SR-22 insurance in Illinois is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
Your insurer files an SR-22 form with the Illinois DMV to verify that your policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. This form is typically required when you need to reinstate driving privileges after they were revoked or suspended due to violations. You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the specific period for compliance with the court or DMV.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in Illinois and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
Who needs an SR-22 in Illinois?
In Illinois, individuals whose driving licenses were suspended or revoked due to certain violations may be required to obtain an SR-22.
Below are the violations that can trigger this requirement:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Illinois typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Illinois laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Illinois?
Getting insurance in Illinois involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right auto insurance:
- Contact your current insurance company: Many insurance companies file SR-22 forms, but keep in mind that your rates will go up.
- Comparison shopping: It’s a good idea to compare rates from other insurance companies. Tell them you need an SR-22 so they give you accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum car insurance requirements: You’ll need to purchase minimum liability coverage with limits of 25/50/20.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Having an SR-22 may increase your car insurance costs because it signifies a riskier driver. To minimize the impact, compare quotes from different insurers and focus on safe driving habits to get lower rates in the future.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Illinois?
The average cost of car insurance in Illinois is $1,555 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $538 lower than the national average of $2,093 a year. However, if you have a DUI on your record, the average annual premium in Illinois jumps to $2,628 for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Illinois?
Drivers in Illinois who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $219 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Illinois
State Farm offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to Illinois drivers at an average annual premium of $1,924 .
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Illinois, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Illinois.
| Company | State Farm |
| Full coverage rates without SR-22 | 1,633 |
| Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 | 1,925 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Illinois?
In Illinois, you are required to have SR-22 coverage for a period of 3 years. This confirms to the Illinois DMV that you have the state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in Illinois before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your Illinois insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your Illinois SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Illinois
If you want your SR-22 filing removed in Illinois, the easiest way is to wait out the mandatory filing period. In Illinois, this period typically lasts for 3 years from the date of filing.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Illinois?
The requirement of an SR-22 certificate can increase your car insurance premiums significantly. Most insurance companies consider drivers with SR-22 high risk, resulting in premium hikes.
Your specific increase in rates will vary based on various factors, including your driving record and the reason for the SR-22.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Illinois drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Illinois but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Illinois driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Illinois
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Illinois?
You can easily check your SR22 status by visiting the official website of the Illinois DMV and using their online services. Alternatively, you can contact the Illinois DMV by phone to inquire about your SR-22 status, and they can provide you with the required information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Illinois?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company submits to the Illinois DMV, ensuring you meet the mandated liability coverage. For motorcycle riders, mopeds, and scooter users, the SR-1P is the relevant form. If you’ve been caught riding your two-wheeler without insurance or have had your license suspended, you’ll require an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Illinois if you move?
An SR-22 requirement stays even when you move to a new state. Find a new insurance company licensed in your current state to file a new SR-22. They must submit the form with both the Illinois DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Maintain continuous coverage until the new SR-22 is in effect.
SR-22 requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s essential to consult with your new insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state to determine the necessary steps.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Illinois?
Geico provides SR-22 in Illinois, ensuring you meet the state’s insurance requirements and offer adequate coverage required by the state.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Illinois. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Illinois