Get instant car insurance quotes.

Ready to find a better rate?

Get same-day savings — compare quotes in under 2 minutes.

A single accident on I-294, a tight parking lot in Chicago, or a slippery road outside Peoria can create costs far beyond a basic policy limit. Knowing the car insurance minimum requirements Illinois drivers must carry helps you stay legal, but it also helps you see where a low-priced policy could leave a gap.

Illinois requires drivers to carry liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. These coverages are a starting point, not a promise that every accident-related bill will be paid. Before choosing the least expensive option, it pays to understand what those numbers actually mean for your budget.

Illinois Car Insurance Minimum Requirements Explained

Illinois minimum auto insurance limits are commonly written as 25/50/20. Here is what that means in plain English:

$25,000 bodily injury liability per person: The most your policy pays for one person’s injuries when you cause an accident.
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident: The total your policy pays for all injuries from one accident.
$20,000 property damage liability per accident: The most your policy pays for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property.

Illinois also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is also generally included at these minimum limits. These protections can help when the driver who hit you has no insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries.

Those limits may sound substantial at first. But a modern vehicle, an ambulance ride, emergency care, physical therapy, or time away from work can add up quickly. That is why many Illinois drivers decide to compare policies above the state minimum, especially if they have savings, a home, or income they want to protect.

What Liability Coverage Actually Pays For

Liability coverage is for the damage or injuries you cause to others. It does not pay to repair your own car after an accident you caused.

Say you rear-end a newer SUV and cause $28,000 in damage. With the Illinois minimum $20,000 property damage limit, your insurer could pay up to that limit. You could still be responsible for the remaining $8,000. The same issue can happen with injury claims if medical costs exceed your bodily injury limits.

Liability coverage can also apply to damage you cause to things other than vehicles, such as a fence, storefront, mailbox, or parked car. One moment of distraction can involve several claims, which is why the per-accident limit matters as much as the per-person limit.

Minimum coverage can make sense for some drivers with older cars and very limited budgets. Still, the cheapest monthly payment is not always the cheapest outcome after a serious accident. A licensed insurance agent can help you compare the price difference between state minimum limits and higher limits that may offer more breathing room.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters in Illinois

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage steps in when another driver causes your injury but has no insurance. Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage may help when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limit is too low for the injuries involved.

This coverage is especially worth understanding because your health and your car are separate issues. Illinois minimum uninsured and underinsured coverage generally applies to bodily injuries, not damage to your vehicle. If an uninsured driver hits your car, collision coverage is usually the protection that may help pay for your vehicle repairs, subject to your deductible.

Your policy details matter. How underinsured motorist benefits are calculated, which household members are covered, and what exclusions apply can vary. Rather than guessing from a declaration page, ask a licensed agent to explain the coverage in everyday terms before you buy.

Coverage Illinois Does Not Require

State minimum requirements do not include collision or comprehensive coverage. Neither is required by Illinois law for a vehicle you own outright, but both can be valuable depending on your vehicle and finances.

Collision coverage can help pay to repair or replace your car after a crash with another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused it. Comprehensive coverage can help with non-collision losses, such as theft, hail, fire, vandalism, falling objects, or an animal strike.

If you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender or leasing company will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage. They may also set a maximum deductible. That is a contract requirement, separate from Illinois state minimum insurance rules.

Other optional coverages can be useful, too. Medical payments coverage may help with eligible medical expenses after an accident. Rental reimbursement can help with the cost of a temporary vehicle after a covered loss. Roadside assistance can be appealing for drivers with older cars, though it is not a substitute for proper maintenance or emergency savings.

The right mix depends on the value of your car, your deductible comfort level, how far you drive, and whether you could afford a sudden repair bill. There is no one policy that is best for every Illinois household.

Why Higher Limits Can Be Worth Pricing Out

Raising liability limits often costs less than people expect, although every driver and insurer prices risk differently. A higher limit can be particularly useful if you drive in busy traffic, regularly carry passengers, commute long distances, or own assets that could be exposed after a major claim.

For example, moving from minimum limits to 100/300/100 means up to $100,000 for one person’s injuries, $300,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $100,000 for property damage. That does not make you immune from every possible expense, but it creates a much larger cushion than 25/50/20.

