insure logo

Why you can trust Insure.com

quality icon

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

Nationwide offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Georgia at $1,401 per year. GEICO is another affordable option at $1,486 per year. What you pay will depend on your driving record, your location, and the insurer you choose.

SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy on its own. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to show you have the minimum required coverage, commonly needed after a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 are treated as higher risk, so premiums are usually higher than average.

The SR-22 filing period lasts around three years, though your state and the specifics of your violation will determine the exact timeline. Expect your rates to go up right away, but consistent clean driving from here on out is what will gradually bring them back down. While you’re in that window, comparing quotes across insurers can help make sure you’re getting the best rate available to you.

How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period

  • Compare at least three quotes before you commit. SR-22 surcharges vary widely between insurers, so the first quote you get is rarely the cheapest.
  • Ask each company how long the surcharge lasts. Some drop the high-risk rate sooner than others, which can matter more than the starting price.
  • Keep your record clean from here. Avoiding new violations is the single biggest thing that lowers your rate over time.
  • Don’t let the policy lapse. A gap in coverage can reset your filing period and signal even higher risk to insurers.
  • Confirm your insurer actually filed the form. You’re responsible for staying compliant, so verify the SR-22 is on file with the state before you assume you’re covered

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a document your insurance company files with the state to show you have the minimum coverage required to legally drive. It’s typically required after violations like a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.

An SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy – it’s a form your insurer submits to the state confirming you meet the minimum coverage requirements. Because needing one flags you as a higher-risk driver, you can expect your premiums to rise, and some insurers may decline to cover you altogether.

How does SR-22 insurance work in Georgia?

  • SR-22 insurance in Georgia costs an average of $1,795 per year
  • Nationwide offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Georgia at $1,401 annually
  • An SR-22 is a state-required filing that proves you carry minimum car insurance coverage

When do you need an SR-22 in Georgia?

You may need an SR-22 in Georgia after serious driving violations such as a DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance or accumulating too many points on your license.

The specific offenses that require one vary by state, but these are the most common:

  • DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
  • Reckless driving
  • Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
  • Accumulation of too many driving violation points
  • Driving without insurance

After buying an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurance company to send the SR-22 form to the DMV.

What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage?

Most drivers are required to maintain an SR-22 filing for around three years, though the exact timeline varies by state and the nature of the violation. Throughout that period, your coverage must stay active – any lapse will prompt your insurer to notify the DMV, which can trigger penalties like license suspension, reinstatement fees, or an extended filing requirement.

In many states, even a single gap resets the three-year clock entirely, meaning a lapse halfway through could cost you another full cycle. On top of that, a coverage gap marks you as an even greater risk, leading to higher premiums when you re-insure and potentially making it harder to find a carrier willing to cover you at all.

How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in Georgia?

The average SR-22 car insurance rate in Georgia is $1,795 per year. That’s $780 more than in New Hampshire, which has the lowest SR-22 rates in the country, but $2,246 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 coverage.

Your actual rate will depend on why you need the SR-22, your overall driving record, and your location.

A DUI carries a much more dramatic surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

Call (844) 814-8854
ethan-avatar
Ethan Available Now
jack-avatar
Jack Available Now
robbie-avatar
Robbie Available Now
ellie-avatar
Ellie Available Now

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Georgia

At $1,401 per year, Nationwide is the most affordable SR-22 insurer in Georgia. SR-22 coverage costs more than a standard policy, but there’s still a wide range of prices between companies.

These are some of the most affordable SR-22 options in Georgia.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Nationwide$1,401 $117
GEICO$1,486 $124
Auto-Owners$1,524 $127
Progressive$1,996 $166
State Farm$2,138 $178
Mercury Insurance$2,239 $187
Allstate$2,333 $194
USAA*$1,244 $104
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Georgia?

SR-22 rates in Georgia depend heavily on where you live. Urban areas tend to come with higher premiums due to increased traffic, higher theft rates, and more frequent claims. Smaller towns and suburbs usually sit on the cheaper end of the scale.

