Illinois law requires all motor vehicles registered and operated in Illinois to be covered by liability insurance, which covers property damage and/or injuries you may cause others in an accident. You are in compliance with the law if you have liability insurance in the following minimum amounts:

• $20,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident.

• $40,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident.

• $15,000 for damage to property of another person.

You must carry your insurance card in your vehicle and show it upon request by any law enforcement officer. Penalties for not having the mandatory minimum insurance on your vehicle in Illinois can include:

• Minimum $500 fine for operating an uninsured vehicle.

• Minimum $1,000 fine for driving a vehicle while the registration is suspended for no insurance.

The vehicle registration of first-time offenders is suspended until a $100 reinstatement fee and proof of insurance are submitted. Repeat offenders must serve a four-month suspension, pay a $100 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance. Your vehicle may not be driven while the license plates are suspended.

Any person who receives court supervision for a mandatory insurance violation or who is convicted of a third or subsequent violation of driving without liability insurance is required to file proof of financial responsibility (SR22 certificate) for one year, or face a driver’s license suspension.

For more information on the penalties for driving without insurance in Illinois, check with the Illinois Service for Motorist at the Secretary of State site. To get an affordable auto insurance quote to get your car properly insured in Illinois, follow this link.