PA?
State Farm, Erie, and GEICO stand out for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania. These insurers combine strong customer service and discount options with competitive rates for drivers who have violations on their records.
What does high-risk car insurance mean?
High-risk car insurance, also called non-standard insurance, covers drivers that standard auto insurance companies would otherwise turn away. High-risk drivers typically have multiple speeding tickets, a DUI, or recent at-fault accidents in their driving history.
What is the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in PA?
State Farm sells the cheapest high-risk auto insurance in Pennsylvania. For drivers with an incident on their record, its average liability-only rate is $59 per month.
What is the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan (PA ARP)?
The PA ARP gives high-risk drivers another way to obtain insurance when standard insurers have turned them down. Pennsylvania requires auto insurers to provide coverage to drivers assigned through the program.
Sources
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ".08 DUI Legislation."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Mature Driver Improvement Courses."
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department. "Automobile Insurance Guide."
- Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. "Understanding Credit Reports and Scores."
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. "DRIVING PRIVILEGE SANCTIONS AND RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS LETTER FACT SHEET."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Auto & Motorcycle Insurance."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania's Point System."
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. "THE PENNSYLVANIA POINT SYSTEM March 2024 FACT SHEET."
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Impaired Driving."
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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