Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in Illinois (2024)

An SR-22, often mistakenly called "SR-22 insurance," is not an insurance policy but a document that verifies you have an auto insurance policy meeting Illinois's minimum liability requirements. Under Illinois law, drivers convicted of severe traffic violations must file an SR-22 to reinstate their driving privileges. Filing an SR-22 signals to insurers that you pose a higher risk, which typically leads to increased insurance premiums.

In Illinois, the SR-22 form is used to certify that high-risk drivers meet the state's mandatory insurance requirements after serious traffic violations. To fulfill SR-22 obligations in Illinois, you must ensure your insurance policy adheres to the state's minimum coverage standards:

Mercury offers the most affordable SR-22 insurance for drivers in Illinois across various coverage levels. Its average minimum liability rate stands at $38 per month, making it approximately 43% lower than the state average of $67 per month, which translates to potential annual savings of $348.

For those seeking full coverage SR-22 insurance, American Family provides the best value in Illinois, with an average cost of $72 per month.

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in Illinois, with average premiums of $27 per month or $319 annually. Non-owner car insurance is designed for drivers needing an SR-22 who do not own a vehicle, helping them meet the state's minimum coverage requirements.

Below is a summary of providers offering affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance in Illinois, including their average rates for minimum coverage policies:

Drivers needing an SR-22 in Illinois can expect to pay significantly higher rates for car insurance. The average annual cost for minimum coverage is $802, which represents an increase of about 67% compared to the $479 average rate for those with a clean driving record.

For full coverage SR-22 policies, the average yearly cost rises to $1,791, roughly 60% above the $1,122 paid by drivers without violations.

It's the underlying violation, not the SR-22 form itself, that increases your insurance rates. Below, we provide a comparison of SR-22 insurance rates in Illinois for common infractions such as DUIs, speeding tickets and accidents across various age groups, as well as the average rates for drivers with clean records.

An SR-22, sometimes referred to as a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond," is often misunderstood as an insurance policy. In reality, it is a form submitted by your insurance provider to confirm to Illinois state authorities that you have the necessary liability coverage to satisfy the reinstatement requirements under Illinois's Financial Responsibility law.

In Illinois, state law requires an SR-22 filing for drivers who commit serious traffic offenses. This form is essential for reinstating or maintaining your driver's license. Courts typically mandate an SR-22 for drivers involved in violations such as:

In Illinois, drivers with major traffic violations, including driving without insurance, DUI or reckless driving, must file an SR-22. Not complying with this requirement can lead to more severe consequences, such as extended license suspension or delays in reinstating driving privileges.

To file an SR-22 in Illinois, follow these steps:

Along with complying with Illinois's state minimum coverage laws for three years, there are additional rules for drivers with an SR-22 in Illinois:

• Fees: To reinstate your driving privileges, you must submit proof of full liability insurance through an SR-22 filing and pay a reinstatement fee to the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).
• Insurer Policies: Filing an SR-22 may lead some Illinois insurers to cancel or decline policy renewal, potentially requiring you to seek a new provider.
• Continuous Coverage: Maintaining uninterrupted coverage is essential during the SR-22 period. A lapse in coverage requires your insurer to inform the state, which could result in penalties or license suspension.
• Moving Out of State: If you relocate while under SR-22 requirements, you must inform your insurer to continue meeting Illinois compliance standards, even in another state.
• Filing Completion: After the required term (typically three years or longer for repeat offenders), your insurer should notify the Illinois Secretary of State to confirm that you have met the SR-22 obligation.

Filing an SR-22 in Illinois is required for drivers with serious violations, such as driving without insurance, DUI/OVI or reckless driving. Failing to file an SR-22 when mandated can result in additional penalties, including further license suspension or delays in license reinstatement.

Here are the steps to file an SR-22 in Illinois:

Maintaining Illinois's minimum liability coverage throughout the SR-22 period is essential to avoid penalties and ensure your license remains eligible for reinstatement. If you're currently uninsured, securing an SR-22 insurance quote is necessary. Be aware that after filing an SR-22, some insurance companies may cancel your policy or refuse coverage, making it more difficult for high-risk drivers in Illinois to find SR-22 insurance than drivers with clean records.

High-risk drivers in Illinois often face limited choices, as fewer insurers are willing to provide coverage, and premiums tend to be higher. To secure the most affordable SR-22 car insurance in Illinois, consider the following recommendations:

Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who drive frequently but do not own a vehicle. This type of policy ensures that you have protection when using someone else's car, whether you're borrowing a friend's vehicle or renting one.

In Illinois, obtaining a non-owner car insurance policy allows your insurance provider to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, helping you comply with state requirements and reinstate your driving privileges. Typically, an SR-22 must be maintained for at least three years after specific driving offenses.

These policies are particularly suitable for those who regularly rent cars or occasionally drive vehicles they do not own. Non-owner insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage in at-fault accidents. Because this coverage does not extend to a specific vehicle, it is often more affordable than standard car insurance.

To secure the most competitive rates, it’s wise to shop around and compare quotes from various insurers to find the right policy for your situation.

Drivers in Illinois convicted of serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, must file an SR-22 to show they meet the state's minimum liability coverage requirements of 25/50/20. This form is typically required for three years, although more serious or repeat offenses can extend this period.

Filing an SR-22 often leads to higher insurance premiums due to the elevated risk profile. However, there are affordable insurance options in Illinois for high-risk drivers, providing cost-effective solutions for those needing SR-22 coverage.

Here are some common questions regarding SR-22 certifications in Illinois:

MoneyGeek analyzed 60,776 quotes from 14 companies across 106 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in Illinois.

Illinois Driver Profile

We collected data for a sample driver with the following attributes:

• 40-year-old male
• Driving record with a DUI or an at-fault accident causing $1,000–1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage insurance policies to help motorists find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their desired coverage level. For the most affordable minimum coverage policy, quotes were based on Illinois’s minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
• $20,000 for property damage per accident

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also referred to as a full coverage policy — we used the following limits with a $1,000 deductible:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.