Insurance
Car Insurance in Illinois
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Illinois requires at least 25/50/20 in liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage. The state checks every registered car's insurance electronically at least twice a year, so a lapse is likely to be caught.
Illinois is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage, which is why your liability limits matter.
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What Illinois requires
Liability of 25/50/20. Your policy pays up to:
- $25,000 for each person you injure
- $50,000 total for everyone you injure in one crash
- $20,000 for damage to other people's property
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage of 25/50. This pays for your injuries if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or by a hit-and-run driver.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is required if you buy UM above the minimum. It pays when the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your injuries.
How Illinois checks your insurance
The Illinois Secretary of State verifies each registered vehicle's liability insurance at least twice a year, electronically with insurers.
- If a check fails, your car is checked again 30 days later.
- If that fails too, you get a letter. You have 30 days to prove you had coverage.
- If you can't prove it, your registration is suspended. To get it back, you need insurance and a $100 reinstatement fee.
What happens if you drive without insurance
If you're stopped or in a crash and can't show proof of insurance, you can get a ticket. If you're convicted, your plates are suspended and you face:
- A minimum fine of $500 for driving uninsured
- A minimum fine of $1,000 for driving while your plates are suspended for an earlier insurance violation
First-time offenders get their plates back after buying insurance and paying a $100 fee. Repeat offenders must serve a 4-month suspension first.
Can't get insured?
Some companies won't insure drivers who've driven without insurance or have a rough record. The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan is a backup. You may qualify if:
- Other insurers have turned you down
- You have a valid driver's license
- You don't owe unpaid premium from the last 36 months
- Your car is safe to drive
Ask an insurance agent about applying.
What changes your price in Illinois
Illinois insurers can use many factors. The state lists these as common ones:
- Age, gender, and marital status
- Driving record
- Where you live and how you use the car
- Type of vehicle
- Credit. Many insurers look at your credit information, so good credit can help.
- Your coverage limits
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
Car insurance in Chicago
Chicago drivers follow the same state rules. City traffic, parking on the street, and theft risk can mean higher prices than in the suburbs or downstate. Compare quotes with the same limits and deductibles. Comprehensive covers theft and vandalism. Learn what comprehensive covers.
What to ask before you choose
- "How much would higher liability limits cost?" 25/50/20 doesn't go far in a serious crash.
- "What are my UM limits? Do I have UIM?"
- "Do I have comprehensive and collision, and what are the deductibles?"
- "How does my credit affect this quote?"
- "Which discounts do I qualify for?" See how to lower car insurance.
The catch: $20,000 in property damage coverage won't replace many newer cars. If you cause a crash with a newer SUV or truck, you could owe the difference. Higher limits often cost less than people expect.
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Keep reading
Own a home in Illinois? See Illinois homeowners insurance. Had a violation? See SR-22 insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
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More Illinois guides: Illinois homeowners insurance · Chicago car insurance
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