To file an SR-22 in Illinois, you must go through a licensed auto insurance company. In practice, you need an active car insurance policy, and then your insurer will submit an SR-22 certificate (proof of financial responsibility) to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.
This filing certifies that you carry at least the state’s minimum required auto insurance coverage. Once the state processes the SR-22 (usually within a few weeks), you’ll be notified and can have your driver’s license reinstated if it was suspended.
For fast SR-22 filing assistance in Illinois, you can call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
What Is an SR-22 and Why Might You Need One?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by an insurance company to prove that a driver has the minimum required liability insurance. It’s often referred to as “SR-22 insurance,” but it’s actually not a separate insurance policy – rather, it’s an endorsement or form attached to your existing auto policy.
The SR-22 form is sent by your insurer directly to the state (in Illinois, to the Secretary of State’s Driver Services Department) as evidence that you carry at least the state-minimum liability coverage. In Illinois, those minimums are $25,000 per person for injury, $50,000 per accident for injury to multiple people, and $20,000 for property damage.
You might hear the SR-22 called a “certificate of financial responsibility” because it guarantees to the state that you have insurance in force. Importantly, you cannot file an SR-22 yourself – only an authorized insurance company can file it for you. The SR-22 does not add coverage to your policy; it simply notifies the state that you are meeting your legal insurance obligations.
Why Would You Need an SR-22?
An SR-22 is typically required after serious driving offenses or license suspensions. In Illinois, the Secretary of State mandates an SR-22 for drivers classified as “high-risk,” which can include:
- DUI or DWI convictions: Required after a conviction for driving under the influence.
- Driving without insurance: Especially repeat violations or causing an accident while uninsured.
- Serious traffic offenses or revocations: Reckless driving or major at-fault accidents.
- Unsatisfied judgments or unpaid damages: If you caused an accident and failed to pay for damages.
- Failure to pay child support: In some non-driving offenses, like chronic failure to pay child support.
An SR-22 is only needed for drivers who have been ordered to file one by the state or a court. Once you are notified, you typically have 90 days to file the SR-22 to avoid license suspension.
Who Needs to File an SR-22 in Illinois?
If your license has been suspended or revoked due to a violation, you will likely need an SR-22 to regain driving privileges. Here are some of the most common reasons why you would need an SR-22:
- Suspended or Revoked License: Due to traffic offenses like DUI or multiple tickets.
- Multiple Insurance Violations: If you have three or more convictions for driving without insurance.
- Serious At-Fault Accidents: Especially if you were uninsured at the time.
- DUI/DWI or Major Traffic Offenses: After convictions for offenses such as reckless driving.
- Driving on a Suspended License: If you were caught driving while your license was suspended.
In Illinois, you will receive a notice from the Secretary of State’s office if you are required to file an SR-22. If you suspect you may need one, contact your insurer to get started, but don’t file until you receive the official notice.
How Do I File an SR-22 in Illinois? (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Wait for Official Notification from the State (or Court)
You should file an SR-22 only after receiving notice from the Illinois Secretary of State or a court. This notice typically comes after a qualifying offense like a DUI or a driving violation. Once you have the notice, you will usually have 90 days to comply.
Step 2: Contact an Auto Insurance Company for an SR-22 Filing
Once you are ready to file, contact your auto insurance provider. If your current insurer offers SR-22 filings, they can file the SR-22 for you. If you don’t have insurance, or your current insurer doesn’t offer SR-22 filings, you will need to purchase a policy from an insurer that specializes in SR-22 filings. Insure on the Spot can help you get coverage and file the SR-22 quickly.
Step 3: Provide Required Info and Pay the SR-22 Filing Fee
When filing for an SR-22, you will need to provide personal and policy information like your driver’s license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and policy details. You will also be charged a small filing fee (typically between $15 and $50). This fee is usually a one-time charge added to your insurance bill.
