Legal Definition Under Georgia State Law
SR-22 insurance is actually a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) form. It is issued by your insurance company. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV or MVD) may require it to verify that you have auto insurance liability coverage.
Who Needs a SR-22 Insurance or CFR?
If you need a CFR, the courts or the DMV will notify you. Certain driving-related violations dictate who is required to have CFR on file. Examples include:
- Accidents caused by uninsured drivers
- Drunk driving convictions or any serious moving violation
- Reckless driving and/or repeated traffic offenses (such as too many tickets in a short time period)
- A revoked or suspended license
Are There Fees Associated with SR-22 Insurance or the CFR?
Yes. SR-22 insurance is attached to your auto insurance coverage policy and can only be issued by your auto carrier.
Most states charge at least a $25 one-time filing fee for each CFR filed, but some states are higher. The fee in Georgia is $25. You’ll have this fee along with your auto policy premiums. Your premiums will likely be affected by whatever event triggered the need to get SR-22 Insurance in the first place.
If a policy lapses, you will repay a filing fee for the new policy.
Is SR-22 Insurance Expensive?
No. Insurance companies charge a processing fee between $15-$25. But keep in mind that some insurance companies will not insure drivers who need a CFR or SR-22 insurance—or they will add surcharges to policies because of the CFR requirement.
Be aware you might face a spike in insurance rates, and be ready to shop around for your policy coverage prices. Some individuals report that their insurance policy rates increased substantially when they were required to carry SR-22 insurance on the policy. According to research, the policy rates actually increased because of the violations the driver incurred, not because of the CFR requirement.
Does the CFR Have an Expiration Date?
Yes and no. As long as your auto insurance policy remains in force and premiums are paid in a timely manner, your SR-22 should remain valid. If your insurance policy is canceled while you are still required to maintain the CFR, your insurance provider is required by law to notify the proper state authority of the cancelation.
In Georgia, you are required to have your SR-22 insurance for three years after most violations that trigger the need for CFR. However, the specific violation will dictate how long you need to continue having the SR-22 designation on your insurance policy.
John Foy & Associates can help you walk through what it means when someone has SR-22 insurance after a car accident or in other similar situations. In some cases, it can be very good for your car accident—it shows a pattern of reckless behalf that triggered the need for SR-22 insurance. Our team can tell you more about this unique aspect of your claim. Let us give you a FREE consultation to answer your questions and go over the details. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form and get your FREE consultation today.