Understanding SR-22 insurance in Georgia

SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in Georgia. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.

Most drivers in Georgia don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of how long you need to keep it.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Georgia?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in Georgia costs $2,256, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.

Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Georgia by violation

Your insurance rates don't go up because of the SR-22. The state requires the SR-22 due to a violation, and that violation is what causes your rates to increase.

For example, you may need an SR-22 if you get a DUI or drive without insurance. The increase in your car insurance rate will depend on the violation, not the SR-22 itself.

This table shows the average costs for violations that require an SR-22. The rates vary based on the type of violation.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$2,438
DUI/DWI first offense$3,330
DUI/DWI second offense$5,381
Reckless driving$3,102
SR22 Filing Only$2,256
SR22 with 1 DUI$3,788

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $2,507. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
State Farm$2,507$209
Progressive$2,597$216
Allstate$2,696$225
Country Financial$2,771$231
Auto-Owners$2,928$244
Mercury Insurance$3,219$268
GEICO$6,015$501
USAA$3,211$268

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is Progressive, with an average annual rate of $2,505. Drivers can get reckless driving tickets for many reasons, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Georgia results in fines, an SR-22 requirement, and increased car insurance rates.

Check the table below to see how average insurance rates for reckless driving compare across different companies.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Progressive$2,505$209
State Farm$2,507$209
Allstate$2,696$225
Country Financial$2,771$231
Auto-Owners$2,928$244
GEICO$3,483$290
Mercury Insurance$4,273$356
USAA$2,319$193

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is GEICO at an average yearly rate of $2,264.

In Georgia, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.

Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
GEICO$2,264$189
Progressive$2,323$194
Country Financial$2,400$200
Mercury Insurance$3,391$283
USAA$1,941$162

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Georgia

Georgia might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car, usually if it's needed to get your license back. If you occasionally borrow or rent a car, you can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets the legal requirements, and your insurance company can file the SR-22 with that policy.

It's important to remember that non-owner car insurance only gives you extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you'll need to get the proper insurance to drive it legally in Georgia.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Georgia?

In Georgia, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Georgia

"Most Georgia drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

You may need an SR-22 in Georgia for reasons such as:

  • Getting a DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Receiving several traffic violations in a short period
  • Failing to keep auto insurance
  • Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
  • Causing an at-fault accident that results in serious injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Georgia

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

  • Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
  • Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
  • Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
  • Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Georgia.

Methodology

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170+

insurance companies analyzed

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34,000+

ZIP codes examined

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53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance

SR-22 insurance in Georgia: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Georgia?

The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:

  • Revoked driver's license
  • Fines
  • Increased auto insurance
  • Restarting your SR-22 time period
  • Having your car impounded
  • Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurers while you have an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must refile the SR-22, and you need to have insurance in place with your SR-22 filed before canceling your previous policy.

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