Understanding SR-22 insurance in Georgia
An SR-22 is required to reinstate your license after it’s been suspended. In some cases, you might need an SR-22 even though you don’t own a car, or if you need to register a car while still under suspension. There are several forms of SR-22 filings available in Georgia:
- Operator
- Owner
- Owner-operator
If you need to reinstate your license but don’t own a car, you will need to purchase non-owner car insurance to get the SR-22 filed.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Georgia?
The average length of an SR-22 requirement is three years. If you need the SR-22 for a longer period of time, you’ll be informed by the DDS or the court.
If you fail to maintain an insurance policy throughout the duration of your SR-22 period, the insurance company will inform the Georgia DDS of the lapse in coverage. A lapse will result in an extension of the SR-22 insurance duration.
Further serious moving violations during the SR-22 period may also result in an extension of the SR-22 requirement.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Georgia
An SR-22 is required in Georgia for several reasons. They include:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Being involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured
- Too many points on your license
- Reckless driving
You will be informed by the DDS or the court handling your conviction of any SR-22 insurance requirements.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Georgia?
The cost of insurance with an SR-22 will vary depending on the violation that resulted in the need for an SR-22. The insurance company will charge you a filing fee that is usually between $25 and $50. On top of that, your insurance rates will go up. Here are a few examples:
- The average cost of DUI first offense and SR-22 insurance in Georgia is $2,837 per year
- The average cost of DUI second offense and SR-22 insurance in Georgia is $4,534 per year
- The average cost of insurance with an SR-22 in Georgia after a reckless driving conviction is $2,592 per year
- The average cost of driving without insurance and SR-22 in Georgia is $1,908 per year
The main factors affecting SR-22 insurance cost in Georgia are the violation itself and what else is on your driving record. The cost of car insurance for multiple traffic violations and SR-22 insurance, or at-fault accidents on your record will skyrocket.
How much you pay for insurance with an SR-22 will also depend on:
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How you use your car
- Your coverage limits
"Many companies are unwilling to provide you insurance coverage if you have an SR-22 and need to satisfy the various obligations associated with carrying an SR-22. As such, you’ll likely have fewer options available to you and you may need to pay more for your insurance," says Rick Kautzer, director of product management at Dairyland Insurance, a non-standard insurer.
Average cost of SR-22 insurance in Georgia by violation
Below are average car insurance rates for three different violations that require an SR-22.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| DUI first offense | $2,837 |
| DUI second offense | $4,534 |
| Reckless driving | $2,592 |
| Driving without insurance | $1,908 |
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Georgia for different violations
See the tables below to compare rates from top companies for an SR-22 with various violations.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, first offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a first offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,913 | $159 |
| USAA* | $2,421 | $202 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,497 | $208 |
| Progressive | $2,664 | $222 |
| Allstate | $2,669 | $222 |
| Mercury | $2,790 | $232 |
| Nationwide | $2,800 | $233 |
| Geico | $4,944 | $412 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for DUI, second offense
Below are average car insurance rates by company for a second offense DUI that requires an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,913 | $159 |
| USAA | $3,157 | $263 |
| Allstate | $3,722 | $310 |
| Mercury | $3,792 | $316 |
| Nationwide | $3,855 | $321 |
| Progressive | $4,823 | $402 |
| Auto-Owners | $5,391 | $449 |
| Geico | $9,620 | $802 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
Below are average car insurance rates by company for reckless driving with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA* | $1,764 | $147 |
| State Farm | $1,913 | $159 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,497 | $208 |
| Progressive | $2,545 | $212 |
| Allstate | $2,669 | $222 |
| Nationwide | $2,800 | $233 |
| Geico | $2,992 | $249 |
| Mercury | $3,558 | $296 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
Below are average car insurance rates by company for driving without insurance with an SR-22.
| Company | Avg. annual premium | Avg. monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,292 | $108 |
| USAA* | $1,484 | $124 |
| Nationwide | $1,605 | $134 |
| Geico | $1,639 | $137 |
| State Farm | $1,756 | $146 |
| Allstate | $2,243 | $187 |
| Progressive | $2,348 | $196 |
| Mercury | $2,896 | $241 |
*USAA offers car insurance only to militarymembers, veterans and their families.
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Georgia
Because the need for an SR-22 follows a major violation, car insurance after an SR-22 is expensive. The good news is that many of the methods for getting cheaper car insurance still apply after an SR-22. They include:
- Raising your deductible
- Working to improve your driving record (and avoid any further tickets or accidents)
- Discounts, including for bundling your auto and home insurance
- Usage-based programs that monitor your driving habits in return for a discount
- Shopping around
Shopping around is the quickest and easiest way to get cheaper Georgia car insurance, even with an SR-22.
Auto insurance FAQs
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Georgia?
If your insurance lapses, the insurance company will report it to the DDS. Your license will be suspended or even revoked permanently.
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes. Switching insurance providers with an SR-22 filing is permitted. Just make sure there is no lapse in coverage and that the new insurance company files the SR-22 form.
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