Can you tell me the law in Georgia regarding SR22?

Mike

Atlanta GA

In the US alone, different states have various laws and regulations with regards to Driving under the Influence or DUI. In Georgia car insurance law, it is unlawful to have a vehicle without car insurance coverage. Permitting an individual without insurance operate a vehicle is likewise illegal.

In Georgia car insurance law, the minimum required liability coverage is as follows:

1. $25,000.00 for bodily injury liability per person per accident-

2. $50,000.00 . for bodily injury liability for two or more persons per accident

3.  $25,000.00 for property damage per accident

The law enforcement officer will request the driver to show proof of mandatory liability insurance. IDs or papers from the insurer have to be presented.

If the insurance has lapsed at the time of the accident, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend the your drivers license until insurance policy has been renewed.

If you have been convicted of DUI, you will be required to get a special kind of car insurance called SR 22. This SR22 is a certificate that shows proof proof of financial responsibility of the driver. It’s an assurance that the driver will keep the minimum liability insurance coverage required by the state.

I moved from Alabama to Georgia and my car insurance rates increased! Why?

Henry

Atlanta GA

The state of Georgia and Alabama have both the same basic coverage of minimum Bodily Injury Liability limits of $25,000 per injured person up to a total of $50,000 per accident, and a minimum limit of $25,000 for Property Damage Liability per accident.

There are several reasons for Alabama and Georgia car insurance rates  variations. The first is that there are more population and drivers in the state of Georgia. Alabama had a population of a little over 4.6 million in 2007 while in Georgia they’d a population of 9.5 million. Because of the bigger population, so that means there are more accidents, especially fatalities, in GA than in AL.

The increase in Georgia car insurance rates may be due to the area that you live in. Car insurance is much more costly in cities due to the higher density of traffic, greater probability of theft and vandalism, and higher occurrence of fraud. When you relocated from a more countryside area of AL to a city area of GA your Car insurance rates would increase in part.

It’s been reported lately that there was a sudden increase in Georgia car insurance rates. Car insurance premiums have increased nearly seven percent on average because of new law that doesn’t demand insurance providers to have state approval before modifying car insurance rates.

Although some insurance providers in Georgia have increased their car insurance rates you may still find some auto insurance companies who’ve not changed their underwriting standards and premium rates. Additionally, some insurance providers have only minimally increased their car insurance rates while some have gone for that optimum car insurance rate increase. For this reason in Georgia you should look around for the best Georgia car insurance rates possible.

I live in Georgia, I just want to know how can I get my learner’s permit?

Lisa

Good Question Lisa

Fifteen year olds can apply for the learner’s permit with their parents or with their guardians. A teenager should still be in school or must show proof of graduation before they can get their learner’s permit. Before you can apply for the learner’s permit, you will need the following requirements to the local driver’s license office:

1. certified birth certificate or birth registration
2. certified court papers showing adoption or name change if applicable
3. social security card
4. certificate of attendance that is signed by an official at your school
5. your parent or guardian will need to sign permission for you to obtain the learners permit
6. payment of $10 license fee

You will also need to take the written and vision test. You may study the Georgia driver’s manual so you can learn more about traffic laws , safety, traffic signals and other rules on the road.

Once you get your permit, it will be valid for 24 months. You should avoid getting a ticket at that time because your permit may be suspended even if you pay the fine.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

How do I register my car in Georgia?

Tammy

Good Question.

It is highly recommended to register a car in the state of Georgia before processing a driver’s license. Your fist stop if you are new in the state is the driver’s license office. The vehicle must be registered within the 30 days of purchase or 30 days of residency and then you will need to reapply for a new tag every year. If you are registering a vehicle, applying for the title can be done with the same application.

You may call your county tax commissioner since Georgia counties varies in their requirements for registering vehicles.

Here are some documentations you will be needing to register your vehicle:

1. Valid Georgia driver’s license
2. valid out of state title or the certificate of origin of the manufacturer if the vehicle is new.
3. completed title application
4. proof of insurance. You will need a minimum liability insurance required in the state of Georgia.
5. proof that your car passed the emission test
6. fees and taxes.
7. If the vehicle that you are registering is not eligible for the titling in

Georgia, or if it comes from the area that does not need titling, the vehicle must be inspected prior to the registration by a tag agent or any law enforcement officer. Part of the inspection is verifying that the car is not stolen.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

How does taking defensive Driving class lowers my insurance premium? how do I enroll? I live in Georgia.

Sam

Thank you for asking Sam.

By taking a defensive driving class, your premiums may be lowered but this depends on the insurance company that you currently have since each companies has different policies to qualify for the discount. You may also check with the amount of the discount you might get if you take defensive driving class to lower your premiums from the cost of the course.

The state laws also requires an individual to take defensive driving course for point reduction on your driving record every five years. However this will still depends on the individual courts and the driving record since the court will determine if taking a driving course for ticket dismissal can be an option for you.

In Georgia, if your driving has been suspended due to DUI, you will be required to take a DUI course through a state approved school. The Georgia Department of Drivers Service can provide you all list of authorized schools that you can enrolled in.

