Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements 2025 | Minimum Coverage

Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. Learn state requirements, penalties, and why UM coverage cannot be waived.

Quick Answer: Illinois Minimum Auto Insurance

Illinois requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The state-mandated minimums are:

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury per Person	$25,000
Bodily Injury per Accident	$50,000
Property Damage	$20,000
Uninsured Motorist BI	$25,000/$50,000

This is commonly written as 25/50/20. Illinois is one of the states that also requires uninsured motorist coverage, making it more protective than many other states.

What Illinois Law Requires

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-601), all vehicle owners must:

Maintain liability insurance at or above state minimums
Carry uninsured motorist coverage (cannot be waived)
Provide proof of insurance to law enforcement upon request
Maintain continuous coverage on all registered vehicles

Understanding 25/50/20 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability - $25,000/$50,000

Covers injuries you cause to others when at fault:

$25,000 maximum per injured person
$50,000 maximum per accident total
Pays medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Does NOT cover your own injuries

Property Damage Liability - $20,000

Covers damage you cause to others' property:

Other vehicles you hit
Buildings, fences, guardrails
Personal property
Does NOT cover your own vehicle

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury - $25,000/$50,000

Protects you when hit by an uninsured driver:

Required in Illinois (cannot decline)
Covers your injuries if at-fault driver has no insurance
Same limits as your liability coverage minimum

Why Illinois Minimums May Not Be Enough

While Illinois requires decent coverage including UM, minimums still fall short in serious accidents:

Real-World Cost Comparison

Expense	Average Cost	IL Minimum Covers
Hospital stay (3 days)	$30,000	$25,000 per person
Spinal injury treatment	$100,000+	$25,000 per person
Average new vehicle	$48,000	$20,000 property
Multi-car pileup	$150,000+	$50,000 total BI

Personal Liability Exposure

If damages exceed your policy limits:

Insurance pays to your coverage maximum
You're personally responsible for the excess
Injured parties can sue you directly
Wages can be garnished in Illinois
Liens can be placed on your home
Judgments last 7 years (renewable to 27 years)

Example: A highway accident injures three people totaling $120,000 in medical bills and destroys a $45,000 vehicle.

Total damages: $165,000
Your 25/50/20 pays: $70,000 max
You owe: $95,000 out of pocket

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Illinois

Illinois has strict penalties for uninsured drivers:

First Offense

Penalty	Amount
License suspension	Minimum 3 months
Registration suspension	Concurrent
Reinstatement fee	$100
SR-22 filing	Required for 3 years

Second Offense (within 5 years)

Penalty	Amount
License suspension	Minimum 6 months
Registration suspension	6 months
Reinstatement fee	$200
SR-22 filing	Required

Third and Subsequent Offenses

Penalty	Amount
License suspension	1 year minimum
Possible vehicle seizure	Court discretion
Reinstatement fee	$200+
Mandatory SR-22	Extended period

Accident While Uninsured

If you cause an accident without insurance:

License revocation (not just suspension)
Vehicle impoundment possible
Full personal liability for all damages
Criminal charges possible in serious cases
SR-22 required for 3+ years

Recommended Coverage for Illinois Drivers

Insurance professionals recommend these levels for Illinois drivers:

Good Protection: 50/100/50

Coverage	Amount	Benefit
Bodily Injury	$50,000 / $100,000	Covers serious injuries
Property Damage	$50,000	Covers most vehicles
UM/UIM	$50,000 / $100,000	Matches liability

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Coverage	Amount	Benefit
Bodily Injury	$100,000 / $300,000	Protects assets
Property Damage	$100,000	Covers luxury vehicles
UM/UIM	$100,000 / $300,000	Full protection

Additional Coverages to Consider

Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

Covers gaps when at-fault driver has insufficient coverage
Illinois requires insurers to offer this
Highly recommended given many drivers carry minimums

Medical Payments (MedPay)

Covers your medical bills regardless of fault
Pays quickly without claims process
Common limits: $5,000-$25,000

Collision Coverage

Repairs your vehicle after accidents
Required if you have a car loan
Subject to deductible ($250-$1,000)

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers theft, vandalism, weather, animals
Important for Illinois severe weather
Subject to deductible

Illinois-Specific Insurance Rules

Mandatory Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Unlike most states, Illinois requires UM coverage:

Cannot be waived or rejected
Must match bodily injury liability limits
Protects you from uninsured drivers
Approximately 13% of Illinois drivers are uninsured

Proof of Insurance Requirements

Illinois accepts:

Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
Policy declarations page
Insurance binder
Electronic proof on smartphone

When required:

Traffic stops
Accidents
Vehicle registration
Random verification requests

Insurance Verification Program

Illinois verifies insurance through:

Electronic reporting from insurers
Random verification mailings
Registration renewal checks
Traffic stop verification

If coverage lapses:

Insurer notifies Secretary of State within 30 days
You receive notice requiring proof
Failure to respond triggers suspension
Must show continuous coverage to reinstate

SR-22 Requirements in Illinois

Some drivers must file an SR-22 certificate:

When SR-22 Is Required

DUI conviction
Driving without insurance
Three or more traffic violations in 12 months
At-fault accident while uninsured
License reinstatement after revocation
Court order

SR-22 Details

Requirement	Details
Duration	3 years minimum
Minimum coverage	25/50/20 (state minimums)
Filing fee	$15-50 one-time
Rate increase	Typically 25-75% higher

Maintaining SR-22

Must maintain continuous coverage
Any lapse restarts the 3-year period
Insurer notifies state of cancellation
License re-suspended if SR-22 lapses
Cannot switch insurers without new SR-22 filing

How Much Does Illinois Auto Insurance Cost?

Average annual premiums in Illinois:

Coverage Level	Average Annual Cost
State minimum (25/50/20)	$700 - $1,100
Standard (50/100/50)	$1,200 - $1,800
Full coverage	$1,800 - $2,800

Factors affecting your rate:

Age and driving experience
Location (Chicago much higher than rural areas)
Driving record (DUI, tickets, accidents)
Credit-based insurance score
Vehicle type and value
Annual mileage
Coverage levels and deductibles

Chicago drivers typically pay 30-50% more than the state average due to higher accident rates and vehicle theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance required in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/20 plus uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50. Driving without insurance results in license suspension and fines.

Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois?

No. Unlike most states, Illinois requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. You cannot waive or reject it. This protects you if hit by one of the approximately 13% of Illinois drivers who are uninsured.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance?

First offense: Minimum 3-month license and registration suspension, $100 reinstatement fee, and SR-22 requirement. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, including potential vehicle seizure.

Does Illinois require underinsured motorist coverage?

No, but insurers must offer it. UIM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages. Given that many drivers carry only minimums, UIM is strongly recommended.

How does Illinois verify I have insurance?

Illinois uses electronic reporting from insurers, random verification mailings, and checks at registration renewal. If your insurer reports a coverage lapse, you'll receive notice requiring proof of insurance within 30 days.

Can I use out-of-state insurance in Illinois?

If you're visiting, your out-of-state policy covers you in Illinois. If you become an Illinois resident, you must obtain Illinois-compliant insurance within 30 days of establishing residency or registering your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage
UM coverage cannot be waived in Illinois
State minimums may not cover serious accident costs
Recommended coverage: At least 50/100/50 with matching UM/UIM
Driving uninsured triggers automatic suspension and SR-22 requirement
Chicago rates are significantly higher than rural areas
SR-22 required for DUI, uninsured driving, and multiple violations

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Illinois auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Department of Insurance. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025

Sources: Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Vehicle Code, Illinois Department of Insurance