High-risk drivers in Illinois may be required to obtain financial responsibility (SR-22) insurance in order to drive legally. If you need an SR-22 certificate, Samco Agency LTD in Wood Dale, Illinois, may be able to offer assistance. Call us at 630-227-9000 or complete this contact form for additional information. 

What Is an SR-22 Certificate?

In Illinois, an SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the Driver Services Department of the Secretary of State. It verifies that you are carrying auto insurance that meets the state’s required minimums. According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, the following individuals may be required to obtain an SR-22:  

• Those with safety responsibility suspensions 
• Those with unsatisfied judgment suspensions 
• Those with driver’s license revocations 
• Those with mandatory insurance supervisions 
• Those with three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations 

An SR-22 certificate is issued in one of three forms depending on if you own vehicles or operate non-owned vehicles: 

• Operator certificate  
• Owner certificate 
• Operator-owner certificate 

What Is the SR-22 Process?

If you have received a qualifying mandatory insurance offense in Illinois, the circuit court will report the information to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will then send you a notice regarding the required SR-22 insurance. Once you receive this notice, you have 90 days to file an SR-22. Failure to do so may result in a driver’s license suspension. 

To get an SR-22 certificate, you need to contact an insurance agency and submit payment. Your insurance agency will send in a request for a certificate. After the Secretary of State accepts the request (processing may take up to 30 days), you will receive of copy of the SR-22 from the insurance agency and a letter from the Secretary of State. The form must remain on file with the Secretary of State for three years. If you cancel your insurance premium, your driver’s license may be immediately suspended. 

How Much Does Financial Responsibility (SR-22) Insurance Cost? 

Costs of SR-22 insurance vary based on various factors such as the amount of coverage selected and if you are seeking an operator, owner or operator-owner certificate. Illinois residents have an option of depositing $70,000 in cash or securities with the Illinois State Treasurer or they may file an approved surety bond or real estate bond. The team at Samco Agency LTD can answer questions about SR-22 insurance. Contact us for more information.