If you’re asking, “Can you get car insurance with a suspended license?” the answer may surprise you. Simply put, yes, you can get auto insurance when you are unable to drive due to a license suspension. However, it can be challenging and expensive.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we focus exclusively on license reinstatement and guiding drivers through each step, including insurance hurdles. If you want to learn about getting car insurance after losing your driving privileges, continue reading.
What Is a License Suspension?
A driver’s license suspension is a temporary hold on your driving privileges. Causes can include:
- Reckless driving
- Multiple traffic tickets
- Driving without insurance
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- And other violations
Lifting a suspension requires fulfilling the Illinois Secretary of State requirements. These include paying a reinstatement fee, completing the full suspension period, passing any necessary tests (like written and vision), etc.
You will also need to resolve all outstanding issues that led to the suspension. This can include paying fines, completing court-ordered programs, and clearing any legal obligations. You might also have to provide proof of financial responsibility (such as an SR-22 insurance certificate).
Do You Still Need Car Insurance During a Suspension?
Even when you can’t legally drive, maintaining auto insurance with a suspended license is wise because:
- It helps to ensure you avoid coverage gaps. Gaps signal high-risk behavior to insurers and may raise future rates.
- If your car is financed, lenders still require insurance.
- If you apply for driving relief, such as a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), you’ll need insurance on your vehicle.
- Illinois requires proof of continuous insurance as part of the license reinstatement process.
Many people must file an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility for high-risk drivers. This is often required in Illinois as a condition to reinstate and maintain driving privileges after certain suspensions, especially those related to serious violations like DUI.
How Hard Is It to Get Auto Insurance Coverage?
Getting auto insurance with a suspended license is possible, but it often comes with extra steps and higher costs. Several factors influence how difficult it will be to find a policy:
- The reason for your suspension and whether an SR-22 is required will matter. If your license was suspended for something minor, some insurers may be more flexible. But if the suspension stems from a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple violations, expect stricter requirements and higher premiums.
- Many insurers don’t offer SR-22 or coverage to high-risk drivers, and those that do may charge significantly more.
- Some car insurance companies refuse to cover suspended drivers altogether, forcing you to look at specialty or high-risk insurance providers. These companies cater to drivers with challenging driving records but usually offer fewer discounts and higher base rates.
Will Your Rates Increase?
Yes, your car insurance rates will likely go up due to the higher perceived risk after suspension, particularly with serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving
SR-22: What You Should Know
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility proving you meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. Most states, including Illinois, require SR-22 for reinstatement. Typically, it must remain active for three years; failing to maintain it can lead to additional penalties
If you fail to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the pre-determined period, the state will re-suspend your license until you file a new SR-22. This effectively restarts the reinstatement process. Insurance companies are required to notify the Illinois Secretary of State if an SR-22 filing is canceled or lapses.
How To Get Insurance With a Suspended License
- Find insurers who will cover suspended drivers. Companies like Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, Allstate, and others may offer policies even with SR-22 requirements.
- Compare quotes carefully, as shopping around can help you find lower premiums even as a high-risk driver.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Cancellation or lapses could raise future insurance rates and impact your ability to reinstate your license.
- Consider non-owner policies if you don’t own a vehicle. You might still need an SR-22 form for reinstatement purposes.
Key Points
- Yes, you can get auto insurance with a suspended license, but it’s often tougher and more expensive.
- Maintaining car insurance coverage is important to avoid gaps, meet lender needs, and fulfill state reinstatement requirements.
- Insurers view drivers with a suspended license as high-risk, so expect rate increases.
- SR-22 is often mandatory for reinstatement and must remain active during your suspension (and typically for three years following reinstatement).
- Shop around for insurance and keep coverage continuous.
Why Work With Our Law Firm for License Reinstatement?
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we exclusively handle license reinstatement cases. We understand which insurers will work with suspended drivers, how to navigate SR-22, and how to prepare you for Secretary of State hearings. We provide end-to-end support, from maintaining the right insurance to guiding you through the final stages of reinstatement.
Still wondering if you can get auto insurance with a suspended license? You can, but it’s not always straightforward. If you need help getting insured and reinstating your license after suspension in Illinois, contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C. We’ll help you file all necessary forms and guide you through the entire reinstatement process so you can get back on the road.