Illinois Car Insurance Requirements (Updated for 2025)

Driving in Illinois requires proof of financial responsibility—typically via liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Non‑compliance can lead to fines, license/registration suspension, and other penalties.

Minimum Liability Coverage in Illinois

As of 2025, Illinois law mandates the following minimum liability insurance:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BI): $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability (PD): $20,000 per accident

Commonly referred to as “25/50/20” coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Illinois requires Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage at minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000, and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is required if you purchase UM coverage above the minimum :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

This coverage applies to bodily injury, not property damage. Optional Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) is available but not required :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Optional Coverages to Consider

• Comprehensive Coverage
• Collision Coverage
• Medical Payments (MedPay)
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Roadside Assistance
• Glass Coverage

Proof of Insurance Requirements

All drivers must carry proof of insurance (physical or digital ID card) and present it if requested during traffic stops or registration renewal. Illinois uses random insurance verification by mail—failure to respond can trigger penalties :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

• First offense: Minimum $500 fine, 3‑month license plate/registration suspension :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Failure to respond to insurance verification: same sanctions as no insurance.
• Continued non‑compliance: possible misdemeanor, higher fines, longer suspensions.

At‑Fault System

Illinois is an at‑fault (tort) state—responsible drivers must pay for damages. Comparative negligence can reduce recoveries if multiple parties share fault.

SR‑22 Requirement

If you’re cited for a major violation (e.g., DUI, uninsured driving), you may need to file an SR‑22 form to certify that you carry the required coverage :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Liability Limit Advice

While 25/50/20 meets legal minimums, serious accidents often exceed those limits. Experts recommend higher liability (e.g., 100/300/100) for better protection :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in Illinois

Premiums vary by age, location (e.g., Chicago vs. suburbs), driving history, and coverage levels. Use the tool below to compare quotes from top Illinois insurers:

🔍 Start Comparing Illinois Car Insurance Quotes →

FAQs

Is Illinois a no‑fault state?

No. Illinois uses an at‑fault (tort) system.

Is UM/UIM coverage mandatory in Illinois?

Yes—UMBI at 25/50 is required, and UIM is required if UM is above the minimum :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Can I waive uninsured motorist coverage?

No—you can only select your coverage limits; you cannot reject UMBI, but UMPD is optional.

What is an SR‑22 in Illinois?

It’s a form filed by your insurer certifying you’re carrying state‑required coverage, often after serious violations.