Auto Insurance in Illinois Basics

Learn the basic steps for acquiring insurance from car insurance companies in Illinois

An examination of auto insurance in Illinois basics should include a look at the different types of auto insurance. Accident coverage is the total coverage for a single accident. Injury liability insurance generally refers to coverage against injuries that are a direct result of an accident. Property liability coverage applies to damages or theft of the covered vehicle, and also pays for damage to other property.

There are three general steps that you will need to complete in order to obtain car insurance in Illinois:

1. Find the government department that regulates Illinois auto insurance rates. This agency will serve as a central location for many resources on auto insurance.
2. Determine the auto insurance requirements for Illinois. Many drivers will choose to obtain only the minimum insurance that Illinois requires, especially if their car loan has been paid off.
3. Get a quote for auto insurance. There are a large number of auto insurance agencies in Illinois and multiple quotes will help establish a likely range for a given coverage.
   

 

Locate government agencies that deal with Illinois automotive insurance providers

Illinois regulates auto insurance, as well as other types of insurance, at the state level. State laws on insurance specify issues such as the insurance coverage requirements, proof of financial responsibility and the licensing requirements for insurance agents.
Try: The Illinois Division of Insurance provides many resources on auto insurance, including a list of shopping tips. The Illinois Secretary of State provides a summary of the mandatory auto insurance for Illinois.

Find out the minimum coverage limits for Illinois auto insurance coverage

Insurance agencies frequently provide a summary of the types and amounts of auto insurance that Illinois requires. Other organizations also may provide quick facts on auto insurance requirements in Illinois.
Try: Insurance.com summarizes the minimum amount of car insurance that Illinois requires. LowIllinoisRates.com offers the coverage limits for Illinois auto insurance, in addition to other specific information on Illinois car insurance rates.

Get Illinois auto insurance online quotes

You can easily obtain quotes for Illinois car insurance over the phone or through email. Most insurance companies will require you to complete a short questionnaire on your vehicle, insurance needs and driving habits.
Try: Clover Insurance is located in Chicago and provides a free quote upon completion of an application. McNellis Insurance has its headquarters in Illinois and has free online quotes.

 

• Auto insurance companies in Illinois frequently express insurance requirements as a/b/c where the letters a, b and c represent the different types of coverage needed in thousands of dollars. The letter "a" is the bodily injury liability, "b" is the coverage per accident and "c" is the property damage liability. For example, 25/50/10 coverage means that the policy covers $25,000 per injured person up to a total of $50,000 for the accident with additional coverage of $10,000 for property damage.

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