{"id":1952,"date":"2023-06-13T21:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T21:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1952"},"modified":"2023-06-28T20:51:13","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T20:51:13","slug":"illinois-car-insurance-requirements-and-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/illinois-car-insurance-requirements-and-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Car Insurance Requirements and Coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"
Whether you are new to the Prairie State or are a resident who is seeking <\/span>Illinois car insurance<\/span><\/a> for the first time, there are a number of <\/span>minimum car insurance requirements<\/span><\/a> you should be aware of before obtaining a policy.<\/span><\/p>\n States across the country are divided into categories of \u201cfault states\u201d and \u201cno-fault states\u201d when it comes to insurance. Illinois is considered a \u201cfault state,\u201d which means drivers are held financially responsible for car accidents they cause. Illinois drivers are required to have both liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to note that liability insurance will not cover your costs for personal injuries or property damage and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will not cover property damage.<\/span><\/p>\n Additional, optional coverage options in the state of Illinois include collision coverage, comprehensive, medical payments and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n In Illinois, it is a legal requirement to carry specific types of car insurance coverage. Understanding these mandatory coverage options is essential to comply with the law and protect yourself from potential financial liabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Liability insurance is a fundamental component of car insurance coverage and is required by law in Illinois. It provides financial protection to drivers in the event they cause bodily injury or property damage to others in an accident. You will often see these limits listed as 25\/50\/20. These limits are the most your insurance company will pay if you cause an at-fault accident.<\/span><\/p>\n Illinois minimum liability coverage requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs associated with injuries suffered by other parties involved in an accident where you are at fault.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n However, it is advisable to consider higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection, especially in severe accidents where medical expenses can quickly escalate.<\/span><\/p>\n Property damage liability coverage helps cover the costs of repairs or replacement of other parties’ property that you damage in an accident where you are at fault. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Again, it is wise to evaluate your needs and consider higher coverage limits, particularly when dealing with expensive vehicles or significant property damage.<\/span><\/p>\n Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance coverage or is uninsured altogether. This coverage helps cover medical expenses and other damages resulting from the accident.<\/span><\/p>\n Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage provides financial protection if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering, ensuring you are not left with the burden of expenses caused by an uninsured driver’s negligence.<\/span><\/p>\n Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance but insufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries. This coverage bridges the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance limits and your actual expenses, ensuring you receive adequate compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n In Illinois, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required, and the minimum requirements mirror the bodily injury liability requirements: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, it is essential to consider higher coverage limits to protect yourself comprehensively against potential medical expenses and other damages resulting from an accident.<\/span><\/p>\n IL requires that any vehicle registered in the state will be insured for the length of the registration period. Illinois drivers are required to carry their insurance card on them at all times and to verify coverage to an officer during a traffic stop. The state also sends out random questionnaires to check for insurance. If you are selected you will receive a letter asking you to verify your coverage and you are required to respond within 30 days.<\/span><\/p>\n You can be fined $500 to $1,000 if you do not have the mandatory Illinois car insurance requirements. If you are cited again for lack of insurance it can result in the suspension of your driver\u2019s license. If you cause a serious accident while uninsured you can even face up to one year in jail. If your license is suspended you may\u00a0 be required to file an <\/span>SR-22<\/span><\/a> form annually to maintain your license once it is reinstated.<\/span><\/p>\n You may also be required to file an SR-22 if you have multiple traffic offenses, were convicted of a \u201cDriving Under the Influence\u201d or DUI charge and if your license was revoked.<\/span><\/p>\n Financial Responsibility Insurance (SR-22) monitors high-risk drivers in the state of Illinois and authorizes the Secretary of the State\u2019s office to suspend a driver\u2019s license in the event of a lapse or expiration of car insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n Illinois requires that SR-22 insurance is maintained for a three-year period. While the cost to file an SR-22 is relatively low, drivers who are required to file one are considered high-risk and as a result their auto insurance premiums will be higher than the average driver in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n The cost of maintaining an Illinois auto insurance policy is certainly not worth the risk of driving without proper coverage. Connect with an insurance provider today to secure the best policy for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\nBasic Illinois Car Insurance Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Mandatory Illinois Vehicle Insurance Coverage<\/b><\/h2>\n
Liability Insurance<\/b><\/h3>\n
Bodily Injury Liability<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Property Damage Liability<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Uninsured Motorist Coverage<\/b><\/h3>\n
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage<\/b><\/h3>\n
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Happens if I Drive Without Car Insurance?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is an SR-22?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Getting the Best Rates for Car Insurance in Illinois<\/b><\/h2>\n