Illinois SR-22 Insurance (2026): Cost & Cheapest Companies After a DUI
After an Illinois DUI, the Secretary of State requires proof of financial responsibility — an SR-22 — for 3 years. The filing fee is small; the premium surcharge is the real cost. Comparing carriers before you commit is the most effective way to lower what you pay over the full 3-year period.
| What it is | Certificate your insurer files with the Illinois SOS proving you carry state-minimum liability coverage (625 ILCS 5/7-304; 7-328) |
| How long you carry it | 3 years of continuous proof of financial responsibility |
| Filing fee | $15–25 (the certificate; the premium surcharge is the real cost) |
| Typical premium, first DUI | ~$120–200/mo vs. ~$60–90 for a clean-record driver |
| Minimum liability limits | 25/50/20 ($25k bodily injury / $50k per crash / $20k property damage) |
| If it lapses | Insurer notifies SOS → license suspended → reinstatement fees → clock may reset |
How much SR-22 costs in Illinois
The SR-22 filing fee is only $15–25. The real cost is the DUI premium surcharge — a first-DUI Illinois driver typically pays $120–200/month for minimum coverage, versus $60–90 with a clean record. Over 3 years the difference between the cheapest and most expensive carrier can easily exceed $2,500. Comparing quotes at the start and again at each renewal is the most impactful thing you can do financially during this period.
Cheapest SR-22 carriers in Illinois
Most standard insurers don’t write SR-22 policies. Quotes for the same driver routinely differ by 200% or more. Starting points for 2026:
| Carrier | Notes |
|---|---|
| State Farm | Often the most competitive standard carrier for a first DUI in Illinois |
| Progressive Specialty | Strong non-standard market presence statewide; frequently competitive after DUI |
| Allstate | Broad Illinois availability, competitive for single-offense records |
| Bristol West / Kemper Specialty | Non-standard carriers that routinely write SR-22 policies |
Availability and pricing depend on your driving record, county, and vehicle. Compare multiple carriers before buying.
How to file an SR-22 in Illinois
Your insurer handles the filing — not you. The process:
- Buy a policy from a carrier that writes SR-22s in Illinois.
- Request the SR-22 filing — most carriers submit electronically to the SOS, often same day.
- Keep the policy active without any lapse for 3 years.
- When the term ends, your insurer files an SR-26 to close the obligation. Confirm before canceling or reducing coverage.
SOS reinstatement fees apply separately: $250 for a first summary suspension or $500 for a subsequent suspension or revocation, paid directly to the SOS.