illinois car insurance
Illinois is rightly famous for its deep dish pizza and fields of corn. But it's the snowstorms, black ice, sub-zero temps, and the occasional twister that make getting the right car insurance so important. We've gathered some quick tips and facts to help you do just that.
Illinois car insurance
Illinois requires its drivers to carry the following coverages:
- $20,000 for bodily injury (BI) liability coverage per person
- $40,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per incident
- $15,000 for property damage liability coverage per incident
You'll often see these limits written as 20/40/15.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM) is also required with the same minimum limits as BI (20/40). This coverage protects you, financially, from uninsured drivers.
Esurance in Illinois
We first offered car insurance to Illinois drivers in 1999, and we're proud to offer a variety of big discounts in the state. When you buy a policy from Esurance, you could qualify for these money-saving discounts:
- Claim-Free discount
- Multi-Car discount
- Paid in Full discount
- Homeowner's discount
- Fast 5® discount (5 percent for starting a quote online)
- Switch & Save® discount
- Good Student discount
- Defensive Driver discount
- Anti-Theft discount
Discounts may vary. Already have a policy with Esurance? Call us at 1-800-ESURANCE
(1-800-378-7262) if you have questions about your discounts.
Our Illinois Renters Plus™ discount
Protecting your valuables from fire or theft in your rented home or apartment is as easy as protecting your car. And with our Renters Plus discount, you can save money on your car insurance by adding renters coverage to your policy.
Optional car insurance coverages from Esurance
Esurance offers you a choice of optional coverages you can purchase for additional protection:
- Comprehensive and collision coverage (may be required by a loan or leasing agent)
- Medical and funeral services coverage
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage
- Towing and labor
- Rental car coverage
- Customized parts and equipment coverage
- Loan/lease gap coverage
Esurance-approved car repair shops in Illinois
Our E-star® network of repair shops guarantees repairs for as long as you own your car and offers RepairView®, which lets you track your repairs online.
Find a body shop near you.
How your car insurance rate may be determined
Insurers in Illinois (us included) might consider the following factors when calculating your premium:
- Age, gender, and marital status
- Driving record
- Claims history
- Location
- Make and model of your car
- Vehicle ownership
- Annual mileage
- Credit history
- Prior insurance history
- The coverages and limits you select
Uninsured drivers in Illinois
The Insurance Research Council recently estimated that 15 percent of Illinois' drivers were uninsured in 2009. This was a bit higher than the national average of 13.8 percent.
It's important to protect yourself with so many uninsured drivers on the road. One way of doing this is by purchasing as much UM coverage as you can reasonably afford. It's a safeguard that can give you added peace of mind.
Illinois' comparative negligence law
The state's modified comparative negligence law comes into play when both drivers are partially responsible for an accident. You can only recoup damages from the other driver if you're determined to be less than 50 percent at fault, and how much you can recover may depend on your share of the fault.
Alternative insurance options
If you're unable to purchase car insurance through typical channels, the IL Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP) may be an option. To be eligible, you must have attempted (and failed) to purchase insurance within the past 60 days. Any licensed insurance agent or broker can apply to the program on your behalf.
Penalties for driving uninsured
If you're convicted of driving without car insurance, your license plates will be suspended and you could face a fine of at least $500.
Related links
Facts and stats for Illinois drivers
Now that you've mastered insurance, become an expert on IL's other rules of the road.
The Esurance Coverage Counselor®
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