Understanding SR-22 insurance in Georgia

SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in Georgia. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.

Most drivers in Georgia don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you 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

After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is State Farm with average rates of $2,507. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable rates than others.

Take a look at the table below to see how average insurance rates after one DUI vary by company. While insurance rates increase after a DUI, the increase isn't as severe as with multiple infractions.

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 with a reckless driving conviction is Progressive at an average annual rate of $2,505. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Georgia leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

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 lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. 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 as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Georgia.

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

Typically, Georgia drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and 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.

Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Georgia include:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
  • Failure to maintain auto insurance
  • Refusing a breathalyzer
  • At-fault accidents involving severe 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?

If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:

  • Losing your driver's license
  • Paying fines
  • Increased car insurance rates
  • Restarting your SR-22 period
  • Jail time
  • Getting your car's registration revoked

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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