Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Illinois From $98

SR-22 forms serve as proof of financial responsibility. Illinois requires drivers with serious violations, like driving under the influence or repeat offenses, to file SR-22 coverage. Your insurance company will submit the SR-22 form to the state on your behalf. The form proves that you have adequate insurance.1

Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Illinois, including how to compare quotes and maintain affordable auto insurance.

Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Illinois

Illinois requires SR-22s for high-risk drivers with past violations like driving under the influence, driving without a license, or repeat at-fault accidents. Your car insurance costs will likely increase if you need SR-22 insurance due to a serious driving violation. The form indicates to your insurer that you’re riskier to insure, which increases rates.2

Even though you’ll likely pay higher average premiums, you can still find a good deal on SR-22 car insurance. The following companies offer the most competitive prices in Illinois for drivers with an SR-22.

What is SR-22 insurance in Illinois?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. It proves that you have car insurance that meets the minimum state requirements, including property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Your insurer must file the form on your behalf; you can’t submit it yourself.

Illinois requires SR-22 insurance for some people following serious driving violations. Drivers who need the form must work with an issuer that has power of attorney in the state. Many insurance companies can file the SR-22 for you, but you should check with your current or prospective insurer before finalizing coverage.

If you ever cancel coverage or forget to pay, your insurer must immediately notify the state. The state will then suspend your driving record, which means you can’t drive.

Difference between SR-22 and FR-44

SR-22 and FR-44 forms are certificates of financial responsibility that prove to the state that drivers with high-risk violations have adequate car insurance coverage. Drivers in Illinois don’t need FR-44 insurance. Florida and Virginia are the only states that require drivers to file FR-44 forms instead of SR-22s.

Another difference between the forms is that Florida and Virginia usually require FR-44 insurance for more serious offenses, like DUIs with high blood alcohol levels. If you need an FR-44 form, you may also need additional coverage that extends beyond the state’s minimum insurance requirements.3

A judge or the state determines who needs to file the forms, so it won’t be a surprise if you need an FR-44 or SR-22 form. You’ll receive notice of the requirement through a court order or a letter from the state.

When you need SR-22 insurance

You need SR-22 insurance when you receive a court order from a judge or notice from the state. The insurance form is only necessary for drivers with high-risk violations, like driving under the influence or driving without a license. You don’t need it for minor offenses like running a red light or a single at-fault accident.

Here are the most common reasons that drivers in Illinois need SR-22 insurance:

• DUI or DWI

• Driving without minimum insurance coverage

• Repeat at-fault accidents

• Repeat traffic tickets

• Driving with a suspended license

• Driving without insurance

• Careless or reckless driving

How to get SR-22 insurance in Illinois

Most insurers in Illinois offer SR-22 insurance, but you need to confirm with an insurance agent before finalizing coverage. Buying coverage with a past serious driving violation on your record can be expensive, so it’s crucial to compare quotes to find the best deal.

Here’s how to set up SR-22 insurance in Illinois:

How long Illinois requires SR-22 insurance

Drivers in Illinois who need an SR-22 certificate must maintain it for three years. The state will suspend your driving record if you don’t successfully maintain it, if you cancel the policy, or you have a lapse in coverage during that period. You can’t drive during the suspension, and it’ll remain in effect until you reinstate the insurance policy.

The state of Illinois also offers drivers an alternative to SR-22 insurance. You can meet the requirement for financial responsibility by depositing $70,000 in cash or securities at the Illinois State Treasurer.

How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Illinois

Drivers who need SR-22 insurance will likely pay more for coverage because of what leads to the form requirement. The fact that you have a serious violation on your record increases the cost of coverage — not the form itself.

Even though you’ll likely pay more for car insurance, you can do some things to find affordable coverage:4

• Maintain SR-22 coverage. You must maintain SR-22 coverage for three years in Illinois. Ask your insurer to complete the form, and ensure it’s up-to-date each year. You’ll receive a copy of the SR-22 form from your insurance company and a letter from the Secretary of State to confirm coverage. Keep a record of your coverage and follow the requirements.

• Compare rates. Get quotes from at least three insurance companies before finalizing coverage. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars, especially for people who need SR-22 insurance. You want to find an insurance company with affordable rates and experience filing the form.

• Take advantage of discounts. Insurance companies offer discounts to help lower the cost of coverage. Even if you need SR-22 insurance, you can still qualify for discounts. Ask about discounts and consider if you might be eligible due to your employer or age.

• Increase your deductible. Raising your deductible lowers your monthly premium. It’s a straightforward way to lower your insurance costs. But you need to make sure you can afford the higher deductible if you have to file a claim.