Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Illinois
Illinois mandates minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, caught driving without insurance, or suspended for violations typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Illinois Secretary of State for 3 years. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required but strongly recommended, as approximately 1 in 8 Illinois drivers operates without coverage. High-risk drivers often face non-renewal or cancellation if they maintain only state minimums after a violation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Illinois?
High-risk insurance in Illinois costs significantly more than standard policies due to violation surcharges, SR-22 filing requirements, and limited carrier competition. DUI offenders typically pay $250–$450/mo for liability-only coverage, while drivers with at-fault accidents or multiple violations see $180–$350/mo. Rates drop as violations age off your record — expect meaningful decreases after 3 years and near-standard pricing after 5–7 years if you remain violation-free.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI surcharges are 2–3x higher than speeding or at-fault accidents
- Time since violation: rates drop 15–25% after the first year, 30–40% after 3 years
- Location: Chicago, Aurora, and Rockford typically see 20–35% higher premiums than downstate rural counties
- Coverage level: moving from 25/50/20 to 100/300/100 adds $40–$80/mo even for high-risk drivers
- Vehicle type: comprehensive and collision costs scale with vehicle value; older cars significantly lower full-coverage premiums
- Prior insurance lapse: a gap in coverage before your violation adds 10–20% to your high-risk quote
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Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State — SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- Illinois Department of Insurance — Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
- Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5/7-601 — Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility