I was told that I need to present proof of financial responsibility here in Chicago in order to get my drivers license back, how do I do that? I was caught and given a DUI.  Now I need SR22 insurance coverage.

Kyle

Chicago, IL

That’s right. If you got your drivers license suspended due to reckless driving, incurring too many moving violations, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrest, for driving without proof of your drivers license or without carrying proof of car insurance coverage, or for having a poor driving record, you will be considered as a high-risk driver and for everyone’s mutual protection, you will be required to show proof of financial capacity to pay anyone you may injure, and any property you may damage, in the event your risky driving behaviors causes a car accident or collision.

In order to provide proof to the Office of the Secretary of State in Illinois (which handles reinstatement of licenses and other motoring administrations in your state) that you have adequate financial responsibility, and should therefore get your driving privileges reinstated, you will need to find a company that can file an SR22 Insurance in Chicago. Please note that not all insurance carriers are authorized to do this so it is best to contact the Secretary of State’s office for a list of carriers, or you may go on the web and use online directories to do this.

You may also use the free search tool on this website to easily get a list of authorized SR22 insurance companies. You will also get the chance to compare for the most competitive rates and policies available online.

My 20 year old daughter just received a DUI in Chicago Illinois. She is making payments on a vehicle I co-signed and the title is under my name and her name. The insurance is also under my insurance policy with her as a driver. What will happen to our car insurance rates?

Ally

Chicago, IL

Since your daughter now has a DUI violation on her driving record, when your insurance carrier finds this out then her car insurance rates, and therefore yours as well since she is on your insurance policy. Insurance providers rating systems vary so you would have to check from your insurance agent to verify how much your daughter’s DUI may affect all of your car insurance rates and for how long.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that a DUI can subject you to high-risk car insurance rates for three years. The IL SOS DUI Fact Book notes that high risk insurance for an individual convicted of a DUI averages an additional (over their normal auto insurance costs) $1500 per year.

If the your car insurance rates go up because of your daughter’s DUI, then you may want to comparison shop for car insurance to check if you can find a better car insurance rate.

A friend of mine here in Illinois has been caught driving under the influence one Friday night. I’m a little curious. Is he going to lose his car insurance policy, or will the premiums just go up after a DUI?

David

Chicago, IL

When it comes to driving, your friend’s foremost problem is that he is going to lose his driver’s license. But the time will come when he will be able to drive again. So, what will happen to his car insurance coverage then? There are two possibilities: Either his car insurance policy will be canceled, or its premium will skyrocket.

People who have records of drinking and driving are considered high risks by car insurance companies. Many of them won’t even consider selling a car insurance policy to one who has a DUI record. Those who do might require a certificate of financial responsibility or SR22. This certificate gives the Secretary of State the authority to suspend the insurance policy when it is canceled or when it has expired. One may get an SR-22 from an insurance company authorized to release it.

This will be sent to the Secretary of State and will be used to monitor the car insurance coverage of drivers with problematic records. The State of Illinois gives drivers two other options. One may deposit cash in the amount of $55,000 to the State Treasury instead of obtaining an SR-22. He may also file a surety or real estate bond which must be approved by a court.