If you’ve recently received a DUI in Pennsylvania, one of the first questions you may have is: How much is my car insurance going to cost now?
The answer depends on several factors, including your driving history, age, vehicle, coverage limits, where you live, and the insurance company. A DUI can significantly increase auto insurance premiums, but that doesn’t mean affordable coverage is impossible to find.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we work with Pennsylvania drivers with a wide range of driving histories, including DUIs, accidents, suspended licenses, and other situations that can make finding affordable insurance more difficult.
Insurance companies determine premiums largely by evaluating risk. A DUI conviction can cause an insurance company to consider you a higher-risk driver, which may result in a substantial premium increase.
The size of that increase varies considerably from one insurance company to another.
This is important because the company that offered you a competitive rate before your DUI may no longer be the best company for you afterward.
Instead of assuming your current insurer is still your best option, it can make sense to compare multiple insurance carriers.
There isn't one standard DUI insurance rate.
Two Pennsylvania drivers with similar vehicles and the same type of DUI can receive very different insurance quotes.
Insurance companies may consider factors such as:
That's why shopping multiple carriers can be especially important after a DUI.
A company that considers your particular driving history extremely high risk may charge substantially more than another carrier willing to insure the same situation.
Depending on your circumstances, Pennsylvania may require you to provide proof of financial responsibility before your driving privileges can be reinstated.
An SR-22 is a certificate filed by an insurance company with the state showing that you carry the required liability insurance.
Despite the common phrase "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 isn't actually a separate type of insurance policy. It is a filing associated with an insurance policy.
Not every driver's situation is identical, so you should verify the specific requirements associated with your license and case.
If you've been told that you need an SR-22, Locastro Bonini Insurance can help you look for an insurance policy that meets your needs and arrange the required filing when available through the selected carrier.
Yes, there are insurance companies that work with drivers who have DUIs and other violations on their driving records.
The key is finding the right insurance company for your particular situation.
Different insurance companies evaluate high-risk drivers differently. That's one of the advantages of working with an independent insurance agency rather than relying on a quote from only one insurance company.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can compare available options to help identify coverage and pricing appropriate for your circumstances.
A suspended license can make obtaining insurance more complicated, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have no options.
Depending on your situation, you may need insurance or an SR-22 filing as part of the process of restoring your driving privileges.
If you're dealing with both a DUI and a suspended license, tell us exactly what's happening when you request a quote. We can help determine which insurance options may be available based on your circumstances.
Having multiple incidents on your driving record can narrow the number of insurance companies willing to offer competitive coverage, but you should still compare your options.
We regularly help people who don't have perfect driving records.
That can include drivers dealing with:
Your driving history doesn't automatically mean you should accept the first expensive insurance quote you receive.
Don't cancel an existing insurance policy simply because you're worried your rate may increase.
A lapse in coverage can create additional problems and may make obtaining affordable insurance more difficult.
Instead, obtain and compare new quotes first. Once you've selected replacement coverage and confirmed when the new policy becomes effective, you can coordinate cancellation of the previous policy if appropriate.
The goal is to avoid an unintended gap in insurance coverage.
How long a DUI affects your insurance pricing depends on several factors, including the insurance company, its underwriting rules, your driving record, and how long ago the violation occurred.
The impact generally doesn't disappear immediately.
However, your insurance options can change over time. That's another reason it can be worthwhile to periodically compare carriers rather than assuming the company you selected immediately after your DUI will remain your best option indefinitely.
A DUI can make purchasing auto insurance more difficult and more expensive, but you still have options.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from insurance companies that may be willing to work with more complicated driving histories.
Whether you're dealing with a DUI, an SR-22 requirement, a suspended license, an accident, multiple violations, or another insurance challenge, we're happy to see what options are available.
Let Locastro Bonini Insurance shop your situation and help you find an affordable option.
