What You Should Know About SR-22 Auto Insurance

An automobile is one of the biggest purchases most consumers will ever make. That's why it's important that adequate insurance coverage is maintained at all times. Aside from the legal ramifications of being uninsured and the finance company's standard requirements of full coverage, the loss that the car owner can face in the event of an accident or theft is tremendous. One split second decision on a wet road can change a car owner's life.

This doesn't just involve the possible destruction of the vehicle, but also the possibility of lawsuits related to property loss, injuries, or casualties. Everyone needs affordable insurance. Like new cars, excellent insurance can be expensive, but there are companies available that offer low cost auto insurance. Cheap insurance is available to those who are willing to do the research and compare prices.

Sometimes when purchasing insurance, it can be a bit confusing. There are several types of coverage. What a lender will often require on an automobile that is financed is comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage that was caused by anything other than a collision. This could include, hail, theft, fire, and vandalism. Collision insurance covers damage caused during an accident, whether with another car or another object. Collision insurance would also cover damage that resulted from your car overturning.

Another component of many insurance policies relates to liability. Liability coverage protects the insured from legal claims or judgments. There are also a couple of choices when considering liability. Property Damage Liability can be added to most policies to cover damages to another person's vehicle or property. Bodily Injury Liability is a coverage that pays for legal liabilities relating to another person's bodily injury or death when the insured is found liable in an accident.

Medical Payment Coverage is another consideration when selecting affordable car insurance. This feature covers limited medical expenses for the insured, family members, and passengers of the insured when injured in an automobile accident. Many car owners are also concerned about uninsured motorists. Insurance policies can include Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury, Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury, and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage.

There are unusual circumstances that will require motorists to attain a form known as an SR-22. These circumstances involve convictions of certain traffic violations. Drivers convicted of driving without insurance, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended, expired, or revoked driver's license, or driving with expired license plates may be required by the Motor Vehicles Department to provide an SR-22. This an official document, proving financial responsibility, usually in situations when proof of valid insurance coverage was lacking. The SR-22 will meet the state's mandatory minimum requirements for coverage and the form will be electronically submitted to the state by the insurance company, on the insured's behalf.

Illinois drivers with a suspended license can contact an insurance company, such as 1st American Insurance, that will file an SR-22 form with the Secretary of State. This will suffice as proof that the driver is in compliance with the Illinois Financial Responsibility Law and is covering the required liability insurance policy. Under normal circumstances, this will allow the insured to have the suspended driver's license or expired license plate reinstated.