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Consequences of Driving Without Car Insurance in Illinois

A crucial part of driving a vehicle is having auto insurance. In Illinois, driving without the state’s minimum insurance requirements may lead to hefty legal fees and legal consequences. It’s important for residents to understand what may happen while driving without insurance and how you can help avoid this situation.  

At Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, Inc., we know the importance of complying with the state’s insurance requirements. Here, we’ll walk through the Illinois offenses for driving without insurance, what auto insurance Illinois requires, and steps you can take to get insured today.    

Illinois state laws on car insurance 

If you’re driving without auto insurance in Illinois, you may face certain penalties and consequences. Illinois state law requires all drivers to have the minimum liability coverage. These include: 

  • $25,000 for injury one person in an accident 
  • $50,000 for injury for more than one person in an accident 
  • $20,000 for property damage 

Drivers are also required to purchase the state minimum for uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance can help pay for damages to your vehicle or injuries you receive from a covered accident involving an uninsured driver. Drivers in Illinois only need to purchase uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injuries, and these limits are as follows: 

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person 
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident 

Since 2020, Illinois has used a program called Electronic Liability Insurance Verification to help drivers stay compliant with insurance laws. If a car is checked but is not verified for having the minimum insurance requirements, the vehicle will be checked again after 30 days. If the second attempt for verification is not confirmed, then the vehicle owner will receive a registration suspension letter. If the registered owner and their insurance agency can’t prove that the vehicle had the minimum coverage requirements on the day of the first verification check, then the vehicle’s registration may be suspended.   

Financial risks of driving uninsured 

Driving without Illinois’s state insurance requirements can be risky and expensive. Potential problems may include:  

  • Out-of-pocket costs: If you’re in an accident, you may be responsible for medical bills, property damage, and other associated costs.  
  • Potential lawsuits: After an accident, the third party involved may sue you for damages, which can lead to long-term financial strain. 
  • SR-22 requirement: After being caught without auto insurance, you may need to file an SR-22. This form proves you have the state’s minimum required insurance. Once you’re ordered to get an SR-22, your auto insurance rates may increase since insurers may believe you’re a higher risk driver. 

How Illinois Vehicle can help 

Illinois Vehicle understands the unique challenges drivers face in the greater Chicagoland area. Here’s how we can help: 

  • Flexible insurance options: We work with insurance providers that can help you tailor your auto insurance policy to your budget. These carriers can offer an array of coverage options ranging from the minimum liability requirements to additional insurance like roadside assistance.    
  • Services for a diverse clientele: Whether you’re a first-time driver, have a foreign license, or struggle with poor credit, we can help you find insurance that fits your needs. 
  • Local expertise: As a Chicagoland-based company, our agents understand the region’s traffic laws and insurance mandates. We also offer Spanish bilingual support, which can help Illinois clients access coverage without a language barrier. 

Steps to get insured today 

If you need auto insurance, Illinois Vehicle is here to help. You can get an insurance quote by: 

  • Contacting an agent: Speak with one of our experienced agents for personalized guidance by calling 1-630-581-4805. 
  • Getting quotes online: Use our website to input your information and compare rates.  
  • Visiting a store: Stop by one of our locations throughout Illinois to talk through your insurance needs in person.  

FAQs 

Is driving without insurance a felony in Illinois?  

No, it’s not. Causing bodily harm to someone while you’re driving without auto insurance, though, may change your offense to a class A misdemeanor. 

How can the police tell if you have no insurance?  

Police can use Illinois’s Electronic Liability Insurance Verification program to check if your vehicle has the minimum state liability requirements.  

Can I drive a car without insurance if I just bought it? 

When you purchase a car from a dealership, you typically need to purchase insurance as well before driving it off the lot. Remember, in Illinois it is illegal to drive a vehicle without purchasing the state’s minimum insurance requirements, so it can be crucial to have a policy before operating your vehicle.  

Can I get insurance the same day I have an accident?  

If you get into an accident without insurance, you may be able to purchase a policy on the same day. Though it’s important to have auto insurance, the coverage you buy won’t pay for damages that happened before the policy went into effect.  

Disclaimer:  

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.