Don't assume you're stuck with an extremely high premium—or that nobody will insure you.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
If you've been labeled a "high-risk driver," getting an affordable car insurance quote can feel frustrating.
Maybe you've had a DUI. Maybe you've been in an accident. Your license may have been suspended, you may need an SR-22, or perhaps you simply have several violations on your driving record.
Whatever the reason, being considered high risk doesn't necessarily mean you're uninsurable.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, helping Pennsylvania drivers with difficult or unusual insurance situations is an important part of what we do.
"High risk" is a general insurance term used to describe drivers who an insurance company believes present a greater likelihood of a future claim.
There isn't one definition used by every insurance company.
A driver may be considered higher risk because of factors involving:
Most importantly, different insurance companies can evaluate the same driver differently.
Insurance companies don't all use identical underwriting and pricing models.
One company may view a particular combination of violations very negatively, while another may be more comfortable insuring that driver.
That's why receiving one extremely expensive quote doesn't necessarily mean every insurance company will charge the same amount.
Shopping multiple carriers can be especially valuable when your driving record isn't perfect.
There isn't one trick that automatically produces cheap insurance, but there are several things worth considering.
First, compare multiple insurance companies.
Second, choose coverage and deductibles appropriate for your situation rather than simply accepting the first policy offered.
Third, try to avoid additional violations and accidents.
Finally, maintain continuous insurance coverage whenever possible. Allowing your policy to lapse may create additional complications when you're shopping for insurance later.
Yes, insurance options may still be available after a DUI.
Your premiums may be higher and some insurance companies may not be interested in providing coverage, but other companies may offer policies for drivers with DUI histories.
The important thing is finding a carrier whose underwriting guidelines fit your situation.
A suspended license can complicate the process, but there may still be insurance options depending on your circumstances.
Some drivers may also need an SR-22 as part of restoring their driving privileges.
If your license is suspended, explain the situation when requesting your quote so appropriate insurance options can be evaluated.
If you're required to provide proof of financial responsibility, an insurance carrier may be able to file an SR-22 on your behalf.
An SR-22 isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a certificate associated with an insurance policy that demonstrates required liability coverage.
Not every driver needs one, so confirm your individual requirements.
Drivers don't always fit into standard situations.
You may have recently moved to Pennsylvania , still have an out-of-state driver's license, or drive using a foreign or international license.
Depending on the circumstances and insurance company's guidelines, coverage options may still be available.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we're accustomed to helping drivers with situations that may require more than a standard online insurance quote.
When you request a quote directly from an insurance company, you're generally seeing what that particular company can offer you.
An independent insurance agency may have access to multiple insurance carriers.
This can be especially valuable for a high-risk driver because one insurance company may decline your situation or quote a very high premium while another may be a much better fit.
People make mistakes. Accidents happen. Licenses get suspended. Insurance policies lapse.
Whatever happened in the past, the important question now is:
What insurance options are available to you today?
That's the question we can help answer.
If other insurance companies have quoted you extremely high rates—or you're having difficulty finding coverage at all—give Locastro Bonini Insurance an opportunity to shop your situation.
We help Pennsylvania drivers with:
DUIs • SR-22s • Suspended Licenses • Accidents • Tickets • High-Risk Driving Records • Out-of-State Licenses • Foreign and International Licenses
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote and let us help you find an affordable option.
Getting a DUI can have a major impact on your life, and auto insurance is often one of the first financial concerns that follows.
Will your insurance company drop you? How much will your premium increase? Will another company insure you?
The important thing to know is that a DUI does not mean you are out of insurance options.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from multiple insurance companies, including drivers whose records aren't perfect.
Insurance companies use your driving history as one factor when determining your rate.
A DUI can cause an insurance company to consider you a higher-risk driver. That may result in higher premiums, different coverage options, or fewer companies willing to offer coverage.
But here's something many drivers don't realize:
Insurance companies don't all treat a DUI the same way.
One company may quote a very high premium while another may be much more competitive for the same driver.
