Illinois Auto Insurance After License Suspension
Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Illinois at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$70
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Illinois operates as a traditional tort state, requiring all drivers to carry liability insurance and provide proof of coverage upon request by law enforcement or after an accident. The Illinois Secretary of State mandates electronic insurance verification through the system, allowing real-time confirmation of coverage status. Drivers convicted of specific violations—including DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or accumulating excessive points—must file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate driving privileges, with the filing requirement typically lasting three years from the reinstatement date.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Cost Overview
$227–$337/mo
Typical monthly rate in Illinois, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Winter weather claims spike November through March with Illinois averaging 35-45 inches of snow annually in northern counties, driving up comprehensive coverage costs for vehicles garaged in snowbelt areas.
Line Up Coverage Before Your License Comes Back
Get Back on the RoadIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driving Permit (RDP); Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) for first-offense DUI
application fee $8.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need SR-22 insurance to reinstate my license in Illinois?
Most license suspensions in Illinois require SR-22 filing for reinstatement—specifically DUI/DWI convictions, reckless driving, driving without insurance, multiple at-fault accidents, or point accumulation suspensions. Administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court typically do not require SR-22, though you must still maintain continuous insurance coverage. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department at 217-782-6306 to confirm your specific reinstatement requirements based on your suspension cause.
How long do I have to keep SR-22 insurance in Illinois?
Illinois requires three years of continuous SR-22 coverage from your reinstatement date for most violations including DUI, reckless driving, and driving without insurance. Any lapse in coverage during this period triggers automatic license re-suspension within 10 days and restarts the three-year clock from zero when you reinstate again. After three years of clean SR-22 filing with no lapses, your insurer stops filing and you can shop for standard coverage, though the underlying violation may still affect your rates for 3-5 years total.
Can I get car insurance with a suspended license in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois insurance companies will sell you coverage—including SR-22 policies—while your license is suspended, and in fact you must carry insurance to begin the reinstatement process. Most insurers offer non-owner SR-22 policies for suspended drivers without vehicles, providing liability coverage when you borrow cars while satisfying the continuous coverage requirement. Expect to pay high-risk rates and shop among non-standard carriers who specialize in suspended license situations, as some standard insurers decline coverage for currently suspended drivers even with SR-22 filings.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Electronic certificate filed by your insurer with the Illinois Secretary of State proving continuous coverage for three years post-reinstatement. Required for DUI, reckless driving, excessive points, or driving uninsured—any lapse triggers immediate re-suspension and restarts the three-year clock.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate their license. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental cars while satisfying Illinois's continuous coverage requirement.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in at-fault accidents. Illinois's 25/50/20 minimums provide baseline protection but can be exhausted in moderate crashes involving newer vehicles or significant injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when injured by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your medical bills and lost wages. Must be offered at limits matching your liability coverage, though you can reject it in writing.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage for high-risk drivers—including those with suspended licenses, DUI convictions, multiple violations, or poor credit—through carriers willing to accept elevated risk at higher premiums.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, fire, and animal strikes—events outside your control while parked or driving. Optional coverage requiring physical damage appraisal.