Illinois Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)


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To meet Illinois' minimum car insurance requirements, drivers must have liability coverage with limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage per accident. Illinois follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver who causes the accident pays for the damage.

The state minimum coverage costs about $40 monthly, ideal for those seeking the cheapest car insurance in Illinois.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Illinois Department of Insurance to get the most accurate cost data for various Illinois drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Illinois as of December 2024.

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Illinois Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

To drive a vehicle legally in Illinois, you must carry the minimum coverage for car insurance, which includes:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

Illinois' at fault system influences insurance rates. The driver at fault for an accident is responsible for paying any resulting bills. Insurers consider this potential cost when determining your premium, which can affect how much you pay for insurance.

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ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN ILLINOIS?

Illinois doesn't mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage. However, financing or leasing companies often require it to cover damage due to accidents, theft or natural disasters. While not required by state law, having collision or comprehensive insurance is essential for financed or leased vehicles in Illinois.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident

Damage to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Illinois minimum car insurance inclusions: bodily injury, property damage and uninsured motorist coverage. Coverage specifics depend on individual policy terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Illinois

Age significantly affects the cost of minimum coverage auto insurance in Illinois. Drivers aged 22 to 29 generally have the highest premiums due to their lack of driving experience and statistically higher risk of accidents.

The following table shows average costs for minimum coverage based on age group in Illinois:

22-29$573$48
30-59$482$40
60 +$473$39

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Illinois

For Illinois residents seeking affordable minimum coverage auto insurance, consider these cost-effective options:

  • Mercury: $308 per year; $26 per month
  • Westfield: $324 per year; $27 per month

While finding a budget-friendly policy is important, make sure to choose the best car insurance in Illinois that fits your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Mercury$308$26
Westfield$324$27
Hanover$326$27
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$370$31
GEICO$399$33
American Family$414$34
Travelers$442$37
Erie$484$40
Country Financial$544$45
State Farm$544$45
Progressive$550$46
Allstate$649$54
AAA$687$57
Grange Insurance$707$59

Optional Add-On Coverages in Illinois

In Illinois, you can choose optional add-on coverages such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, collision and gap insurance. While these are not required by law, they can protect you from extra costs not covered by the state minimum insurance, such as accidents, theft or natural disasters. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help tailor coverage to your specific situation.

Add-on coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance

Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver

Roadside assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow

Gap insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments

Rental car reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Illinois

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Illinois varies if you've been caught before. First-time offenders face a fine, whereas repeat offenders encounter relatively steeper penalties. Consequences in Illinois escalate with repeat offenses, including higher fines and longer suspensions. Additional penalties for driving without insurance can include:

  • Vehicle impoundment, along with applicable fees: Your car may be taken away, and you'll have to pay costs related to its tow and storage.
  • Vehicle registration suspension: Authorities can suspend your car's registration, preventing you from driving it.
  • License suspension, coupled with a reinstatement fee: Your driving privilege may be temporarily withdrawn, necessitating a fee to restore your license once eligible.
  • Mandatory SR-22 insurance filing: You might need to complete an SR-22 — a document proving that you carry the required insurance — which will raise your insurance premiums for years.
  • Potential jail term: If you are involved in an accident while uninsured, your sentence may be up to six months.

Maintaining minimum coverage for your vehicle is a legal requirement and avoids these severe penalties.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Illinois, immediately seek new coverage. Contact an insurance agent to discuss your options for a new policy or to address any issues that may have led to the cancellation.

The Illinois Secretary of State's office will be notified if you're uninsured due to an insurance company's requirement to report policy status changes. Illinois drivers whose policies have been canceled can find new coverage through various insurance companies.

The state doesn't offer a specific program for drivers who can't get insurance. Still, the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan provides a way to get insured if standard insurers have rejected you. Always ensure you carry at least the minimum car insurance to comply with Illinois laws.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Illinois may have been canceled for several reasons:

  • Non-payment: If you miss paying your premiums, the insurance company can cancel your policy.
  • Fraud: Lying on your insurance application or filing a false claim can lead to cancellation.
  • License issues: Having your driver's license suspended or revoked will typically result in a loss of coverage.
  • High risk: Insurers might cancel your policy if you're deemed a high-risk driver due to multiple accidents or violations.

To maintain insurance coverage, make sure to pay your premiums.

FAQ: Illinois Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We answered common questions about minimum coverage in Illinois to help you understand the insurance needed to comply with state laws.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Illinois?

Why does Illinois require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Illinois?

What happens if you drive uninsured in Illinois?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.