Your current insurance company may have been a great choice before your DUI.
That doesn't necessarily mean it will remain your best choice afterward.
When your driving record changes significantly, it's worth comparing your policy with other insurance companies.
The difference can sometimes be substantial.
A DUI isn't the only thing an insurance company considers.
Your rate can also depend on:
That's why there isn't one standard "DUI insurance rate" in Pennsylvania.
A license suspension can make finding insurance more complicated.
However, that doesn't mean you should assume you can't obtain coverage.
The available options depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements associated with restoring your driving privileges.
Locastro Bonini Insurance works with drivers facing many different situations and can help determine which insurance options may be available.
If you currently have insurance, don't cancel it simply because you're worried about what will happen after a DUI.
A lapse in coverage can create additional problems and potentially make obtaining affordable coverage more difficult.
If you're switching companies, make sure your replacement policy is active before canceling your previous coverage.
The biggest mistake may be assuming that the first expensive quote you receive is what you're going to have to pay everywhere.
It isn't.
Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and pricing.
That's exactly why shopping multiple companies becomes even more important after a DUI.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania drivers find coverage even when their driving history is complicated.
Whether you've had a DUI, accident, license suspension, multiple tickets, or other driving issues, let us see what options are available.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
You've been in an accident. Now you're wondering what's going to happen to your car insurance.
Will your rate increase? Will your insurance company cancel you? Should you immediately start shopping for another policy?
The answer depends on the accident and your individual insurance situation.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers understand their insurance options and compare coverage from multiple insurance companies.
Not necessarily.
Insurance companies consider many factors when reviewing accidents, including the circumstances surrounding the accident, your driving history, claims history, and their own underwriting and rating guidelines.
The effect can vary significantly between insurance companies.
An at-fault accident can potentially affect your insurance premium.
How much it affects your rate depends on your insurance company and the rest of your driving history.
Someone with an otherwise clean record may be viewed differently from someone who already has several accidents or violations.
Not automatically.
First, find out what your current coverage and pricing will look like.
Then compare it with other available insurance options.
If your current insurance company remains competitive, staying may make sense. If your premium increases substantially, it may be worth seeing what other companies can offer.
Multiple accidents can make finding affordable insurance more difficult, but don't assume nobody will insure you.
Different companies specialize in different types of drivers.
One insurance company may quote a very high rate or decline coverage while another may be willing to insure the same driver.
That's one reason working with an independent insurance agency can be particularly valuable when your driving history becomes complicated.
Be careful about reducing coverage solely to lower your premium.
A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better policy.
Saving a small amount today may not be worthwhile if you're left inadequately protected after a serious accident.
Instead, review your coverage limits and deductibles and look for a balance between affordability and protection.
You don't have to assume that your current insurance company's new rate is your only option.
If an accident has changed your insurance situation, it may be time to compare.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can help Pennsylvania drivers compare insurance options following an accident, ticket, DUI, license suspension, or other change in driving history.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote.
Car insurance is a necessary expense, but that doesn't mean you should pay more than necessary.
Insurance rates can vary substantially between companies, and there are several things Pennsylvania drivers can do to potentially reduce their premiums.
Here are 10 places to start.
This may be the most important step.
Insurance companies don't all calculate rates the same way.
The company offering you the best price several years ago may not be the company offering you the best price today.
If you own a home, combining your homeowners and auto insurance with the same company may qualify you for discounts.
Renters may also be able to combine renters and auto insurance.
Increasing certain deductibles may reduce your premium.
Just remember that a higher deductible means you'll be responsible for more money out of pocket if you have a covered claim.
Insurance companies may offer a variety of discounts.
Eligibility varies, so it's worth reviewing which discounts may apply to you.
Allowing your insurance to lapse can create problems.
Maintaining continuous coverage may help keep more insurance options available to you.
Accidents and driving violations can have a major impact on your insurance.
Maintaining a good driving record can help you qualify for more competitive rates over time.
