Full Coverage
You never know what might happen on or off the road, so “full coverage” can help make situations more manageable and cover more than the Illinois state minimum insurance. Full coverage is not an actual insurance policy but a mix of state-required liability with collision and comprehensive coverage.
At Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle), we can walk you through what full coverage really means in Illinois, so you can choose the best coverage for you.
What full coverage means in Illinois
Full coverage typically combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. You can add extra coverage like roadside assistance. In Illinois, one additional coverage is required: uninsured motorist coverage. Let’s get into what is typically included in Illinois full coverage auto insurance:
- Liability: Required in Illinois, it can cover injuries or property damage you cause to others in a covered accident.
- Collision: As the name suggests, it can cover damage to your vehicle from a crash, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive: Can cover damage to your car caused by non-traffic incidents, such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, or extreme weather.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Required in Illinois, it can cover your bodily injuries if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage is an option which can cover damage to your vehicle.
- Not included: Full coverage doesn't cover all incidents. Exclusions include wear and tear, towing, replacing a totaled car, and others.
Common additional coverages
In addition to what is typically in full coverage, there are other coverages:
- Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM): Can cover your damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance for your expenses.
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Can cover medical, surgical, dental, chiropractic and other treatments following an accident.
- Rental reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental vehicle while yours is repaired after a covered accident.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides helpful services like roadside towing, lockout assistance, emergency fuel delivery, and more.
You may be wondering if you need full coverage in Illinois. While not required by law, it can be convenient. Contact a Spanish-bilingual Illinois Vehicle representative today to discuss your options.
Illinois minimum requirements vs. full coverage
Minimum Illinois auto insurance requires 25/50/20 coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $20,000 for property damage liability. Failing to show proof of this coverage can lead to serious penalties, like fines and registration suspension.
While Illinois’ auto insurance minimums help cover some costs if you’re at fault in an accident, higher limits or full coverage may offer better long-term coverage.
What full coverage costs in Illinois
Full coverage can cost anywhere between $99 to almost $300 a month. Younger drivers and those with prior accidents or violations typically have higher premiums.
Again, rates can vary widely from person to person.
How deductibles affect price in Illinois
The cost of full coverage car insurance in Illinois can vary. Premiums, the amount you pay for your insurance, depend on a range of personal and local factors. Your premium depends on factors like vehicle type, your age, coverage level, ZIP code, credit score, traffic tickets, and more.
Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance can cover the rest of a claim, and deductibles only apply to collision and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, just keep in mind you’ll pay more if an accident happens. In Illinois, repair costs for physical damage vary.
If you want to lower your full coverage premium in Illinois, consider raising your deductible. Speak to a friendly Illinois Vehicle agent about discounts you may qualify for and explore other ways to save.
When lenders require full coverage in Illinois
While collision and comprehensive coverage are generally optional, they are often required for financed or leased vehicles in Illinois. Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is another optional coverage that can cover the difference between your car’s cash value and what you still owe on a loan.
Full coverage vs. minimum liability
Full Coverage - What is covered?
Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages*.
Who needs it?
Those who:
- Want vehicle repair or replacement coverage
- Are financing or leasing a car
- Need coverage for non-collision accidents (vandalism, theft, weather)
- Drive new or high-value cars
- Live in high-accident areas
Cost averages
Varies based on factors (age, location, coverage level, credit score, etc.)
Minimum Liability - What is covered?
Liability coverage, which in Illinois has limits of 25/50/20
Who needs it?
Cost averages
Varies based on factors (age, location, coverage level, vehicle type, etc.)
Lower your full coverage premium in Illinois
As an Illinois driver, here are ways you can lower your cost of insurance:
- Raise your deductible: Pay more out of pocket on claims to lower your monthly premium, just make sure you can afford it.
- Telematics: Some insurers track your driving habits and offer discounts to reward your safe driving.
- Bundle: Combining policies or multiple vehicles under one policy can lead to discounted rates.
- Pay-in-full: Save by paying your premium upfront rather than monthly.
- Shop carriers carefully: Compare insurers to find the best rates.
- Discounts: Speak with an Illinois Vehicle agent to learn about available discounts based on driving history and more.
- Drop low-value coverage: Remove optional coverage that doesn’t benefit your situation or needs.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your premium low.
Who full coverage benefits
Drivers often choose full coverage to deal with less financial losses after a covered accident. Having full coverage may benefit drivers who:
- Want help covering the repairs or replacement of a vehicle
- Are financing or leasing a car and need lender-required coverage
- Need coverage for non-traffic accidents like vandalism, theft, or weather damage
- Drive new or expensive cars
- Live in areas with high accident rates
How it works
If you’re ready for your insurance policy, get started in three simple steps.
- Get a free insurance quote in minutes by calling today or stopping by one of our local offices.
- Customize your policy to your needs, choosing the coverage types that are right for you.
- Finalize by receiving quick, same-day proof of insurance with an insurance ID card after your payment.
Quick answers to common questions (FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about insurance in Illinois:
Do I need full coverage auto insurance in Illinois?
Illinois law requires minimum liability along with uninsured motorist coverage. Lenders usually require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage if you finance or lease a vehicle. Full coverage also depends on driving risk level and car value.
What counts as full coverage here?
Typically, it is a combination of minimum liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. There are also optional coverages, like roadside assistance and underinsured motorist coverage.
Is uninsured motorist required?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is required with limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
How do deductibles work?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after an accident before insurance can cover the rest, only for collision and comprehensive coverage. Higher deductibles typically mean a lower premium.
Next steps: Get a full coverage quote in Illinois
Ready to get full coverage in Illinois? With Illinois Vehicle, it’s quick and easy. Get a free quote with no impact to your credit and same-day proof of insurance.
Visit your nearest Illinois Vehicle location or call a Spanish-bilingual agent at 630-581-4805 for personalized insurance that meets state requirements and your needs.
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
These descriptions are meant to assist you in determining your auto insurance needs. These are not complete descriptions and do not constitute an insurance contract or coverage for specific losses. For a complete description, please consult your policy contract or contact your insurance agent.






