Minimum Coverage Requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for violations, uninsured accidents, or multiple at-fault incidents typically must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Illinois Secretary of State. The SR-22 requirement usually lasts 3 years from the reinstatement date. High-risk drivers often need above-minimum coverage to access non-standard carriers willing to write policies after violations.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Illinois?
High-risk auto insurance in Illinois costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation severity, driving history, and limited carrier competition. Average premiums for drivers requiring SR-22 filing range from $200–$400/mo for liability-only and $300–$500/mo for full coverage, compared to $70–$120/mo for clean-record drivers. Rates vary widely based on violation type, with DUI convictions typically increasing premiums by 150–200% and suspensions adding 80–140%.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI increases premiums 150–200%, suspensions add 80–140%, at-fault accidents add 40–80%
- Time since violation: rates drop 10–20% annually after 3–5 violation-free years in Illinois
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$35 filing fee plus restricts you to non-standard carriers charging 60–120% more than standard market
- Coverage level: full coverage costs $75–$150/mo more than liability-only for high-risk drivers
- Location: Chicago, Aurora, and Rockford high-risk drivers pay 15–30% more than rural Illinois due to theft, vandalism, and uninsured motorist rates
- Payment method: paying 6-month or annual policies in full saves 5–10% vs. monthly installments with non-standard carriers
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Electronic certificate filed by your carrier with the Illinois Secretary of State proving continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI, suspension, or uninsured accident.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers with DUI, suspensions, lapses, or multiple violations that standard insurers decline. Higher premiums but often the only option for SR-22 compliance.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Illinois requires 25/50/20 minimum, but many non-standard carriers require 50/100/50 or higher for high-risk profiles.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect both your legal obligation and your vehicle. Required by lenders and recommended for newer vehicles worth over $5,000.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Illinois requires insurers to offer UM/UIM at the same limits as your liability unless you reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. Required by lenders but optional if you own your car outright.
