SR-22

• An SR-22 provides documentation of a driver's insurance coverage to the state of Illinois, but it is not the insurance policy itself. It is a separate form that the insurance company prepares and files on behalf of the motorist with the secretary of state. The insurance company also provides a copy of the SR-22 to the driver to bring to the local DMV and provide proof that current insurance exists.
  
  

Types

• Three types of SR-22 forms exist to cover all possible driving situations. This ensures that other motorists on the roads of Illinois are financially protected in case of an accident. An operator's certificate provides coverage for motorists without vehicles, while an owner's certificate covers all vehicles owned by the motorist. A third form, known as the operators-owners certificate, provides coverage for all vehicles owned by the driver in addition to those he drives but does not own.
  
  

Cancelation

• Cancellation of the SR-22 can occur if the insurance policy is not paid 15 days before the due date. The insurance provider must notify the state's safety and financial responsibility section by filing a SR-26 form. The SR-26 form states that the driver is uninsured and the insurance policy is no longer valid due to non-renewal. This results in a suspended driving license and a type 5 suspension on the driving record.
  
  

Reinstatement

• It is fairly simple to reinstate the SR-22 filing and regain driving privileges. Just contact the insurance company and provide the insurance payment to them. Once there is valid insurance in place, the SR-22 filing process can begin again. This requires the new SR-22 filing sent to the state with a copy provided to DMV before driving privileges return.