Understanding Non-Owner SR22 Insurance in Illinois

Getting an SR22 filing in Illinois can be confusing, especially if you don’t currently own a car. Also called a certificate of financial responsibility, the SR22 provides proof of insurance to the DMV when your license has been suspended. This article explains everything you need to know about non-owner SR22 insurance in Illinois.

What is Non-Owner SR22 Insurance?

Non-owner SR22 insurance is a minimum liability coverage policy that allows you to drive legally after a license suspension, even if you don’t own a vehicle. It satisfies the SR22 filing requirement to get your license reinstated when you’ve had infractions like:

• DUI/DWI
• Too many traffic violations
• Driving without insurance
• Failure to pay child support
• Default on state debt

While it provides proof of coverage, the non-owner SR22 policy does not pay any claims for accidents you cause while driving another person’s car. It is not a substitute for regular auto insurance.

If you own a car, you’ll need a standard SR22 policy instead to fully insure your vehicle. But the non-owner version allows driving privileges when you have no vehicle.

Who Needs Non-Owner SR22 Insurance?

Here are some common situations where the Illinois DMV will require a non-owner SR22 filing to reinstate your license:

• Repeat traffic offenses – Multiple moving violations in a short period result in suspended license. An SR22 reinstates it.

• Lapses in coverage – Letting car insurance lapse can prompt DMV to require SR22 to get license back.

• DUI conviction – Loss of license is common after a DUI. SR22 mandatory to drive again after suspension period.

• Judge’s order – Court may order you to file an SR22 to regain legal driving privileges, even without a car.

• No liability insurance – Being ticketed while driving an uninsured vehicle means SR22 needed to restore license.

If your license was suspended for any of these reasons and you need to drive again right away, non-owner SR22 is your quickest option to reinstate privileges legally.

How Non-Owner SR22 Works in Illinois

Filing the SR22 is actually the insurer’s responsibility once you purchase a policy. Here is how it works:

1. Shop for quotes and purchase a non-owner SR22 liability insurance policy from an insurer.

2. The insurance company electronically files form SR-22 with the Illinois DMV.

3. The DMV receives proof you meet minimum insurance requirements.

4. Your license suspension is lifted and privileges fully restored.

5. You carry proof of insurance when driving so the SR22 stays in effect.

6. Insurer notifies DMV immediately if policy lapses or is cancelled.

The key is keeping non-owner coverage in force continuously during the SR22 requirement period, usually 3 years in Illinois. If it lapses, your license is quickly suspended again.

What Does Non-Owner SR22 Insurance Cover?

This type of policy only provides liability coverage to meet state minimum requirements and satisfy the DMV. It does NOT cover the following:

• Damage to vehicles you drive but don’t own
• Injuries to yourself or any passengers
• Damage to other property besides someone else’s vehicle
• Damage from hitting animals, objects, or natural causes
• Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, etc.

All it covers is injury or damage you may cause to others while driving a non-owned car. It protects your license only, not the vehicles.

How Much Does Non-Owner SR22 Insurance Cost?

Costs vary based on factors like age, driving record, and state minimums. Typical range is $15 – $150 per month for non-owner SR22 coverage in Illinois.

Those with past infractions like DUI or multiple tickets face higher rates. Clean driving records qualify for lowest pricing.

Shopping quotes from multiple insurers ensures you get the best rate. National companies like Progressive, Geico, and State Farm offer this coverage.

How Long Will I Need Non-Owner SR22 Insurance?

Illinois requires maintaining SR22 insurance on file with the DMV for 3 years typically. Exceptions include:

• 1 year for first DUI offense
• 3 years for serious traffic offenses
• 5 years for repeat DUI offense
• Indefinitely if ordered by court

You’ll receive an official notice from the DMV on how long your SR22 filing must remain in effect. During this period, you must maintain continuous insurance and provide renewal proof to avoid another license suspension.

Cancelling a Non-Owner SR22 Policy

You are legally required to keep the SR22 insurance in force for the duration specified by the DMV. If you cancel the policy early or it lapses for non-payment, the insurer must immediately notify the DMV electronically. Your license will then be quickly suspended again.

The only way to properly cancel is to wait until the SR22 requirement period has fully ended. Then you can cancel future renewal without penalty. But you must have a new policy effective when cancelling to prevent a lapse in coverage.

Alternatives to Non-Owner SR22 Insurance

If you need to drive and can’t obtain SR22 insurance for some reason, here are a few potential options:

• File state exemptions – File for an exemption based on financial hardship or specific circumstances. If approved, license can be valid without SR22.

• Regain eligibility – In some cases, taking steps like installing interlock devices or paying overdue penalties can remove the SR22 requirement.

• Risk driving – Not advisable, but some accept license suspension and risk fines and jail time by driving without valid privileges and insurance.

• Don’t drive – Avoid driving altogether rather than attempting to drive illegally. Have others assist with transportation needs.

Check with the Illinois DMV on steps to legally restore your license without SR22 insurance if possible. Otherwise, maintaining proper coverage is required.

Non-Owner SR22 Insurance FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about SR22 filings for drivers without vehicles:

Can someone else take out an SR22 policy for me?

No, the policy must be in the name of the person requiring the SR22 filing. But someone else can pay for the policy premiums to help you.

What happens if I let my non-owner SR22 lapse?

The insurer electronically notifies the DMV of any lapse, and your license will be immediately suspended again. Gaps in coverage are not permitted during the mandatory filing period.

Do I get an SR22 certificate to carry?

You don’t carry an official certificate, but will receive ID cards from the insurer proving you meet minimum liability requirements. Keep the card handy when driving.

Can I get non-owner SR22 insurance after a suspension?

Yes, non-owner SR22 policies can be purchased after a license suspension to quickly reinstate your driving privileges. Coverage can start same day in most cases.

How soon will the DMV be notified if I cancel early?

Insurers are required to notify the DMV electronically within 1 business day of a policy cancellation or lapse so your license can be promptly suspended again.

The Bottom Line

A non-owner SR22 policy is an affordable way to legally restore Illinois driving privileges after certain license suspensions and traffic offenses. Just be sure to maintain continuous coverage throughout the entire SR22 required period.

Shop quotes from insurers like Progressive, Allstate, Geico and others to find the best rate. Comparing prices from multiple carriers ensures you don’t overpay for this mandatory minimum liability coverage.