Having your license suspended is never fun, but it’s imperative that you follow the rules of your state and don’t drive during this time as it has severe consequences. In Illinois, driving with a suspended license is a Class A Misdemeanor that can lead to jail time and a hefty fine.

So, if you’re not driving during this time, do you technically need insurance? Short answer: yes.

Below, we’ll take a deep dive into what a suspended license is, why you still need insurance, and how Insure on the Spot can offer you an easy solution to getting instant insurance.

What is a License Suspension?

A suspended license is a motion made by the state which invalidates a person’s license temporarily as reparation for a specific action. This is different from a revoked license, which causes an indefinite loss of driving privileges until they are once again granted at the state’s discretion.  Reinstatement of a revoked license may not always be possible depending on the offenses issued.
There are a few different reasons for a suspended license motion.

These often include:

• Vandalism
• Speeding tickets
• Repeated motor vehicle collisions
• Three or more traffic offenses within 12 months
• Delinquent child support payments
• DUIs

In order to have your suspension lifted, you will need to fulfill specific requirements made by your state’s department or bureau of motor vehicles.

Do I Need Car Insurance if My License is Suspended?

If your license is suspended, you may be wondering, “Do I even need car insurance?” The answer is yes and this is for a few reasons. While you may not be driving your car, that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to damage, theft, or vandalism. If you don’t have insurance, you will be responsible for all of the replacements or repairs on your car—even if it wasn’t your fault. If you are a victim, however, here’s what you can do after a Hit & Run accident.

A few other common reasons behind having car insurance while your license is suspended include:

• Getting your license back: In order to get your license reinstated, you will need a few things: proof of car insurance, payment of outstanding fines, and a completion of a defensive driving course. Your insurance company may also have you filed an SR-22.
• Prevent gaps in coverage: Having a gap in coverage may increase your insurance rates. This may already be the case after a license suspension, but in order to prevent any higher rates, you will want to avoid any lapses in coverage. Having continued coverage makes you eligible for renewal discounts.
• Lease and financing requirements: If your vehicle is leased or being financed, you will have to have auto insurance as protection. Otherwise, the lienholder may force-place its own expensive insurance coverage.

How Difficult is it to Get Insurance with a Suspended License?

The level of difficulty in getting insurance will depend primarily on why your license was suspended. In most cases, getting insurance with a suspended license won’t be an issue, but your insurance company will typically have to file an SR-22 form with the Secretary of State.

What is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 Insurance, or a certificate of financial responsibility, is proof that you have coverage that meets state requirements.  You may be required to obtain SR-22 coverage even if you do not own a vehicle.  In this case, you will be issued a non-owner policy.  Not everyone needs SR-22 insurance; you will be made aware by either your DMV/Secretary of State or by a judge.

Get SR-22 Insurance on the Spot!

While many insurance companies don’t offer SR-22 Insurance, you can always count on Insure on the Spot to meet your needs and help in a crisis!

We make SR-22 Insurance filing easy with our electronic filing option. We can get you covered online in 2 minutes with no extra paperwork or hassle.

We’ve been saving Chicago families time, money, and stress since 1986!

Contact us today to get started!