SR-22 Requirements in Georgia

Learning how to handle your SR-22 is one of the first steps you need to take after getting convicted of a DUI, and the exact details can vary from place to place. The SR-22 requirements in Georgia dictate how you need to handle this important filing in order to get your driving privileges back. If you’re dealing with a DUI or a similar offense in the Peach State, exploring these requirements is the best way to prepare for the future and make sure you’re doing everything right with your auto insurance.

SR-22 requirements in Georgia are fairly straightforward, but they’re still important. An SR-22, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, is a special form designed to ensure high-risk drivers have insurance. Having SR-22 insurance basically means that you’re legally required to submit proof of minimum coverage in order to keep your license active. In Georgia, those minimum liability requirements are:

• $25,000 in bodily injury per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage

If you want to get a more comprehensive policy, you can always add more coverage, but those are the bare minimum amounts you’ll need to successfully file your SR-22.

Legal Implications of Not Complying With SR-22

If you don’t comply with your SR-22 requirements, you won’t be able to restore your license. That means that if you decide to drive, you could get charged with driving without insurance and driving without a license. Ultimately, it’s best to follow the SR-22 requirements to the letter so you can eventually go back to having an unrestricted license.

As a high-risk driver with an SR-22, getting insurance isn’t always cut-and-dried. If you’ve been asked to maintain an SR-22, you need to do so regardless of whether or not you actually own a car. That means there are a couple of different policy options for owners and non-owners.

Owner’s and Owner-Operator’s Certificates

There are different kinds of coverage and different certificates depending on your situation. First, if you own and drive your own car, you’ll need an owner’s certificate. Owner’s insurance will ensure you’re fully covered when you’re behind the wheel of your own vehicle.

If you mostly drive your own car but also drive other cars from time to time, you can also get an owner-operator’s certificate, which will cover you regardless of the car you drive. Owner-operator’s coverage is typically the most expensive option because it gives you the widest range of protection. If you need to get insurance after a DUI and plan to drive your own vehicle, both of these options work great.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Options

If you don’t own a car, you may think you’re off the hook for SR-22 coverage. However, you’ll need to maintain an SR-22 policy if you want to reinstate your license, regardless of whether you own your own vehicle. In this situation, you’ll have to get a non-owner’s policy, also known as an operator’s certificate. This will cover you when you drive someone else’s car, such as a rental or a family member’s vehicle. Typically, non-owner plans will be a bit cheaper than owner’s or owner-operator’s options.

Your insurance company will file your SR-22 on your behalf once you inform them of your situation. They’ll submit your proof of insurance to the Georgia Department of Driver Services so the reinstatement process can begin.

Costs and Fees Associated With SR-22

You will have to pay a filing fee when your insurer submits your form to the Department of Driver Services (DDS). Thankfully, it’s pretty cheap, usually costing around $25. However, if you let your coverage lapse, you can expect to pay extra fees.

The process isn’t over once you file an SR-22. You also have to keep your coverage active and renew your filing for the entire length of your filing period. But how long will that take?

Duration of SR-22 Requirement

In Georgia, you usually have to keep your SR-22 coverage active for three years. However, it’s important to check your court documents; sometimes, you’ll get an extended filing period for a serious infraction or a repeat offense. That means your insurer will have to regularly submit proof of insurance to the DDS for the entire three-year period.

Consequences of Lapsing Coverage

If you let your policy expire, you could be seriously interfering with getting your license reinstated. Your insurer will automatically inform the DDS if your plan lapses. Then, your license will be revoked, and you’ll have to pay to reinstate it. You could also experience delays in completing your filing period, extending the time you’ll have to file an SR-22.

Getting convicted of a DUI or another serious offense ultimately classifies you as a high-risk driver, which can increase your car insurance rate. If you have to file an SR-22 certificate, your rates will likely go up during your active filing period. Although rates vary by state, you can usually expect your premiums to increase by a significant percentage.

Tips for Finding Affordable SR-22 Insurance

Even though your policy will probably be more expensive than it was before, that doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for insurance. Some insurers work specifically with high-risk drivers to help them find affordable coverage. You can also look for extra discounts to lower your premiums. Taking defensive driving or alcohol awareness classes can also be a great way to get a discount while completing your court requirements.

Need a quick rundown of SR-22 basics? Here’s a brief summary of the most important details you need to know.

What should I do if my SR-22 policy is canceled?

If your policy gets canceled while you have an active SR-22, it’s your responsibility to get it reinstated as quickly as possible. Failing to reactivate your policy will probably lead to your license being suspended again, and you’ll have to pay an additional reinstatement fee. However, if you act quickly, you may be able to avoid these issues.

If it was canceled because of a missed payment, contact your insurer right away to settle up and reactivate your policy. If your insurance company terminated your contract due to increased risk, start shopping around right away for another provider that specializes in high-risk drivers. In the meantime, do not drive until you have an active policy.

Can I change insurance companies while holding an SR-22?

You can change car insurance companies at any point, but you’ll have to take a few extra steps if you’re in the midst of your SR-22 period. Start by making sure that there isn’t a gap between your old policy and your new plan. If a lapse happens, you could end up dealing with fines, delays, and other issues. You’ll also need to inform your new provider of your restrictions to ensure they submit your new proof of insurance to the Georgia DDS. By carefully timing the start and end dates of your policies, you’ll be able to switch insurers without any issues.

What are the most common reasons for requiring an SR-22 in Georgia?

Driving under the influence is by far the most common reason for getting an SR-22 in Georgia. However, the state can require you to get an SR-22 for a variety of infractions. Other common reasons include driving without insurance, driving without a license, driving recklessly, and even getting the same serious traffic violation multiple times.

If you find out that you’re required to file a certificate of responsibility in Georgia, there’s a lot you have to learn, from the length of your filing period to the type of coverage you need. However, getting familiar with SR-22 requirements in Georgia can save you a whole lot of time and trouble in the future. By following the requirements down to the letter, you can quickly complete your filing period and get right back on the road.

If you want to meet your SR-22 requirements, you’ll need the right insurance coverage. That’s where SR-22 Adviser comes in. Because the SR-22 Adviser team specializes in insuring high-risk drivers, it’s the best place to find an affordable policy that complies with Georgia law. Get your SR-22 insurance in Georgia today by visiting SR-22 Adviser for a free online quote.