Pennsylvania SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Pennsylvania requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, license suspensions, and uninsured violations. The filing requirement typically lasts 3 years and costs $15–$35 to file, but high-risk premiums average $200–$400/mo depending on violation type and driving history.

Compare Pennsylvania Auto Insurance

Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

Pennsylvania cityscape and street view
Quotes from state-licensed insurance professionals
Licensed Agents Only
Free to request, no commitment required
No Obligation
No cost to you
Free to Use
Your contact information is protected
TCPA-Compliant
Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5: $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, caught driving without insurance, or who accumulate repeated violations must file SR-22 certification with PennDOT proving continuous coverage. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts 3 years from the date of filing, and any lapse restarts the clock.

Pennsylvania cityscape and street view
15/30/5
Liability Insurance
Pennsylvania's 15/30/5 minimums are among the lowest in the nation and rarely cover damages in serious accidents. A single emergency room visit can exceed $15,000, leaving high-risk drivers personally liable for the difference. Most non-standard carriers recommend at least 50/100/50 for drivers with SR-22 requirements to avoid catastrophic exposure.
Varies by violation
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is not a separate policy but a certificate filed by your insurer with PennDOT proving you carry at least state minimums. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing in Pennsylvania—standard insurers often non-renew after a DUI or major violation, forcing drivers into the non-standard market. The filing itself costs $15–$35, but the violation behind it raises premiums by 80–200% depending on offense type.
State minimum + comprehensive + collision
Full Coverage
Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect both other drivers and your own vehicle. Lenders require it for financed cars, but high-risk drivers often face $500–$1,000 deductibles and pay $300–$500/mo for full coverage after a DUI. Pennsylvania does not mandate comprehensive or collision, but dropping them on a newer vehicle risks total financial loss if the car is damaged or stolen.
Optional but recommended
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pennsylvania does not require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but roughly 10% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured. UM coverage protects you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. For high-risk drivers already paying elevated premiums, adding UM coverage typically costs $10–$25/mo and prevents out-of-pocket medical bills after a crash caused by someone else.
Varies by carrier
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles: DUI convictions, SR-22 requirements, lapses, and multiple violations. These insurers price risk differently than standard markets and often offer monthly payment plans without down payment requirements. Pennsylvania has several active non-standard carriers, and rates vary widely—some drivers save 30–50% by comparing non-standard quotes instead of accepting the first offer.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$15,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$30,000,000
Property Damage$5,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$70

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Pennsylvania quote.

Get your Pennsylvania quote

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania high-risk drivers pay 80–200% more than standard rates depending on violation type, ZIP code, and coverage level. A DUI conviction typically raises premiums to $200–$400/mo for state minimums, while drivers with multiple at-fault accidents or lapses may see $250–$500/mo. Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh carry higher rates due to accident frequency and uninsured motorist density.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Type of violation: DUI convictions raise rates 100–200%, while at-fault accidents typically add 40–80%
  • ZIP code: Philadelphia averages $300–$450/mo for high-risk drivers, while rural counties may see $180–$280/mo
  • Age and gender: drivers under 25 with a DUI can exceed $500/mo, even for state minimums
  • Credit score: Pennsylvania allows credit-based insurance scoring, and poor credit combined with a violation can double premiums
  • Time since violation: rates drop 20–40% after 3 years with no additional incidents, and 50–70% after 5 years
  • Carrier choice: non-standard insurers vary widely—some specialize in DUI risk and price 30% below competitors
State Minimum (15/30/5 + SR-22)
$200–$350/mo
Bare minimum to satisfy PennDOT's SR-22 requirement. Leaves you personally liable for any damages exceeding $15,000 per person or $5,000 property damage.
Standard Coverage (50/100/50 + SR-22)
$250–$400/mo
Recommended liability limits for high-risk drivers who want to avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket exposure. Still excludes collision and comprehensive.
Full Coverage (100/300/100 + Comp/Coll + SR-22)
$300–$550/mo
Comprehensive, collision, and higher liability limits. Required for financed vehicles and recommended for drivers with assets to protect.

See how much your violation actually affects your rates

Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.

Get Your Free Quote
Violation Rate Specialists No Obligation Licensed Carriers All Violation Types

Get Your Free Quote in Pennsylvania