Auto Insurance in Illinois

Guide to Auto Insurance in Illinois

Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Illinois
By Matt Alderton

Car insurance in Illinois, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents, after all; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Illinois car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Prairie State" should have; it's something they must have.

Illinois auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Illinois, you need auto insurance in Illinois. Here's what kind and how much, according to Illinois state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in Illinois, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage; collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in Illinois must cover at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in Illinois must cover at least $15,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.
4. In Illinois, car insurance must include at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse Illinois auto insurance rates online If you need Illinois auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Illinois, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend:  Get comprehensive online quotes from Illinois car insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Illinois car insurance quotes from national providers Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Illinois and all provide competitive Illinois auto insurance rates.

I recommend:  Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Illinois are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Illinois.

Get car insurance in Illinois from local and regional companies In Illinois, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend:  For automotive insurance in Illinois, try Illinois-based companies like First Chicago Insurance, Founders Insurance Company and Hawk Agency. Also consider local programs, like the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Illinois.

Use an independent agent to find Illinois car insurance bargains Buying car insurance in Illinois via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend:  To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Illinois, use the “agency search” feature at the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois or search the member directory at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Choose Illinois auto insurance companies that you can trust Before doing business with Illinois car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend:  If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Illinois. Another good resource is the Illinois Division of Insurance, which compiles statistics on complaints about auto insurance companies in Illinois.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Illinois car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• Penalties for drivers who don't have Illinois car insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as cash fines of at least $500.
• If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Illinois auto insurance than is required by state law.
• Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Illinois.