What Is Car Insurance Lapse?

Reader’s Question:

What is the meaning of an auto lapsed policy in the state of Georgia? How much is the fee?

Griffin

Sandy Springs, GA

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) a lapse is defined as ten or more days where the records show that your car was not covered by a car insurance policy.

If the auto insurance lapse fee is not paid within thirty days of the letter’s date, the car registration will be suspended. To terminate the suspension, the car owner must now pay the $25 lapse fee in addition to the $60 reinstatement fee as well as show proof of car insurance.

To get more information with regards to an insurance lapse in Georgia you may contact the DOR.

Car Insurance Coverage With Expired Vehicle Registration in Georgia

Reader’s Question:

If the tags on vehicle are expired, is the car insurance coverage still in effect? I live in Sandy Springs Georgia.

Robin

Sandy Springs, GA

Insurance carriers terms and guidelines can vary so you will need to verify with your insurance company to find out if your car would be covered if your tags or license plates were expired in Sandy Springs GA.

Generally, your insurance contract is typically in effect regardless of tag or license status. Unless there is an exclusion in your insurance policy then likely your auto insurance would be in effect even if your registration is expired.

If you have let your license plates expire, most states have grace periods so check if you can have them reinstated and up to date without a penalty by verifying with your Department of Motor Vehicles in Georgia.