What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Drivers?

Illinois minimum insurance requirements are in place for the protection of motorists. Every driver on the road is required to carry insurance.
Auto insurance is mandatory in Illinois. Compared to some other states and laws, however, the requirements for insurance are very low in Illinois. The requirement is for all drivers to have insurance amounting to $20,000 per person, $40,000 per auto accident, and $15,000 for property damage related to the accident.

When you read the declarations page of the Illinois state law it may appear confusing at first. On the official documents the policies will be laid out in short hand where the thousands of dollars are abbreviated with a slash between them. For example the insurance policy for the minimum is 20/40 for Illinois, meaning $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident.

It is important to note that since Illinois insurance requirements are low, you may not be fully compensated after an accident that causes serious injuries such as spinal cord damage or organ failure. Full compensation may be a possibility only after minor fender benders with minimal injuries. In a case of spinal cord damage, for example, your medical expenses will far exceed $40,000 and you will be left in a financial rut if you only have the minimum insurance requirement.

Understanding insurance minimums mean?

If a driver in Illinois does have the state minimum liability insurance the maximum amount of money that the insurance company will be required to pay is that 20/40 amount. This baseline will apply to every accident so long as the driver holds that insurance policy. No amounts will change whether the accident is with one car or five cars.

It is highly recommended that you protect yourself by purchasing more than the minimum insurance requirements and consulting with a Joliet, Illinois injury attorney after a serious car accident. There are many options for policies that pay more than the state minimum.

A policy with adequate coverage will provide peace of mind for you and your family, and adequate compensation in the event of a tragic accident. When the time comes that you need to file a claim, a Joliet, Illinois injury attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that your legal rights are preserved and that you receive all compensation to which you are entitled.