A higher deductible can sometimes lower the premium for collision and comprehensive coverage. The trade-off is simple: you would pay more yourself before coverage starts after a claim. Choose a deductible you could realistically pay without putting essentials like rent, groceries, or utilities at risk.

How to Keep Illinois Auto Insurance Costs Down

Comparing more than one quote is one of the most practical ways to look for savings. Rates can vary because insurers weigh driving history, location, vehicle type, mileage, credit-based insurance factors where permitted, coverage choices, and discounts differently.

When you compare, make sure the quotes use the same liability limits, deductibles, and optional coverages. A quote that looks dramatically cheaper may simply offer less protection. Ask about discounts for safe driving, low mileage, multiple vehicles, students, anti-theft features, paid-in-full options, and bundling home or renters insurance when that fits your needs.

It also helps to review your policy after a move, a new driver in the household, a vehicle change, a major change in mileage, or a life event. Insurance should not be a set-it-and-forget-it bill when your situation has changed.

Keep Proof of Insurance Available

Illinois drivers must be able to provide proof of financial responsibility when required, such as during a traffic stop or after an accident. Keep your insurance ID card accessible in your vehicle or on your phone if your insurer provides a digital version.

Driving without required insurance can lead to penalties, a suspended registration, and other costly problems. If you have been told you need an SR-22 filing after a suspension or violation, tell the agent helping with your quote. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy. It is a filing that shows the state you carry the required coverage.

The state minimum gets you on the road legally, but your best policy should fit the risks you actually face. Visit RateHounds.com to compare free auto insurance quotes online anytime, or call during normal business hours to speak with a licensed agent who can help you find clear answers with no pressure.

Our expert is just one call away.

Ready to find a better rate?

Get same-day savings — compare quotes in under 2 minutes.

OR

The rates or savings advertised are not necessarily available from all providers or advertisers listed on RateHounds.com. *Not all consumers will receive rates as low as $29/month. Rates or savings can vary based on factors like your driving history, coverage limits and needs, deductibles, types of vehicles, location & more. We do not underwrite insurance policies. We are an advertising company that connects you with partners who will advise, quote and sell you an insurance policy from top rated carriers. All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. We are no endorsed by, affiliated with, or otherwise connected with the owners of the trademarks used above. The use of the trademarks are used for comparative purposes only to indicate who you may get auto or home insurance quotes from.

We can help you find auto, home or renters insurance in the following states: Car Insurance Quotes Alaska, Car Insurance Quotes Alabama, Car Insurance Quotes Arkansas, Car Insurance Quotes Arizona, Car Insurance Quotes California, Car Insurance Quotes Colorado, Car Insurance Quotes Connecticut, Car Insurance Quotes Delaware, Car Insurance Quotes Florida, Car Insurance Quotes Georgia, Car Insurance Quotes Hawaii, Car Insurance Quotes Iowa, Car Insurance Quotes Idaho, Car Insurance Quotes Illinois, Car Insurance Quotes Indiana, Car Insurance Quotes Kansas, Car Insurance Quotes Kentucky, Car Insurance Quotes Louisiana, Car Insurance Quotes Massachusetts, Car Insurance Quotes Maryland, Car Insurance Quotes Maine, Car Insurance Quotes Michigan, Car Insurance Quotes Minnesota, Car Insurance Quotes Missouri, Car Insurance Quotes Mississippi, Car Insurance Quotes Montana, Car Insurance Quotes North Carolina, Car Insurance Quotes North Dakota, Car Insurance Quotes Nebraska, Car Insurance Quotes New Hampshire, Car Insurance Quotes New Jersey, Car Insurance Quotes New Mexico, Car Insurance Quotes Nevada, Car Insurance Quotes New York, Car Insurance Quotes Ohio, Car Insurance Quotes Oklahoma, Car Insurance Quotes Oregon, Car Insurance Quotes Pennsylvania, Car Insurance Quotes Rhode Island, Car Insurance Quotes South Carolina, Car Insurance Quotes South Dakota, Car Insurance Quotes Tennessee, Car Insurance Quotes Texas, Car Insurance Quotes Utah, Car Insurance Quotes Virginia, Car Insurance Quotes Vermont, Car Insurance Quotes Washington, Car Insurance Quotes Wisconsin, Car Insurance Quotes West Virginia, Car Insurance Quotes Wyoming

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: June 01, 2024

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Service.

