Yes — you can still get car insurance with a suspended license in Illinois, but the right approach depends on why you were suspended and whether the state requires an SR-22. In many cases you’ll need proof of coverage to reinstate, and some drivers need a non-owner policy if they don’t currently own a vehicle. Here are the exact steps to get insured and get back on the road legally.
Having your license suspended is never fun—it can seriously disrupt your daily life. Most importantly, you must not drive while your license is suspended. Doing so is illegal and can lead to harsh consequences, including misdemeanor charges, steep fines, and even jail time. The good news? You can still handle the insurance side responsibly. Keeping your coverage active puts you in a much better position to get back on the road legally and affordably once you’re eligible to drive again.
Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for help!
What Is a License Suspension (and How Is It Different from a Revocation)?
A driver’s license suspension means your state’s motor vehicles department has temporarily invalidated your license, banning you from legally driving for a defined period. You must meet certain requirements set by the state (such as paying fines or taking a course) to have the suspension lifted and your driving privileges reinstated.
This is different from a license revocation, which is a full cancellation of your license – if revoked, your driving privilege is terminated, and you may have to reapply for a new license (often after a longer waiting period or not at all, depending on the offense). In short, a suspension is usually temporary and fixable, whereas a revocation is more permanent.
Why would a license be suspended? There are many reasons a state might suspend your license, typically related to serious or repeated infractions. Understanding what offenses lead to a mandatory driver’s license suspension in Illinois can help you avoid situations that might put your driving privileges at risk. Common causes include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Being convicted of a DUI is one of the most frequent reasons for suspension in all states.
- Too Many Traffic Violations or Points: Racking up multiple tickets or points on your driving record in a short time can trigger a suspension (many states suspend a license after, say, 3 moving violations within 12 months or if you exceed a point threshold).
- Driving Without Insurance or Proof of Insurance: If you’re caught driving uninsured or fail to show proof of insurance when required, your license can be suspended in many states.
- Unpaid Fines or Child Support: Failing to pay court fines, traffic tickets, or delinquent child support can lead to a license suspension as a penalty.
- Serious Driving Offenses: Offenses like reckless driving, hit-and-run, or vehicular assault may result in immediate suspension of your license.
These are just a few examples – the exact reasons and rules vary by state. The key point is that during the suspension period, you cannot legally drive until you fulfill the state’s requirements and the suspension is lifted.
Do I Need an SR-22 to Reinstate My License in Illinois?
Whether you need an SR-22 to reinstate your Illinois driver’s license depends on why your license was suspended in the first place. An SR-22 is not insurance itself—it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Illinois Secretary of State to prove you’re carrying at least the state’s minimum liability coverage (25/50/20). The SR-22 acts as a guarantee that you won’t let your insurance lapse, and the state monitors it continuously.
In Illinois, you’ll typically need an SR-22 if your license was suspended for certain high-risk violations. The most common scenarios requiring SR-22 filing include: DUI or DWI convictions, driving without insurance or proof of insurance, being involved in an at-fault accident without insurance, accumulating too many traffic violations in a short period, or reckless driving that results in suspension. If you’ve had a first-time DUI offense and need license reinstatement, an SR-22 will almost certainly be required as part of the reinstatement process.
The Illinois Secretary of State will notify you directly if an SR-22 is required—check your suspension notice or reinstatement packet for this requirement. You cannot reinstate your license without filing the SR-22 first if it’s mandated.
Illinois SR-22 Requirements at a Glance:
- Filing Fee: Typically $15-$50 (paid to your insurance company, not the state)
- Required Duration: Usually 3 years from the date of reinstatement (the state monitors continuously)
- Minimum Coverage: 25/50/20 liability ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage)
- Continuous Coverage Required: If your policy lapses for any reason, your insurer must notify the state, which can trigger immediate re-suspension of your license
- Impact on Rates: Expect to pay 20-50% more for insurance while carrying an SR-22 due to high-risk classification
Here’s the critical part many drivers miss: your SR-22 coverage must remain continuous for the entire required period, typically three years. If you miss a payment, switch insurers without transferring the SR-22, or cancel your policy, your insurance company is legally required to notify the Illinois Secretary of State immediately. This notification triggers an automatic re-suspension of your license, and the three-year clock often resets. That means you could end up needing SR-22 coverage for far longer than three years if you let it lapse. To avoid complications, make sure you understand your SR-22 obligations and work with an insurer experienced in handling SR-22 insurance in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Owner vs Non-Owner Insurance When Your License Is Suspended
Once you know whether you need an SR-22, the next question is: what type of insurance policy should you get? The answer depends entirely on whether you currently own a vehicle. Illinois drivers with suspended licenses typically fall into one of two categories, and choosing the right policy type can save you money while keeping you compliant with reinstatement requirements.