Moved?
Bought a different vehicle?
Added or removed a driver?
Bought a house?
Changed how much you drive?
Major life changes are a good reason to review your insurance.
Staying with the same company for years can be convenient, but convenience doesn't guarantee you're receiving the best rate.
Insurance pricing changes.
Periodically comparing your policy can help determine whether your current company is still competitive.
Two similarly priced vehicles can have very different insurance costs.
Before purchasing a vehicle, consider getting an insurance quote for it.
That gives you a better picture of the vehicle's total monthly cost.
Instead of contacting insurance companies individually, an independent insurance agency can help compare available options.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we work to match Pennsylvania drivers with insurance coverage appropriate for their individual needs.
You won't know until you compare.
Whether you have a perfect driving record or have dealt with accidents, tickets, a DUI, or another issue, it may be worth checking your options.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance quote.
Your home may be the largest investment you'll ever make.
Having the right homeowners insurance isn't simply about satisfying a mortgage company's requirements. It's about protecting your home, your belongings, and your finances when something unexpected happens.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania homeowners evaluate coverage and compare insurance options.
A typical homeowners insurance policy can include several important types of protection.
These generally include coverage for your home itself, other structures on the property, personal belongings, personal liability, and additional living expenses following certain covered losses.
Exactly what is covered depends on your individual policy.
Not necessarily.
The amount someone would pay to purchase your property isn't the same thing as what it could cost to rebuild the structure after a major covered loss.
Land value is one obvious difference.
Construction costs, labor, materials, demolition, and other expenses can also affect rebuilding costs.
That's why proper dwelling coverage is so important.
No.
Homeowners policies contain exclusions and limitations.
For example, certain types of water damage and flooding may require different or additional coverage.
Don't assume something is covered simply because you have a homeowners policy.
Understanding what your policy does—and doesn't—cover is important.
Homeowners insurance generally includes protection for personal property, subject to policy terms and limits.
However, certain high-value items may have special limitations.
If you own valuable jewelry, collectibles, artwork, or other expensive personal property, discuss those items when reviewing your coverage.
Homeowners insurance isn't only about your house.
Personal liability coverage can provide important financial protection if you're legally responsible for certain injuries or property damage involving someone else.
A serious liability claim can potentially involve a significant amount of money, making this an important part of your overall insurance protection.
Bundling can be worth considering.
Many insurance companies offer discounts when you insure both your home and vehicles with them.
However, the bundled price should still be compared with other options. A discount doesn't automatically mean the total package is the best available value.
Consider reviewing your coverage when you:
Your home changes over time. Your insurance should keep up with it.
The cheapest homeowners policy isn't always the best choice.
The goal should be finding appropriate protection at a competitive price.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free homeowners insurance review and quote.
If your homeowners insurance is with one company and your auto insurance is with another, you may be missing an opportunity to save money.
Bundling your home and auto insurance can be one of the simplest ways to potentially reduce your overall insurance costs.
But there's an important catch:
A bundle isn't automatically the best deal.
Here's what Pennsylvania consumers should know.
Bundling simply means purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same insurance company.
A common example is having your homeowners and auto insurance with one carrier.
Depending on your circumstances, other policies may also be part of your overall insurance package.
Insurance companies generally want customers to maintain multiple policies with them.
As an incentive, many companies offer discounts to customers who insure both their home and vehicles.
Depending on the carrier and your individual situation, this can potentially reduce your overall insurance cost.
No.
This is an important point.
A company could offer an attractive bundle discount while still having a higher total premium than another insurance option.
For example, saving money on your homeowners policy doesn't help much if you're substantially overpaying for your auto insurance.
The number that matters is the total cost of your insurance package combined with the coverage you're receiving.
Price matters, but so does protection.
When comparing insurance packages, look at more than the premium.
Consider:
Saving money isn't much of a victory if you discover after a claim that you don't have the protection you expected.