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

Affiliate means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where “control” means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest or other securities entitled to vote for election of directors or other managing authority.

Country refers to: Texas, United States

Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to "RateHounds.com."

Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet.

Service refers to the Website.

Terms and Conditions (also referred as “Terms”) mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and the Company regarding the use of the Service.

Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service.

Website refers to RateHounds.com, accessible from RateHounds.com.

You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.

Acknowledgment

These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the Company. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service.

Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service.

By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions then You may not access the Service.

You represent that you are over the age of 18. The Company does not permit those under 18 to use the Service.

Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the Company. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service.

Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content (excluding Content provided by You or other users), features and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of the Company and its licensors.

The Service is protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws of both the Country and foreign countries.

Our trademarks and trade dress may not be used in connection with any product or service without the prior written consent of the Company.

Links to Other Websites

Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by the Company.

The Company has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that the Company shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services.

We strongly advise You to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that You visit.

Termination

We may terminate or suspend Your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions.

Upon termination, Your right to use the Service will cease immediately.

Limitation of Liability

Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the Company and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven’t purchased anything through the Service.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Company or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the Company or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party’s liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.

“AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer

The Service is provided to You “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Company provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected.

Without limiting the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of the company’s provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the Company are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all of the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law.

Governing Law

The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of the Application may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws.

Disputes Resolution

If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the Company.

For European Union (EU) Users

If You are a European Union consumer, you will benefit from any mandatory provisions of the law of the country in which you are resident in.

United States Legal Compliance

You represent and warrant that (i) You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a “terrorist supporting” country, and (ii) You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties.

Severability and Waiver

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Waiver

Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not affect a party’s ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

Translation Interpretation

These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute.

Changes to These Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days’ notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion.

By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service.

E- Sign Consent

By clicking the “Compare Quotes”, "Get Started Here", or any other link and submitting your contact information, You have provided express written consent to be contacted (via call, text or email) by our partner(s). RateHounds.com is a marketing and information website, who provides information and avenues to contact, or be contacted by, a licensed broker regarding your request for a quote or more information. By clicking the “I agree” button, which you adopted as your electronic signature, you consent and agree that:

RateHounds.com is not the end product provider and you understand that Quotriever.com does not, and will not, make attempts to contact you unless you expressly request that we.
Once you submit your information to an advisor via the “Compare Quotes”, "Get Started Here", or any other link and the “I Agree” button is clicked, you will be bound to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of the party you are connected with and ultimately do business with. RateHounds.com is a marketing and information website only.
If you would like paper copies of the Disclosures, you can download them from the partner(s) website to which you connect with.

Get instant car insurance quotes.

Ready to find a better rate?

Illinois Car Insurance Minimum Requirements Explained

What Liability Coverage Actually Pays For

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters in Illinois

Coverage Illinois Does Not Require

Why Higher Limits Can Be Worth Pricing Out

How to Keep Illinois Auto Insurance Costs Down

Keep Proof of Insurance Available

Ready to find a better rate?

OR

Privacy Policy

Interpretation

Definitions

Types of Data Collected

Personal Data

Usage Data

Tracking Technologies and Cookies

Use of Your Personal Data

Retention of Your Personal Data

Transfer of Your Personal Data

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions

Law enforcement

Other legal requirements

Security of Your Personal Data

Analytics

Advertising

Behavioral Remarketing

Categories of Personal Information Collected

Sources of Personal Information

Use of Personal Information for Business Purposes or Commercial Purposes

Disclosure of Personal Information for Business Purposes or Commercial Purposes

Sale of Personal Information

Share of Personal Information

Sale of Personal Information of Minors Under 16 Years of Age

Your Rights under the CCPA

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Website

Mobile Devices

Terms and Conditions

Acknowledgment

Intellectual Property

Links to Other Websites

Termination

Limitation of Liability

“AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer

Governing Law

Disputes Resolution

For European Union (EU) Users

United States Legal Compliance

Severability and Waiver

Translation Interpretation

Changes to These Terms and Conditions

E- Sign Consent

About Our Ads

We Engage in Internet-Based Advertising

We Are A Third-Party Advertising Agency

Invitations For Application For Insurance

Get instant car insurance quotes.