image of the state of Illinois

Illinois car insurance requirements

Build a custom insurance policy that meets your state’s requirements and helps protect you from unexpected events.

Is car insurance required in Illinois?

In Illinois, liability insurance is required by law to drive legally. The Illinois car insurance requirements specify minimum coverage amounts for both bodily injury and property damage liability. Look at the details below:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: This helps pay for accident-related injuries that you cause to others. Illinois law requires at least:
    • $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
    • $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
  • Property damage liability coverage: This covers damage you cause to another person’s property. Illinois requires a minimum of:
    • $20,000 for property damage per accident

By meeting these Illinois car insurance requirements, you’re not only following the law—you’re also giving yourself peace of mind knowing you’ll have some financial protection if you’re ever at fault in an accident.

Is Illinois a “no-fault” state?

Illinois isn’t a “no-fault” state when it comes to car insurance. Instead, Illinois follows a “fault” system. That means if you’re found to be responsible for an accident, you (and your insurance) are on the hook for any damages or injuries that occur. In other words, the person who caused the accident is the one who pays for the costs — so having the right coverage in place is extra important.

What does car insurance cover in Illinois?

Car insurance in Illinois provides a variety of coverage options to help protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle. Many drivers choose policies that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements for added peace of mind. These policies typically include a combination of:

  • The state-required liability coverages (see above)
  • Comprehensive coverage: Helps pay for damage to your car from things like theft, fire, hail, or other non-collision events
  • Collision coverage: Covers damage to your car from a collision, no matter who’s at fault
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance
  • Medical payments coverage: Helps with medical expenses after an accident

How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?

Age, driving record, location, and the type of coverage you select all influence Illinois auto insurance quotes. When shopping for car insurance quotes in Illinois, it’s a good idea to compare options and see what works best for your needs. With American Family, you can use DriveMyWay to get discounts based on how you drive. The process is quick and easy, and you can find the right balance of coverage and cost. For the most precise information, consider reaching out to your local agent or using our online tools to compare car insurance quotes in Illinois.

How can I get a lower rate on my car insurance in Illinois?

If you’re searching for affordable car insurance in Illinois, we’ve got good news for you. With American Family, you can take advantage of car insurance discounts that will lower your rates, including:

Common Illinois auto insurance coverages

When it comes to protecting yourself and your vehicle on Illinois roads, these common car insurance coverages offer essential financial security and peace of mind. They’re designed to help safeguard you from a wide range of unexpected losses, so you can drive with confidence knowing you’re covered.
a white car with a blue logo

Collision coverage

Collision coverage helps protect you from collision or rollover damages, no matter who caused the accident.

If another car bumps into yours as they back out of a parking spot, collision coverage may assist with any repairs you may need.

a car with a sign on it

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps protect you from damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object. Examples include hail damage, fire, flooding, theft, vandalism and collisions with animals.

So, if your car is parked under a tree and a branch falls and damages the windshield, comprehensive coverage may help for the repair or replacement costs.

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Bodily injury liability coverage

If you cause a car accident that results in injuries, bodily injury liability coverage may help pay for accident-related medical treatment. It may also protect you if you're sued.

If you hit another car and the other driver suffers a broken bone, bodily injury liability may help compensate for their medical bill.

a pair of medical tools

Medical expense coverage

If you were injured in a car accident, medical expense coverage may help pay for medical care for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.

If a car backs into yours and causes your passenger to hit their head and need stitches, medical expense coverage can help pay for their medical bills

Additional Illinois car insurance coverages

Add-on coverages offer extra protection beyond the basics, helping you avoid unexpected and potentially costly out-of-pocket expenses. With these options, you can customize your policy to fit your unique needs and enjoy even greater peace of mind every time you hit the road.
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Emergency Roadside Service

Get service and support if your car breaks down with emergency roadside assistance coverage.

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Rental reimbursement

Cover transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a qualifying event.

an accident involving a car and a motorcycle

Underinsured coverage

Protect yourself from accident-related losses if another driver doesn't have enough insurance.

two cars involved in a rear-ending accident

Uninsured coverage

Help cover accident-related damages after a collision with an uninsured at-fault driver.