Understanding SR-22 Insurance in Illinois: Requirements, Costs, and How to File
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Has an Illinois court asked you to get SR-22 insurance? If so, you won't be able to drive again until you get the proper coverage.
SR-22 insurance in Illinois is usually more expensive than a regular policy and comes with a few extra hurdles. However, it's possible to comply with a court order and get back on the road. Here's what you need to know.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
Drivers caught driving without insurance may need to get SR-22 coverage. This is not a type of insurance but a Certificate of Financial Responsibility showing proof of insurance in accordance with Illinois state requirements.
Once you purchase an SR-22 policy, your auto insurance company notifies the Illinois Secretary of State, which processes the new coverage and lets you know once you're okay to drive. You need to keep your policy active and effective for three years. After that, the SR-22 requirement goes away unless you get another infraction.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance in Illinois?
A court may order you to get Illinois SR-22 insurance if you have a history of driving infractions or unpaid judgment suspensions. A one-time speeding ticket isn't enough to require an SR-22, but getting caught without insurance in a car accident might be.
Another situation in which you might need SR-22 coverage is multiple insurance violations. The state requires an SR-22 for anyone with three or more insurance violations. So, if you get pulled over for running a red light and don't have proof of insurance, that's one infraction. Two more similar violations might lead to the SR-22.
You'll know if you need SR-22 insurance. The Illinois Secretary of State may notify you via mail with its SR-22 form notice, or it may be part of a court sentence.
How Long Is SR-22 Insurance Required in Illinois?
The standard length for SR-22 insurance in Illinois is three years. So once your insurance agent shares your new SR-22 certificate with the Illinois Secretary of State, the clock starts ticking. If you let your insurance policy lapse at any point during the three years, you may get a ticket if you're caught driving. That can increase the length of your SR-22 time.
For example, suppose you get a new SR-22 auto insurance policy and keep it for six months. Then you forget to renew it, and the coverage expires. You drive to work anyway, and a police officer tickets you. That might lead to a longer SR-22 period (and a suspended license).
Costs of SR-22 Insurance in Illinois
Finding cheap SR-22 insurance in Illinois can be challenging. Generally, insurers assume you're a high-risk driver. That holds true even if you only have insurance-related violations on your record and no severe traffic offenses.
But that doesn't mean you're stuck with sky-high insurance premiums for the next three years. Things like opting for less coverage or taking a driver improvement course may lower your rates. You can also ask your insurance provider about any discounts you might qualify for.
Tips for Managing SR-22 Insurance
Once you land an SR-22 insurance policy, the key is to maintain it. Illinois requires drivers to renew an expiring policy at least 45 days in advance, so the Secretary of State has time to process it and update their records.
One option that can help you avoid renewal hassles is buying insurance annually. While you pay a bit more upfront, you'll only need to worry about renewals once a year. During the other 11 months, you can feel secure knowing your insurance is in place if anything happens.
Whether you decide on an annual or shorter-term policy, keep on top of your renewal date. You might schedule a calendar notification ahead of time so you don't miss the deadline. Or, set up your policy to automatically renew with your insurer.
The Importance of Maintaining Continuous Coverage
You don't want a suspended driver's license, but that's precisely what happens if your SR-22 policy lapses. The Illinois Secretary of State requires a renewal 45 days before the policy expires. If the insurer doesn't receive your renewal 15 days before the expiration date, they must notify the state. Once the Secretary of State receives the notice, it automatically suspends your license until you get the SR-22 coverage in place again.
You probably want to avoid the hassle of buying a new policy and waiting for Illinois to approve it. That can take several weeks, and you won't be legally able to drive until all your paperwork is processed. Staying on top of your insurance payments can help you avoid problems.
Find Affordable Car Insurance for SR-22 Drivers
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