All motorists must carry liability insurance to operate motor vehicles in Georgia, which typically serves as the primary source of compensation in a car accident. However, drivers in Georgia who have been convicted of a traffic offense and lost their license may have to obtain an SR-22 certificate verifying that the driver has auto insurance as a condition of restoring their driving privileges.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
An SR-22 certificate verifies that a driver has the required auto insurance coverage. Drivers may need to obtain SR-22 certification to show they have the financial responsibility required after a conviction for a significant traffic offense. A court may order a driver to obtain an SR-22 certificate as a part of the driver’s sentence for a traffic conviction.
Alternatively, the Georgia Department of Driver Services may require a driver to obtain a certificate to reinstate their driving privileges following a traffic conviction. When a driver must obtain an SR-22 certificate, the state will suspend their driver’s license until the driver obtains one from their insurance company.
The SR-22 certificate proves that a driver carries an auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
What Are Some Reasons You Might Need SR-22 Car Insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, the courts or the Department of Driver Services can require motorists to obtain an SR-22 certificate if they are convicted of a traffic offense, designating them as high-risk drivers. Examples of circumstances where a driver may have to obtain an SR-22 certificate in Georgia include a conviction for any of the following offenses:
- Driving under the influence or DUI
- Speeding
- Driving with an expired or suspended vehicle registration
- Driving without auto insurance
- Street racing
- Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement
- Committing a hit-and-run
- Causing a motor vehicle accident
- Accumulating too many points on one’s driving record
- Failing to pay fines for repeated traffic offenses
- Vehicular homicide
- Applying for a hardship license after a driver’s license suspension/revocation.
Courts may also order individuals to obtain SR-22 certificates for non-automotive-related reasons, such as non-payment of child support. Contact our Atlanta car wreck lawyer today.
What Is the Difference Between SR-22 and Regular Car Insurance?
All drivers must have auto liability insurance and maintain continuous coverage to drive in Georgia. Drivers who have been convicted of certain traffic offenses may have their driver’s license suspended and have auto insurance policy lapses. The requirements to have a license reinstated vary depending on the type of suspension. A driver may need an SR-22 certificate to prove he or she meets the minimum insurance requirements.
An SR-22 form is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by an insurance company with the State of Georgia Department of Driver Services. It verifies that a driver meets the insurance coverage requirements to operate an automobile.
Drivers whose insurers do not offer SR-22 certificates may need to switch insurance carriers, which can increase their auto insurance costs.
Insurers may charge higher premiums for drivers who request an SR-22 certificate. It indicates that the driver poses a higher risk of accidents due to past behavior that required the driver to obtain the certificate.
How Is an SR-22A Different from an SR-22?
Georgia has two SR-22 certificates: the standard SR-22 certificate and an SR-22A certificate. Courts or the Department of Driver Services may require motorists to obtain an SR-22A insurance policy certificate if the driver has multiple traffic convictions for not carrying insurance or a conviction for a significant traffic-related offense, such as DUI, reckless driving, or vehicular homicide.
What Do You Need To Do to Get an SR-22?
You must first purchase auto liability insurance from an insurance provider that files SR-22 forms. The insurance company will then file the certificate with the Georgia Department of Driver Services on your behalf. If your insurer does not offer SR-22 certificates, you may need to switch to another insurance company that offers the certificates.
How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?
Obtaining an SR-22 certificate involves several costs. First, insurance companies charge administrative/filing fees for issuing the certificate. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, drivers who request SR-22 certificates may be categorized as high-risk drivers and face higher insurance premiums.
More serious offenses, such as DUI or causing a motor vehicle accident while driving on a suspended license or without insurance, may lead insurance companies to view drivers as significantly higher risks and increase their premiums proportionally. However, drivers can mitigate the increase in their insurance rates by taking advantage of insurer programs for reduced rates, such as installing a driving behavior tracker or taking safe driving courses.
How Long Will You Need to Have an SR-22?
In most cases, drivers required to obtain an SR-22 must maintain their certificate for at least three years. However, drivers may face longer periods if they let their insurance lapse during the initial three-year period without approval from the court or the Department of Driver Services. Doing so may constitute a violation of the condition of a driver’s license reinstatement or a separate traffic or criminal offense if the driver operates a motor vehicle without insurance.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been convicted of a traffic offense, the state of Georgia may require you to obtain a certificate of financial responsibility as a condition of reinstating your driver’s license. You can obtain this certificate, commonly referred to as SR-22 insurance, from an auto insurance company. An experienced car accident attorney with Bayuk Pratt can explain what an SR-22 certificate does and what it means for your rights and interests. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
