Yes, high-risk drivers in Illinois can generally find auto insurance, although they may face higher premiums and fewer policy options than drivers with clean records. Those looking for SR-22 coverage will find Insurance Navy a solid choice, see more at https://www.insurancenavy.com/insurance-coverage/auto/sr-22/illinois/. High-risk drivers can include people with multiple traffic violations, at-fault accidents, DUI convictions, insurance lapses, suspended licenses, or other serious driving-related issues.
Illinois requires most vehicles to carry liability insurance, and the state provides options for drivers who have difficulty finding coverage through the regular insurance market. The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP), for example, was created to provide automobile insurance to eligible drivers who cannot obtain coverage in the voluntary market.
What Makes a Driver High Risk?
Insurance companies evaluate numerous factors when determining how much a driver may pay for coverage. A driver may be considered higher risk because of:
- Multiple speeding or moving violations
- At-fault accidents
- DUI or DWI convictions
- Driving without insurance
- A suspended or revoked license
- Multiple insurance claims
- A significant lapse in insurance coverage
- Serious or repeated traffic offenses
Being classified as high risk does not necessarily mean a driver cannot get insurance. It may instead mean that coverage costs more or that the driver has fewer insurers to choose from.
Can High-Risk Drivers Get Auto Insurance in Illinois?
Yes. High-risk drivers can seek coverage from insurers that specialize in or accept drivers with challenging driving histories.
Illinois also has an assigned-risk option for eligible drivers who cannot obtain insurance through the voluntary market. The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan requires insurers writing auto insurance in Illinois to participate in the plan. Applicants generally must demonstrate that they have tried and failed to obtain coverage in the voluntary market during the preceding 60 days.
This gives drivers who have difficulty obtaining conventional coverage another potential avenue for meeting Illinois insurance requirements.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
Some high-risk drivers in Illinois may also be required to file an SR-22 with the Illinois Secretary of State.
An SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. It is a certificate filed by an authorized insurance company to demonstrate that the driver has the required financial responsibility coverage.
Illinois requires an SR-22 in certain circumstances, including some safety responsibility suspensions, unsatisfied judgment suspensions, revocations, mandatory insurance supervision situations, and drivers with three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations.
The Illinois Secretary of State states that an SR-22 generally must be maintained for three years. If the policy is cancelled or expires, the insurer is required to notify the state, which can result in a suspension of the driver’s driving record.
How Much Does High-Risk Insurance Cost?
There is no standard price for high-risk auto insurance in Illinois. Premiums depend on the driver’s individual circumstances and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.
Factors that can affect the premium include:
- Type and severity of driving violations
- Number of violations
- Accident history
- Vehicle type
- Location
- Age and driving experience
- Coverage limits
- Deductible
- Insurance history
- Claims history
A DUI or multiple serious violations can have a greater effect on premiums than a single minor traffic ticket.
Illinois drivers should compare personalized quotes rather than relying on a single average rate.
What If You Need SR-22 Insurance?
If the Illinois Secretary of State tells you that you need an SR-22, you should first confirm the filing requirements and then contact an insurance company that is authorized to issue SR-22 filings in Illinois.
The Secretary of State explains that drivers should wait for the official notice before filing an SR-22. Once required, the insurance company submits the certificate directly to the Secretary of State.
The required minimum liability limits for an SR-22 include:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage.
Can You Get Insurance After a License Suspension?
A license suspension does not necessarily mean you cannot obtain auto insurance. However, the type of policy available and the requirements for getting back on the road depend on why the license was suspended.
If the suspension involved an SR-22 requirement, the driver may need to obtain the appropriate insurance and file the SR-22 before driving privileges can be reinstated.
Drivers should follow the specific reinstatement instructions provided by the Illinois Secretary of State rather than assuming that purchasing a standard auto policy will automatically restore driving privileges.
What If You Don’t Own a Car?
High-risk drivers who do not own a vehicle may have options as well.
Illinois recognizes an Operator’s Certificate, which covers a motorist operating a vehicle they do not own. An Owner’s Certificate applies to vehicles owned by the driver, while an Owner’s/Operator’s Certificate can address both owned and non-owned vehicles.
Drivers who need an SR-22 but do not own a vehicle should ask an insurance provider whether an appropriate non-owner policy and SR-22 filing are available.
How Can High-Risk Drivers Find More Affordable Coverage?
High-risk insurance may be expensive, but drivers can take steps to look for better options.
- Compare Multiple Insurers: Insurance companies assess risk differently. Getting quotes from several insurers can help identify differences in premiums and available coverage.
- Maintain Continuous Coverage: Allowing an insurance policy to lapse can create additional problems and may affect future premiums. Maintaining continuous coverage can help demonstrate insurance responsibility.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Avoiding additional violations and accidents can help improve your insurance profile over time. As older violations become less relevant to an insurer’s rating calculations, premiums may eventually decrease.
- Ask About Discounts: Depending on the insurer, discounts may be available for qualifying drivers, vehicles, defensive driving courses, safety features, or other factors.
Consider the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan
If you have been unable to find coverage through the voluntary market, ask an insurance agent whether you qualify for the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan. The plan is specifically designed to provide coverage to eligible risks that cannot obtain insurance through the regular market.
Are Illinois Auto Insurance Rates Changing?
Illinois auto insurance costs have been receiving increased attention from state officials. In 2026, Illinois enacted legislation giving state regulators new authority to review and challenge certain excessive auto insurance rate increases. The new law takes effect July 1, 2027.
For high-risk drivers, this makes it particularly useful to stay informed about changes to Illinois insurance regulations and compare available coverage when shopping for a policy.
Yes, there is insurance available for high-risk drivers in Illinois. Drivers with accidents, serious violations, insurance lapses, DUI convictions, or other issues may have to pay more for coverage, but being classified as high risk does not automatically prevent someone from getting insured.
For drivers who cannot find coverage through the voluntary market, the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan may provide another option. Drivers who have been specifically required to file an SR-22 can also work with an authorized insurer to satisfy the state’s financial responsibility requirements.
The best approach is to determine exactly what coverage and filings are required, compare quotes from insurers that work with high-risk drivers, and maintain continuous coverage. Over time, maintaining a clean driving record may also help improve insurance options and costs.
