SR-22 Auto Coverage in Georgia
SR-22 Auto Insurance in Georgia
Georgia peaches may be sweet, but getting caught without auto insurance – especially SR-22 insurance – can be a bitter pill indeed. Unlike states that apply the no-fault type of system, Georgia uses the tort system. Under the tort system, when there is an accident, someone must be found at fault. That person's auto insurance company will have to pay for any damages and any injuries. They take auto insurance seriously in Georgia, and so should you.
Minimum state insurance requirements
Georgia auto insurance coverage minimum is the 25/50/25 type. This is what that means:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person.
- Additional coverage for a $50,000 maximum per accident.
- Property damage liability of at least $25,000.
Georgia SR-22 auto insurance riders
Georgia has very specific rules concerning the use of SR-22 certificates. The main rules are:
Only state licensed and authorized auto insurance companies may file the SR-22. The insurance company must verify that the person has purchased valid auto insurance in the amounts required by law. If the auto insurance under the SR-22 is not paid in full it must be labeled as "Premium Financed." If an SR-22 that is premium based lapses because of non-payment, the person will not be allowed another premium based certificate for 12 months. In addition, DMV will be notified of the lapse and driving privileges may be suspended.
It is important to remember that SR-22 certificates are not auto insurance policies. You still must request a quote for Georgia auto insurance before operating the vehicle legally. The SR-22 is simply a promise from the auto insurance company that they have insured you, and that they will report you if you let the insurance lapse.
Out-of-state SR-22
An SR-22 that was purchased from an out of state agency is not valid in the state of Georgia. If a person is required to get an SR-22 rider, the rider must be from an in-state auto insurance company that is allowed to do business in the state.