Illinois follows an at-fault system for car accidents. This means that if a driver causes a crash, they are legally responsible for covering the resulting damages. If you’re injured in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim with their insurance company or pursue a Geneva car accident lawsuit to recover compensation.
To comply with Illinois law, all drivers must carry minimum amounts of auto insurance coverage. These requirements ensure you have at least some financial ability to pay for any injuries or property damage you cause in a crash.
Illinois Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
The state’s mandatory insurance limits are:
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person in a single accident
- $50,000 for injury or death to more than one person in a single accident
- $20,000 for property damage per accident
In addition to liability coverage, Illinois requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in the same minimum amounts for bodily injury. This protects you if you’re injured in a crash caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose policy limits are too low to cover your losses.
Illinois imposes strict penalties for failing to maintain active liability insurance. These can include:
- Fines of up to $1,000 for repeat violations
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Impoundment of your vehicle
- Reinstatement fees to restore your driving privileges
- Higher insurance premiums when you do obtain coverage
Driving uninsured can also put your personal assets at risk if you cause an accident. Without insurance, you could be personally responsible for paying judgments from a lawsuit.
Why the Minimum Coverage Might Not Be Enough
While these minimum amounts meet the legal requirement, they may fall far short of covering the full cost of a serious accident. For example, if medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s $25,000 per person limit, you may be left with significant unpaid expenses. In such cases, you would need to file a lawsuit against the driver to recover damages.
That’s why many Illinois drivers choose to purchase higher liability limits and additional optional coverages to better protect themselves financially.
Additional Coverages in Illinois
While not required by law, optional coverages can provide additional financial protection in the event of a crash.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle if you’re involved in a collision, regardless of fault. This is especially valuable if you drive a new or high-value car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage covers losses unrelated to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, hail, fire, or falling objects.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
MedPay helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who is at fault.
While these coverages are optional, they can provide additional financial security in situations where the at-fault driver’s policy limits aren’t enough.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help Navigating an Injury Claim
If you’ve been involved in a crash in Illinois, insurance policies will likely come into play. Our experienced car and truck accident attorney in Geneva can review the available coverages, identify your options for recovering compensation, and help you pursue damages for your accident-related losses.Â
If you have questions about your coverage or need help with a car accident claim, reach out to our qualified Geneva personal injury lawyers at Feagans Law Group. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.