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

To meet the minimum car insurance requirements in Illinois, 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. They also need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matching the bodily injury limits. Illinois operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident bears the financial responsibility for the damage caused.

For those seeking the cheapest car insurance in Illinois, state minimum coverage can cost about $40 per month, based on a 40-year-old driver.

In Illinois, to legally drive a vehicle, you must carry the state 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

The cost of your car insurance premium in Illinois will be influenced by the state being at fault, meaning that the person responsible for causing a car accident is also responsible for paying any resulting bills. This can affect how much you pay for insurance, as insurers consider the potential costs if you're at fault in an accident.

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

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 higher accident risk.

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

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

• Mercury: $276 per year; $23 per month
• COUNTRY Financial: $338 per year; $28 per month

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

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.

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.
• Suspension of your vehicle registration: 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.
• A 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.

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Illinois, you should immediately seek new coverage. Reach out to 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 does not offer a specific program for drivers unable to obtain 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 state minimum car insurance to comply with Illinois laws.

We address common questions about minimum coverage in Illinois to help you understand the essential insurance required to stay compliant with state laws.