Illinois minimum liability requirements
Illinois requires vehicle owners to carry minimum liability insurance. The Illinois Department of Insurance and Illinois Secretary of State identify the following minimum liability limits:
Learn how these limits work before comparing quotes: how liability coverage works.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury minimums
Illinois uninsured motorist bodily injury minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Higher limits may be available for additional premium, depending on the policy and insurer.
This required coverage can matter when an at-fault driver has no insurance at all. See how uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage works for the general picture.
What state minimums actually mean
A state minimum is a legal floor — the least coverage Illinois allows a vehicle owner to carry and still drive legally. Three things are worth understanding about that:
- Minimums describe the law, not a claim. They do not predict what a real accident would cost. Medical bills and repair costs are set by real-world events, not by statute.
- Amounts above a limit are the policyholder's responsibility. If a covered claim exceeds the policy's limit, the difference is generally paid by whoever is legally responsible.
- Minimums are not a recommendation. The Illinois Department of Insurance advises consumers to consider higher limits, because minimums may not fully protect against lawsuits or other losses. Whether higher limits fit your situation is a decision to make with a licensed insurance professional.
Coverage needs vary
The right amount and mix of coverage depends on factors such as your vehicle, whether it is financed or leased, the drivers in your household, your assets, how the vehicle is used, and the risks you are prepared to retain. This page does not recommend a specific amount for an individual.
For a personal assessment, compare the same limits and deductibles and speak with a licensed insurance professional. The Illinois Department of Insurance also advises consumers to get written quotes and compare the same coverages and limits. How deductibles work explains the part of the comparison people most often overlook.
What to bring to a conversation
- Drivers in the household and their relationship to you
- Vehicles, ownership or lease status, and typical use
- Current limits, deductibles, and renewal documents
- Recent changes such as a new car, teen driver, accident, or ticket