As with any other state, Illinois has specific requirements in terms of how much personal auto insurance a person needs to carry at all times. It doesn’t matter if this is for Waukegan, Cairo, Champagne, or personal auto insurance for Chicago, the requirements remain the same. If you fail to carry the required amount of vehicle insurance, it can carry major penalties including fines or even jail time. If you aren’t sure what the requirements are, we’re here to share them with you so you can be sure you are properly covered.
Bare Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
- $40,000 bodily injury for everyone in an accident
- $25,000 / $50,000 underinsured motorist coverage
- $20,000 / $40,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury
- $20,000 bodily injury for each person in each accident
- $15,000 property damage liability
- $15,000 uninsured motorist property damage with a $250 deductible
There are more than eight million licensed drivers in Illinois and each travels an average of 8,000 miles a year. That’s a lot of potential for an accident and the injuries that can come with it. If you are living in Illinois and need personal auto insurance in Chicago, you are required to meet the above points, but it’s often better to choose a policy that goes above and beyond those numbers.
If you do not wish to pay for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, you can choose to reject that in writing. You do not have to have personal liability coverage or collision and comprehensive. However, if you own valuable assets or property, it’s a good idea to supplement your coverage to avoid monetary loss in the case of an accident.
Penalties for Lack of Auto Insurance
As soon as you choose to register a vehicle in Illinois, you are also making an agreement to carry the required amount of personal auto insurance in Chicago. You also are required to carry proof of insurance and be prepared to show it to any police officer who asks. If you refuse, this can lead to a fine of $500 or more and your license plates may be suspended for up to four months. Driving while suspended will lead to a larger fine.
If you need auto insurance in Illinois, the Illinois Automobile Insurance Agency can help.
