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SR-22 Insurance in Illinois
Driving around Chicago isn’t always a pleasant experience. Whether you’re heading to a Chicago Cubs game, the Field Museum, or Giordano’s for some deep-dish pizza, traffic can be a nightmare. However, if you were at fault in a serious accident, you may need to obtain financial responsibility insurance (SR-22).
SR-22 insurance in Chicago isn’t an actual auto insurance policy. Instead, it is a certificate that attaches to your existing insurance policy as proof that you meet the minimum insurance requirements in Illinois.
Did you receive notice from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office that you need an SR-22 certificate? Insurance Navy can match you with the lowest rates for SR-22 insurance in Chicago. Contact our insurance agency today to learn more about obtaining instant proof of insurance.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is a Certificate of Responsibility required for certain drivers who were at fault in serious car accidents or charged with driving-related offenses. It provides proof that a driver has adequate car insurance under Illinois law.
Liability insurance is required by law in Chicago, but not every driver follows this policy. To ensure that high-risk drivers have the correct type of auto insurance, the state of Illinois requires some drivers to carry an SR-22 insurance certificate, proving that they have proper coverage.
The SR-22 requirement ensures that drivers with imperfect driving records carry auto insurance for a designated time after their driving-related incidents. Because these drivers may be more likely to be involved in a crash in the future, the state of Illinois wants to keep tabs on their insurance coverage.
Differences Between SR-22 and Standard Car Insurance
SR-22 insurance isn’t car insurance in itself. Instead, it is a certificate that attaches to a standard auto insurance policy. You still need to obtain standard auto insurance coverage even if the state requires SR-22 (financial responsibility) insurance.
Legal Requirements for SR-22 Insurance in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State will notify you if you need to obtain SR-22 insurance in Chicago. This insurance certificate is generally required for drivers who:
- Have been convicted of a DUI or DWI
- Were convicted of reckless driving
- Have received moving violations, such as for texting while driving or running a red light
- Have safety responsibility suspensions
- Have mandatory insurance supervisions
- Have received three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations
If the state requires you to obtain an SR-22 certificate, you generally must maintain it for three years. If the SR-22 insurance coverage expires or you cancel it within the required period, your insurance company will notify the Secretary of State and your license will be suspended.
How To Obtain SR-22 Insurance in Chicago
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Chicago, you will need to contact an insurance agent or private insurance company licensed to write SR-22 policies in the state of Illinois. Insurance Navy is your go-to auto insurance provider for affordable SR-22 coverage in Chicago.
We’re an authorized insurance agency that offers affordable car insurance plans and SR-22 certificates. Follow this simple process to obtain your SR-22 coverage through Insurance Navy:
- Get in touch with Insurance Navy by phone, contact form, or text.
- We’ll quote you with our trusted insurance companies to find the most affordable SR-22 insurance available.
- We will explain your options for SR-22 insurance and explore changing your standard auto liability insurance to a new company if it makes sense to do so.
- Once you have paid for the policy, our agents will submit a request for an SR-22 certificate from the Secretary of State’s office.
- We will send you a copy of the SR-22 certificate once we receive it
We work with a variety of insurance carriers across Illinois to connect drivers with the cheapest SR-22 insurance available. With our simple application process, you’ll be on your way to meeting this requirement and getting back on the road.
Finding Cheap SR-22 Insurance Options
Thankfully, SR-22 insurance in Chicago isn’t very pricey. You can typically receive this certificate for less than $30. However, some insurance companies prey on drivers’ SR-22 requirements by charging an arm and a leg for this certificate.
Before purchasing SR-22 insurance from the first company you find, request a quote through Insurance Navy. We will help you find first-rate, affordable SR-22 insurance from one of our licensed insurance companies.
Can You Receive Instant Proof of SR-22 Insurance?
Our insurance agents can provide instant proof of insurance after you purchase an SR-22 certificate. While the processing time from the Secretary of State’s office may take up to 30 days, we can issue proof of this certificate electronically.
We recommend renewing the SR-22 insurance policy at least 45 days before its expiration to prevent a lapse in coverage. Our agents will notify you when the expiration is nearing.
