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While all Georgia drivers need a license and insurance, certain violations necessitate an SR-22 certificate. This proves that you meet the state’s financial responsibility standards. Learn if you need an SR-22 to drive legally in Georgia.
An SR-22 is often referred to as “SR-22 insurance,” but this is a misnomer. It is not an insurance policy itself but rather a certificate of financial responsibility. This document verifies that you maintain the state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.
Typically, it is required following serious driving violations, such as a DUI/DWI conviction or driving without insurance. A court judge or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) can impose this requirement.
If you are mandated to obtain an SR-22, there is no alternative. To maintain your driving privileges, your insurance company must file the SR-22 certificate electronically with the Georgia DDS.
If you currently do not have car insurance, you will need to seek out an insurer who can provide coverage to drivers with an SR-22 requirement. Failure to comply with the SR-22 mandate can result in license suspension and other legal consequences, just as driving without the required car insurance.
The SR-22A, a heightened form of financial responsibility certification, is mandated for high-risk drivers. This typically follows multiple instances of driving without insurance, unsatisfied judgments, or serious traffic violations. These violations include but are not limited to excessive speeding, driving with expired tags or suspended registration, fleeing the scene, racing, at-fault accidents, hit-and-runs, and vehicular homicide.
Unlike a standard SR-22, the SR-22A requires drivers to prepay six months of insurance for a consecutive three-year period. Compliance is non-negotiable; if ordered by the DDS or a court, there are no alternatives. Further driving offenses can reset the three-year requirement, extending the period of mandatory pre-paid insurance.
To initiate an SR-22 filing, you must contact your current auto insurance company. Although not all insurers offer this service due to the inherent risks, many will provide SR-22 filings to eligible drivers who meet their underwriting standards. The SR-22 confirms your compliance with Georgia’s mandatory minimum liability insurance requirements: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
If Georgia classifies you as a high-risk driver, you might still need to file an SR-22, regardless of vehicle ownership. In this scenario, non-owner auto insurance provides a solution. This policy allows you to obtain the required SR-22 certificate, even if you do not own a car. Verifying that your chosen insurance provider will submit the SR-22 filing directly to the Georgia Department of Driver Services is essential.
Non-owner insurance offers flexibility and preparedness for future driving needs. It is helpful for individuals who frequently rent cars or use other people’s vehicles, providing supplemental liability coverage. It allows individuals to maintain their license validity even when they have no immediate plans to drive. This is especially relevant after a serious traffic violation, as it allows for a smoother transition back to driving when the individual is ready, without the added burden of license reinstatement.
For more information, please contact our Augusta car accident lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Augusta, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
4137 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 722-8784