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Filing the SR-22 Insurance Form

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

The state of Georgia uses the SR-22 form to help protect its citizens against problem drivers by monitoring their insurance. It requires the auto insurance company to file the SR-22 form as a proof of a problem driver's financial responsibility, stating that his/her auto insurance liability is in effect. The state does not send notifications and it is the responsibility of the driver and the auto insurance company to submit the form as well as the renewals, to the state, if required.

WHAT IS A SR-22 FORM?

There are three different types of SR-22 forms:

  1. The Operator's Certificate covers the financial responsibility in the case the motorist does not own a vehicle.
  2. The Owner's Certificate covers the financial responsibility for vehicles owned by the motorist.
  3. The Operators-Owners Certificate covers financial responsibility for all the vehicles that are owned or non-owned by the motorist.

WHEN IS SR-22 REQUIRED?

The SR-22 financial responsibility Insurance form is required in the following cases:

  1. If you have any safety responsibility suspensions. For example, if an uninsured driver was involved in an accident in the past but did not pay the requisite compensation then he or she needs to fill the SR-22.
  2. In case of convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or refusal to submit for a breath analyzer test.
  3. In case of suspensions or revocations of license due to an accumulation of serious violations such as reckless driving.
  4. In the case of mandatory insurance supervisions.

FILING FOR THE SR-22

  1. Contact a state-authorized insurance agency to request for a SR-22 or SR-22A filing.
  2. Pay the correct processing fee to the agency. The fee amount may vary between agencies. You can request an insurance quote from our Georgia auto insurance page and companies such as Esurance will allow you to request an SR-22 filing automatically. In case you are required to file an SR-22A you will have to pay the entire premium upfront.
  3. As per the State laws of Georgia, the minimum amount of coverage should be $25,000 for one person killed or injured, $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured and $25,000 for property damage.
  4. Upon receiving the request from the agent the central office then sends the SR-22 directly to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
  5. The SR-22 has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months. If the motorist does not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date the agency notifies the State. The State may then suspend the driving record of the motorist until the insurance is renewed.

FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS

  1. If you are from out of state your out of state proof of financial responsibility will be accepted provided that your insurer certifies in writing that the insurance policy complies with the laws of the state of Georgia. It is best to contact your insurance agent to find out if your out of state policy is valid in the state of Georgia.
  2. If you are required to file SR-22 in Georgia you will have to do so through an insurance company that is licensed to do business in the state. Failure to file an SR-22 will not only result in a suspension of your driving privileges in Georgia but may also affect your driving privileges in your home state.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION