Illinois Auto Insurance Guide
Illinois drivers deal with everything from lake-effect snow and icy roads to heavy rain, hail and dense city traffic. Whether you commute in Chicago, drive suburban tollways or travel long stretches of interstate through the rest of the state, the right Illinois auto insurance can help protect your finances when the unexpected happens.
Illinois car insurance begins with meeting state requirements. From there, you can choose liability protection, vehicle coverage and optional benefits that match your car, budget and how you drive.
What auto insurance is required?
Illinois requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage before legally driving on public roads. These minimums are a starting point, not necessarily the amount of protection most drivers want.
Illinois minimum liability coverage limits
| Coverage type | Minimum limit in Illinois | What it helps cover |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident | Injuries you cause to others in a covered accident |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 per accident | Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property |
| Uninsured and underinsured motorist liability | $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident | Your medical expenses and lost wages if you're injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver who has no insurance |
Illinois drivers may choose higher limits for more protection. If you cause a serious accident, state minimums may not be enough to fully cover bodily injury or property damage costs.
Additional coverages to consider
Many drivers add optional coverages to help protect against risks that liability insurance alone does not cover.
| Coverage | Required in Illinois? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Collision coverage | No | May help pay to repair your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object |
| Comprehensive coverage (other than collision) | No | May help cover non-collision damage such as hail, theft, vandalism, falling objects or storm damage |
| Rental reimbursement | No | May help with temporary transportation costs if your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss |
| Auto loan/lease coverage | No | May help if your vehicle is totaled and you owe more than its current value |
| Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) | No | May help cover the difference between what you owe on your auto loan and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it's totaled or stolen in a covered loss |
| Roadside assistance | No | May help with towing, jump starts, lockouts and similar roadside problems |
| Full auto glass coverage | No | May help repair or replace a damaged windshield or other auto glass without application of a deductible |
To compare how these protections fit together, explore common auto insurance coverages and how much car insurance you may need.
How Illinois drivers can customize coverage
After reviewing required and optional coverages, many Illinois drivers compare how much protection they want against what they’re comfortable paying. YourPlan lets you review coverage approaches based on what drivers often choose, then adjust from there to best fit your needs and budget.
- Essential: May appeal to drivers looking for foundational protection without many added features.
- Advantage: May be a better fit if you want more flexibility and support for situations like roadside issues or broader vehicle protection.
- Signature: May suit drivers who want broader protection and fewer potential coverage gaps.
If you want to compare quotes more carefully, exploring how to compare quotes can help you look beyond price alone.
What affects car insurance rates in Illinois? Car insurance rates in Illinois can vary based on a combination of driver, vehicle and location factors.
- Driving history: Accidents, claims and traffic violations may increase rates.
- Vehicle type: Your vehicle’s value, repair costs, safety features and theft risk can affect pricing.
- Location: Traffic density, weather exposure and local claims patterns may change rates across Illinois.
- Coverage selections: Higher limits, lower deductibles and optional coverages generally cost more.
Illinois weather can also play a role. Snow, ice, hail and strong storms may increase vehicle-damage risk, particularly for drivers carrying comprehensive coverage.
Save more with discounts
Amica offers various auto insurance discounts that may help lower premiums for eligible Illinois drivers.1
- Family-related discounts: Young driver training and good student discounts may be available for qualifying households.
- Driving-related discounts: Claim-free history and approved defensive driver training may help some drivers save.
- Vehicle equipment discounts: Certain safety systems like forward-collision warning or adaptive headlights may qualify.
- Payment-related discounts: AutoPay, paperless delivery and paying in full may also help eligible policyholders reduce costs.
To explore your options, find out about auto insurance discounts and bundling opportunities.
Driving facts to keep in mind
- The Safe Driver Renewal program allows Illinois drivers with clean records to renew their license at home and visit a Driver Services location once every eight years.2
- Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic devices while driving. Hands-free devices are allowed for drivers over the age of 19.2
- In Illinois, it’s against the law to flash your headlights as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to other drivers.2
How to get auto insurance in Illinois
If you’re ready to compare options, here’s a simple way to approach the process:
- Review your coverage needs: Start with Illinois’ required liability limits, then think about whether you want higher limits or optional protections for your vehicle, medical costs or roadside issues.
- Look for savings opportunities: Eligible discounts, bundling and payment options may all affect your final premium.
- Get a quote: You can get a quote online or call 800-242-6422 to speak with a representative.
Taking a little extra time to compare limits, deductibles and optional coverages can help you build a car insurance policy that better matches how and where you drive.
Get an auto insurance quote today
FAQs about car insurance in Illinois
No. Illinois is a fault-based state, which means the person who causes an accident is generally responsible for resulting damages.
Illinois requires bodily injury liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $20,000 in property damage liability coverage. Illinois also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage with the same minimum limits.
That depends on your vehicle, budget, savings and comfort with risk. Many drivers consider higher liability limits and optional physical damage coverage beyond the minimums.
Rates vary by location, driving history, vehicle and coverage choices. The best way to estimate your cost is to compare quotes based on your own situation.
1Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2Illinois Rules of the Road 2025
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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