SR-22 Insurance in Illinois
Illinois requires SR-22 insurance for 3 years (with Restricted Driving Permit) after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui/dwi conviction, driving on suspended/revoked license, court order. Illinois SR-22 may not be required in all cases — it depends on the specific offense and court order. Also requires UM/UIM coverage.
Last updated:
Overview
If the court has ordered you to have an SR-22 on your record in Illinois, it is because you have committed a serious offense and are deemed high risk. An insurer will fill out this form and submit it to the state for you. SR-22 may be required for 3 years with a Restricted Driving Permit.
Key Facts
Minimum Coverage Requirements
What Triggers SR-22 Requirement
- DUI/DWI conviction
- Driving on suspended/revoked license
- Court order
- Driving without insurance
Cost
How to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an SR-22 filing. Not all insurers offer SR-22 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets Illinois's minimum requirements: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Insurer Files SR-22 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the Illinois DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the SR-22 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 3 years (with Restricted Driving Permit)
Keep your SR-22 insurance active for the full required period of 3 years (with Restricted Driving Permit) without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your SR-22 insurance lapses in Illinois, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full SR-22 filing period (3 years (with Restricted Driving Permit)). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
Illinois SR-22 may not be required in all cases — it depends on the specific offense and court order. Also requires UM/UIM coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Illinois?
- In Illinois, you typically need to maintain SR-22 insurance for 3 years (with Restricted Driving Permit). The clock starts from the date your SR-22 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Illinois?
- The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the real cost is the insurance premium increase — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year than standard rates. Total additional cost over the filing period is typically $1,000-$3,000+. Shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate.
- What triggers SR-22 requirement in Illinois?
- Common triggers include: DUI/DWI conviction, Driving on suspended/revoked license, Court order, Driving without insurance. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my SR-22 lapses in Illinois?
- If your SR-22 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the Illinois DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are Illinois's minimum coverage requirements for SR-22?
- Illinois requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. UM/UIM coverage is also required.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Illinois DMV — License Reinstatement
Official information about license reinstatement requirements in Illinois, including SR-22 filing instructions.
- Illinois Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — Illinois minimum coverage: $25,000/$50,000/$20,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
More for Illinois
Suspension periods, IID requirements, penalties, and step-by-step reinstatement process.
Reinstatement fees, restricted license options, IID requirements, and timeline.
Related Guides
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Chicago, IL
- ExpungementIllinois expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Illinois
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Illinois
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Illinois
- ProbationProbation & parole in Illinois
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Illinois
- Documents & IDID & documents in Illinois
Helpful guides
- HealthCheap dental care without insurance
- ProbationHow to get off probation early
- TransportationDUI vs. DWI vs. OWI — what's the difference?
- Background ChecksHow to check your own record