Illinois Auto Insurance Guide for First-Time Buyers
Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Illinois at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
15
Minimum learner's permit age, 50 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Illinois operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages after an accident. All drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times — either a physical ID card or electronic proof on a mobile device.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate
Cost Overview
$325/mo
Typical monthly rate in Illinois, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
10pm Sun-Thu / 11pm Fri-Sat to 6am
Passengers
no more than 1 passenger younger than 20 for 12 months
Source: IIHS and IL SOS, verified July 2026
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
The foundation of your policy — pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Your premium is the amount you pay monthly or every six months, while the liability limit is the maximum your insurer will pay per accident. The required 25/50/20 minimum often proves insufficient for serious accidents.
Full Coverage
Industry shorthand for a policy combining liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage — it protects both other people and your own vehicle. Collision covers damage from accidents regardless of fault, while comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes. A deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest — a $500 deductible means you pay the first $500 of repairs.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events: theft, hail, flooding, vandalism, fire, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible amount — common options are $250, $500, or $1,000 — which is what you pay before insurance covers the rest of the repair or replacement cost.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you hit another car, slide into a guardrail, or roll your vehicle, collision coverage handles your repair costs minus your deductible.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your medical bills and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. This steps in to cover costs the at-fault driver should have paid but can't because they're uninsured or underinsured.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate insurance type but a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with the state. Required after DUI, reckless driving, multiple violations, or driving without insurance. You must maintain it continuously for three years in Illinois — any lapse triggers license suspension.