Driving Without Insurance Penalty in Illinois

In Illinois, a driver who registers and operates a vehicle must carry liability insurance. A driver should understand the penalties for not having the minimum amount of coverage.

Mandatory Insurance

A driver must have liability coverage to pay for injuries and damage to property he causes in an accident. The minimum required amounts are $15,000 in property damage coverage, $20,000 to cover the costs of injuries or death for one person, and $40,000 for all individuals injured or killed in the accident.

Fines

As of September 2010, the fine for operating a vehicle without auto insurance is a minimum of $500. A driver operating a vehicle with a suspended registration pays a fine of $1,000. A first-time offender also pays a $100 reinstatement fee and must provide proof of insurance. A repeat offender will have his registration suspended for four months. It is necessary for him to pay the reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance at the end of the suspension period.

Requirements

An insurance company provides a policyholder with an insurance card when he renews a policy or purchases a new one. When law enforcement pulls a driver over or if there is an auto accident, the driver must provide proof of insurance.

References

• Cyber Drive Illinois: Rules of the Road
• Cyber Drive Illinois: Mandatory Insurance