Can I get out of having to provide an SR-22 (please read details)

My vehicle registration and car insurance expired last July. I drove our vehicle during the month of August without renewing either one. The beginning of last year was very difficult for us financially because my husband was very ill and missed weeks of work (unpaid), and we were evicted from our home and only given a month to move during the month of May.

We struggled and I was going to get the registration taken care of soon, as well as the insurance, but I was caught and pulled over and ticketed for driving without insurance during the month of August. I received a warning for the expired registration.

I had to go to court and I was fined $490 and I was also put on six months supervision. I then received a notice from the Secretary of State that I had to get an SR-22 or my license would be suspended.

As soon as I came home from being ticketed I searched for hours online to find affordable insurance. I found a great rate for drivers that travel very little. We drive 50–100 miles per week. Our rate is only $45 per month. This is very doable for us. The problem I’m facing is that I contacted my insurance company and they don’t provide SR-22s.

I’m disgusted because I’m a safe driver. I’ve only had one ticket my entire adult life and I’ve never caused an accident. I was in court with others that received small fines for speeding. Now I’m considered “high-risk” with the likes of those with DUIs. I’m being punished because we had financial difficulties. I’m facing paying higher rates because of this. What can I do?