You will also be required to take an assessment test for the amount of $75 before enrolling to the DUI school. Then after that, you will have to enroll to the 20-hour course and pay an amount of $250 which includes a book fee for $15. These fees are set by the state.

For teens, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program , a one hour session, is required for all drivers under the age of 18. You may be able to take a make up test if you failed the test at the end of the program.

You may check with the DDS to find out more information on where to take the defensive driving test.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

What is the Georgia law minimum car insurance requirements?

Melanie

Thank you for asking.

It is requires for all motorist in the state of Georgia to carry accident liability insurance for each of the cars they own. This mandatory liability insurance will help cover any damages or medical payments for those injured in the accidents. The minimum amounts that you may be covered in order to satisfy the law are:

$25000 per person for bodily injury
$50000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more people
$25000 per accident for the property damage

It is possible for the state now to verify your insurance status online. It is required that all insurance companies should submit policy information to a state wide database electronically when an individual purchases an insurance. You may also be able to check with the Department of Revenue website your status online and verify if your insurance coverage is properly documented to save you time and expense in the future.

The processing time is 30 days to transmit the data by the insurance companies.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

What are the exceptions for vehicles not to be insured in Georgia?

Therese

Good Question Therese.

There are occasions that a car need not to be insured. If your car qualifies for one of the exceptions, you will be needing to file an affidavit stating the reason and you will be from the lapse fees and penalties for not having car insurance on your vehicle.

Here are the list of exemptions:

1. if the vehicle was sold or if the ownership was transferred

2. if the owner moved to a different state or if th owner of the vehicle was transferred out of state

3. if the vehicle lease was terminated

4. If the vehicle was wrecked, salvaged or junked

5. if the vehicle was repossessed, stolen or not driven because its inoperable

6. if the vehicle was stored or used seasonally for agricultural purposes

Those who are in the military are also exempted if they are deployed and the vehicle is not being used. You will need to fill up an affidavit to claim your exemption if you are in the military. You can file this at your local tag office before, during or after your deployment.

What is the minimum liability coverage in Georgia? Thank you.

Fred

Thank you for asking Fred.

Georgia law requires all motorist to purchase the minimum liability coverage of some or all of the following types of the liability coverage. the liability coverage includes :

Bodily injury liability

This would protect your assets if in the even of auto accident you are held liable for the people injured or killed

Property damage liability:

This covers the repairs and the replacement of the car and properties of other people

Uninsured/underinsured coverage:

This covers and insures you of your losses caused by other drivers with little insurance or no insurance at all.

You may also want to purchase more than the minimum amount of coverage required for Georgia to fully protects you. Although this is optional in most states, it makes sense to purchase them unless you can afford to pay for the damages in case of accident.

Collision:

this pays the repair or replacement of your car if its damaged due to accident

comprehensive:

covers all the damages to your car against theft ,flood or vandalism..etc

medical payments or personal injury protection

covers medical expenses that is not covered by your health insurance or your passengers

The best coverage to choose are those which will gets you fully covered and saves you an amount of money. You may call your insurance company to discuss which coverage suits your needs.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

In Georgia, like in any other state, accidents happen, fenders get bent, people get hurt. So when disaster strikes, auto insurance is there for you to protect you.

Why should you purchase an insurance?

1. Car insurance protects you from any financial risk with any injuries and property damage that are caused by accidents. This may also include any acts of nature, theft and vandalism.

2. It is mandatory in Georgia that all motorist should have the minimum liability coverage. Other types of coverage may be optional or required depending on the regulation of the state.

3. If you have an outstanding car loan, you will be required by the car lender to have a minimum liability coverage of car insurance.

If you are having a hard time paying your high premiums on your car insurance, it is best to know what are the factors that affects your insurance premiums. Your age, the state where you live, where your car is garaged, the model of your car, and your driving record are just some of the factors that determine your insurance rate.

Here are some of the things that may help you lower your insurance rate:

1. increase your insurance deductibles
2. ask for any available discounts
3. avoid purchasing a vehicle that is prone to theft or vandalism
4. Keep your car safe in the garage
5. eliminate optional coverage
6. maintain a good driving record by driving safely

MariCAR

Can I get a copy of my Georgia driving record if I go to the local Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles? Will they be able to get my traffic tickets from my previous residence from a different state 2 years ago?

Matt

Good question.

The Georgia DMV does not allow you to obtain a copy of your driving record. But you may be able to download a non certified copy of your driving record through the DDS website or you may go to the DDS customer service center.

You will be needing your driver’s license number, a date and birth and a password where you can request online before you can download the information you need. There is also a fee that you will need to pay. It is $5 for 3 year record and $7 for a 7 year record. Remember that it is only a non certified copy of your driving history.

Your Georgia driving record can also be purchased in person at the DDS customer service center with proper identification. You also have the option to send a request through mail. You will need to submit a notarized letter requesting either the 3 or 7 years of your driving history and provide other information so the DDS can process your request.

You can call DDS to get more information if you want to use this option.

Goodluck!

MariCAR