FAQs About SR22 Insurance in Chicago, Illinois

What is SR22 insurance in Chicago, Illinois? Even though every Illinois driver needs auto insurance, some may also need this specialized type of document. If you're not sure whether you need SR22 insurance or what it includes, take a look at some of the top questions drivers have about this addition to a motor vehicle policy.

Is SR22 an Insurance Policy?

SR22 insurance is not the same as liability or other similar type of auto insurance policy. It won't pay for damages to your vehicle. But it is sometimes a requirement to drive.

The SR22 designation is sometimes necessary for high risk drivers who have had safety responsibility suspensions, license revocations, or unsatisfied judgment suspensions. According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, residents who have three (or more) convictions for mandatory insurance violations must also have SR22 insurance.

The SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility and demonstrates that the high risk driver has the minimum state-required auto coverage. This means you will need to have an SR22 along with your auto insurance policy. You can't substitute the SR22 for the minimum Illinois auto coverage.

What is the State Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in Illinois?

If you live in Chicago, you need to follow the state's minimum insurance coverage laws. Again, this is true for drivers who need an SR22 policy and those who do not. The state of Illinois requires liability insurance for all motor vehicles. This type of insurance policy covers injuries sustained by other people and property damage.

Even though liability insurance is a requirement, you will still need to choose a policy that meets or exceeds the state's law. This includes $25,000 for the injury or death of a single person per accident, $50,000 for injury or death of multiple people per incident, and $20,000 for damage to property of another person who is not the insurance holder. The SR22 certificate states that you have at least this type of minimum auto insurance.

Where Can You Get an SR22 Certificate?

You can only get SR22 insurance from specified insurers. This means not every insurance company can issue you a certificate or is authorized (by the state of Illinois) to do so. If you received an order from the state requiring this certificate, contact your insurance provider to make sure they can issue an SR22. 

If your current insurance carrier is not authorized to provide an SR22 certificate, contact a company that offers both the state-required minimum liability coverage and this additional option.

Can You Get an Immediate SR22 Insurance Certificate?

Many auto insurance policies take effect immediately. This makes it possible for drivers who aren't covered to comply with the law as soon as possible. But the SR22 insurance Financial Responsibility Certificate does not work in the same way.

Before you are issued a certificate, you will need to contact an authorized insurance provider and pay for the insurance. The insurer will then need to submit an SR22 certificate request to the Secretary of State's office. The processing time for this request could take up to 30 days, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's website.

After approval, the authorized insurance company can send you a copy of the SR22 certificate. You will also get a copy of the approval letter from the Illinois Secretary of State's office. This office notes that drivers who are required to have an SR22 must maintain this insurance for three years. Your insurer will need to notify the state immediately if you cancel the insurance or it expires. 

How Can You Renew SR22 Insurance?

Do you have SR22 insurance that is about to expire? Don't wait until the expiration date to renew this insurance requirement. You must renew the certificate at least 45 days before it expires to maintain compliance with the state's driving and insurance laws.

Provided the state has not released you from your obligation to have SR22 insurance, contact your insurance agent before this 45-day timeframe goes into effect. Your insurer is legally required to notify the state of Illinois if you do not renew the SR22 insurance 15 days before it will expire.



Do you need SR22 insurance? Contact Illinois Insurance Center for more information.