Below are the major cities in Georgia with the cheapest average SR-22 rates.

CityAverage annual premium
Athens$1,197
Augusta$1,226
Guyton$1,249
Pooler$1,273
Alpharetta$1,346
Mcdonough$1,470
Douglasville$1,484
Atlanta$1,500
Marietta$1,549
Austell$1,562
Powered by:

Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

  • Your rates may drop after the SR-22 requirement ends, but they likely won’t return to pre-violation levels right away
  • The underlying violation can stay on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, or longer for serious offenses like a DUI
  • Once your SR-22 period ends, contact your insurer and provide DMV confirmation if required
  • Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time

What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Georgia?

To legally drive in Georgia, the DMV requires you to carry at least:

  • $25,000 for injury or death per person
  • $50,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

These are the legal minimums. Carrying more coverage costs a bit more each month, but it can save you a lot if you’re ever in a serious at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Georgia cost with a DUI?

A DUI generally leads to a significant jump in SR-22 premiums, though the exact increase depends on your insurer. The table below shows annual SR-22 rates for drivers with a DUI in Georgia.

This table shows two different costs:

  • SR-22 with one DUI – the estimated annual cost if your SR-22 filing is the result of a DUI conviction, factoring in the rate increase insurers apply after a DUI.
  • SR-22 filing only – your standard premium plus the SR-22 filing fee, with no DUI on record. If your filing is tied to a different violation, this column gives you a better estimate of what the SR-22 itself adds to your cost.

CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 Filing only
State Farm$2,337 $2,138
Nationwide$2,848 $1,401
Allstate$2,882 $2,333
Auto-Owners$3,022 $1,524
Mercury Insurance$3,047 $2,239
Progressive$3,186 $1,996
GEICO$4,914 $1,486
USAA*$2,507 $1,244
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Powered by:

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Georgia

Filing an SR-22 itself costs very little, usually a one-time fee between $25 and $50. What drives up the real expense is the high-risk label insurers assign to drivers who require one. That’s also where you have the most opportunity to save. Getting quotes from multiple insurers, keeping your record clean, and selecting an appropriate level of coverage can all work in your favor. Premiums for high-risk drivers differ more than you might expect from one insurer to the next, making comparison shopping one of the smartest moves you can make.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:

  • Shop around. SR-22 rates vary significantly between insurance companies. Comparing quotes from several providers is the best way to find a good deal.
  • Pay upfront. Paying your full annual premium at once can be cheaper overall than spreading payments across monthly installments.
  • Opt for non-owner insurance. If you need SR-22 coverage but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy generally runs 5% to 15% less than a standard policy.

Compare insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers

Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer much lower SR-22 rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from multiple companies is often the fastest way to save.

Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?

Drivers who need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle can file one through non-owner SR-22 insurance. It provides the minimum required liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car and lets you reinstate your license after violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses. Because it doesn’t cover a vehicle of your own, it’s usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy.

This situation is more common than it sounds. Many drivers lose their license after a violation and still have to prove they’re insured to get it back, even when they don’t own a car. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is what makes that possible.

Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Georgia?

SR-22 insurance in Georgia typically costs more than standard coverage. Because the requirement usually follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or lapsing on insurance, insurers classify these drivers as higher risk and price premiums accordingly.

That said, rates end up looking very different between insurers, and shopping around can make a real difference to what you end up paying. A few other ways to keep costs down:

  • Cut your mileage if you can. Leaning on public transportation or carpooling may drop you into pay-per-mile or low-mileage territory.
  • Claim every discount you qualify for. Common ones include bundling policies, automatic payments, and completing a defensive driving course.
  • Keep your record clean from here on out. This is the single most effective thing you can do. A DUI can stay on your record for up to 10 years in many states, and a clean stretch during that time is what actually moves your rates down.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car?

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy.

What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period.

Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22?

Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage.

expert

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

expert-image
Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.
“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

author image
Alisha Ambre

 
  

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP