Illinois Car Insurance Quotes & Requirements | Estrella
Auto insurance 101 · Illinois
Illinois car insurance, made simple.
Here's how it works, what Illinois requires, and how we find you the right policy at the right price.
What is auto insurance?
A contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and the insurer helps pay for covered losses, up to your policy's limits.
It also keeps you legal: Illinois requires drivers to carry at least minimum coverage.
How does car insurance work?
- 1
You pay a premium
Monthly or all at once, for a term that usually lasts 6 or 12 months.
- 2
Something happens
A crash, a storm, a stolen car or an injury on the road.
- 3
You file a claim
You tell your insurer what happened. Your agent can help you through it.
- 4
Your insurer pays
For covered losses, up to your limits, after you pay your deductible.
Car insurance terms, in plain English
- Premium
- What you pay for your policy, monthly or all at once.
- Deductible
- What you pay on a claim before your coverage kicks in.
- Limit
- The most your policy will pay for a covered loss.
- Claim
- Your request for the insurer to pay for a covered loss.
- Policy term
- How long your policy lasts before renewal, usually 6 or 12 months.
What is a deductible? See how it works
Say a covered accident causes $3,000 in damage to your car. Pick a deductible:
You pay $1,000
Your insurance pays $2,000
Example only. A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, but you pay more when you file a claim.
Illinois car insurance requirements
Illinois requires at least 25/50/20 liability ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage) plus $25,000 / $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. Illinois is an at-fault state.
Reviewed by [Licensed agent name], licensed Illinois insurance agent. Updated October 19, 2026.
$25K / $50K
Bodily injury liability, per person / per accident
$20K
Property damage liability
$25K / $50K
Uninsured motorist, per person / per accident
- Illinois is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash pays for the damage, usually through their liability coverage.
- Uninsured motorist coverage is required at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Buying higher UM limits? Then you'll also need underinsured motorist coverage.
- Some drivers need an SR-22 to prove coverage after certain violations. We can file it for you.
Minimums as of 2026. Your agent will confirm the rules that apply to you. Source: Illinois Department of Insurance.
Types of car insurance coverage
Three are required in Illinois. The rest depend on your car, your budget and how much risk you want to carry.
Bodily Injury Liability
Pays for injuries you cause to other people, and helps with your legal defense if you're sued. Minimum: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability
Pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property, like a fence or a mailbox. Minimum: $20,000.
Uninsured Motorist
Protects you and your passengers when the driver at fault has little or no insurance. Required at $25,000 / $50,000.
Collision
Repairs your car after it hits another car or an object, no matter who's at fault.
Comprehensive
Theft, vandalism, storms, flooding, falling trees and hitting an animal.
Medical Payments
Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who's at fault.
Roadside & Rental
Towing, jump-starts, flat tires, and a rental while your car is in the shop.
If your car is financed or leased, your lender will usually require collision and comprehensive. Availability and limits vary by carrier.
Liability vs. full coverage
“Full coverage” isn't an official term. It usually means the Illinois minimum plus collision and comprehensive, often with higher liability limits.
| Coverage | Illinois minimum | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | ||
| Property Damage Liability | ||
| Uninsured Motorist | ||
| Collision | ||
| Comprehensive |
Not sure what you need? An agent can walk you through it for free. Find an agent
What affects the cost of car insurance in Illinois
Every carrier weighs these differently. That's why comparing carriers can change your price.
Driving record
Accidents and tickets usually raise your rate. A clean record helps.
Where you live
Busy urban ZIP codes often cost more than quieter areas.
Your car
Its value, repair costs, safety features and theft risk all count.
Age & experience
Newer drivers tend to pay more. Years behind the wheel help.
Coverage you choose
Higher limits cost more. Higher deductibles usually cost less.
Credit history
Many carriers use a credit-based insurance score to help set rates.
How Estrella helps
We do the shopping. You make the call.
Our agents compare many carriers, explain your options in English or Spanish, and let you choose the best company or the best rate.
- 1Tell us about you, your car and your drivers
- 2Compare coverage and prices side by side
- 3Pick your policy, online or with your agent
1 local agency in Illinois.
Rather call? 1-800-CAR-INSURANCE
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five-star Google reviews from Estrella customers.
Read the reviewsIllinois car insurance FAQs
Is car insurance required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires at least $25,000 / $50,000 in bodily injury liability, $20,000 in property damage liability, and $25,000 / $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?
There's no single price. Your rate depends on your driving record, ZIP code, car, age and the coverage you choose, and each carrier prices those differently. The quickest way to see your real price is to compare quotes. We check multiple carriers for you in a few minutes.
How can I get cheaper car insurance in Illinois?
Compare quotes from several carriers, ask about discounts like bundling your home and auto policies, consider a higher deductible, and keep a clean driving record. Just make sure you still meet Illinois's minimums and have enough protection for your situation.
What does at-fault mean?
The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage, usually through their liability coverage. That's why liability is required, and why uninsured motorist coverage matters if the other driver can't pay.
What does “full coverage” mean?
It's not an official term. It usually means the Illinois minimum plus collision and comprehensive, often with higher liability limits, so both other people and your own car are protected.
How do I choose a deductible?
Pick an amount you could comfortably pay on short notice. A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, while a lower one means less out of pocket when you file a claim.
Do I need an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry insurance, usually after violations like driving uninsured or a DUI. Our agents can help you file it.
Does my insurance cover a rental car?
Often your coverage carries over to a car you rent for personal use, but it depends on your policy. Ask your agent before your trip.
How do I get a quote?
Start online with your ZIP code, or call 1-800-CAR-INSURANCE. Have your driver's license and your car's info (or VIN) handy. It only takes a few minutes.
Can I change my coverage by text or email?
No. You can't bind, alter or change coverage by voicemail, email or text. Call or visit your agent.
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