Reader question:

I have tried everything, and I can’t find any Atlanta GA automotive insurance company to insure with an SR22 form. I really need to drive to get to work, but I don’t have a license! I can only beg rides off of people for so long. Help!

Graciela

You’ll have to look a little harder, Graciela.

SR22 insurance is a type of form that you are required to file through your Atlanta GA automotive insurance company, for those who are new to the game, and it is only required after you have had your license suspended for some reason–such as drunk driving, speeding, or multiple traffic offenses. Having to file an SR22 form immediately pushes you into a higher risk group, which makes Atlanta GA automotive insurance companies more reluctant to insure you. Some people with great records and a long history driving and insured with a certain company can weather the blow of an SR22 filing requirement, but for the rest of us being required to get an Atlanta GA automotive insurance policy with the SR22 attachment can be a struggle.

However, Atlanta is a big city and there are certainly options, so the fact that you haven’t found something means that you are either too picky, or you aren’t looking in the right places.

• There are companies that will serve you.

Most people think that Atlanta GA automotive insurance companies are only interested in people with impeccable driving records, but that is not true. While some companies prefer this sort of driver, there are many of high risk specific Atlanta GA automotive insurance companies who are happy to insure even the worst of the worst. Some of the bigger companies that operate nationwide, such as Progressive Insurance, are among these companies. If you can’t get an SR22 policy with a regular Atlanta GA automotive insurance company, then you need to start looking for high risk companies.

• Even if there aren’t…

Most of the time you will be able to find a Atlanta GA automotive insurance company that will be happy to insure you for the price of a mansion’s down payment, even with SR22 filing. However, in some cases nothing can be found, and in such cases it is necessary to turn to the state to be your guide.

If you can’t find a policy on the open market, then you will have to join the Atlanta GA automotive insurance company high risk pool. This is a pool which high risk drivers join, and are then assigned by the state to participating companies. All companies that are licensed to sell insurance are required to participate, so you might find yourself with the very Atlanta GA automotive insurance company that denied your policy request in the first place.

The catch about assigned risk Atlanta GA automotive insurance, though, is that it is even more expensive than SR22 insurance from a high risk company. This should be a last resort.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.

Reader’s Question:

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

This is an excellent and informative video that gives an introduction to SR22 GA car insurance, and also explains how to get non owners insurance with your SR22 form. The SR22 is the type of GA car insurance that we are all avoiding, but due to police forces in Georgia cracking down on speeders and drunk drivers, more and more people are filing SR22 forms every year.When you are convicted for driving under the influence while in Georgia, your license is suspended. In order to get it back, you’re going to have to get a special type of GA car insurance, which is called SR22 insurance. SR22 GA car insurance is basically a type of insurance that is filed with the department of motor vehicles every month so that they remain informed as to your status, and can be alerted when you lapse in your GA car insurance coverage.

While DUI is the most common offense that requires a license suspension and this SR22 GA car insurance, it is necessary almost anytime you get your license instated after a suspension. You can have your license suspended for committing several traffic violations and for speeding, among other things. When you reinstate your license, you will be required to file SR22 GA car insurance for three years. However, the clock starts ticking when your license is suspended, so if you don’t reinstate your license until three years after it was suspended (perhaps you’ve decided that SR22 GA car insurance is too expensive and you can survive taking the bus) then you will never have to file SR22 GA car insurance.

• Misery needs a good company.

When you file your SR22 GA car insurance, you have to do so with a company that is licensed by the Department of insurance, just as with any other type of GA car insurance. If you want to avoid any problems with your SR22 filing, make sure that all of your information matches, from your vehicle registration to your driver’s license to your GA car insurance policy to your SR22 form.

• Can’t say no.

Until your period of filing SR22 is finished, you can’t file an SR26, which would cancel it. Your insurance has to cover you for the whole time, or you could be in hot water. This does not in any way mean that you can’t change companies while you’re filing SR22 GA car insurance–on the contrary, it’s even more important to get a good GA car insurance quote while you’re part of such a high risk group. However, you need to ensure that there is no lapse in your GA car insurance coverage, however short.

• What you need.

Your SR22 GA car insurance coverage is only required to have the same minimum liability as any other GA car insurance policy. However, you might want to consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage if you have a newer car. If you want to keep your SR22 GA car insurance coverage as cheap as possible, though, cut your coverage to the least you need to get.

Reader’s Question:

what is the Georgia 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

Reader’s Question:

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.

Reader’s Question:

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

Georgia Auto Insurance

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

Reader’s question:

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

Reader’s Question:

What happens if the person does not have any insurance and he is at fault in an accident in the state of Georgia?

Redford

Thank you for asking.

If the Department of Revenue in Georgia sees that you are uninsured, they will send you a Notice of Lapse Mandatory Liability Insurance Coverage notice through the mail. You will be requested to pay $25 lapse fee and you will be required to show proof within 30 days of the valid insurance coverage.

Your vehicle registration may be suspended if you fail to pay the lapse fee within 30 days of the letter’s date. The owner of the vehicle will need to pay the lapse fee of $25 plus $60 reinstatement fees and show proof of auto insurance if you want to cancel the suspension.

You will not be allowed to drive without insurance and suspended vehicle registration once you receive the notice from the Department of Revenue. If you drive a vehicle without insurance or with suspended registration, you may be subject for additional fees and the vehicle may be impounded if you get caught.

If you get involve in an accident and you do not have an insurance, you will be held personally responsible for the damages that you caused to another driver or car.

You may contact the Department of Revenue in Georgia to give you more information on the penalties given to a person driving without insurance if he/she gets involve in an accident.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Does Georgia and Florida have the same point system? Does Georgia report speeding ticket to Florida?

Ben

Good Question.

Georgia is not part of the Drivers License Compact where the Florida is a member of, but the Georgia Driver’s services still sends licensed driver’s information to their home state of any conviction they will receive in the state of Georgia. So if you get convicted of speeding violation in Georgia, the court will still notify the state of Florida if that is where you are licensed.

If you receive a traffic ticket out of state and they receive that information, The Highway Safety and Motor Services will add the violation to your record, according to the Florida of Highway Safety Motor Services. 15 MPH or less or over lawful speed limit is 3 points and 16 MPH or more over the posted speed limit is 4 points in Florida.

It is noted in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Services that it will not be allowed by the Florida Law for any school or program to remove the points for the ticket or any convictions that was received from another state. This means that you cannot take any Florida driving class or take any driving course to remove the ticket from Georgia or points that was assigned to your driving record.

Goodluck!

MariCAR