Reader’s Question:

I am 18 years old and I received a DUI in the state of Pennsylvania, but I went through the ARD program, will my insurance rate go up at all?

Nicole

Pittsburgh, PA

They allow in Pennsylvania for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for first time DUI offenders. When a DUI offender is accepted into an ARD program the state will suspend their charges but requires that certain court ordered conditions are met. These conditions may include community service and drug and alcohol counseling.

Basically, ARD is a one-time alternative to a conviction, trial and possible mandatory jail sentence for the conviction of driving under the influence in PA. There is a $500 processing fee to be in the ARD program plus 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, whetheryou completed an ARD program or not, your license will still be suspended. This alone is a valid reason for insurance providers to raise rates, cancel or non-renew your policy.