Auto Insurance in Illinois

The state offers help to all kinds of drivers. Even if you’re classified as a risky driver, the state offers a program to get you insurance coverage. Apart from government aid Illinois, also mandates high-risk drivers to carry additional certificates for the protection of both parties. Read on about auto insurance policies and rules in Illinois.

Basic requirements

Illinois requires drivers to obtain two mandatory insurances.

The Liability insurance – This covers injuries and property damages incurred in an accident you caused. It only covers costs to the other party and not your personal costs. The minimum requirements are

• $25,000 coverage for bodily injuries to an individual involved in an accident.
• $50,000 coverage for bodily injuries for everyone involved in an accident.
• $20,000 coverage for damages to property.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage – This covers injuries to your and/or your passengers in case the other driver doesn’t have an insurance, or his coverage is not enough to cover complete expenses. This insurance does not cover damages to property. The minimum requirements are

• $25,000 coverage for an individual involved in an accident.
• $50,000 coverage for everyone involved in an accident.

Special situations and discounts

If an insurance company denies your insurance because of a poor driving record, you can apply for a policy through the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP).

Under the ILAIP, Illinois auto insurers share the risk of covering high-risk drivers. To be eligible

• You should have been denied auto insurance.
• You should have a valid driver’s license, or be eligible to apply for one in Illinois.
• You shouldn’t owe any premiums to an insurance company in the past 36 months.
• You should have a car you can drive safely.

The state of Illinois offers certain standard discounts on insurance premiums.

• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Multi-car discount.
• Homeowner’s discount.
• Defensive driver discount – Offered to senior citizens who take a defensive training course.
• Discounts if you have an anti-theft device.
• Discounts if you have a safety device.

What you don’t need

In Illinois, you can obtain these additional insurances, but they aren’t mandatory.

• Medical Payments – This covers medical and funeral expenses to you and/or your passengers injured in an accident.
• Collision – This covers repair expenses to your damaged vehicle.
• Comprehensive – This covers repairs and replacement of your vehicle damaged by thefts,
• storms, or similar natural causes.

Illinois specialty

The state of Illinois requires high-risk drivers to carry a Financial Responsibility Insurance (SR-22/SR22). You can apply for the certificate through your insurance provider and must carry it for at least three years.

Under the following conditions, you have to purchase and file an SR-22 insurance certificate.

• If you have several traffic violations on your driving record.
• If you have several insurance violations.
• If your license had ever been suspended or revoked.

Violation

The state of Illinois has a standard procedure of insurance verification questionnaire. You will be selected at random to answer the questionnaire. If selected, you must mention the name of your auto insurance provider and your insurance policy number.

The DMV will then verify your details with your insurance company and if you don’t have an insurance, your license plates will be suspended.

Your insurance card serves as proof of your insurance and you have to carry it in your car all the time in Illinois. If you’re not able to prove your insurance, you will be considered as an uninsured driver and if convicted, you will face

• License plates suspension.
• A minimum fine of $500.
• If you’re caught driving with suspended plates, you will be charged with a fine of $1000.

To reinstate your suspended license

• You have to provide a proof of your insurance.
• Pay a reinstatement fee of $100.

For repeated offenses, your license plates may be suspended for a minimum of 4 months.

Driving Under Influence – DUI

It’s illegal throughout the United States to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content of over 0.08 percent for adults. The DUI penalties for offenses in Illinois are:

For your first offense, you’ll be charged:

• Up to 1 year in prison.
• Up to $2500 in fines and penalties.
• Minimum 1 year of license suspension.
• A court order to blow into an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before you can start your vehicle.

For your second offense, you’ll be charged:

• Up to 1 year in prison.
• Up to $2500 in fines and penalties.
• Minimum 5 year of license suspension.
• A court order to blow into an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before you can start your vehicle.

For your third offense, you’ll be charged:

• From 3 to 7 years in prison.
• Up to $2500 in fines and penalties.
• Minimum 10 years of license suspension.
• A court order to blow into an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before you can start your vehicle.

Top 10 auto insurance companies in Illinois

• Country Financial
• Erie
• Hanover
• USAA
• State Farm
• Auto Owners
• Progressive
• Travelers
• MetLife
• American Family

Help and support

If you suspect auto insurance fraud, you can report it online to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. www.naic.org.

Insurance fraud includes

• Staging car accidents.
• Exaggerating injuries or false medical records.
• False vehicle repairs.

If you have any questions about your insurance policy, contact the Department of Insurance for Illinois at (866) 445-5364.

If you wish to file complaints against an auto insurance company, fill out the online form at their website. You can get help about coverage issues, disputes, legal misinterpretations, and cancelation of policies.