Illinois law requires you to have insurance before you drive. After you pay for your policy, your insurance company will send you an insurance card that you should keep in your vehicle at all times.
If you get caught driving without insurance, you face a fine and suspension of your license plates. Before you drive any one's car, be sure there's an insurance identification card. You can be penalized for driving without insurance in any vehicle according to the Illinois Division of insurance.
The typical penalty for a first offense of driving without insurance in Illinois is a five hundred dollar fine and a sixty day suspension of your registration. Illinois requires you carry bodily injury liability limits of $20,000/$40,000, property damage liability limits of $15,000, and uninsured motorist coverage so you should keep these state mandated coverages on your vehicles at all times.
Through provisions of the IL Safety and Financial Responsibility Law, motorists are held responsible for accident damages both administratively and through the court system. A driver that has been involved in an accident without having valid insurance in many cases is required to file proof of FR through the SR-22 form for a period of 1 to 3 years.
If you fail to pay for the other party's damages you caused then they may take you to court and seek a judgment against your for their repairs. Under this procedure, the person who suffered damages from the uninsured takes action in court and then the court orders the uninsured motorist to satisfy the judgment.
If the judgment is unsatisfied (unpaid) for 30 days, the court can order the Secretary of State to suspend the individuals driving and registering privileges. The suspension remains in effect until the requirements set forth by the court are met. If the judgment is for $500 or more, FR insurance (SR-22) must be files for 3 years.
For more information regarding the laws regarding being an uninsured motorist who has caused an accident, contact a lawyer, or the Safety and Financial Responsibility Section of the Drivers Services Department of the SOS.