Don't assume bundling won't work because you've had an accident, ticket, DUI, or another driving issue.
The best solution depends on your individual circumstances.
Sometimes keeping policies together may make sense. Other times, using different insurance companies may produce a better overall result.
That's where comparing options becomes valuable.
You don't necessarily need to change insurance companies every year.
But periodically reviewing your coverage and pricing makes sense, particularly after major changes such as:
Your insurance needs change. The insurance marketplace changes too.
Locastro Bonini Insurance helps Pennsylvania families compare insurance coverage from multiple carriers.
Instead of looking only at a discount percentage, we can look at the bigger picture: coverage, protection, and overall cost.
If you currently have your home and auto insurance with different companies—or simply haven't compared your insurance recently—it may be worth taking another look.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free home and auto insurance quote.
“Full coverage” is one of the most common phrases people use when talking about car insurance.
But there is an important thing Pennsylvania drivers should know:
“Full coverage” is not one specific insurance policy.
It is an informal term generally used to describe a combination of coverages that may provide broader protection than liability insurance alone.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers understand what their policies actually cover so they can choose protection that fits their needs and budget.
When people say they have full coverage, they are often referring to a policy that includes liability coverage along with physical damage protection for their own vehicle.
That may include:
The exact combination varies from one driver and insurance company to another.
Liability coverage can help protect you financially if you are legally responsible for causing an accident that injures someone else or damages their property.
Pennsylvania requires drivers to maintain certain minimum levels of auto insurance, but minimum coverage may not provide enough protection for every driver.
A serious accident can involve expenses well beyond minimum policy limits.
Collision coverage generally helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered collision, subject to the terms of your policy and your deductible.
For example, it may apply if you collide with another vehicle or certain objects.
If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage generally protects against certain types of vehicle damage not caused by a collision.
Depending on the policy, this can include losses involving:
As with collision coverage, a deductible may apply.
It depends.
As a vehicle gets older and decreases in value, there may come a point when carrying collision and comprehensive coverage is no longer worth the additional premium.
However, there is no single age at which everyone should drop those coverages.
Consider the value of the vehicle, the cost of the coverage, your deductible, and whether you could afford to replace the vehicle yourself after a major loss.
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about auto insurance.
Every insurance policy has limits, exclusions, deductibles, and conditions.
Even a policy commonly described as “full coverage” does not mean every possible loss is covered.
That is why understanding your specific policy is more important than relying on the phrase itself.
Not necessarily.
Two policies can have very different prices because they offer different limits, deductibles, optional coverages, and protections.
A lower premium may be attractive, but make sure you understand what you are giving up before choosing a policy based only on price.
The answer depends on your financial situation, vehicle, driving habits, assets, budget, and tolerance for risk.
A driver with significant assets may want substantially higher liability limits than the minimum required coverage.
Someone financing a newer vehicle may have very different needs than someone driving an older vehicle they own outright.
You don't have to figure it out by yourself.
Locastro Bonini Insurance can help you compare available policies, understand your coverage options, and find a balance between affordability and protection.
Whether you're insuring your first car, replacing an existing policy, adding a vehicle, or simply wondering whether you're paying too much, we're happy to help.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance quote.
Auto insurance can seem simple until something goes wrong.
Many drivers choose a policy, pay the premium, and rarely think about it again. Unfortunately, that can lead to expensive surprises later.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers review their coverage and avoid common insurance mistakes before they become problems.
Here are seven mistakes worth watching for.
Everyone wants an affordable premium.
But the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best value.
Before choosing a policy, compare the coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and optional protections along with the price.
Saving a few dollars each month may not be worth it if you are significantly underinsured when a serious accident occurs.
Pennsylvania requires minimum auto insurance coverage, but the legal minimum and the amount of protection you actually need are not necessarily the same thing.
A serious accident involving injuries or significant property damage can become expensive very quickly.
