In Illinois, liability insurance is required for all motor vehicles that must display license plates and are being driven, including motorcycles. Financial Responsibility Insurance (SR-22) is the mechanism in Illinois to monitor the insurance of problem drivers.

The SR-22 is a certificate of insurance filed by the home office of an insurance company directly to the IL Secretary of State and can be issued in one of the following forms:

1. Operator's Certificate - This policy covers the motorist in the operation of any non-owned vehicle. If the motorist does not own a vehicle, the financial responsibility requirement can be met this way.

2. Owner's Certificate - This policy covers vehicles owned by the driver. The type of vehicle must be listed on the SR-22 or may be issued for "All owned vehicles".

3. Operators-Owners Certificate - This certificate covers all vehicles owned or non-owned by the driver.

So if would appear if you have an Owner's Certificate or Operators-Owners Certificate type of SR-22, you would just need to add your motorcycle onto is as one of your owned vehicles. To find out for certain if you have to add the motorcycle to the SR-22 insurance or can get a separate policy for it, contact the Illinois Secretary of State Driver's Services.

If you are in need of motorcycle insurance follow this link or contact our partner Safeco at 1-800-936-0356.