Short answer: Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage. Policies must also include uninsured motorist coverage of at least 25/50. If your uninsured motorist limits are above that minimum, Illinois law adds underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits.
The numbers
The Illinois Department of Insurance lists the minimum coverage for a registered vehicle:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Illinois sits in the middle on property damage: higher than New York's $10,000, but lower than the $25,000 or more required in many states.
How UM and UIM fit together in Illinois
Illinois handles these two coverages differently from many states, and the order matters.
- UM follows your liability limits. Under 215 ILCS 5/143a-2, uninsured motorist coverage must be included in an amount equal to your bodily injury liability limits unless you specifically reject the higher amount in writing. You can't go below the 25/50 minimum.
- UIM is triggered by higher UM. The same statute says that when your UM coverage exceeds the state minimum, the policy must include underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage equal to your UM limits.
In practice, a driver who buys 100/300 liability and doesn't sign a rejection ends up with 100/300 UM and 100/300 UIM. A driver who carries only minimum UM doesn't get UIM at all.
Illinois UIM is "reduced by" coverage: the most it pays is your UIM limit minus what you actually collect from the at-fault driver's liability insurance. With 100/300 UIM and a crash caused by a driver carrying 25/50, up to $75,000 more could be available for one injured person.
Illinois is an at-fault state with a 51% bar
The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can recover damages only if you're 50% or less at fault, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more, you recover nothing from the other driver. The Department of Insurance explains this on its comparative negligence page.
Proof and enforcement
Keep your insurance card in the vehicle. Illinois' Secretary of State runs a random insurance verification program, and police can ask for proof during stops and at crash scenes. Driving uninsured can lead to fines and suspension of your license plates.
Where the minimum falls short
- Hospital bills. A single serious injury can cost more than $25,000.
- Property damage. $20,000 doesn't go far if you total a newer car or damage a storefront.
- Your own injuries. Without UIM, you're limited to what the at-fault driver carries.
- Your car. Collision and comprehensive aren't required by law, but lenders require them on financed and leased vehicles.
Common scenarios
A driver with 25/50 coverage runs a red light and seriously injures you. If you carry 250/500 UM and UIM, your own policy may pay up to $225,000 above the other driver's $25,000.
You and the other driver are both partly at fault. If you're found 30% at fault, your damages are reduced by 30%. At 51%, you can't recover from the other driver.
You signed a UM rejection years ago. That rejection generally carries forward. Ask your agent to confirm your current UM and UIM limits.
Key terms
- UM: pays your injury damages caused by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run.
- UIM: pays when the at-fault driver's coverage is too small, up to your UIM limit minus what they paid.
- Modified comparative negligence: you can recover if you're no more than 50% at fault.
- Written rejection: the signed form that lowers UM below your liability limits.
Questions to ask your broker
- Are my UM limits equal to my liability limits, or did I reject the higher amount?
- Do I have UIM, and at what limits?
- What would it cost to move to 100/300 or 250/500?
- Do my limits qualify me for an umbrella policy?
Bottom line
The Illinois minimum is legal, but it leaves you without underinsured protection and with limited property damage coverage. Raising liability limits, and keeping UM at those limits, automatically adds UIM under Illinois law. Compare other states in our car insurance minimums by state table, and read what car insurance do I need.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Illinois and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Illinois?
25/50/20 liability plus uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Is underinsured motorist coverage required in Illinois?
Only when your uninsured motorist limits exceed the state minimum. Then the policy must include UIM equal to your UM limits.
Can I lower my Illinois UM coverage below my liability limits?
Yes, with a written rejection, but not below the 25/50 minimum.
How does fault work in Illinois?
You can recover if you're 50% or less at fault, reduced by your share. At 51% or more, you can't recover.
Do I need collision coverage in Illinois?
Not by law, but lenders and leasing companies usually require it.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.