Updated: October 29, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
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.
These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Illinois as of November 2024.
To drive a vehicle legally in Illinois, you must carry the minimum coverage for car insurance, which includes:
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.
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 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.
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 | $570 | $48 |
| 30-59 | $480 | $40 |
| 60 + | $471 | $39 |
For Illinois residents seeking affordable minimum coverage auto insurance, consider these cost-effective options:
While finding a budget-friendly policy is important, make sure to choose the best car insurance in Illinois that fits your needs.
| Mercury | $307 | $26 |
| Hanover | $321 | $27 |
| Westfield | $324 | $27 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $379 | $32 |
| GEICO | $398 | $33 |
| American Family | $414 | $34 |
| Travelers | $442 | $37 |
| Erie | $484 | $40 |
| State Farm | $542 | $45 |
| Country Financial | $545 | $45 |
| Progressive | $548 | $46 |
| Allstate | $649 | $54 |
| AAA | $660 | $55 |
| Grange Insurance | $707 | $59 |
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 |
Collision coverage | Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault | Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters |
Comprehensive coverage | Repairs to non-collision damage from events like theft, fire or hail | Damage from a collision or personal injuries |
Towing and labor coverage | Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown | More extensive repairs needed at a garage |
Custom parts and equipment coverage | Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems | Original parts that came with your vehicle |
Accidental death coverage | Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident | Non-accidental death or injuries |
Classic car insurance | Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars | Regular use like your daily commute |
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:
Maintaining minimum coverage for your vehicle is a legal requirement and avoids these severe penalties.
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.
Your car insurance policy in Illinois may have been canceled for several reasons:
To maintain insurance coverage, make sure to pay your premiums.
We answered common questions about minimum coverage in Illinois to help you understand the insurance needed to comply with state laws.
Illinois' minimum car insurance coverage requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and property damage liability of $20,000 per accident. Drivers must also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, matching the bodily injury limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Having these coverages ensures you're legally insured to drive.
Illinois requires minimum auto insurance to ensure drivers can cover costs if they cause an accident. This protects both the driver and the victims from financial trouble.
Comprehensive insurance isn't required by law in Illinois. The state only requires minimum coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. However, comprehensive insurance can cover non-collision issues like theft, vandalism or weather damage.
Driving uninsured in Illinois is a serious violation. If caught, you can face a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense. Additionally, your vehicle's registration could be suspended, and you may be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee. Repeated violations can lead to higher fines and longer registration suspensions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.
