What Happens If You Don’t Get SR-22 Insurance?

After a conviction of high-risk driving activities, the state of Illinois may ask you to prove that your auto liability insurance meets the state’s minimum requirements with an SR-22 form.

Contact Hanway Insurance in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for help navigating the requirements and getting the appropriate coverage if you must file SR-22.

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

Despite its name, SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. Rather, it’s a form that the Illinois DMV or a judge requires to prove that the driver’s liability insurance coverage meets the state’s minimum requirements. Your insurer submits the form directly to the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State on your behalf.

Drivers who must file SR-22 in Illinois may be classified as high risk by their insurer, leading to higher premiums.

What Is the Penalty for Failure to File SR-22 in Illinois?

Illinois drivers who have received a court order or DMV request to file SR-22 must maintain auto liability insurance for three years under Illinois law. Failure to do so results in suspension of driving privileges.

Who Must File SR-22 in Illinois?

Not every driver is required to file an SR-22 form. Drivers with serious driving convictions or mandatory insurance violations may receive notice to file SR-22. Some driving violations that might trigger an SR-22 order include the following:

• Reckless driving
• Repeated traffic violations
• Refusing a breathalyzer test
• DUI or DWI conviction
• Driving without insurance

When to File SR-22 in Illinois

There’s no need to file SR-22 until you receive official notice from a judge or the secretary of state. After receiving notice that you must keep an SR-22 on file with the state, you have 90 days to comply to prevent the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.

If you receive notice that you must file SR-22, contact your agent or insurer immediately. In Illinois, your insurer files the form on your behalf to prove that your policy meets the state’s minimum financial responsibility laws.

How to File SR-22 if You Don’t Own a Vehicle

If you don’t own a car and you receive notice that you must file an SR-22 form, you may be able to meet the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements by maintaining a non-owned auto insurance policy. This coverage may help pay for your legal liability for accident-related third-party injuries and property damage up to the policy’s limits.

Non-owner car insurance does not cover damage you cause to a rented or borrowed vehicle or your accident-related injuries.

If you don’t plan to drive during the three-year period when you must keep an SR-22 form on file with the state, discuss your options with your agent.

Contact Us

Contact Hanway Insurance today if you must file SR-22 in Illinois. We can help you get the form filed on time and assist you as you shop around for the best possible high-risk insurance rates.