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Illinois Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
Illinois requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20). Other required coverage: UM at liability minimums.
Illinois at a glance
| Minimum liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured motorist coverage, including hit-and-run, is required in every policy at the bodily injury limits of the liability minimums. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | Driving without insurance is a petty offense with a fine over $500 and up to $1,000, and your driver license is suspended for 3 months; a first-time offender who shows current insurance at the court date gets a $100 fine and court supervision instead. Your registration is also suspended until you pay a $100 reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance. A first or second conviction for driving uninsured does not by itself require an SR-22. If you cause bodily harm to another person while driving uninsured, it is a Class A misdemeanor. |
| Repeat offense | A second conviction carries the same fine and 3-month license suspension, and the registration suspension lasts 4 months for a second or later violation within 4 years. A third or later conviction is a business offense with a $1,000 fine, and you must keep proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) for at least 3 years. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | $100 to reinstate the driver license and $100 to reinstate the registration. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in Illinois?
Illinois requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20). Other required coverage: UM at liability minimums.
What happens if you drive without insurance in Illinois?
Driving without insurance is a petty offense with a fine over $500 and up to $1,000, and your driver license is suspended for 3 months; a first-time offender who shows current insurance at the court date gets a $100 fine and court supervision instead. Your registration is also suspended until you pay a $100 reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance. A first or second conviction for driving uninsured does not by itself require an SR-22. If you cause bodily harm to another person while driving uninsured, it is a Class A misdemeanor.