If you own a vehicle: You’ll need a standard auto insurance policy (owner policy) that covers your car. Even though you can’t legally drive it during the suspension, the vehicle still needs insurance coverage if it’s registered in your name. In fact, Illinois law requires all registered vehicles to be insured regardless of whether they’re driven. Here’s how to make this work: You can list another licensed household member (spouse, adult child, roommate) as the primary driver on the policy and have yourself listed as an excluded driver until your license is reinstated. This keeps your car insured and allows others to drive it legally. If you need an SR-22, your insurer will file it on this policy. Just remember that you cannot drive the vehicle at all until your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, even with an SR-22 on file. Rates for owner policies with SR-22 requirements typically run $800-$2,000+ per year depending on your driving record and the vehicle.
If you don’t own a vehicle: You’ll want a non-owner car insurance policy (sometimes called a “named operator policy”). This provides liability-only coverage that follows you when you drive someone else’s car—but more importantly for suspended drivers, it allows you to maintain continuous insurance coverage and file an SR-22 without owning a vehicle. Non-owner policies are ideal if you sold your car during the suspension, use public transportation or rideshares, or plan to borrow vehicles occasionally once your license is reinstated. The coverage is much cheaper than a standard policy—typically $300-$600 per year—because there’s no vehicle to insure for collision or comprehensive damage. However, it still satisfies Illinois SR-22 requirements and prevents coverage gaps that could increase your rates by 30% or more later.
Decision Framework: Which Policy Do You Need?
- Choose Owner Policy if: You own a car that’s registered in your name, you have someone else who needs to drive your vehicle, or you plan to keep the vehicle after reinstatement
- Choose Non-Owner Policy if: You don’t own a vehicle, you sold or plan to sell your car during the suspension, you use public transit or rideshares primarily, or you want the most affordable way to meet SR-22 requirements
- Important Note: You cannot have both types of policies simultaneously. If you own a car registered in your name, insurers will require an owner policy—non-owner coverage is only available if you truly don’t own or regularly access a specific vehicle.
The policy type you choose has real financial implications. Non-owner policies are significantly cheaper (often less than half the cost of owner policies), but they don’t cover any vehicle you might own or allow anyone else to drive your car. Owner policies cost more but keep your vehicle insured and drivable by others in your household. The key is being honest with your insurance agent about your situation so they can help you choose the right coverage that meets both Illinois requirements and your reinstatement goals.
Suspended license or SR-22 requirement? Get a fast Illinois quote — no credit check. Call 773-202-5060 or get your free quote online to find the right coverage for your situation.
Do I Need Car Insurance if My License Is Suspended?
If you’re not allowed to drive for now, you might wonder: Do I really need car insurance while my license is suspended?
The short answer is yes – in most cases, it’s wise (or even required) to keep your car insured. Here are several reasons why maintaining at least basic insurance coverage during a suspension is important:
- Avoid Coverage Lapses: Letting your insurance lapse can raise your future premiums by up to 30%. Keeping coverage maintains your continuous insurance history and saves you money later.
- Meet Legal Requirements: In most states (including Illinois), any registered vehicle must be insured, even if it’s not driven. Skipping insurance could result in fines or a longer suspension.
- Reinstate Your License: To get your license back, you’ll likely need proof of insurance and possibly an SR-22 form. No active policy means no SR-22—and no license reinstatement.
- Get a Restricted License: If you’re eligible for a restricted license (for work, school, etc.), insurance is mandatory. Keeping your policy active increases your chances of approval.
- Protect Your Vehicle: Even parked, your car can be damaged, stolen, or vandalized. Comprehensive insurance covers non-driving risks. If your car is financed or leased, coverage is required regardless of license status.
Unless you’ve sold your car and truly have no vehicle, it’s usually smart to keep your insurance active during a license suspension. Even without a car, you may need a non-owner insurance policy to meet court or DMV requirements, especially if you’re required to file an SR-22.
Bottom line: Don’t drop your coverage. Keeping it can save you money, protect your record, and help you meet legal obligations.
Can My Car Insurance Be Canceled Because of a Suspended License?
What happens to your existing auto insurance policy if your license gets suspended? The answer can depend on your insurance company and state regulations, but here are the general scenarios:
Mid-Policy Cancellation: Most states don’t allow insurers to cancel your policy mid-term just for a suspended license. Unless it’s for serious reasons like non-payment or fraud, you’ll likely stay covered until the end of your current policy period.
At Renewal: When your policy comes up for renewal, your insurer may check your driving record. A suspended license is a red flag and can lead to non-renewal.
Getting New Insurance: Applying for a new policy with a suspended license is difficult. Most insurers require a valid license, and hiding a suspension can result in cancellation for misrepresentation, sometimes with as little as 10 days’ notice.
Your insurance won’t vanish overnight with a suspended license, but you should notify your insurer. They may let you keep the policy if another licensed driver is listed as the primary driver and you’re excluded. Being upfront helps protect your coverage—hiding a suspension could risk a denied claim.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After a License Suspension?
