You’ve lost your license as a result of a DUI conviction or other serious driving infraction. Now what? It’s the end of the world. No, it isn’t.
You’ve got some challenges ahead of you, but you can handle them. You can reinstate your license in Georgia and even access affordable SR-22 auto insurance after such a setback. It just takes time, patience, and the guidance of a knowledgeable car policy agent. You’ll need to get something known as SR-22 car insurance. With that, you’ll be back behind the wheel and on the path to lower rates.
But what is SR-22 car insurance? Why do you need it, and how do you get it?
Understanding SR-22 in Georgia
You don’t need to know all about SR-22 insurance in Georgia unless you’ve been told it’s what you must have to get back your driving privileges in the state. That being the case, start with the basics.
What Is SR-22 Insurance in Georgia?
SR-22 isn’t actually car insurance, even though it’s often referred to that way. It’s a legal document your insurance company must file with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Also known as a “certificate of financial responsibility,” the SR-22 document certifies that the driver has obtained at least liability coverage, which is the minimum level of protection you must have to drive in this state.
But why do you need to obtain Georgia SR-22 insurance in the first place?
Common Reasons Drivers Are Required to File an SR-22 in Georgia
You need an SR-22 for a suspended license in Georgia. There are numerous reasons you might suffer such a penalty.
The most common is for a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Georgia. Under that circumstance, the courts will revoke your license and — in time — require you to obtain an SR-22.
But you might bring this ruling upon yourself even if you don’t drink. Other infractions that trigger a suspended or revoked driver’s license — and an eventual SR-22 filing — include excessive speed or reckless operation of your motor vehicle, driving without car insurance, and multiple moving violations over a limited period.
It’s not just a simple speeding ticket or two that leads to a loss of driving privileges. It usually stems from a pattern of dangerous or repeated offenses, which could cause injury or show disregard for the safety of other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
The Importance of an SR-22 for License Reinstatement
Whatever serious driving offense earned you a license suspension or revocation, it also got you tagged with the term “high-risk driver.” That means car insurance companies think that the odds you might be involved in an accident leading to a claim filed against the insurer are higher than normal. Being labeled a high-risk driver is one of the costly mistakes that will raise your car insurance rates in Georgia.
The cost of coverage is higher for high-risk drivers than for most other policyholders. So when the authorities end your license suspension period, one of the final steps will be to get at least the minimal required level of insurance — and to prove to the DDS that you’ve done so.
That’s what your SR-22 is all about. Your insurance agent will file the form with the state to prove that you have indeed obtained such coverage, so you can legally drive again.
Steps to Reinstate Your License
Your SR-22 is only one part of the reinstatement process once your license has been suspended. Here’s what you need to do.
Check Your Driving Status
Don’t get behind the wheel of your car until you know for sure that your license has been reinstated. This will likely be in the form of a letter sent by the DDS. You can also check your status online.
However you receive notice, you’ll also learn at this time that you need to acquire Georgia SR-22 insurance.
Obtain SR-22 Insurance
This step is easier than you might think. You must find an auto insurance agent with experience filing SR-22 car insurance paperwork. Not every insurer handles SR-22 cases, though, so that’s the first question you must ask. Find an agent who can handle the filing, and they’ll get the ball rolling.
Submit the Required Documentation
Before you can file an SR-22 in Georgia, you must show evidence that you’ve acquired at least liability coverage, the minimum level of auto insurance required in the state. Liability only covers the property damage and injuries of others when you’re at fault for an accident.
The upside is that liability is cheaper than a full coverage plan since it offers only limited coverage. On the downside, your own vehicle, injuries, and other property won’t be covered in an at-fault accident. Your car might be totaled, and you can’t file a claim for it if you only carry liability.
Pay Any Outstanding Fines or Fees
If you received any financial penalties as a result of the offense that triggered your license suspension, you must pay them before you’ll be allowed to obtain SR-22 car insurance and drive again. Make sure all fees and fines are paid, and keep receipts or other evidence in case you’re questioned.
Complete Required Courses
Did your court sentence require that you attend and complete courses regarding drinking and driving, anger management, or other relevant topics? If so, you must complete them before you can get your license back.
How Long Will You Need to Maintain SR-22 Coverage in Georgia?
That period of time typically runs between one and three years, but will be determined by the DDS. It’s critical you don’t let the policy lapse. If so, it can be difficult to find an insurer who’ll renew coverage for you. Plus, if your policy lapses, the clock begins over when – and if – you find new coverage.
And if you drive without a valid policy, that’s cause for losing your license all over again. If that happens, you’re on foot and must start the license reinstatement process all over again.