If you’re facing license suspension due to a major violation, such as DUI, reckless driving, a fault accident, or driving without sufficient auto insurance coverage, you’ll need to satisfy the state’s SR‑22 requirements. Georgia law mandates financial responsibility, meaning you must obtain an SR‑22 certificate via an auto insurance policy that meets minimum liability coverage, including bodily injury liability and property damage liability limits. You must also maintain continuous coverage for the prescribed period of time.
This guide explains the SR‑22 filing process, insurance costs, types of SR‑22 insurance policies, and how Ted Law Firm assists through each step to restore your driving privileges.
1. What Is an SR‑22 Certificate?
An SR‑22 certificate is an official certificate of insurance filed by your insurer with the Department of Driver Services. It certifies that your auto insurance policy meets the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements:
- Bodily injury liability of at least $25,000 per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
The certificate ensures proof of financial responsibility and helps you meet the SR‑22 requirements needed for license reinstatement after license suspension.
2. Who Must File SR‑22 Filings in Georgia?
Drivers needing SR‑22 insurance typically have one or more of the following infractions:
- DUI or DWI conviction
- Multiple driving violations or tickets for reckless driving
- A fault accident while uninsured
- License suspension for lack of proof of coverage
- Court orders due to unsatisfied judgments or unmet financial responsibility obligations
Those impacted by major violation cases must satisfy the strict SR‑22 requirements to regain driving privileges.
3. Types of SR‑22 Insurance Policies
Georgia recognizes several SR‑22 insurance policies:
- Owner SR‑22: for owners of vehicles
- Operator SR‑22: for drivers who don’t own the vehicle
- Owner‑Operator SR‑22: a combination covering both
- Non-owner SR‑22 insurance policy: for drivers without vehicles but still required to file
A non-owner insurance policy provides liability insurance coverage even when you’re driving someone else’s car.
4. The Complete SR‑22 Filing Process
Step 1: Review Your Driving Record
Check your record via Georgia DDS to identify the driving violations, date of license suspension, and details of any fault accident.
Step 2: Choose an Insurance Provider
Not all insurers offer SR‑22 filings. Consult your current auto insurance company or switch to a carrier that handles high-risk policies .
Step 3: Secure Adequate Insurance Coverage
Your policy must meet minimum liability coverage: $25,000 and $50,000 for bodily injury liability, plus $25,000 for property damage liability .
Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee
Insurers generally charge a one-time filing fee between $15–$50 plus increased insurance premiums for adding an SR‑22 certificate .
Step 5: Submit the SR‑22 Certificate
With proof of premium payment and coverage, your insurer electronically files the SR‑22 form with DDS. You’ll receive confirmation once the state processes it .
Step 6: Reinstatement and Reinstatement Fees
After filing, you must pay a DDS reinstatement fee to recover your driving privileges. Confirmation triggers your license reinstatement.
Step 7: Maintain Continuous Coverage for the Required Period of Time
Georgia requires SR‑22 status for at least three years. Any insurance policy lapse results in another license suspension, restarts the filing period, and can increase insurance costs .
5. Understanding Insurance Premiums, Rates, and Coverage Costs
Elevated Insurance Premiums
SR‑22 drivers often face 50–100% higher insurance premiums than standard rates .
Filing Fees and Reinstatement
One-time filing fees ($15–$50) and reinstatement fees from DDS add to total cost.
Yearly Insurance Rates
Georgia SR‑22 insurance can cost $2,200–$2,400 annually for compliant drivers and up to $3,900 for those with a DUI .
Lowering Costs
- Compare quotes from top insurance carriers (GEICO, Progressive, State Farm)
- Request discounts (multi-policy, safe-driving, higher deductible)
- Maintain a clean driving record post-SR‑22 to strengthen minimum coverage levels .
6. Why Georgia Enforces SR‑22: Financial Responsibility and Public Safety
Georgia mandates SR‑22 filings to:
- Ensure drivers maintain minimum liability insurance coverage
- Provide proof of financial responsibility after serious incidents
- Protect the public from drivers without coverage in fault accidents
This system helps uphold public safety and reduces insurance losses .
7. The Impact of Lapses: Restarting the Filing Period
Any lapse in coverage:
- Requires your insurer to notify DDS
- Restarts the three-year filing period
- Can result in added fine penalties, another license suspension, and higher insurance costs
Set up reminders or auto-pay to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
8. Non-owner SR‑22 Insurance Policies
A non-owner SR‑22 insurance policy is ideal for individuals without a vehicle. It fulfills SR‑22 requirements, provides liability insurance coverage, and ensures compliance without needing to insure a specific automobile .
9. Handling Fault Accidents Without Coverage
A fault accident without valid insurance triggers:
- A license suspension
- Mandatory filing for SR‑22 insurance
- Higher insurance premiums, increased filing fees, and legal exposure from judgments
An active SR‑22 certificate protects you from further license issues and demonstrates financial responsibility.
10. After Filing: What to Expect
- DDS processes the SR‑22 certificate, your driving privileges are reinstated
- You pay reinstatement fees and confirm coverage
- Maintain continuous coverage for at least three years
- Avoiding lapses and fulfilling SR‑22 requirements keeps your license valid
11. How Ted Law Firm Helps
Ted Law Firm provides full-service support:
- Reviewing your driving record, identifying violations, and addressing license suspension issues
- Connecting you with insurers offering competitive SR‑22 auto insurance, ideal insurance premiums, and meeting insurance requirements
- Filing and tracking your certificate of insurance with DDS
- Managing the reinstatement process, including filing fees and reinstatement timing
- Ensuring continuous coverage, policy compliance, and avoiding costly lapses
Need Legal Guidance After an Auto Insurance Lapse?
If your auto insurance coverage has lapsed or you’ve been in an auto accident while uninsured, Ted Law Firm is here to help.
Ted Law Firm proudly stands with injured pedestrians and their families throughout Charleston, Aiken, Greenville, North Augusta, Myrtle Beach, and even Atlanta,fighting for justice across South Carolina and Georgia. If a serious pedestrian accident has disrupted your life, you can count on Ted Law Firm for compassionate guidance and strong legal support every step of the way.
We understand Charleston County law and how insurance adjusters,claims process, and Department of Insurance rules impact your case.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
