In Georgia, license points allow officials to keep track of reckless drivers. The more serious the violation, the more points added to your license. If you get 15 points on your driving record within 24 months, your license will be suspended.
In addition to license revocation, there are other consequences to license points. Let’s explore how license points affect insurance rates in Georgia.
How Can License Points Affect Insurance Rates in Georgia?
Although insurance carriers in Georgia don’t reference license points directly when deciding rates, a violation on your record will undoubtedly impact your premium. Even if you already have auto insurance, your carrier may increase your premium, cancel your policy, or deny renewal if you committed a violation.
Points on your license act as a warning that you are not a careful driver, and insuring reckless drivers is a risk for the insurance carrier. Insurers are always looking for ways to cut costs, and if you have points on your record, the insurance company will see you as a liability. They can respond by either charging you a higher rate for coverage or terminating your policy altogether.
If you have been convicted of a traffic violation one or more times, it’s a good idea to keep track of your license points and when they come off. Points stay on your driving record for two years from the date they were added. You can obtain a copy of your Driving History Report from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) online, in person, or by mail.
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Are License Points and Insurance Points the Same Thing?
License points are not insurance points. Insurance companies use their own points system when calculating rates and deciding coverage eligibility. The point system varies per insurance company, and the insurer doesn’t usually share these points with the public.
The insurance company will assign a higher point value if a violation is more severe. Therefore, the more insurance points you accrue, the more your insurance premium will increase. However, if you can go an extended time without new violations or insurance claims, your point value and insurance rates will decrease.
Keep in mind that having points on your license can also mean you’ll be required to purchase SR-22 insurance. If that is the case, you will need to find an insurance carrier that offers SR-22.
How Does SR-22 Car Insurance Relate to License Points?
SR-22 car insurance is also known as a certificate of financial responsibility (CFR). Insurance companies send this document to the state of Georgia to confirm your policy is active and meets the minimum liability requirements. In other words, it shows the state you are responsible for your coverage.
If your license gets suspended, you might need to purchase an SR-22 document before you can get your license reinstated. You may also be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate if you:
- Incur several moving violations in a short period
- Are convicted of drunk driving or negligent driving
- Drive with a suspended license
- Operate a vehicle without proper car insurance coverage
While having any points on your license doesn’t mean you need SR-22 insurance, insurers will see certain situations (like the ones above) as proof of poor driving. So, the actions that come along with having points on your license may lead to an SR-22 requirement.
Is There a Way to Keep Points from Being Added to My License?
If you receive a ticket for a moving violation, you may be able to prevent points from being added to your license. You can try contesting the ticket or completing a defensive driving course to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you are successful, you may avoid getting points added to your record.
How Do I Reduce Points from My Georgia Driver’s License?
Points remain on a license for two years. In Georgia, drivers can reduce up to seven points from their license every five years. To qualify for points reduction, you must complete a certified Driver Improvement course. Then, you must physically deliver or mail your certificate of completion to a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center.
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