Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
Illinois has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Illinois are mandated by state law and the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Illinois Driver Services Department)
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Illinois will result in a minimum $500 fine and $100 registration reinstatement fee for the first offense; subsequent offenses fine of up to $1,000, suspension of driving privileges for six months.
The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Illinois
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Illinois requires research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Illinois ranks among the least expensive states for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Illinois include:
• Illinois is not a “no-fault” state, and does not require PIP insurance
• Vehicle repair costs are generally more expensive in Illinois than elsewhere
• Overall accident fatality rates are higher than national averages
• A lower percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
• Auto insurance fraud
• Vehicle theft rates well below national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Illinois is $1,290 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Illinois
• If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
• Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Illinois
• Maintain a good driving record
• Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
• Maintain a good credit score
• Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
• Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
• Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Illinois Statistics
• Auto Theft: Illinois has a relatively high vehicle theft rate, but it has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
• Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Illinois has remained almost constant, as have vehicle accident fatality rates. Illinois has one of the lowest numbers of deaths in car crashes in the country, despite having a fairly high population concentration.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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