Getting car insurance after a DUI in Georgia can be more expensive, and your current insurance company may decide not to renew your policy. You will also need to meet Georgia’s insurance requirements to get your driving privileges back. This can include maintaining an SR-22 for three years from your conviction date. The important thing to know is that plenty of drivers get covered again. There are insurance companies that work with drivers who have a DUI on their record, sometimes even the same day.
If you’re not sure what to do next, start with these steps. You can get insured again, meet your Georgia requirements, and begin rebuilding a better driving and insurance history.
Will My Insurance Company Drop Me After a DUI?
Your insurance company may decide not to renew your policy after a DUI, but it’s still possible that you can get insurance somewhere else. Insurance companies look at driving records to determine how much risk they’re willing to take on. A DUI can move you into what insurers call a “high-risk” category. Put simply, that means the insurance company thinks you’re more likely to have a claim based on your recent driving history.
Your car insurance company may increase your rate or decide not to renew your policy when your current term ends. If you receive a non-renewal notice, don’t panic. It means that the company does not plan to continue your coverage after your policy expires. What you don’t want to do is ignore the notice and end up without insurance.
Start shopping for a replacement policy before the old one ends so you can avoid a gap in coverage. An independent insurance agency like SIG can be especially helpful here because it isn’t limited to one insurance company. Instead, our agents can look for carriers that are more comfortable working with drivers who have DUIs and other violations on their records.
How Much Does Insurance Go Up After a DUI in Georgia?
There isn’t one set amount that car insurance goes up after a DUI in Georgia. Your new premium will depend on multiple factors, including your driving history, vehicle, coverage, location, insurance company, and others that your specific carrier uses to set rates. The increase typically fades over 3-5 years.
Do I Need an SR-22 After a Georgia DUI?
Georgia requires an SR-22 filed and maintained for three years from the date of a DUI conviction as part of the state’s reinstatement rules. An SR-22 isn’t a separate type of insurance. It is a certificate from an authorized insurance company that shows you have the liability coverage required for your situation.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services notes that reinstatement requirements can vary depending on the suspension, conviction, and prior driving record. You can also learn more about SR-22 insurance in Georgia and how the filing process works through Signature Insurance.
What Steps Should I Take to Get Insured Again After a DUI?
The best way to get back on track is to handle the process one step at a time.
1. Get your Georgia DDS requirements.
Start by finding out exactly what DDS requires for your situation. Georgia drivers can check their license status, suspension information, and personalized reinstatement steps through its Online Services system.
2. Talk with an independent insurance agent.
Once you know what you need, talk with an agent who regularly works with drivers who have violations on their records. You don’t need to feel embarrassed about making the call. Insurance agents see these situations all the time. The goal now is simply to find the coverage you need so you can move forward.
3. Compare insurance companies that work with higher-risk drivers.
Not every insurance company treats a DUI the same way. An independent agency can compare options from multiple carriers instead of giving you only one company’s price. This gives you a better chance of finding coverage that works for your situation.
4. File an SR-22.
If an SR-22 is required, your insurance company handles the filing that shows you have the required liability coverage. Make sure you understand exactly what Georgia DDS requires before purchasing a policy.
5. Keep your insurance coverage continuous.
Once you have the right policy and filing in place, keeping your coverage continuous is very important. Pay your premiums on time and contact your insurance agent before making changes to or canceling your policy. A lapse can create additional problems when you’re trying to meet Georgia’s reinstatement requirements.
How Signature Insurance Can Help After a DUI
Signature Insurance helps Georgia drivers compare coverage from dozens of insurance carriers, including companies that work with higher-risk driving records. We’ve helped a lot of neighbors through situations like this without judgment. We’ll explain your options, help with the insurance side of the process, and look for coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Signature Insurance is a family-owned independent agency that has served Georgia since 1978. With seven local offices, our team helps drivers in communities including Winder, Monroe, Covington, Commerce, Madison, Greensboro, and Thomasville. You can also explore our Georgia auto insurance options to learn more about coverage available through SIG.
A DUI can make insurance more complicated, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Signature Insurance can help you understand the insurance side, compare carriers, and take the next step without judgment. Start a quote online or call (770) 867-1964 to talk with the SIG team.
FAQs About Car Insurance After a DUI in Georgia
How long does a DUI stay on your insurance record in Georgia?
There is no single timeline that applies to every insurance company. A DUI can affect your premium for several years, but exactly how long and how much depends on the carrier and your overall driving history.
Can I get insurance the same day after a DUI?
It may be possible to get car insurance and complete the needed SR-22 filing quickly after a DUI, depending on your situation and the insurance carrier. An independent agent can compare companies that accept drivers with recent DUI convictions and help you understand the next steps.
Do I need an SR-22 if I don’t own a car anymore?
You may still need to meet Georgia’s financial responsibility requirements even if you don’t own a vehicle. In some situations, a non-owner insurance policy can provide the required coverage and SR-22 filing without getting insurance on a vehicle you own. Check your individual requirements with Georgia DDS before purchasing coverage.
Will my rates ever go back down?
Your rates may go down over time as the DUI gets older and you maintain a better driving record, but there is no guaranteed timeline or amount of savings. Insurance companies weigh each person’s driving history differently, so it can be helpful to compare your options again as time passes. Keeping continuous coverage and avoiding new violations can help put you in a better position when you shop for insurance in the future.
Does a first DUI require an SR-22 or SR-22A in Georgia?
Georgia’s DUI reinstatement rule refers specifically to an SR-22 filing following a DUI conviction. An SR-22A appears in separate Georgia rules for certain other situations, including second or subsequent convictions for driving without insurance. Because the exact requirements depend on your driving record and conviction, check your personal reinstatement instructions through Georgia DDS before purchasing a policy.