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Illinois Mandatory Insurance Law (Part A)

Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you accept responsibility for the safety of those around you. This is also true of all drivers in all the cars on the road with you. To protect everyone on the road, the state of Illinois has a mandatory insurance law that requires all motorists to be covered by liability insurance.

The reason for this law is simple. If injuries and damages occur as the result of a car accident, insurance will help defray the costs. Without coverage, a single accident could lead to significant financial loss for those injured as well for those responsible for the accident.

Illinois Mandatory Insurance Law Compliance

As of July 2009, the Illinois mandatory insurance law requires the following minimum liability coverage in order to be compliant:

• $20,000 for injury or death to one person;
• $40,000 for injury or death to more than one person; and
• $15,000 for damage to another's property.

All motorists are required to carry an insurance card at all times, and will be asked for proof of insurance at the time of a car accident. It is in your best interests to comply with these laws, because the penalties can be stiff.

Illinois Mandatory Insurance Law Penalties

If you are involved in a car accident or stopped for a traffic violation and do not carry the minimal insurance, the Illinois mandatory insurance law lays out the following penalties:

• $500 fine for operating an uninsured vehicle; and
• $1,000 fine for driving a vehicle while registration is suspended for lack of insurance.

Additionally, if you are a first time offender, you will have your vehicle registration suspended until a $100 reinstatement fee and proof of insurance are provided. Repeat offenders face a 4-month vehicle registration suspension.

The wisest choice is to simply comply with the Illinois mandatory insurance law and be a safe driver. Unfortunately, you cannot control the behaviors and habits of the drivers with whom you and your loved ones share the road.

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