Updated July 2026
What Is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
Non-standard auto insurance is the coverage category carriers use for drivers they consider high-risk. If you have a suspended license, a DUI conviction, multiple at-fault accidents, or a lapse in coverage longer than 30 days, standard carriers decline to quote you and you enter the non-standard market. These policies carry higher premiums because actuarial data shows suspended and convicted drivers file claims at higher rates than standard drivers.
- You completed your DUI suspension in Georgia and need an SR-22 filing to reinstate your license. A standard carrier declined you. You secure a non-standard policy with Georgia's minimum 25/50/25 liability limits for $185/month. The carrier files your SR-22 electronically with Georgia DDS the same day. Your license is eligible for reinstatement once DDS processes the filing and you pay the $210 reinstatement fee.
- Your Georgia license is suspended for unpaid tickets and you don't own a vehicle. You need to maintain continuous coverage to avoid an additional insurance lapse penalty when you reinstate. You purchase a non-owner non-standard policy for $95/month that provides liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rental vehicles. This satisfies Georgia's continuous coverage requirement without insuring a vehicle you don't have.
- You've maintained a non-standard policy with an SR-22 filing for three years in Georgia without new violations. Your SR-22 requirement ends. You shop your renewal and find a standard carrier willing to quote you at $120/month versus your current non-standard rate of $175/month. Your driving record has aged out enough to exit the non-standard market and your premium drops 31%.
Who Needs Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
You need non-standard coverage if your license is currently suspended and Georgia DDS requires proof of insurance or an SR-22 filing for reinstatement. You also need it if you've been denied by two or more standard carriers due to violations, lapses, or claims history. Non-owner non-standard policies are specifically designed for suspended drivers who don't own vehicles but must maintain continuous coverage to satisfy reinstatement conditions.
Check your Georgia DDS reinstatement requirements letter first. If it lists SR-22 filing as required, you need non-standard coverage from a carrier that files electronically with Georgia DDS. If it only requires proof of insurance without SR-22, shop both standard and non-standard markets. Get quotes from at least three non-standard carriers because their underwriting criteria and rates vary significantly for the same driving record.
How Much Does Non-Standard Auto Insurance Cost?
Non-standard auto insurance in Georgia typically costs $140-$220/month for liability-only coverage with an SR-22 filing, or $1,680-$2,640 annually. Full coverage with collision and comprehensive adds $90-$150/month. Non-owner policies cost $75-$120/month.
- Reason for non-standard classification: DUI convictions carry higher rates than suspension for unpaid tickets.
- Time since violation: Rates decrease as violations age, with significant drops at 12, 24, and 36 months.
- SR-22 filing requirement: Adds $15-$35/month in filing and monitoring fees beyond the base premium increase.
- County of residence: Fulton and DeKalb County drivers pay 18-25% more than rural Georgia counties due to claim frequency.
- Coverage limits selected: Georgia's minimum 25/50/25 is cheapest but leaves you personally liable for damages exceeding those limits.
- Payment method: Non-standard carriers charge 8-15% more for monthly installments versus paying six months upfront.