Can I Get SR-22 Insurance If I Don’t Own a Car?

If you’ve been told you need to file an SR-22 but don’t own a car, you might wonder what that means. In Illinois, the requirement to file an SR-22 certificate isn’t limited to vehicle owners. Whether you drive regularly or only occasionally, the state may still mandate this filing as proof of financial responsibility following certain driving violations. Understanding how SR-22 requirements apply to nonowners can help you stay compliant with the law and avoid further penalties.

SR-22 Certification and Auto Insurance Explained

Even if you don’t own a car, you may still be required to file an SR-22 certificate in Illinois. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the state’s minimum required auto liability insurance. It’s often mandated after serious driving violations such as DUIs, driving without insurance or multiple traffic offenses.

In Illinois, the secretary of state may require an SR-22 filing to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges following a suspension or revocation. If you don’t own a vehicle but still need to drive, such as borrowing a friend’s car or using a rental, you’ll typically need nonowner SR-22-related insurance.

Nonowner SR-22-related insurance is a liability-only policy that can help cover you when driving vehicles you don’t own. It typically doesn’t cover damage to the car you’re driving or provide comprehensive or collision coverage, but it does fulfill the SR-22 requirement and allows you to drive legally.

To obtain nonowner SR-22-related insurance, you must contact an insurer authorized to issue SR-22-related policies in Illinois. Once you purchase the policy, the insurer files the SR-22 form. You must maintain this insurance continuously, typically for three years. If the policy lapses or is canceled, your license may be suspended again.

If you don’t plan to drive at all, you may be able to avoid SR-22-related insurance requirements by filing an out-of-state affidavit or surrendering your license, depending on your situation.

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For auto insurance guidance near you, contact Samco Agency.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.