Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In Illinois For 2024
Dealing with the complexities of car insurance, especially when an SR-22 form is required, can be a difficult task. In Illinois, finding affordable SR-22 insurance is crucial for drivers needing to meet legal requirements. SR-22 insurance serves as evidence of financial accountability demanded by the state following severe violations like DUIs or reckless driving.
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. Sorting through eligibility criteria and pricing from different companies can be tiring. I’ve conducted the research, sparing you the effort.
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. .
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
Cheapest 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
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Liability Only)
| 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 SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage
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
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Full Coverage)
| 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 |
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance, 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.
The specifics of SR-22 requirements can vary by state, including how long a driver needs to maintain SR-22 coverage and the reasons for which it may be required. Generally, drivers are required to maintain SR-22 insurance for a certain period, often ranging from one to three years, depending on the severity of the offense.
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.
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 |
Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In Illinois
| Violation | Annual Premium (Liability Only) | Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
| DUI | $646 | $1,475 |
| At-Fault Accident | $566 | $1,325 |
| Minor Violation | $478 | $1,133 |
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.
How Long Do I Need To Have SR-22 Insurance?
The duration for which an SR-22 is necessary differs from state to state. In Illinois, the minimum period for filing is three years, but depending on the circumstances prompting the SR-22, it might be mandated for up to five years. Even if you relocate from the state where the SR-22 was required, you must still maintain it as stipulated.
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.
SR-22 Insurance State Requirements
It’s no surprise that each state sets its own rules for SR-22s. For instance, some states don’t need SR-22s at all, such as:
- Delaware,
- Kentucky,
- New Mexico,
- New York,
- North Carolina,
- Oklahoma
But in other states, like Florida and Virginia, you might need to show you have more insurance than the minimum required by law. Sometimes, for DUIs or DWIs, they might ask for a different form, like a FR-22. In Arkansas and Indiana, it’s a bit different. In Arkansas, if you’re in an accident that’s really bad, you might need to fill out an SR-21 to show you had insurance when it happened. In Indiana, after a DUI, you might have to fill out an SR-50 to show when you were insured.
How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs
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.
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.
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.
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