4 Essential Illinois Vehicle Auto Insurance Facts Every Driver Should Know

In Illinois, driving without auto insurance is illegal. The state requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which protects other drivers and their property in the event of an accident.

The minimum liability limits in Illinois are:

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property damage: $20,000 per accident

These limits are low, and many experts recommend purchasing more coverage. The average cost of auto insurance in Illinois is $1,082 per year, but your rates will vary depending on a number of factors, including your driving history, age, and the type of car you drive.

Here are four essential facts about Illinois vehicle auto insurance that every driver should know:

1. You are required to carry insurance. All drivers in Illinois must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and your license could be suspended.
2. The minimum liability limits are low. The minimum liability limits in Illinois are only $25,000/$50,000/$20,000. This means that if you cause an accident that results in more than $25,000 in damages, you could be personally liable for the difference.
3. You can purchase additional coverage. You can purchase additional coverage to protect yourself and your assets in the event of an accident. Some common types of additional coverage include:
   • Collision coverage: This coverage pays for damage to your car if you are involved in an accident with another car.
   • Comprehensive coverage: This coverage pays for damage to your car caused by events other than accidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
   • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who has insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
4. Your rates will vary. The cost of auto insurance in Illinois varies depending on a number of factors, including:
   • Your driving history: Drivers with clean driving records typically pay less for insurance than drivers with tickets or accidents on their records.
   • Your age: Younger drivers typically pay more for insurance than older drivers.
   • The type of car you drive: Sports cars and luxury cars typically cost more to insure than sedans and minivans.

By understanding these four essential facts, you can make informed decisions about your Illinois vehicle auto insurance coverage.

Tips for Saving Money on Illinois Vehicle Auto Insurance

Here are a few tips for saving money on Illinois vehicle auto insurance:

• Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before you purchase a policy.
• Raise your deductible: Increasing your deductible will lower your monthly premiums. However, you should only raise your deductible to an amount that you can afford to pay in the event of an accident.
• Take advantage of discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like good driving records, multiple policies, and safety features on your car.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Usage-based insurance programs track your driving habits and reward you for safe driving.

How to File an Illinois Vehicle Auto Insurance Claim

If you are involved in an accident, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Here are the steps on how to file an Illinois vehicle auto insurance claim:

1. Contact your insurance company. You can usually file a claim online, over the phone, or through your insurance company's app.
2. Provide information about the accident. You will need to provide your insurance company with information about the accident, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of the other drivers involved.
3. Submit a claim form. Your insurance company will provide you with a claim form to complete. The form will ask for information about the accident, your injuries, and your property damage.
4. Provide documentation. You may need to provide your insurance company with documentation to support your claim, such as a police report, medical bills, or repair estimates.
5. Cooperate with the investigation. Your insurance company will investigate your claim to determine if you are eligible for benefits. You will need to cooperate with the investigation and provide any requested information.

Once your insurance company has completed its investigation, it will make a decision on your claim. If your claim is approved, you will receive a settlement check for the amount of your covered damages.

Illinois Vehicle Auto Insurance FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Illinois vehicle auto insurance:

• What is the minimum amount of liability coverage required in Illinois? The minimum liability limits in Illinois are $25,000/$50,000/$20,000.
• What is the average cost of auto insurance in Illinois? The average cost of auto insurance in Illinois is $1,082 per year.
• What are some ways to save money on auto insurance in Illinois? You can save money on auto insurance in Illinois by shopping around, raising your deductible, taking advantage of discounts, and considering usage-based insurance.
• How do I file an auto insurance claim in Illinois? You can file an auto insurance claim in Illinois by contacting your insurance company and providing information about the accident. You will need to submit a claim form and provide documentation to support your claim.

By understanding these frequently asked questions, you can make informed decisions about your Illinois vehicle auto insurance coverage.