Do You Need Teen Car Insurance in Georgia?
Reader’s Question:
I am concerned about my teenage son, who occasionally drives one of my newer model cars. There’s nothing much to worry about since he’s already added to my policy. My question is, what will happen if he crashes the car and causes damages to it? We live in Atlanta, GA.
Laura
Atlanta, GA
It is important to take precautions by knowing what to do should an accident involving a minor child happens. Since you mentioned that your teenage son is already listed as a driver on your policy, you’re correct, you may have nothing much to worry about as compared to those parents whose children were not added. Your car insurance company should cover the damages to him and your car based on the insurance limits purchased. As to the amount of the claim payments, these will be determined by first getting quotes from auto body repairs. You may be curious as to what will happen after that? Some insurance companies may try to get back the costs incurred by raising your premiums while some will choose to not renew your policy at its expiration. Other insurance companies will even require that you remove your teen minor from the policy before they renew your policy. Or, they will continue to renew your policy with your minor listed on the policy as a driver, but they will increase your car insurance rate premiums in Georgia.
When Does Car Insurance Lapse in Georgia?
Reader’s Question:
What is the meaning of an auto lapsed policy? For instance, if the policy expired on July 1st and a new policy was bought on July 7th of same year, would this be considered a lapse in my policy in Georgia?
Jim
Atlanta, GA
As you are likely aware GA insurance companies must electronically report insurance information, including if your insurance that has been canceled or if there is a lapse.
A lapse is defined by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) as ten or more days where the records show that your car was not covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy. Therefore if you let your auto insurance policy expired on July 1st and buy a new policy on July 7th it would appear that you are within the 10 day gap period that Georgia allows.
When the DOR sees that a car insurance has lapse for 10 days or more a Notice of Lapse Mandatory Liability Insurance Coverage will be mailed to the car owner. You will be required to make a payment of a $25 lapse fee and require you to show proof of valid car insurance coverage within thirty days.
Is SR22 Car Insurance Required In Georgia
Reader’s Question:
I want to know if an SR22 is required in Georgia?
Randy
Atlanta, GA
Yes, an SR-22 can be required of a motorist in Georgia under certain circumstances.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) states about the Form SR-22, Georgia Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate, future proof of insurance when stating suspensions, revocations and cancellations of a driver’s license.
So there are a some reasons why Georgia may require an SR22 form. If your license has been revoked, suspended, or canceled and you are going to obtain your license reinstated it is likely that GA may require you to file a SR-22. You can verify with the GA DDS to find out all the reasons the state may require this certificate of financial responsibility.
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