Illinois Car Insurance Policy

If you are planning to purchase an Illinois car insurance policy, there are some things you should know that are standard to Illinois. You have the option of shopping for an Illinois car insurance policy online. To save yourself some time and money use our free Illinois auto insurance policy comparison tool at the top of the page. Enter your information in just one time and compare rate quotes from multiple insurance companies.

Illinois Car Insurance Policy: The Difference Between An Insured Driver And An Insured Vehicle

These facts may apply to other states too; however each state governs its own car insurance policies.  There are two elements to consider when reviewing your Illinois car insurance policy:

1. The insured driver covers physical injury or death to the driver or passengers that occurs as a result of an accident.
2. The insured vehicle covers the vehicle in the event of theft, vandalism, fire or accident 

Illinois Auto Insurance Policy: The Difference Between Liability And Full Coverage 

If there is no lien against the vehicle like a car note, liability and uninsured motorist coverage are the only coverage required in Illinois.  If the vehicle is financed most finance companies (banks, credit unions, etc) will require:

• Liability – Covers the other driver and his or her vehicle and property should the insured be responsible for the accident
• Comprehensive Coverage – covers the insured’s vehicle’s physical damages.
• Collision Coverage – covers the other car or objects such as a fire hydrant

There Are 2 Types of Claims: 

1. First party claim if you are at fault;
2. Third party claim if you file a claim against another party.

What Does Illinois Require As Standard Coverage For An Illinois Car Insurance Policy? 

Illinois is a state that does not require registrants to show proof of auto insurance at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) like some states such as Georgia.  They operate on a trust system that allows you to declare whether or not you have insurance on the registration application.  If you have clear title to your vehicle, the minimum requirements are: 

• $20,000 for injury of 1 person
• $40,000 per accident
• $15,000 for property damages

If damages are so extensive and surpasses the coverage available, you may be required by the State of Illinois to use Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UM).  Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury covers the insured if they are hit by a hit-and-run driver, or uninsured driver. It is required coverage by the state. You must acquire uninsured motorist protection, with limits of:

• $20,000 for one injured person
• $40,000 per accident
• $15,000 for property damages

Additional endorsements include:  (These are extra coverage options available to Illinois residents.)

1. Rental Car Reimbursement
2. Towing
3. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
4. Physical damage/replacement/repair
5. Custom non-factory equipment.
6. Accidental Death

How Illinois Car Insurance Policies Stack Up Against Other States 

Illinois falls right in the middle with regards to rates in comparison to other states in the country.  When you consider the size of Illinois versus the population of other states, Illinois’s car insurance rates are fair.  Illinois’s provisions are pretty standard compared to national policies. 

Standard Provisions Of Illinois Car Insurance Policies 

• Loss Settlement Provision– spells out how to file a claim and what to expect.
• Contributory negligence – plaintiffs does not receive any damages if they are responsible for least bit of negligence. 4 states and DC still carry this 162-year-old law.
• Comparative negligence – as long as the plaintiff is not responsible for more than 50% of the damages in an accident, they may receive damages.  This is the system used in Illinois.
• Joint and several liabilities – holds 2 or more defendants guilty for damages sustained by plaintiff.  

What To Do If I Can Not Obtain An Illinois Car Insurance Policy 

Illinois Auto Plan is a plan offered by the Illinois Insurance Division.  This plan is exclusively for those who can not obtain car insurance on the open Illinois market.
Although the premiums are slightly higher it’s very simple to qualify.  The prerequisite states:

1. You must have been turned down by other companies on the open market
2. You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license.
3. You must not owe any previous insurance companies for outstanding premiums
4. Your car must meet safety standards 

Compare Illinois Auto Insurance Policies Now! 

It is against Illinois State law to operate a vehicle without some type of insurance or uninsured motorist coverage. If you are interested in becoming compliant with Illinois laws by obtaining an Illinois car insurance policy, click on the quote tool at the top of the page to be directed through a free quote comparison. Get started finding Illinois auto insurance now!