Sr22 Insurance Illinois: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been convicted of certain driving offenses in Illinois, you may be required to obtain an SR22 certificate of insurance. This document shows the Illinois Secretary of State that you have a valid insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about SR22 insurance Illinois, including how to get it, how much it costs, and what to expect once you have it.

What is SR22 Insurance in Illinois?

SR22 insurance is not actually an insurance policy. Rather, it is a form that your insurance company files with the Illinois Secretary of State to show that you have a policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. The form provides proof of insurance to the state and is typically required if you’ve been convicted of certain offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while uninsured.

When you have an SR22 on file with the state, your insurance company is required to notify the state if your policy lapses, cancels, or is not renewed. If this happens, your license may be suspended or revoked.

Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Illinois?

Not everyone needs SR22 insurance in Illinois. Rather, it is only required if you have been convicted of certain driving offenses. These offenses include:

Offense
Minimum Requirements
DUI
$25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage
Driving while uninsured
$25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage
Reckless driving
$25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
$25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage

If you’ve been convicted of one of these offenses, you will need to obtain an SR22 certificate of insurance to legally drive in Illinois.

How to Get SR22 Insurance in Illinois

1. Find an Insurance Company that Offers SR22

Not all insurance companies offer SR22 certificates. You will need to find an insurance company that offers this service. Many major insurance companies in Illinois offer SR22 certificates, but you may need to shop around to find one that is willing to work with you if you have a less-than-perfect driving record.

2. Purchase an Insurance Policy

To obtain an SR22 certificate, you will need to purchase an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements for the offense you’ve been convicted of. For example, if you’ve been convicted of driving while uninsured, your policy will need to include at least $25,000 in coverage for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage.

3. Request an SR22 Certificate

Once you’ve purchased an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements, you will need to request an SR22 certificate from your insurance company. They will file the form with the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.

4. Pay the SR22 Filing Fee

In addition to the cost of your insurance policy, you will also need to pay a one-time fee to file your SR22 form with the state. This fee is typically around $25, but it can vary depending on your insurance company.

How Much Does SR22 Insurance Cost in Illinois?

The cost of SR22 insurance in Illinois can vary depending on a number of factors, including your driving record, the offense you’ve been convicted of, and the insurance company you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 and $800 per year for an SR22 certificate, in addition to the cost of your insurance policy.

FAQs

1. How Long Do I Need SR22 Insurance in Illinois?

The length of time you are required to maintain SR22 insurance in Illinois varies depending on the offense you’ve been convicted of. Generally, you will need to maintain SR22 insurance for a minimum of three years if you’ve been convicted of a DUI. If you’ve been convicted of other offenses, the length of time may be shorter.

2. Can I Cancel My SR22 Insurance Once I’m No Longer Required to Have It?

Once you are no longer required to maintain SR22 insurance in Illinois, you can cancel your policy. However, it is important to notify the Illinois Secretary of State that you are canceling your policy so they can remove the SR22 requirement from your driver’s license record.

3. What Happens If I Don’t Have SR22 Insurance?

If you are required to have SR22 insurance in Illinois and you do not maintain a policy, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked. Additionally, you may face fines or other legal consequences. It is important to maintain your SR22 insurance policy to avoid these penalties.

4. Can I Get SR22 Insurance If I Don’t Have a Car?

Yes, you can still obtain SR22 insurance in Illinois even if you do not own a car. You can purchase a non-owner SR22 policy, which provides liability coverage when you are driving a car that is not registered to you.

5. Do I Need to Carry My SR22 Certificate with Me When I’m Driving?

No, you do not need to carry your SR22 certificate with you when you’re driving. However, if you’re pulled over by law enforcement or involved in an accident, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the other driver and any law enforcement officers who respond.

Conclusion

If you’ve been convicted of certain driving offenses in Illinois, obtaining SR22 insurance is a necessary step to legally drive in the state. By working with a reputable insurance company and maintaining your policy, you can fulfill this requirement and get back on the road with peace of mind.