Illinois Car Insurance Requirements: 25/50/20 Plus Uninsured Motorist
Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability and 25/50 uninsured motorist coverage. Recent rate-notice changes, how coverage is verified and the penalties for driving uninsured.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- Illinois requires liability limits of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20), plus uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of 25/50.
- Some websites claim Illinois raised its minimums in 2026. It hasn't: the 25/50/20 limits still apply.
- A new law taking effect July 1, 2027 requires 30 days' notice before a renewal premium increase of more than 10%.
- Driving uninsured can cost more than $500, up to $1,000, and a suspended registration.
Illinois minimum car insurance
| Coverage | Required minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 / $50,000 |
These limits apply to policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2015. A 2025 bill to raise them did not pass. Illinois is an at-fault state, and a person more than 50% at fault can't recover damages.
Underinsured and uninsured property damage
- If you buy uninsured motorist limits above the minimum, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) must be included at the same limits unless you reject or reduce it in writing.
- Insurers must offer uninsured motorist property damage coverage on vehicles without collision coverage. It pays up to the lesser of the car's actual cash value or $15,000, after a $250 deductible.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes. Or call: Insured 1-888-773-7558 · Uninsured 1-844-900-2302
How Illinois checks insurance
The Secretary of State runs an insurance verification program that checks registered vehicles against insurer records, including random samples of registrations. You also need to carry proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Penalties for driving uninsured
- A fine of more than $500 and up to $1,000, and $1,000 for a third or later offense. A first offender who shows proof of insurance in court may receive supervision and a smaller fine.
- Vehicle registration suspension, lifted after you show proof of insurance and pay a $100 fee. A second violation within four years means a suspension of at least four months.
- Causing bodily harm while uninsured is a Class A misdemeanor.
Coming in 2027: notice of big rate increases
An Illinois law signed in August 2026 takes effect July 1, 2027. It increases state review of auto insurance rates and requires insurers to give at least 30 days' notice before a renewal premium goes up more than 10%. That notice is a good prompt to compare quotes before you renew.
Is the state minimum enough?
The minimum is what the law requires, not what protects you. Liability limits cap what your insurer pays when you injure someone or damage their property. A serious crash can easily cost more than a minimum policy pays, and you can be personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and add collision and comprehensive if their car would be expensive to replace. If you finance or lease, your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive.
Quotes for higher limits often cost less than people expect, and the price difference between insurers can be larger than the difference between coverage levels. Comparing the same limits across several insurers is the clearest way to see your options.
Frequently asked questions
Did Illinois raise its minimum car insurance in 2026?
No. Illinois still requires 25/50/20 liability and 25/50 uninsured motorist coverage. A proposal to raise them did not pass.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Illinois?
Yes. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is required.
What does it cost to reinstate a suspended registration in Illinois?
You must show proof of insurance and pay a $100 reinstatement fee.
Sources
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.