Drivers should consider their assets and financial situation when selecting liability limits.
A lapse in auto insurance can create several problems.
In addition to legal and registration-related consequences that may apply, a lapse can make obtaining affordable insurance more difficult later.
If you are changing insurance companies, make sure your new policy has taken effect before canceling the old one.
Your insurance should reflect your current situation.
You should review your policy after major changes such as:
Failing to update your insurance can lead to incorrect coverage or missed opportunities for savings.
Insurance rates change over time.
So do your circumstances.
The company that offered you the best rate three years ago may not be your best option today.
Periodically comparing your coverage with other carriers can help determine whether you're still receiving competitive pricing.
Higher deductibles can sometimes reduce your insurance premium.
But remember what a deductible means.
If you have a covered claim, you may need to pay that amount before insurance pays the remaining covered cost.
Don't choose a deductible solely because it lowers your monthly premium. Make sure you could reasonably afford it if you had a loss tomorrow.
Many people don't look closely at their auto insurance until after an accident.
That's the worst time to discover that your coverage doesn't work the way you thought it did.
Take some time to understand:
If something isn't clear, ask.
If you can't remember, it may be time.
A quick insurance review can help identify gaps in coverage, outdated information, potential savings, or opportunities to improve your protection.
At Locastro Bonini Insurance, we help Pennsylvania drivers compare coverage from multiple insurance companies and find policies suited to their individual circumstances.
Whether you have a clean driving history or have dealt with accidents, tickets, a DUI, a suspended license, or another insurance challenge, we're happy to look at your options.
Call Locastro Bonini Insurance today for a free Pennsylvania auto insurance review and quote.
Cold weather pet safety
If your pet is anything like mine, it probably loves the snow and being outside in the cold weather. Just like humans, all pets are different, so their cold tolerances vary. My dog can stay outside for hours, while my parents' dogs would rather cozy up inside than take one step in the "polar vortex."
Here's a few tips to keep our furry friends safe and warm during the cold weather months!
Some ice melting substances may contain chemicals and are a danger to animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a list of household hazards you should keep away from your pets, such as antifreeze, cleaning products and certain foods. If your pet is poisoned, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away.
When your pets come inside, wipe down their paws, legs and belly to remove chemicals and keep snow and salt from clumping between their toes. Rub petroleum jelly or other paw protectants onto their paws before going outside. Cracked paws can cause discomfort and allow substances to soak in, which your pet may try to lick later.
You should keep your home humidified because coming out of the cold into the dry heat can cause irritated skin. Bathe your pet as little as possible as this can remove essential oils and increase dryness. As always, make sure your pet has access to water.
If you notice your pet losing weight, you may want to give them extra food as they are using more energy to stay warm. However, some pets will gain weight if they don't exercise that much. Figure out what your pet needs, and adjust to find the right balance.
Your pet already has on a handy winter coat, so you should avoid shaving it down to the skin. Longer and thicker hair will help keep them warm as they play outside. If your pet has short hair, a sweater may be a good idea. Make sure you have a couple of them on hand, because wearing a wet sweater may make your pet colder.
If temperatures are below freezing, no pet should be left outside for long periods of time.
Your furry friend may love car rides, but if you're going somewhere you can't bring your dog inside, it will be better to just leave them at home. A vehicle gets cold faster than you may think. If left in a cold car for too long, they could get hypothermia and freeze.
Having a lost or runaway pet is terrible, and imagining them out in the cold weather by themselves is even worse. If you don't have a fenced-in yard, always leash and collar your dog. If your dog has a collar with updated information on it, this could help bring them back home if they run away or get lost.
Make sure your pet has a warm and comfortable place to sleep. Floors and drafts can make your pet feel chilly, so a blanket is perfect for them. If you have an outdoor pet, provide them with a closed-in shelter. This needs to be big enough for them to stand up in, but also small enough to contain heat. You may have to insulate the shelter with straw or other material to keep your pet warm.
