Illinois Auto Insurance

The law in Illinois says that no one can drive or register a vehicle on public roads in the state unless they have a liability insurance policy. Drivers need to carry proof of insurance at all times, so if they are stopped by a traffic officer, or involved in an accident, they can show they have insurance. In Illinois, drivers need insurance only for the vehicle (not the driver).

Vehicles that are only used on private property don't have to be registered, such as airport vehicles or farm vehicles. 

Minimum Illinois auto insurance

The minimum amount of insurance that you need to have in Illinois are:

• Bodily Injury and Death: $20,000 to cover one person in any one accident, and $40,000 to cover all injuries
• Property Damages: $15,000

Penalties without Illinois auto insurance

Illinois residents who are caught driving without insurance can expect a citation and a suspension of their vehicle registration, along with a $100 fee to  reinstate their registration. If you get involved in a crash, then you must have insurance, or you may have your driving and registration suspended or revoked.

In any accident, you must also compensate a crash victim if the accident is your fault – meaning that you must have enough insurance to cover the amounts. If your insurance company can't pay enough to compensate the victims, then your driving privileges can be revoked until compensation is made, or for seven years. You will also need to file an SR-22 form showing proof that you have insurance in the future.

Heavy penalties also apply for anyone who submits fraudulent insurance papers. Committing insurance fraud is punished by a six -month suspension of vehicle registration and then a $200 reinstatement fee.