Problem drivers in Illinois are often required to buy SR-22 Insurance. Despite the name, an SR-22 is not a real insurance policy and does not replace traditional auto insurance.

Rather, an SR-22 certificate proves that the driver carries the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required in the state. This is a specific proof of insurance reserved for drivers with a serious violation of their driving record.

SR-22 Insurance in Illinois

Illinois drivers who have been convicted of certain traffic offenses are required to purchase an SR-22 to prove they have liability insurance. If a driver has his license suspended, he will have to obtain an SR-22 in order to obtain the reinstatement of the license. Here are some situations in which a driver should purchase a SR-22 in Illinois:

• Be billed with a DUI or DWI
• Be charged with reckless or negligent driving
• Have several traffic violations in a short time
• Have several responsible accidents in a short time
• Cause a serious accident with injury or death
• Getting caught driving without insurance (three or more offenses)
• Non-payment of court-ordered child support

In the state of Illinois, drivers will have an SR-22 on their record for three years, regardless of the infraction or violation. SR-22 insurance is issued in three different forms:

• Operator certificate: Covers the driver while driving a borrowed vehicle.
• Owner’s certificate: Covers every vehicle a driver owns. The SR-22 must be issued for all vehicles registered in the driver’s name.
• Operator-owner certificate: Covers all vehicles owned by the driver and also covers them when using a borrowed vehicle.

Illinois law states that instead of purchasing an SR-22, drivers also have the option of depositing $ 70,000 in cash or securities with the Illinois State Treasurer, depositing a Real estate bond approved by a court of record or file a bond with the DMV. Out-of-state drivers are allowed to waive their proof of financial responsibility requirements by signing an affidavit.

In Illinois, drivers who have an SR-22 on their record are responsible for renewing their certificate each year. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, drivers must renew their SR-22 insurance at least 45 days before the expiration date, otherwise they could face further insurance-related suspensions.

If the driver’s SR-22 is canceled or expires due to a failed renewal, he could face additional consequences and pay higher penalty fees. If the driver’s insurance company does not receive a formal request for renewal of the SR-22 at least 15 days before the expiration date, it is legally obliged to inform the Secretary of State.

Cost of SR-22 in Illinois

SR-22 insurance in Illinois is not expensive and the cost of filing is affordable. However, drivers who have an SR-22 on their record will face additional expenses. For example, drivers whose license is suspended are required to pay a license reinstatement fees, which ranges from $ 70 to $ 500 per suspension depending on the severity of the violation.

For example, a driver who is convicted of a DUI must pay $ 250 to have his license reinstated after a suspension. For two or more offenses, the fine increases to $ 500. For a traffic suspension, the reinstatement fee is $ 70 for each suspension.

Drivers who have an SR-22 will also face higher auto insurance rates. High-risk drivers are more likely to file insurance claims, so insurance companies charge higher premiums to account for the added risk. Driver insurance rates will remain high until the SR-22 is removed from their record after three years.

Non-proprietary SR-22 for Illinois drivers

In some situations, an Illinois driver may be required to purchase an SR-22 without owning their own vehicle. For example, imagine your friend borrows your vehicle for a quick run, but gets pulled over because he has no insurance. In this case, the driver will have to buy non-owner insurance.

In Illinois, drivers can get an SR-22 Operator’s Certificate, which is basically a form of insurance for non-owners. Typically, non-homeowner insurance only covers bodily injury and third party liability. It may also include coverage for uninsured / underinsured motorists and personal injury protection (PIP), depending on the state.

Drivers should note that non-owner insurance follows the driver, not the vehicle they are driving. This type of insurance does not include collision insurance, accidental damage insurance or any other coverage for the vehicle itself. Any damage to the vehicle would be paid out of pocket in the event of a responsible accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44?

The SR-22 and FR-44 share some similarities, but there are also some key differences. SR-22 certificates are issued in most states, while FR-44 certificates are primarily issued in Virginia and Florida. With an SR-22, drivers only need to carry the minimum liability coverage required by the state. With an FR-44, drivers are generally required to have liability coverage of at least $ 100,000, regardless of state limits.

How long do I need an SR-22?

In the state of Illinois, high-risk drivers must have an SR-22 on their driving record for three years, regardless of the type of offense or the driver’s background. After three years, the SR-22 is removed from the driver’s record.

Does my condition require SR-22 insurance?

Most states require drivers to purchase SR-22 insurance if they have a serious traffic violation on their record. However, some states do not have SR-22 laws. Drivers can check with their state’s insurance department or the Secretary of State’s website to see if their state allows SR-22 insurance.