Depending on where you live, you may or may not have heard of SR-22 insurance. But what is it? Despite the name, SR-22 insurance is not actually insurance. Rather, it’s a form that some states or cases require you to file to prove that you have the minimum automotive insurance policy legally required. While the requirements vary by state, most of the time, SR-22 insurance is relevant in instances of DUI convictions, reckless driving, or accidents caused by drivers who are uninsured or unlicensed.
Below, we discuss the ins and outs of SR-22 insurance, including what it covers, whether or not you need it, and how to get the best deal on this state-mandated form filing.
What Does SR-22 Insurance Cover?
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SR-22 insurance primarily serves as liability coverage, protecting the covered driver financially in an accident they may have caused. This includes covering the costs of bodily injury or property damage that the other driver may have incurred due to the accident. You should note that SR-22 insurance doesn’t always cover the cost of repairs for your vehicle or even the other driver’s vehicle.
In the state of Illinois, SR-22 insurance verifies that you have the minimum required coverage of:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Who Might Need SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance is mainly relevant to those with a history of traffic violations, DUIs, DWIs, or accidents while uninsured or unlicensed. Usually, you’ll only be required to file the form if mandated by the state or court. Here in Illinois, the SR-22 form is only required to be filed by those determined to be high-risk drivers. You may also need to file the SR-22 form if your license or car registration has been suspended and you need to have it reinstated.
How to Get SR-22 Insurance
Though the state usually mandates SR-22 filings, you aren’t actually able to file an SR-22 form through the government. Instead, you’ll need a private insurance company to file the form for you. Larger auto insurance companies often don’t provide SR-22 insurance as they don’t cover high-risk drivers. While it might seem tricky to find insurance companies that provide SR-22 filing services, we here at American Auto Insurance can make it easy by offering cheap, quick electronic SR-22 filings to those in the state of Illinois.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of SR-22 insurance as coverage for high-risk drivers, filing an SR-22 form can be on the pricier side. The private insurance company providing you with the SR-22 filing service will consider you a more dangerous driver than the average policyholder, meaning you’ll probably experience higher upfront costs. In addition to the insurance company’s rates, you’ll have to pay a filing fee to the government, which can vary by state.
On average, an insurance plan with SR-22 coverage for a DUI offense may cost around $1,200 annually in Illinois, compared to about $570 for drivers who have a clean driving history. This cost may increase for more severe accidents or violations. The filing fee will also cost you $25. However, for the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Illinois, starting at only $14 per month, American Auto Insurance is ideal for those seeking low-cost solutions.
How Long Do You Need SR-22 Insurance?
In Illinois, the most common length of time you’ll be required to hold SR-22 insurance is around three years, though that length of time can be less or more, depending on your offense. Your insurance company will be responsible for notifying and renewing the SR-22 filing with the state. If you’re an American Auto Insurance customer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, as we can let you know exactly when your SR-22 insurance is set to expire.
Once the state no longer requires you to file SR-22 insurance, you’ll need to contact your insurer to have it removed. As a result of not having the SR-22 filing on your record, your insurance premiums may go back down.
Tips for Getting SR-22 Insurance
Finding SR-22 insurance can be complicated — it’s difficult finding a plan that’s both affordable and accessible. Many larger insurance companies charge high rates, and some will not even provide SR-22 insurance at all. However, our team at American Auto Insurance makes it easy for you, regardless of your driving history or vehicle ownership status.
Not only do we provide the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Illinois, but we also file all of our SR-22 forms electronically so that the state can reinstate your driver’s license and vehicle registration as soon as possible. There’s no need to be without a driver’s license for long.
File SR-22 Insurance Quickly and Affordably with American Auto Insurance
Suppose you’ve found yourself at fault with a DUI/DWI conviction or an accident while unlicensed or uninsured. In that case, you’ll need to file SR-22 insurance before the state can reinstate your license, and you can get back behind the wheel and on the road. Having to file SR-22 insurance can be a huge hassle, but our team at American Auto Insurance can make the process quick and easy. Though you won’t need SR-22 insurance permanently, we’re happy to help you through the tricky period during which the state requires you to have it.
For an instant rate quote, you can fill out an application on our website, and we’ll begin the process of filing SR-22 insurance for you. Our application form only takes a few minutes to complete, and once finished, you’ll know right away how much your SR-22 insurance will cost. You may also call our friendly team at 773-286-3500 to have any questions or inquiries answered and clarified. In addition to SR-22 insurance, we offer full-coverage insurance plans, including comprehensive physical damage coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. We’re looking forward to being able to help you get back on the road.
