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 tort (at-fault) liability system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident pays for damages. The state requires proof of financial responsibility at all times — you must carry your insurance card or digital proof and present it during traffic stops or after accidents. Illinois law also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, a requirement that sets Illinois apart from most other states.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Cost Overview
about $96/mo
Average car insurance spending in Illinois
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Winter weather impacts rates statewide — Illinois averages 38 inches of snow annually in the north, contributing to 25,000+ weather-related crashes each year and raising comprehensive claims.
Check Your Rate Against the Market
Compare Auto Rates for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois a no-fault insurance state?
No, Illinois operates under a traditional tort (at-fault) system. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for injuries and property damage. This means you can sue an at-fault driver for damages beyond their insurance limits, and you can be sued if your liability coverage is insufficient.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Illinois's 25/50/20 minimum is the lowest acceptable limit, but serious accidents routinely generate claims exceeding $100,000, especially in Cook County where medical costs and wage replacement run high.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage into a complete protection package. Essential for financed vehicles and recommended for anyone driving in high-density areas or harsh winter conditions common across Illinois.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage from theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Covers everything except collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Collision Coverage
Repairs or replaces your vehicle after a crash with another car or object, regardless of fault. Required by lenders but optional if you own your vehicle outright.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Illinois requires UM bodily injury coverage at the same limits as your liability policy. Optional property damage coverage fills the gap when an uninsured driver damages your vehicle.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate proving you carry minimum liability coverage, filed by your insurer with the Illinois Secretary of State. Required after DUI, multiple violations, or driving without insurance.