Step 4: Verify SR-22 Processing and Reinstate Your License
Once your insurer files the SR-22, it can take up to 30 days for the state to process the filing. You’ll receive a confirmation letter from the Secretary of State once it’s processed. Make sure you do not drive until you receive confirmation that your SR-22 is on file and your license is reinstated.
How Much Does an SR-22 Cost, and Will It Raise My Insurance Rates?
The cost of filing an SR-22 is minimal, typically around $15 to $50. However, the major cost comes from your auto insurance premium. Insurance rates generally increase for high-risk drivers who require an SR-22. A driver with a recent DUI, for example, may see premiums increase by 50% to 80%.
Here are a few factors that affect the cost:
- Insurance Premium Surcharge: Insurers charge higher premiums for high-risk drivers.
- Duration of Higher Rates: The SR-22 requirement typically lasts for three years, and you may see your rates decrease once the period ends.
- Non-Owner Policy: If you don’t own a car, you may be eligible for a non-owner SR-22, which tends to be cheaper.
In summary, the SR-22 filing fee is minimal, but you will likely face higher premiums for the duration of the requirement.
Can I Get an SR-22 if I Don’t Own a Car? (Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance)
Yes, you can file an SR-22 even if you don’t own a vehicle. In this case, you would need a non-owner SR-22 policy, which provides liability coverage for when you drive a borrowed or rented vehicle.
This type of policy is cheaper than an owner SR-22 and satisfies the requirement to reinstate your license.
Key points about non-owner SR-22 insurance:
- It only covers liability for vehicles you don’t own.
- It is cheaper than an owner’s SR-22 policy.
- It’s only available if you truly do not own a car.
Insure on the Spot offers non-owner SR-22 filings for drivers who need to reinstate their licenses but do not own a vehicle.
What Happens if My SR-22 Insurance Lapses or Is Canceled?
A lapse in SR-22 insurance can result in immediate license suspension. If your SR-22 insurance lapses, your insurer must notify the state, and your license will be suspended until the SR-22 is refiled. If your insurance lapses, you may also need to restart the entire SR-22 period.
How to avoid a lapse:
- Renew your SR-22 insurance well before it expires.
- Ensure no gap in coverage if switching insurers.
A lapse in SR-22 insurance can cause serious delays and expenses, so it’s critical to keep your policy active.
How Do I Remove the SR-22 Filing When I No Longer Need It?
After you’ve completed your SR-22 requirement (usually three years), you can have it removed by contacting your insurer and requesting that the SR-22 endorsement be removed from your policy. Be sure to verify that the requirement has ended before canceling your policy to avoid issues with the state.
Key Steps:
- Confirm your SR-22 obligation end date.
- Contact your insurer to remove the SR-22 endorsement.
- Verify with the Illinois Secretary of State that the SR-22 has been removed.
Once the SR-22 is removed, you may see your insurance premiums decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about SR-22 in Illinois
Q: How do I file an SR-22 in Illinois, in a nutshell?
A: Contact an auto insurer that offers SR-22 filings, and they will submit the form to the state on your behalf. You cannot file the SR-22 yourself.
Q: How long do I need to keep the SR-22 on file in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, you need to maintain the SR-22 for three years, or longer if specified by the Secretary of State.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up because of an SR-22?
A: Yes. Insurance rates typically increase by 50% to 80% for high-risk drivers who require an SR-22.
Q: What happens if I don’t maintain my SR-22 insurance or I cancel it early?
A: If your SR-22 lapses or you cancel it early, your license will be suspended again, and you may need to restart the SR-22 period.
Q: Can I get an SR-22 if I don’t own a car (or have a suspended license but no vehicle)?
A: Yes. You can file a non-owner SR-22 policy to reinstate your license if you don’t own a car.
Q: How do I remove the SR-22 from my insurance once I’ve completed the required period?
A: Contact your insurer to have the SR-22 removed once you’ve completed the required period ,and verify with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Get a Quote Today!
If you need fast SR-22 filing assistance or help finding affordable coverage in Illinois, Insure on the Spot is here for you. Call 773-202-5060 for expert support in filing your SR-22 and staying insured.