Illinois requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/20: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 property damage. Illinois also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least 25/50. Illinois is an at-fault state and the Secretary of State verifies insurance electronically.
- Fault system
- At-fault (tort)
- Minimum liability
- 25/50/20: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury
- Required at 25/50
- Proof after a violation
- SR-22 filed by your insurer, usually for three years
- Verified by
- Illinois Secretary of State electronic verification
- Regulator
- Illinois Department of Insurance
Illinois minimum car insurance requirements
| Coverage | Minimum | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $25,000 | Covers injuries to one other person in a crash you cause. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $50,000 | Total injury coverage for everyone you injure in one crash. |
| Property Damage Liability | $20,000 | Pays for other people's vehicles and property you damage. |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 / $50,000 | Pays for your injuries when an uninsured driver hits you. If you buy higher UM limits, matching underinsured motorist coverage is also required. |
What affects car insurance rates in Illinois
- Chicago and Cook County: Traffic density, theft and claim costs in the Chicago area push rates well above downstate, where premiums are among the cheapest in the Midwest.
- Required UM coverage: Illinois builds uninsured motorist protection into every policy, which adds a little to the minimum premium but protects you from the roughly one in eight drivers without insurance.
- Winter weather: Snow, ice and salt-season crashes raise collision claims from November through March.
- Your record and credit: Illinois allows credit-based insurance scores, so a clean record and good credit both lower your quote.
- Vehicle and usage: Long commutes on I-55, I-90 and I-294, business use and the vehicle you drive all move your premium.
How to get cheaper car insurance in Illinois
Start by comparing. A GEICO quote through DriveLower takes about two minutes and shows you a real rate for your ZIP code, not an estimate. Then stack the savings: bundle auto with renters, home or condo coverage, choose deductibles you can actually afford, keep your coverage continuous, and ask us to check every discount you may qualify for, including good driver, multi-vehicle, military, federal employee and good student.
If you're carrying only the state minimum, consider raising your liability limits. Statewide, Illinois premiums are close to the national average; downstate drivers pay well below it and Chicago drivers well above. Either way, the minimums above rarely cover a serious crash today, and the difference in premium is often smaller than people expect; we'll show you both options side by side. Read our guide on liability vs. full coverage and 12 ways to lower your car insurance.
Serving drivers across Illinois
We quote and write GEICO policies for drivers throughout Illinois, including:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Joliet
- Naperville
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Elgin
- Peoria
- Champaign
- Waukegan
- Cicero
- Bloomington
- Schaumburg
- Evanston
- Decatur
Not listed? Every Illinois ZIP code works. Enter yours above to get started.
Coverage available in Illinois
- Auto insurance: liability, collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, medical payments, roadside and rental.
- Motorcycle insurance, RV insurance and boat insurance.
- Homeowners, condo and renters insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency.
Illinois car insurance FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Illinois?
25/50/20 liability ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $20,000 for property damage) plus uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of 25/50.
Is Illinois an at-fault state?
Yes. The driver who causes a crash pays for the other party's injuries and damage. Illinois uses modified comparative fault, so you can recover damages only if you were 50% or less at fault.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Illinois?
Yes. Every policy must include UM bodily injury coverage of at least 25/50. If you choose higher UM limits, you must carry underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits.
Is car insurance cheaper outside Chicago?
Usually by a wide margin. Springfield, Peoria, Champaign and rural counties often cost far less than Cook County for the same driver and vehicle.
Can I get an Illinois quote online?
Yes. Enter your ZIP code and you'll go straight to a secure GEICO quote. Or call (904) 622-1850 to quote by phone.
How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?
Illinois premiums are close to the national average statewide, but Chicago and Cook County ZIP codes price well above the rest of the state because of traffic density, theft and claim costs. Downstate drivers often pay considerably less. Enter your ZIP code to see your real GEICO rate in about two minutes.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Illinois?
Driving uninsured in Illinois carries a minimum $500 fine for a first offense, license plate suspension and a reinstatement fee, with longer suspensions for repeat offenses. The Secretary of State verifies coverage electronically, so lapses are detected. Continuous coverage is far cheaper than the penalties.
Does GEICO offer car insurance in Illinois?
Yes. DriveLower is an exclusive GEICO agency operated by IBRP, Inc, and we write GEICO auto, motorcycle, RV and boat policies in Illinois, including the required uninsured motorist coverage. Quote online with your ZIP code or call (904) 622-1850 to buy with a licensed agent.
Do I need an SR-22 in Illinois?
Only if the Secretary of State requires one after a suspension, DUI or uninsured-driving offense. The SR-22 is filed by your insurer and typically required for three years. GEICO files it electronically; mention it when you quote.