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.
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
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 QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Proves to PennDOT you carry continuous coverage after a DUI, suspension, or uninsured violation. Filed electronically by your carrier and monitored in real time.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized carriers that write policies for DUI convictions, lapses, SR-22 requirements, and multiple violations when standard insurers refuse coverage.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Pennsylvania's 15/30/5 minimums are insufficient for most accidents involving injury.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect your vehicle and others. Required by lenders and recommended for newer cars.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. Pennsylvania does not require it, but roughly 10% of drivers are uninsured.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car after an at-fault accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Subject to deductible.