A license suspension is a big red flag to insurance companies, so yes, your car insurance rates will likely increase due to the suspension. Auto insurers categorize drivers with serious violations or suspensions as “high-risk” drivers, which can translate to significantly higher premiums – in fact, you might see your insurance costs increase by 50-100% or more compared to before. The exact impact on your rate depends on a few factors:
Reason for Suspension: Serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving can raise your rates by 50–100%+ and require high-risk coverage. Administrative issues (e.g., unpaid fines) typically cause smaller increases.
How Long It Impacts You: Suspensions usually affect your premium for 3–5 years, depending on your state and insurer. Rates may gradually drop if you maintain a clean record afterward.
SR-22 Requirement: If you need an SR-22, expect a small filing fee (around $15-$50) and fewer insurer options. States like Florida and Virginia may require stricter FR-44 filings with higher coverage limits, increasing costs further.
A suspended license will raise your insurance rates—there’s no way around it. But you can reduce the impact by shopping around (some insurers are more lenient), maintaining continuous coverage, and using available discounts (like a defensive driving course). As you rebuild a clean record, your rates should gradually improve. In the meantime, be prepared for higher premiums.
How Can I Get Car Insurance While My License Is Suspended?
Getting or keeping car insurance with a suspended license is possible—but more difficult. Most standard insurers avoid covering drivers without a valid license. However, specialized or high-risk insurers can still provide coverage, and many suspended drivers are insured every day. You may need to follow specific steps or meet additional requirements, but it’s doable. Here’s how to get insured during your suspension:
1. Determine if you need an SR-22 or FR-44: Check your court or DMV notice to see if you’re required to file an SR-22, which your insurer submits to prove you carry the state’s minimum liability coverage. SR-22s are usually required after DUIs, serious offenses, or repeat violations. In Florida and Virginia, you may need an FR-44, which requires higher coverage limits. Since not all insurers offer these filings, be upfront about your needs to find a company that does.
2. Apply for a Restricted License: Many states offer restricted licenses for suspended drivers, allowing limited driving (e.g., to work or school). If eligible, this can make insurers more willing to cover you. Requirements often include partial suspension served, proof of insurance, and possibly a course or interlock device. Insurance is required before the license is granted.
3. Use High-Risk or Non-Standard Insurers: If standard insurers won’t cover you, look for high-risk providers who handle SR-22 filings and suspended licenses. Some may list you as an excluded driver until reinstated. Rates are higher, so compare quotes and consider using an independent agent to find options.
4. Consider a Non-Owner Policy: No car? A non-owner policy provides liability coverage and satisfies SR-22 requirements. It’s cheaper than standard insurance and helps you avoid a lapse while staying legally compliant.
5. Keep Coverage Active: Pay premiums on time and don’t let your policy lapse—SR-22 coverage must stay continuous, often for 3 years. Even if you’re not driving, dropping coverage can lead to penalties or re-suspension.
Tip: List a licensed household member as the primary driver and exclude yourself. This keeps the car insured and legally drivable. Some insurers may require the person to live with you or be on the title. Talk to your agent to see if this option works for you.
Staying insured during your suspension may feel like a hassle, but it helps you avoid legal trouble and prepares you to regain your license smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SR-22, and do I need one after a suspended license?
An SR-22 is a form your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required liability coverage. It’s often required after a DUI or serious offense, and you’ll be notified by the court or DMV if it’s needed.
What is a restricted or hardship license?
A restricted license allows limited driving (e.g., work or medical appointments) during a suspension. You’ll need to apply with your state, show proof of insurance, and possibly meet conditions like installing an ignition interlock device.
What is a non-owner car insurance policy?
Non-owner insurance provides liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a car. It’s ideal if you need to file an SR-22 or avoid a lapse while your license is suspended, and it’s usually cheaper than regular insurance.
How long do I have to carry an SR-22?
Most states require you to keep an SR-22 on file for about 3 years, though this varies by state and offense. If your policy lapses, the clock may reset or your license may be suspended again.
Will a suspension raise my insurance, and how can I lower the cost?
Yes, a suspension usually increases your premium significantly. To reduce costs, shop around with high-risk insurers, maintain continuous coverage, take a defensive driving course, and adjust your coverage if your vehicle doesn’t need full protection.
Can I drive to work with a suspended license in Illinois?
Not unless you’ve been granted a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) by the Illinois Secretary of State. Driving on a suspended license without a valid permit is illegal and can result in additional charges.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Illinois?
The SR-22 filing itself costs $15-$50, but your insurance premiums will likely increase by 20-50% or more due to high-risk classification. Expect to pay $800-$2,000+ annually for owner policies or $300-$600 for non-owner policies with SR-22.
Get a Quote Today
By understanding how to manage car insurance with a suspended license, you can stay compliant, protect your finances, and position yourself for a smooth reinstatement. If you have questions about SR-22 filings, non-owner policies, or finding coverage during your suspension, Insure on the Spot is here to help. Call us at 773-202-5060 or get your free quote online for expert, personalized guidance.