Georgia SR-22 Insurance Guide

The SR-22 filing must originate from a licensed insurance entity in Georgia; drivers cannot self-certify financial responsibility. If you've been convicted of DUI in Georgia, or had your license suspended for other serious traffic violations, you might be required to file an SR-22 form with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This guide explains what an SR-22 is, how it affects your insurance rates, and how to navigate the process in Georgia.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 isn't insurance itself, but rather a certificate attached to your auto insurance policy. It proves to the DDS that you meet Georgia's minimum liability insurance requirements. The insurance company essentially guarantees to the state that you are financially responsible. Should your policy lapse or be cancelled for any reason, the insurer is legally obligated to notify the DDS.

Why Do I Need an SR-22 in Georgia?

In Georgia, the SR-22 is the primary instrument for reinstating driving privileges for serious traffic offenses, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving
• Vehicular homicide
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing (implied consent violation)
• Suspensions from excessive points accumulation

Georgia also has an SR-22A certificate, which is reserved for habitual violators of insurance mandates, most commonly triggered by a second or subsequent conviction for driving without insurance within a five-year period or unsatisfied civil judgments.

SR-22 vs. SR-22A

Georgia uses both SR-22 and SR-22A forms. The primary difference lies in the payment structure. The SR-22A requires the policy to be prepaid in full for a non-refundable six-month term, unlike standard SR-22 policies which can often be paid monthly. If you require an SR-22A and fail to prepay the next term, your coverage lapses, triggering an immediate suspension.

How to Obtain an SR-22 in Georgia

1. Notification: You'll receive an "Official Notice of Suspension" from the DDS or a court order explicitly stating the need for an SR-22 or SR-22A.
2. Contact Your Insurer: Contact your current insurance provider and request the SR-22 filing. This request acts as a disclosure of the major violation (e.g., DUI). Be aware that State Farm and Travelers are "Standard" or "Preferred" insurance carriers that may decline to cover drivers with SR-22 requirements.
3. Underwriting Review: The insurer will review your file. "Standard" carriers often have underwriting guidelines that prohibit covering drivers with SR-22 requirements. In such cases, the carrier may decline the request and issue a notice of non-renewal, forcing you to seek a new provider.
4. Policy Issuance: If the carrier accepts the risk (or if you switch to a high-risk specialist like Progressive or Dairyland), they will endorse the policy with the SR-22 rider. To satisfy the SR-22 or SR-22A requirements, your insurance policy must meet Georgia's minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
5. Submission to DDS: The vast majority of filings in Georgia are handled electronically through the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEACS). When a carrier transmits the SR-22 data, the DDS database is typically updated within 24 to 48 hours.

Cost of SR-22 Insurance in Georgia

The filing fee charged by insurance companies for generating and transmitting the SR-22 certificate typically ranges from $15 to $25. However, the major cost driver is the increase in your insurance premiums due to being classified as a high-risk driver. Industry data suggests that a DUI conviction in Georgia typically results in a premium increase of 40% to over 100%. For a standard driver paying $1,400 annually, this can elevate premiums to $2,200 - $3,900 per year.

Several factors influence the price:

• Credit Score: Georgia allows insurers to use credit history in pricing models. A low credit score in addition to a DUI can result in significantly higher rates.
• Location: Rates in the Atlanta metropolitan area are significantly higher than in rural Georgia. Monthly premiums in Atlanta can be nearly double those in Valdosta.
• Vehicle: High-performance vehicles or luxury sedans carry higher base rates, which are then multiplied by the high-risk surcharge.

Standard vs. Non-Standard Insurance Markets

The insurance market in Georgia is divided into two segments: "Standard/Preferred" and "Non-Standard." Major carriers like State Farm and Geico often decline new high-risk business or impose steep surcharges for SR-22 filings. The non-standard market specializes in high-risk drivers. Companies like Progressive, Dairyland Insurance, The General, National General, and AssuranceAmerica are key players in this market. Progressive is known for its willingness to insure drivers with DUIs and its same-day electronic filing capabilities.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

If you need to reinstate your license but don't own a vehicle, you can purchase a Non-Owner Operator Policy. This provides liability coverage when driving vehicles you don't own. Premiums are significantly lower, often ranging from $30 to $85 per month. Most non-standard carriers, like Progressive and Dairyland, offer this option.

How Long Do I Need an SR-22?

For most offenses, including first-time DUIs, you must maintain the SR-22 filing for a continuous period of three years. This clock typically begins on the date your license is reinstated or the date of conviction, depending on the court order. This three-year period is not absolute. If you commit additional major violations or allow the policy to lapse during the probationary period, the DDS can extend the requirement or restart the three-year clock entirely.

Consequences of a Lapse

If your policy is cancelled for any reason, especially non-payment, the insurer is legally obligated to file Form SR-26 (Notice of Cancellation) with the DDS immediately. The DDS will automatically suspend your license. To reinstate, you'll need a new insurance policy, a new SR-22 filing, and must pay a new reinstatement fee to the DDS.

Removing the SR-22 Requirement

The SR-22 requirement doesn’t expire automatically. You must proactively manage its termination. Verify with the DDS that the three-year mandate has been satisfied. Then, instruct your insurance agent to remove the SR-22 filing from the policy.

The DDS reinstatement fee for a DUI (First Offense) is $210 (in person) or $200 (online/mail).