SR22 Question Illinois IL
Reader’s Question:
What is an SR-22 and when do I need it?
Cathy
Aurora, IL
Hello there, Cathy. I am glad you asked about SR-22.
In essence, an SR-22, (Financial Responsibility Form) is a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company that shows proof of liability insurance to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). If you file an SR-22, it will serve as your tracking device, and the insurance company that issues the SR-22 filing will notify the DMV any time the policy cancels, or is changed. This is normally required for reinstatement after a license has been suspended or revoked.
So what happens if you are required to show proof of Financial Responsibility or SR-22 to the DMV to have your driver’s license reinstated? Then you must file one yourself or pay for SR22 insurance policy to do it for you. Your insurance card or even your insurance binder is not considered proof practically because an SR-22 is a separate filing by an insurance company that is sent to you. This can also be done from the SR-22 insurance directly to your the DMV of Illinois, usually the SAME DAY.
An SR-22 can be purchased whether you own a vehicle or not. It can also be purchased as a liability only policy on an auto, or liability plus full coverage (comprehensive and collision). It is important to note that in many cases, SR-22 insurance needs to be kept for a period of three years. This is also applicable to a motorcycle policy.
