Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Illinois at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Illinois operates under a traditional at-fault tort system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and provide it during traffic stops or after accidents. The Illinois Secretary of State's office enforces compliance through random insurance verification and suspension penalties for uninsured motorists.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Cost Overview
about $96/mo
Average car insurance spending in Illinois
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Cook County's congested expressways (I-290, I-90/94, I-55) generate accident rates 2–3 times higher than rural Illinois routes, directly affecting collision premiums
- Harsh winter weather including lake-effect snow in northeastern Illinois increases comprehensive claims for weather damage, animal collisions, and freeze-related vehicle failures
Compare Before You Renew
Compare Auto Insurance RatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is SR-22 insurance in Illinois and who needs it?
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Illinois Secretary of State proving you carry required coverage, typically mandated after DUI convictions, multiple traffic violations, or license suspension. Illinois requires continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years, and any coverage lapse triggers automatic license suspension and restarts the 3-year period.
What counts as proof of insurance in Illinois?
Illinois accepts an insurance identification card issued by your insurer, a binder from your insurance company, or electronic proof displayed on your phone during traffic stops or after accidents. All vehicles must carry proof at all times, and failure to provide it results in a citation and potential license suspension.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
The foundation of Illinois auto insurance, covering bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. State minimums leave you personally liable for anything beyond 25/50/20, and Illinois allows judgment creditors to pursue your assets directly.
Full Coverage
Combines comprehensive and collision coverage with higher liability limits, protecting both your vehicle and your financial exposure. Essential for financed or leased vehicles and recommended for any car worth more than $5,000.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Pays the actual cash value of your vehicle minus your deductible.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident with another car or object, regardless of fault. Required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Illinois law requires insurers to offer this, and you must formally reject it in writing.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Illinois Secretary of State, required after DUI convictions, multiple violations, or driving without insurance. Not a separate policy, but a filing attached to your existing coverage.