SR-22 & Insurance: What It Is and How To Get It

If you have received a letter from the Illinois Secretary of State requiring you to verify your auto insurance coverage, you will likely need an SR-22. An SR-22 is not actually a type of insurance. Rather, it is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance provider files directly with the state to prove you carry the minimum required liability limits.

In Illinois, to satisfy an SR-22 requirement, your policy must include:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per occurrence
• Property Damage: $20,000
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 per person / $50,000 each occurrence

The state of Illinois typically requires drivers to maintain this coverage continuously for a minimum of 3 years. At Insured ASAP, we streamline this entire process for you by utilizing the Illinois Insurance Verification System (ILIVS) to file your SR-22 electronically and instantly, getting you back on the road without the usual paperwork or DMV headaches.

Do I need an SR-22?

You will never have to guess whether or not you need an SR-22. If the State of Illinois requires you to have one, you will receive an official notice in the mail directly from the Illinois Secretary of State. In some cases, a judge may also inform you of this requirement directly in court.

The state typically flags drivers for an SR-22 requirement if they fall into a “high-risk” category. This is essentially the state’s way of keeping a closer eye on your insurance status. You will likely receive an SR-22 notice if:

• You have a history of driving without active auto insurance.
• You have been convicted of a serious traffic offense (such as a DUI or DWI).
• Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked.
• You were involved in an at-fault accident while uninsured.

Failing to maintain your SR-22 can lead to severe consequences, including extended license suspensions, additional fines, or having your 3-year mandatory compliance period restarted from scratch.

How Do I Obtain an SR-22?

You cannot file an SR-22 yourself; it must be handled by an authorized insurance provider. Fortunately, getting your SR-22 filed is a quick and straightforward process when you work with Insured ASAP:

You will need to start by obtaining a free car insurance quote. You can start your quote online or call us directly. Simply let our live representatives know that you require an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility.

Once you purchase your policy, we will immediately file your SR-22 directly with the Illinois Secretary of State. We will contact you if any additional information is needed to complete the request.

If you already have a policy with Insured ASAP, simply contact our team. We will review your current coverages and begin the process of filing the SR-22 certificate on your behalf.

SR22 FAQ

What if I need an SR-22 in a state I don’t live in?

If you get a traffic violation in another state that requires an SR-22, you still have to comply with that state’s mandate, even if you live in Illinois. You will need to find an insurance provider that is licensed to do business in both your home state and the state where the offense occurred to file the paperwork properly.

What if I need an SR-22 and don’t have a car?

If you do not own a vehicle but still need an SR-22, we can file a non-owner SR-22 with the Secretary of State. A non-owner policy is generally highly affordable and provides liability coverage for you whenever you drive a borrowed or rented vehicle.

Does a SR-22 Require a Defensive Driving Course?

The SR-22 certificate itself does not require you to take a defensive driving course. However, the underlying traffic violation that triggered your SR-22 requirement (such as a DUI or reckless driving charge) may require you to complete a defensive driving or remedial education course mandated by a judge or the state DMV.

Is there a fee associated with an SR-22?

Insurance carriers typically charge a small, one-time filing fee to process the initial SR-22 document.

How long is the SR-22 valid?

In Illinois, you are required to keep the SR-22 active and your insurance policy current for a continuous minimum of 3 years. If your policy lapses or is canceled at any point during those 3 years, your insurance provider is legally obligated to notify the state, which will result in an immediate license suspension.

Get a SR-22 Form Quickly with Insured ASAP

Do not let an SR-22 requirement keep you off the road. Whether you are dealing with a suspended license or just want to avoid additional penalties, our team is here to help you move forward legally and affordably.

Call us today to speak with a live representative, or get a free, fast quote to have your SR-22 filed instantly!