Is there a law or something in Pennsylvania that states that car insurance providers may cancel or a vehicle insurance policy because of accidents wherein you are at fault?

Mark

Philadelphia, PA

According to the Insurance Department of Pennsylvania car insurance companies are allowed to cancel or non-renew policies for certain reasons. The reason may be:

• If you are convicted of DUI/DWI
• If you did not pay your vehicle insurance policy premium
• If you get involved with 2 or more accidents of the same type within thirty six months wherein you are found at fault

If your car insurance providers cancels or non renew your vehicle insurance policy in Pennsylvania, they should they send you notification or written explanation why they are canceling or non renewing your vehicle insurance policy.

If however you disagree with your car insurance carrier’s decision or explanation, you can always send a letter to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department why you do not agree with the cancellation or non renewal of your vehicle insurance policy in Pennsylvania.

My daughter is away at college and was recently arrested for underage drinking. She does not have a vehicle at school but her license has been suspended for 3 months. She is on my auto insurance and I would like to know this affect my insurance rates? I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Henry

Lancaster, PA

Even though your daughter is away at college, since she stays on your auto insurance it is likely that her underage drinking violation could affect your car insurance rates. An insurance carrier in Lancaster, Pennsylvania will normally take into account the driving histories of all household members, especially those listed as drivers on the insurance policy.

Since insurance carrier’s rating systems vary, to check for sure how your daughter’s violation of the law will affect your car insurance rates contact your insurance broker. Also your insurance carrier’s rating system should be filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department if you would rather contact them for this information.

I am only eighteen years old and I receive a DUI in Scranton, Pennsylvania, I went through the ARD program and I would like to know if my auto insurance will go up at all?

Charles

Scranton, PA

In Pennsylvania they permit for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for 1st offense of DUI. When a DUI offender is accepted into an ARD program the state suspends their charges however they are required that certain court ordered conditions are met. These conditions may include community service, drug and alcohol counseling, etc.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department states that if you are convicted of an alcohol related violation such as DUI in Scranton, Pennsylvania, whether or not you complete an ARD program, your license will be suspended. This alone is a valid reason for insurance providers to increase rates, non-renew or cancel your insurance policy.

I am under 18 and I receive a DUI in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If I go through the ARD program, will my car insurance go up at all?

John

Philadelphia, PA

They permit for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for first time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania. When a DUI offender is accepted into an ARD program the state will then suspends their charges however they will require that certain court ordered conditions are met. These conditions may include community service, drug and alcohol counseling, etc. In addition to a probationary program the ARD program requires a period of supervision.

The ARD is a one-time alternative to a conviction, trial, and possible mandatory jail sentence for the conviction of driving under the influence in Pennsylvania. There is a $500 processing fee and you can expect to pay a fine, a fee for alcohol safe driving class, court costs,and a probation supervision fee.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department states that if you are convicted of a DUI, whether or not you complete an ARD program, your license will be revoked or suspended. This alone is a valid reason for insurance providers to increase insurance rates, cancel or non-renew your policy.