Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In Illinois 2024
An SR-22 certificate informs the Illinois Driver Services Department that you carry the state’s mandated minimum car insurance requirements. In Illinois, Mercury provides the cheapest SR-22 insurance at $338 per year for liability-only coverage.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
SR-22 is a certificate that serves as evidence of financial accountability demanded by the state following severe violations like DUIs or reckless driving. Your insurance company will typically charge a fee between $15-$50 to file your SR-22 form.
Adding SR-22s to your car insurance policy comes with extra charges, varying from minor to substantial, based on my observations in the insurance field. Moreover, some insurers refuse policies for SR-22 applicants.
This guide aims to assist drivers in Illinois in finding the cheapest SR-22 car insurance options available. By exploring different providers and understanding the factors influencing insurance rates, drivers can make informed decisions to fulfill their SR-22 obligations without breaking the bank.
Cheapest Liability-Only SR-22 Insurance Companies In Illinois
Here are the three most affordable insurance providers in Illinois offering SR-22 coverage with liability only:
- Mercury- $338 Annually
- State Farm – $353 Annually
- Country Financial – $411 Annually
| Company | Annual Premium |
| Mercury | $338 |
| State Farm | $353 |
| Country Financial | $411 |
| Progressive | $456 |
| American Family | $481 |
| Erie | $591 |
| Auto-Owners | $655 |
| Travelers | $707 |
| Hanover | $765 |
| Geico | $769 |
Cheapest Companies For Full-Coverage SR-22 Insurance In Illinois
If you require more than just liability coverage, here are the three most budget-friendly SR-22 insurance options in Illinois that offer comprehensive coverage:
- American Family – $844 Annually
- State Farm – $895 Annually
- Progressive – $955 Annually
| Company | Annual Premium |
| American Family | $844 |
| State Farm | $895 |
| Progressive | $955 |
| Country Financial | $1,000 |
| Mercury | $1,142 |
| Erie | $1,360 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,382 |
| Travelers | $1,435 |
| Allstate | $1,722 |
| AAA | $1,776 |
Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In Illinois
If you’re in need of an SR-22 but don’t have your own vehicle, opting for a non-owner’s policy is the ideal solution. Below, you’ll find the most affordable non-owner SR-22 policies available in Illinois.
- Auto-Owners- $319 Annually
- State Farm – $383 Annually
- Geico- $418 Annually
| Company | Annual Premium |
| Auto-Owners | $319 |
| State Farm | $383 |
| Geico | $418 |
| Travelers | $596 |
| Progressive | $646 |
What Is SR-22 Insurance In Illinois?
SR-22, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a document that some drivers are required to obtain to prove that they have the minimum amount of auto insurance required by their state. This requirement typically arises after a driver has been involved in serious traffic violations or accidents, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance.
The SR-22 itself is not an insurance policy but rather a form that is filed by an insurance company on behalf of the driver with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant authority. It serves as a guarantee to the state that the driver has the necessary insurance coverage to operate a vehicle legally.
If you need to file for an SR-22 form, you will receive a court order from the Office Of The Illinois Secretary Of State.
Illinois SR-22 Requirements
Illinois requires drivers to carry the following levels of coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
When Do You Need SR-22 Insurance?
There are several reasons why you might be required to get an SR-22 in Illinois. If you have had a DUI, or other driving violation, then you will need to file an SR-22 form.
Common offenses which could require you to get SR-22 include:
- DUIs / OWIs
- Driving without insurance
- Picking up multiple minor driving infractions
- Failing to pay damages for an accident you caused
- Failing to pay child support
- Serious traffic infractions
How To Get SR-22 Insurance In Illinois
Getting SR-22 insurance is similar to buying a standard auto insurance policy in Illinois. However, you must maintain continuous coverage for 3 years. Here are simple steps to get SR-22 in Illinois:
Find an insurer
If you are applying for a new auto insurance policy, then you must find one that accepts SR-22s. Once you identify an insurance company, you can inform them that you require an SR-22.
However, if you have an existing insurance policy, then you can inform them that you need to file an SR-22 and they will help you.
Review your coverage
Ensure that your coverage meets the minimum car insurance requirement levels in Illinois.
These limits are as follows:
- $25,000 for injury or death per person
- $50,000 for injury or death for multiple peopls
- $20,000 for property damage
Pay the fee
Your insurance company will charge you a fee of between $15-$50 to file the SR-22 form on your behalf.
Have your insurer file the form
Your insurance provider should then file your SR-22 form with the Illinois Secretary Of State. The form may take up to 30 days to be processed before you can have your license and vehicle registration reinstated.
Verify your SR-22 status
You should verify yourself that your SR-22 form has been processed by contacting the Illinois Secretary Of State Office. You can call them on 217-782-3720.
How Long Does Illinois Require SR-22 Insurance?
According to the Office Of The Illinois Secretary Of State, drivers in Illinois are required to maintain SR-22 for 3 years. When it comes to renewing your insurance, ensure you apply 45 days before your policy expiration date. If you let your policy lapse, there’s a chance that your 3 year mandated coverage will start all over again.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance In Illinois
You may still be required to file an SR-22 form in Illinois, even if you do not own a vehicle. In this instance, it may be cheaper to get non-owner SR-22 insurance. This is the most affordable way that you can satisfy your SR-22 requirements for the 3 year mandated coverage period.
