Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Illinois (2023)

High-risk drivers in Illinois may need to file for an SR-22 after a significant traffic violation.

Melanie Lockert
Written byMelanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert
  • 10+ years writing on personal finance topics

  • Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast

Melanie is a blogger, author, and speaker specializing in personal finance and debt management. She’s also the author of the blog and book “Dear Debt.”

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Danny Smith
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Danny SmithHome and Pet Insurance Editor
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  • 4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

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Amber Benka
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Amber Benka
Amber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent

Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.

Updated May 8, 2023

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An SR-22 form proves you have the minimum liability coverage required by your state. You may need an SR-22 if you commit a serious traffic violation, such as a DUI or driving with a suspended license. Smaller, isolated violations, like speeding tickets or minor accidents, typically won’t result in you needing to carry an SR-22.

Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Illinois.

Quick Facts
  • An SR-22 isn’t actually insurance but rather a form that proves you’re insured.

  • Illinois requires drivers who need an SR-22 to carry it for three years.[1]

  • Illinois drivers with an SR-22 may pay more for car insurance.

What’s SR-22 insurance in Illinois, and when do you need it?

An SR-22, also known in Illinois as financial responsibility insurance, is a certificate that indicates you carry the required state-minimum amount of car insurance. Drivers with serious or multiple infractions on their driving record may be required to carry an SR-22.[2]

Good to Know

You may have heard SR-22 insurance referred to as FR-44 insurance, but an FR-44s is a different type of form only relevant to drivers in Florida and Virginia.

“It is important to note that SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance coverage in and of itself but rather a document certifying that you have the required minimum liability coverage,” says Brad Cummins, founder of Insurance Geek. “Therefore, the cost of SR-22 insurance will depend on the cost of your underlying insurance policy and any additional fees that your insurance company may charge for filing the SR-22 form.”

You’ll know if you need an SR-22 form in Illinois because you’ll receive a court order from the Illinois Driver Services Department. States typically reserve these forms for drivers who commit serious offenses, such as DUIs and driving without car insurance. But if you receive enough speeding tickets, the state may issue you an SR-22 form as well.[3]

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How to get an SR-22 in Illinois

If a court mandates that you get an SR-22 certificate, you’ll need to go through your insurance company to activate it. SR-22 insurance is typically only the minimum liability coverage the state requires.[4] This coverage pays for costs related to property damage, injury, or death for the other driver if you’re at fault.[5]

Not every insurance company offers SR-22 coverage, however, so you may need to find a new insurer that does. Once you’ve found an insurer that will provide you with an SR-22 certificate, your insurer must submit it to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.[2]

In Illinois, SR-22 certificates are issued via the following forms:

  • Operator’s certificate: This covers the driver in any vehicle they don’t own.

  • Owner’s certificate: This covers the driver in the vehicles they own.

  • Operators-owners certificate: This provides coverage in all vehicles regardless of ownership.

This process can take up to 30 days, so be sure you plan ahead. If you cancel your coverage or let it lapse, your insurance company will notify the state, which will suspend your license.[2]

How long is an SR-22 required in Illinois?

Illinois drivers must maintain SR-22 for three years, according to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State. It’s important that you renew your SR-22 45 days or more in advance and not let your coverage lapse. If you let it lapse, the state won’t remedy your suspension until you get the necessary coverage, and the three-year time frame may reset.[2] 

How much is an SR-22 in Illinois?

SR-22 insurance in Illinois may cost more than traditional car insurance coverage. If you have an SR-22, insurers consider you high risk and will likely charge you higher premiums than drivers with clean records. On top of that, your insurer may charge you a filing fee.

Check Out: Cheap Auto Insurance in Illinois

Check Out: Cheap Auto Insurance in Illinois

Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Illinois

It can be challenging to find affordable car insurance with an SR-22, but if you take the time to compare quotes, you may find insurers that fit your budget. The table below highlights the cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Illinois, with National General offering the most affordable rate, at $77 per month for liability coverage.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
National General$77
Kemper$97
Travelers$124
Direct Auto$134
Safeco$146
Mercury$165
Dairyland$169
Liberty Mutual$183
Bristol West$212
The General$253
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Read More: Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Chicago, Illinois

Read More: Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Chicago, Illinois

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

If you need an SR-22 certificate, you’re likely going to face higher car insurance costs for a while. Even once you no longer need an SR-22, insurers will still consider your driving record when setting your rates.

Fortunately, you can still find ways to save on car insurance, including:

  • Practice safe driving habits. Safe driving is one of the best ways to keep your car insurance rates low and avoid future SR-22 requirements. Get the proper insurance coverage, don’t drive under the influence of any substances, and practice defensive driving.

  • Take advantage of car insurance discounts. Insurers offer a variety of car insurance discounts, including bundling, loyalty, and paperless discounts. Ask your insurer or agent which discounts you qualify for.

  • Compare car insurance quotes. SR-22 insurance may cost you more, but rates vary by insurer. Research and compare three to five insurance companies to find the best deal for your situation.

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Illinois SR-22 insurance FAQs

Navigating SR-22 insurance can be stressful — especially if it’s your first time needing it. Below, you’ll find answers to some common questions about SR-22 certificates in Illinois.

  • How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Illinois?

    In Illinois, drivers required to get an SR-22 certificate must keep it for a minimum of three years. Your insurance company will need to file the SR-22 form with the state to activate it.[2]

  • How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Illinois?

    To get rid of an SR-22 in Illinois, you’ll need to maintain the SR-22 coverage for at least three years.[2] Once you’ve met the requirements, you may discuss your options with your insurance company and the state.[6]

  • Do you need an SR-22 in Illinois if you don’t have a car?

    Yes. Even if you don’t have your own vehicle, you’ll be required to get an SR-22 in Illinois. Your insurance company can write a nonowner policy with the SR-22 certificate and submit it on your behalf.

Sources

  1. Mandatory Insurance SR-22 Requirement. "Office of the Secretary of State Driver Services Department." Accessed May 2, 2023
  2. Office of the Illinois Secretary of State. "Financial Responsibility (SR-22) Insurance." Accessed May 2, 2023
  3. Illinois Driver Services Department. "Renew a Driver's License." Accessed May 2, 2023
  4. Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State." Accessed May 2, 2023
  5. Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage." Accessed May 2, 2023
  6. New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. "Relief of Filing from SR-22 (Proof of Insurance)." Accessed May 2, 2023
Melanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert

Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, "Dear Debt." Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. Her work has appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast. She lives in Los Angeles and enjoys jazz music, traveling, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and partner.

Danny Smith
Edited byDanny SmithHome and Pet Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Danny SmithHome and Pet Insurance Editor
  • P&C license candidate in Massachusetts

  • 4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Featured in

media logo
Amber Benka
Reviewed byAmber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent
Amber Benka
Amber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent

Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.

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