How can I get cheap SR-22 insurance in Chicago?

SR-22 insurance in Illinois costs $631 per year on average, plus a filing fee of $15 to $25 for the SR-22 form your insurer submits on your behalf. In contrast, car insurance for drivers without an SR-22 costs an average of $592 per year.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance in Illinois

• Westfield: $337 per year
• Geico: $341 per year
• Secura Insurance: $343 per year... read full answer
• Mercury: $350 per year
• Country Financial: $360 per year

An SR-22 is a state-issued form verifying that a driver is carrying the minimum amount of car insurance coverage required by the state after they are convicted of a serious violation like DUI or reckless driving. Because an SR-22 designates the policyholder as high-risk, their insurance premium goes up while it’s on file with the state. Drivers in Illinois who need to file an SR-22 will also lose any discount related to good driving that they may have previously qualified for.

The effect of an SR-22 on the cost of insurance is only temporary, though. In Illinois, drivers only need to have their SR-22 on file for 3 years. After that, the driver’s premium will start to go back down, assuming they drive responsibly.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to SR-22 insurance.

You need an SR-22 for 1-5 years after a DUI, though most states require you to have it for three years. You must be continuously insured during this timeframe, since any lapse in coverage will cause the SR-22 clock to reset.

Once you’ve maintained your SR-22 insurance for the required period of time after a DUI, you can contact your insurance company and ask them to ... read full answercancel the SR-22 filing. However, keep in mind that your insurance company will have to contact the state DMV to remove the form. If you attempt to cancel the SR-22 early, you will face repercussions including hefty fines and a driver’s license suspension.

Since a DUI conviction and an SR-22 classify you as a high-risk driver, you should expect your insurance rates to go up by about 80%, though the exact amount will depend on your state. The good news is that insurance companies only look back 3-5 years on your driving record when calculating your premium, so your rates will eventually go back down.

SR-22 insurance covers the cost of other people’s injuries and property damage after accidents that you cause, and it does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If the court or state tells you that you need SR-22 insurance certification, your minimum coverage requirements are still the same as for any other resident.... read full answer

SR-22 is actually the name of the form the court or state requires from drivers convicted of certain violations, such as DUI/DWIs, reckless driving, and driving without a license or insurance. The SR-22 must be filled in by your insurance company and certifies that you have the legally required coverage.

What SR-22 Insurance Covers Depending on State

Many states only require liability insurance. In these states, SR-22 insurance covers the costs of the other driver’s injuries or property damage if you’re at fault in an accident. Some states, like Florida and Michigan, also require Personal Injury Protection, which pays medical expenses for you and your passengers. States such as New Jersey and New York mandate uninsured or underinsured motorist protection, as well. This kind of insurance pays for your losses if another driver is at fault and either has no/low liability insurance or is a hit-and-run driver.

SR-22 Insurance Limits

Like all insurance, SR-22 insurance policies are written with limits. These limits are the maximum amounts the insurance company will pay out for losses. The coverage limits for your SR-22 insurance policy will follow the requirements of the state in which you were convicted or now live, whichever are higher.

Even though it’s minimal, SR-22 coverage can be expensive. The violation you committed will put you into the insurance company’s high-risk pool of drivers. This can raise your insurance costs 25% or more.