However, to qualify for non-owner car insurance, you cannot own a car and you cannot not use the car of someone that you live with.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost In Illinois?
The average cost of liability-only SR-22 car insurance in Illinois is $646 per year, and for full-coverage it is an average of $1,475 per year.
| Violation | Annual Premium (Liability Only) | Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
| DUI | $646 | $1,475 |
| At-Fault Accident | $566 | $1,325 |
| Minor Violation | $478 | $1,133 |
Alternatives To SR-22
If your state mandates an SR-22, you have to file one; there’s no way around it. However, some states don’t need an SR-22, or they may ask for different forms like SR-21, SR-50, or FR-22. To figure out your requirements, reaching out to a nearby independent agent might be your best bet.
Iginition Interlock Devices
If you are required to file an SR-22 form in Illinois, you may also be asked to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device may be required for a minimum of 6 continuous months. However, it will reinstate your driving privileges.
Penalties For An OWI/DUI Conviction
| Penalty | 1st Offense | 2nd Offense |
| Fine | $2,500 | $25,000 |
| Driver’s license suspension | 6 months | 1 year |
| Jail time | Up to 1 year | Between 1-3 years |
SR-22 And Child Support
If you have failed to pay child support, then you may have your license suspended. If you want to have your license reinstated then you may be required to file an SR-22 form. The amount of time that you will need SR-22 depends on the specific case.
How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates
Typically, drivers can expect their car insurance rates to increase by an average of $993 per year when they require an SR-22. This rise in cost is primarily linked to incidents on their driving record that prompted the need for the SR-22, such as a DUI conviction.
Moreover, there’s an additional fee for filing an SR-22, ranging from $15 to $25. This fee is separate from the increased insurance rate. Removing the SR-22 from your policy once it’s no longer needed can potentially lower your premium.
How To File An SR-22
You might receive a formal request from a court, state government, or the DMV to file for an SR-22. Upon receiving this request, your initial action should be to contact your insurance provider. If you don’t already have car insurance, you’ll need to secure a policy.
Certain insurers may disqualify drivers needing SR-22s and decline to issue policies to them. Before obtaining a new policy or requesting an SR-22 from your current insurer, ensure they offer this service. Otherwise, you risk facing penalties from the state.
Alternatively, you can opt for a non-owner policy with the SR-22 included. This option allows you to maintain your existing auto policy without complications, even if you don’t own a vehicle but require the SR-22 to keep your license active.
After securing a policy with a company that accepts SR-22s, your next step is to request its addition to your policy. Your insurer may require further details, such as the reason for needing the SR-22 or a copy of the formal request. Once this information is provided, the insurance company will file the SR-22 with the state.
Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance
Apart from affecting how much you pay for insurance, SR-22s can also affect your ability to drive legally. If you don’t get an SR-22 when you’re supposed to or if you don’t keep it for as long as you need to, the state might take away your driver’s license or car registration. This could mean you have to pay fines and fees to get them back. Also, not all insurance companies are okay with giving policies to people who need SR-22s, so you might not have many choices.
How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs
Your credit score is one of the factors that affect how much you pay for car insurance. Typically, if your credit score is lower, insurance companies see you as more risky. The same goes for drivers needing SR-22s, they’re seen as high-risk too.
So, if you need an SR-22 and your credit isn’t great, your insurance costs will likely be higher. On average, drivers with low credit pay about 72% more for insurance than those with good credit scores. Plus, having an SR-22 can increase your rates by around 18% or even more. But remember, the exact increase can vary depending on the insurance company.
How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance In Illinois After A DUI
Obtaining cheaper car insurance in Illinois after a DUI can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies, completing a defensive driving course, and considering high-risk insurance companies, drivers can potentially lower their insurance costs.
Additionally, bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, driving less, choosing a less expensive car, and improving credit scores are strategies that may help reduce premiums.
Working with an experienced insurance agent who specializes in high-risk cases can also be beneficial in finding the best coverage options at competitive rates.
Overall, while obtaining affordable insurance after a DUI may require effort and patience, taking proactive steps can lead to more manageable premiums over time.
What Is SR-22a Insurance?
In certain states, drivers may be required to obtain an SR-22a instead of a standard SR-22. This alternative form is typically mandated for drivers with a history of multiple violations of financial responsibility laws or more severe citations. States such as Missouri, Georgia, and Texas are among those that may impose this requirement.
Our Methodology
To find the best rates for drivers requiring an SR-22, we based our quotes on drivers with serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving. For instance, let's consider a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT with full coverage for a 35-year-old female with average credit. The coverage quoted was as follows: Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident Property Damage: $50,000 per accident Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident Comprehensive: $500 Deductible Collision: $500 Deductible Please keep in mind that these rates may vary depending on individual factors like location, driving record, and prior insurance history.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Do you need SR-22 insurance if you don’t have a car?
If you don’t own a car but still need to maintain your driving privileges, you may need to get non-owner SR-22 insurance.
How do you get rid of SR-22?
To get rid of SR-22, you typically need to maintain continuous coverage for the period required by your state, usually three years. Once that period is over and you meet all other requirements, such as maintaining a clean driving record, you can request your insurance company to remove the SR-22 filing.
How much does SR-22 cost?
The cost of SR-22 varies depending on several factors, including your driving record, the state you live in, and the insurance company you choose. On average, the filing fee for SR-22 ranges from $15 to $25, but it’s essential to note that SR-22 typically results in higher insurance premiums, which can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