How Much Is SR-22 Insurance in Chicago?
The filing fee for SR-22 insurance in Chicago is generally between $15 and $30. The exact costs depend on your insurance provider.
At Insurance Navy, we take pride in offering low-cost auto insurance and coverage options for drivers across Chicago. We will work with you to find a provider that meets your budget.
While the actual SR-22 insurance coverage won’t cost much, this certificate may increase your auto insurance rates. When the Secretary of State requires SR-22 coverage, insurance companies recognize you as a high-risk driver, raising your premiums.
That’s why it’s important to seek several SR-22 insurance quotes along with quotes for auto insurance in general. Our agents will quote you with several companies to find the lowest rates for both your SR-22 certificate and auto insurance coverage. We can help you minimize the increase in auto insurance costs and maximize savings elsewhere.
Alternatives to SR-22 Insurance in Chicago
The state of Illinois recognizes one alternative to SR-22 insurance. Instead of obtaining this certificate, drivers can deposit $70,000 in cash or securities with the Illinois State Treasurer or file a surety/real estate bond for this amount. At the end of the required period, the driver can receive the deposited funds back.
If you are an out-of-state resident, you can request that the SR-22 requirements for Illinois be waived. Fill out the Out of State Affidavit Financial Responsibility Insurance Waiver with the Secretary of State. Should you move back to Illinois within three years of acceptance of this waiver, your SR-22 requirement would go back into effect.
Our agents can help you explore potential alternatives and exceptions to this auto insurance certificate.
Important Deadlines To Know for SR-22 Insurance
If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance in Chicago, you must understand a few important deadlines. Failure to maintain the appropriate coverage could result in license suspension.
Duration of SR-22 Filing Requirement
The Illinois Secretary of State generally requires that mandated drivers carry SR-22 insurance for three years. The filing requirement may be extended if you are involved in other driving incidents during this time.
Meanwhile, if you cancel the certificate or allow insurance coverage to lapse, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately.
What Happens When the SR-22 Period Ends?
When the required SR-22 period of three years ends, you will no longer need to carry this certificate. Your insurance premiums may decrease as a result. This would be a good time to seek a new quote for auto insurance to see if you can reduce your rates.
Keep in mind that Illinois minimum liability insurance laws are in place for all drivers. Regardless of whether you have SR-22 certificate requirements, you must carry the following insurance at a minimum if you want to operate a vehicle:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per crash
- $20,000 in property damage coverage per crash
These minimums would help cover the costs another driver incurs in an accident that is your fault. We also recommend seeking collision coverage to pay for your own expenses in at-fault crashes.
Failing to maintain the minimum coverage could lead to significant fines and license suspension.
Insurance Navy Makes Filing SR-22 Insurance in Chicago Easy
Receiving notice that you must file an SR-22 certificate can be stressful. Will this affect your freedom to drive your vehicle? How much will it cost?
Thankfully, obtaining SR-22 coverage doesn’t need to be a hassle. Contact Insurance Navy as soon as you receive notice from the Secretary of State. We will walk you through the process and help you find the most affordable coverage in Chicago.
Contact us today to request a free quote for SR-22 insurance in Chicago or surrounding areas. We offer a range of insurance products and services in 12 states across the U.S., including over 25 Illinois locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive without an SR-22?
You cannot drive without an SR-22 if the Secretary of State has required you to obtain this certificate. If the SR-22 insurance expires or you fail to renew it during the required period, your license will immediately be suspended.
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Illinois?
You need SR-22 insurance for three years in Illinois unless the state extends the coverage requirement. Our insurance agents can help you understand how long you need to maintain this certificate.
What if I can’t afford SR-22 insurance?
Most drivers can afford SR-22 coverage, as the filing fee is usually less than $30. However, SR-22 requirements may raise your auto insurance premiums. Our knowledgeable, licensed agents can quote you with several insurance companies to find the most affordable minimum coverage.
What insurance company has the cheapest SR-22 in Chicago?
The insurance company that has the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Chicago depends on your specific insurance requirements and driving history. Insurance Navy can help you find the cheapest coverage options.