Personal Auto Insurance in Illinois

When it comes to driving in Illinois, personal auto insurance can be more than just a legal requirement, but a tool that can help you navigate certain driving hazards. Whether you're commuting in Chicago or living on the state’s scenic farmland, your Illinois auto insurance policy may help you avoid legal and financial consequences.  

In simple terms, personal auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that may help pay for specified damages from a covered accident. There are different coverages available under personal auto insurance that can help cover varying incidents. To find affordable car insurance in Illinois that fits your needs and budget, you can shop around for auto insurance quotes from various providers to compare prices. Our experienced agents at Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. can assist you with finding the right policy for you that also adheres to Illinois requirements.  

Auto insurance requirements in Illinois

Illinois requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability coverage, which can help navigate accidents while on the road. Liability insurance may cover damage to another vehicle or driver if you’re at fault for an accident. The state's minimum liability insurance requirements are as follows:

• $25,000 for injury of one person in a crash
• $50,000 for injury of more than one person in a crash
• $20,000 for damage to property of another person

These numbers represent the minimum liability coverage needed, but this does not cover many other situations you might encounter on the road. It’s also important to understand that these liability limits may not be enough to cover all damage to another vehicle in the event of a serious accident. If you only have the state minimum liability coverage, you could end up paying for damages out of pocket that your vehicle sustains or additional expenses your liability insurance won’t cover.

Drivers in Illinois are also required to purchase the state minimum for uninsured motorist coverage. Though this coverage could mean both uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), the state only mandates that drivers purchase the former. UMBI can help pay for injuries you receive from an accident involving an uninsured driver, while UMPD may cover damages to your vehicle from an uninsured driver. In Illinois, your required UMBI limits are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident

Drivers should also take note that without insurance in Illinois, you could experience serious penalties. If you're caught operating a vehicle without the state’s minimum insurance requirements, you may face:

• Minimum $500 fine  
• Minimum $1,000 fine if your vehicle has had a previous suspension for an insurance violation
• Vehicle suspension until you pay a $100 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance for a first-time offense
• Four-month suspension, a $100 reinstatement fee, and need to provide proof of insurance for a subsequent offense
• Requirement to file an SR-22 certificate for three years for three or more insurance violations or face driver license suspension

To help cover certain situations where your own vehicle sustains damages (like from a collision, vandalism, or theft), you may want to consider full coverage auto insurance. Full coverage typically means the combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage can help pay for damages to your car after an accident, while comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from non-collision incidents, such as theft or vandalism.  

Is Illinois considered a no-fault state?

No, Illinois is an at-fault state. This means that when you're involved in an accident, the driver who is at fault is typically responsible for covering the costs of the damages and injuries caused.  

In a no-fault state, insured drivers typically would go to their own insurance provider for medical bills first, but liability claims may still be the responsibility of the at-fault party. In Illinois, liability is usually determined based on fault, and insurance claims are typically filed with the at-fault party's insurer.

How much does auto insurance cost in Illinois?

The cost of auto insurance in Illinois may vary depending on several factors. Some key elements that may influence premium cost include:

• Driving history: A clean driving record may help lower your premium, while a history of accidents or violations could raise insurance costs.
• Age and gender: Younger drivers, especially teens, may have to pay more due to insurance companies deeming them as higher risk.
• Vehicle type: The make, model, and age of your car may affect your insurance cost. Sports cars, EVs, and luxury vehicles may increase premiums too.
• Location: Where you live within Illinois may influence your rates. Urban areas like Chicago may experience higher premiums due to a greater risk of accidents, theft and vandalism.
• Coverage levels: The more coverage you purchase may affect your insurance costs. Opting for your state’s liability minimum can be more affordable but typically won’t offer coverage for non-collision incidents or damage to your own vehicle.  

Our agents are familiar with Illinois' minimum auto insurance laws and can help guide you through your state’s requirements. Whether you need the state’s minimum insurance or more extensive coverage, call IIA at 1-855-478-3705 today.