In Chicago, Illinois, you can check your SR-22 status by contacting your auto insurance provider or reaching out to the Illinois Secretary of State. Your insurer can quickly confirm if your SR-22 is active, and the state’s office can verify your status through their records. Insure on the Spot in Chicago is here to help local drivers with SR-22 insurance questions—call 773-202-5060 for quick assistance.
1. Check with Your Insurance Company
Your auto insurance company is the first place to verify your SR-22 status. In Illinois, insurance providers electronically file the SR-22 form with the state on your behalf. You can call your insurance agent or customer service line to ask if your SR-22 filing is active and in good standing. In Chicago, local insurers like Insure on the Spot handle SR-22 filings regularly and can quickly confirm your status.
For peace of mind, consider asking your insurer these questions:
- Confirm your SR-22 is on file and active with the state.
- Ask when your SR-22 requirement is scheduled to end in Illinois.
- Ensure your policy hasn’t lapsed—any missed payment can cause the SR-22 to be canceled.
2. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is responsible for tracking SR-22 certificates attached to your driver’s license. You can reach out to them directly to confirm if your SR-22 is properly filed. The state’s records will show whether you have an SR-22 requirement and if your insurance company has submitted the form. Checking this way provides an official verification for your peace of mind.
There are a few ways to contact the Secretary of State from Chicago to inquire about your SR-22 status:
| Contact Method | Details |
| Online | Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to check your driver status or purchase a driving record (abstract). This can show if an SR-22 is noted on your license. |
| By Phone | Call the Secretary of State’s automated license hotline (for example, 217-782-3720) and inquire about your SR-22 filing status. Be ready to provide your driver’s license number. |
| In Person | Visit a local Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Chicago. Staff can look up your record and confirm if you have an SR-22 requirement on file. |
3. Review Your Illinois Driving Record
Another way to verify your SR-22 status is by reviewing your Illinois driving record. This official record, sometimes called a driving abstract, contains information about your license status, violations, and any SR-22 requirements. If you have an SR-22 on file, it will be noted on your record along with the period it’s required. By checking your record, you can see for yourself whether the state still shows an active SR-22 requirement.
In Illinois, you can request a copy of your driving record through the Secretary of State. Many Chicago drivers order their records online via the official website, or they can visit a Secretary of State facility to get them in person. A small fee may apply, but the record will indicate if an SR-22 is required on your license. Reviewing this document periodically is a smart way to ensure you remain in compliance.
4. Understand the SR-22 Requirement
To effectively manage your SR-22, it helps to understand what it is and why you have it. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy, but rather a certificate of financial responsibility. It’s filed by your insurer with the state to prove you carry at least the minimum auto liability insurance Illinois law requires. In Illinois, that minimum coverage is currently 25/50/20 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage).
Typically, drivers in Chicago and across Illinois are required to obtain an SR-22 after certain serious driving violations. Common reasons include:
- A DUI (driving under the influence) or other major traffic conviction.
- An at-fault accident while you were driving without insurance.
- Multiple traffic offenses or a major license suspension.
These incidents signal to the state that you’re a higher-risk driver, which is why an SR-22 is required. Understanding your situation helps you stay cautious and avoid any repeat violations that could extend your SR-22 period.
5. Know How Long You Need the SR-22
Illinois typically requires drivers to maintain an SR-22 for at least three years. That three-year countdown usually begins after your license is reinstated or from the date the SR-22 was mandated. During this period, you must keep continuous insurance coverage; any lapse will result in your insurer notifying the state and could lead to your license being suspended again. It’s crucial to mark your calendar and stay insured without interruption until the SR-22 obligation is over.
For many Chicago drivers, the three-year requirement is standard, but it can be extended if new violations occur. If you were to get another serious offense or if your SR-22 policy is canceled for non-payment, the state might reset or prolong your SR-22 period. Once you believe you’ve met the time requirement, it’s wise to confirm with the Secretary of State that your SR-22 obligation has been fulfilled. Only after the state clears it can you have your insurer remove the SR-22 filing from your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an SR-22 in Illinois?
A: An SR-22 is a state-required certificate filed by your insurance company to prove you carry Illinois’s minimum auto insurance coverage. It’s often mandated after serious driving violations. This filing ensures the state knows you have active insurance when you’re required to carry an SR-22.
Q: How long do I need an SR-22 in Illinois?
A: Most Illinois drivers must keep an SR-22 for three years. This period can be longer if you incur additional violations or suspensions. Once the term is over, confirm with the state that your requirement is satisfied before canceling the SR-22.
Q: How do I get an SR-22 in Chicago, Illinois?
A: You get an SR-22 by purchasing an auto insurance policy with a company that offers SR-22 filings. The insurer will then file the SR-22 certificate with Illinois on your behalf. Insure on the Spot can quickly help Chicago drivers obtain the required SR-22 insurance and file the paperwork for you.
Q: Does an SR-22 make car insurance more expensive in Chicago?
A: Usually yes. An SR-22 indicates you’re a higher-risk driver, so insurers often charge more. Chicago drivers with SR-22s should shop around or use a local agency like Insure on the Spot to find affordable rates despite the SR-22.
Q: What happens if my SR-22 lapses or is canceled in Illinois?
A: If your SR-22 insurance policy cancels (for example, due to missed payments), your insurer must notify the Illinois Secretary of State. The state will likely suspend your driver’s license again as a result. To avoid this, keep your policy active and renew on time so your SR-22 stays in effect.
Get a Quote Today!
Insure on the Spot is a Chicago-based auto insurance expert that understands SR-22 requirements in Illinois. We help high-risk drivers get the coverage they need to stay legal on the road. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to see how we can save you money on SR-22 insurance.