Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?

Some car insurance policies are transferable across states, as many insurance companies have branches nationwide.Drivers are suggested to check with their insurance agents if this option is available for them. Most states have locally adapted legislation and may often require specified policies.

Illinois drivers must take care to release themselves from the financial responsibility they have in their old home by filing the Financial Responsibility Insurance Waiver affidavit.

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?

You may need to cancel your car insurance if you are moving out of the state of Illinois. To release yourself from financial responsibility in Illinois, complete and submit the Financial Responsibility Insurance Waiveraffidavit and submit it to the relevant Secretary of State Facility.

This affidavit will only waive off your financial responsibility in Illinois. You must check the auto insurancerequirements of the new state for the rules and regulations that apply there.

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?

To avoid drivers license suspension in Illinois, drivers must make sure to present the necessary proof of auto insurance whenever it is required. There are a number of occasions in which drivers must satisfy this requirement in order to avoid suspension, which include:

  • If randomly sampled for an insurance questionnaire
  • If stopped for a traffic violation or traffic accident by a law enforcement officer
  • Failing to provide SR22 insurance upon request
  • Failing to provide Financial Responsibility Insurance Waiver affidavit when moving out of state

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?

In order to inquire about the type of coverage for car accidents you will need to obtain, get in touch with your insurance company. An agent will be able to provide you withappropriate advice.

If you get into a car accident, collect information about the vehicle damage, about the persons involved, the weather and the road conditions. Keep any photos and ask for personal information of the drivers involved. It is recommended that you don t move the vehicle. Keep the insurance policy with you in the car, as it usually gives particular details about the damage you need to report.

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?

Liability car coverage is mandatory in Illinois. You must always carry it with you in the car to present it as proof upon request. Illinois residents who move out of state need to absolve themselves of financial responsibility by filing an affidavit. Note that when the affidavit is accepted your driver s license will also be canceled.

More details about Illinois car insurance policies can be obtained at:

Illinois Secretary of State

Driver Services Department

Financial Responsibility Section

2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Springfield, IL 62723

Phone: 217-782-3720

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?

The requirements for car coverage in Illinois that need to be covered when you get your auto insurance quotes include:

  • Liability Minimum Auto Coverage: At least $25,000 per person per accident and $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and at least $20,000 per accident for vehicle and property damage.
  • Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage: $50,000 per accident
  • Underinsured Motorist Auto Coverage: At least $50,000 per accident or higher

Certain discounts are available when you obtain comprehensive coverage or other additions.

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?

In order to provide proof of car insurance if requested by law enforcement in Illinois, drivers can present any of the following documents:

  • Car insurance card
  • Copy of insurance declarations page
  • Copy of insurance binder
  • Copy of letter from insurance company
  • Electronic view of car insurance information

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

What type of car insurance am I required to have?

The law requirements for car coverage in Illinois may include three different types of insurance depending on the type of vehicle you operate:

  • Liability insurance:
    • Bodily injury of at least $25,000 per person, per accident and $50,000 total per accident.
    • Property damage coveringdamage to another person s car or property in amount of at least $20,000 per accident.
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance which compensates the difference between your UIM limits and the liability limits of the driver found guilty

Additional premium coverage is often advisable and can cover accidental death benefit, towing costs and rental reimbursement costs

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?

All vehicles in Illinois are required to have the mandatory minimum liability car insurance. Operating a vehicle without getting car insurance may lead to the following outcomes:

  • Drivers license suspension
  • Violation fees
  • Impoundment of vehicle

For more information: Filing the Illinois SR-22 Insurance Form

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?

All motor vehicles that require titling and registration need to be properly insured. Mandatory car insurance is a requirement for all registration procedures. The insurance policy needs to be submitted together with the application.

Trailers as recreational vehicles do not need to be insured.

For more information: How To: Save on Illinois Auto Insurance