SR-22 insurance in Georgia isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.
Your insurance company submits the SR-22 form to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. Make sure to keep your insurance active for the duration mandated by the court or DMV.
This guide provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Georgia and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Georgia?
In Georgia, if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
In Georgia, an SR-22 is generally needed for 3 years, but this duration can differ based on the specific violation. Throughout this period, it’s crucial to maintain at least the minimum car insurance required by Georgia law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Georgia?
Getting insurance in Georgia involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Georgia mandates a minimum of 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Georgia?
The cost of car insurance in Georgia is $2,289 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $196 higher than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $3,906 per year for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Georgia?
Georgia drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $326 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies offer car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to shop around to secure coverage. When you do find an insurer, expect to pay higher premiums.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Auto-Owners provides the most affordable SR-22 car insurance for drivers in Georgia, with an average annual premium of $1,800. Progressive and Geico also offer competitive SR-22 insurance rates in Georgia, according to CarInsurance.com data.
In Georgia, after a traffic infraction such as a DUI, getting SR-22 insurance is mandatory. While the SR-22 form does not impact insurance costs, the offenses that necessitate it typically result in increased premiums. However, there are still insurers in Georgia that offer affordable coverage for high-risk drivers.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | 1,529 | 1,799 |
| Progressive | 1,656 | 1,925 |
| Geico | 2,072 | 2,096 |
| Allstate | 2,014 | 2,276 |
| Mercury Insurance | 2,219 | 2,372 |
| State Farm | 2,344 | 2,879 |
| USAA* | 1,562 | 1,626 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Georgia?
You will need SR-22 in Georgia for a duration of 3 years It assures the Georgia DMV that you’re consistently maintaining at least the minimum required coverage levels mandated by the state.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in Georgia before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your Georgia insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your Georgia SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
It’s crucial to maintain continuous coverage for the required period. Any gaps or cancellations can result in penalties and suspension of your driver’s license.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Georgia
If you want your SR-22 filing removed in Georgia, the easiest way is to wait out the mandatory filing period. In Georgia, this period typically lasts for 3 years from the date of filing.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Georgia?
Requiring an SR-22 certificate can substantially increase your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers typically categorize drivers with SR-22s as high-risk, which often translates to higher rates.
The specific amount by which your premiums will rise can vary depending on factors like your driving history and the reason for the SR-22 filing.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Georgia drivers
If you’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in Georgia but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Georgia driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Georgia
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Georgia?
You can visit the official Georgia DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Georgia DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Georgia?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the Georgia DMV to show you have the minimum required liability coverage. SR-1P is for two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – if you’ve been caught riding without insurance or had your license suspended, you’ll need an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Georgia if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in Georgia doesn’t disappear when you move. You’ll need to find a new insurance company licensed in your new state to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They’ll likely need to file forms with the Georgia DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your Georgia insurance until you have the new SR-22 in place to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Your new state’s SR-22 requirements might differ from Georgia’s. You’ll need to consult with your new insurer and the DMV in the state to understand what’s needed.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Georgia?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in Georgia. It is one of the major car insurance companies that file SR-22 with the state on your behalf, along with providing the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s requirements.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Georgia. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Georgia