Obtaining Insurance After a DUI in Pennsylvania

Is Getting Auto Insurance Possible after a DUI Conviction in Pennsylvania?

INFORMATION ON HOW A DUI CONVICTION CAN INCREASE YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND OBSTACLES TO OBTAINING AUTO INSURANCE

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Pennsylvania, you may already be aware of the very harsh penalties you face if convicted.

However, in addition to jail time, fines, a loss of your license and a misdemeanor on your permanent record, you may also face many other lifelong consequences of a DUI conviction, one of which is having difficulty obtaining auto insurance or ridiculously high insurance premiums.

Insurance is just one more hassle you can add to the list of consequences of a DUI conviction. At the very least, you can expect an extreme hike in your insurance rates. Some will have a hard time obtaining any insurance at all. If you are a DUI repeat offender, it can be next to impossible for you to get auto insurance.

A DUI arrest is not a conviction.

Contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately after your arrest. To successfully challenge a DUI charge or DWI offense you must know and understand your rights.

An experienced DUI attorney can help ensure that every alternative is considered and help you get the best possible outcome.

Our number one goal: Your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Ketchel Law today: 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

WHAT DETERMINES INSURANCE RATES IN PENNSYLVANIA?

The biggest determinant of insurance premiums is an applicant’s driving record. Essentially, the higher the risk the insurance company takes to issue you insurance, the higher your insurance premium is going to be.

There are a number of factors that can affect ones driving record and their risk category. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to:

  • Age
  • Make, model and year of the vehicle you drive
  • Where you live
  • Number of years with a valid license
  • Any traffic violations—especially those that have left marks on your driving record
  • The number of motor vehicle accidents in the past

A DUI CAN MEAN A HIGH RISK FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

If you are convicted of a DUI, you immediately fall into the “high risk” category to insure. If you were a risk to begin with, or your DUI also involved a reckless driving charge or a vehicular homicide, you may be virtually uninsurable.

A DUI conviction has the ability to affect your insurance rates for at least three years—if not more.

Once your insurance company finds out that you have been convicted of a DUI, there are several possible outcomes with your existing insurance policy. They can:

  1. Increase your existing premium;
  2. Require you to purchase a new, high-risk insurance policy;
  3. Cancel your existing policy entirely.

INSURANCE CANCELLED AFTER A DUI CONVICTION IN PENNSYLVANIA

While the majority of people who are convicted of a DUI will simply see an extreme increase in their insurance rates, the insurance company has the right to cancel the policy if they find you too high a risk.

Some reasons why insurance companies will cancel a policy include:

  • A poor driving record prior to the DUI
  • Multiple DUIs/repeat offender
  • Underage DUI

Another obstacle to obtaining insurance is if you have lost your license as a result of your DUI conviction. Not having a valid driver’s license makes it highly likely that you will be unable to obtain any insurance at all.

When attempting to obtain insurance after a DUI conviction, it is advisable to shop around and get multiple quotes. Much like in court, each DUI is considered on a case-by-case basis when it comes to insurance rates as well.

The best chance you have at preserving your insurance at your currently existing rates is to avoid a DUI conviction. Speak to a DUI lawyer about fighting your charges or alternative programs, like the ARD program for first time DUI offenders.

Our number one goal: Your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Ketchel Law today: 412-456-1221 for a free consultation.

A DUI arrest is not a conviction.

If you have been charged with DUI, call us immediately so we can begin working with you on defending your reputation and your future.

How a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Can Help

At Ketchel Law, our greatest strength lies in critically analyzing and dissecting the details of a police officer’s report looking for weaknesses, neutralizing the police officer’s testimony and questioning the testimony of any experts regarding blood or breath testing.

Our experience and knowledge, along with our strong persuasive skills, allows us to provide you with the best possible defense.

Call the law offices of Justin J. Ketchel at 412-456-1221 for a free legal consultation. We take your case seriously and are committed to providing quality legal advice.

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