Alyssa Lane
In Illinois, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in the event that a law enforcement officer asks for it. While many people keep an insurance card in their vehicle or wallet, Illinois is one of several states that allow motorists to present electronic proof of insurance. This can include displaying an electronic image of their insurance card on their phone or other electronic devices. However, it is important to note that if your phone dies and you are unable to provide proof of insurance, you will face penalties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is printing auto insurance cards mandatory in Illinois? | No, motorists can present electronic proof of insurance. |
| Is there a minimum coverage required in Illinois? | Yes, $25,000 for the injury or death of one individual, $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one individual, and $20,000 for property damage. |
| What is the penalty for failing to carry proof of insurance in Illinois? | A fine between $500 and $1,000 and a license plate suspension of up to four months. |
| What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Illinois? | A minimum fine of $500 for driving uninsured and a minimum fine of $1,000 for driving with suspended license plates due to a previous insurance violation. |
| What is the penalty for causing bodily injury without carrying insurance proof in Illinois? | A year in jail and a fine of $2,500. |
What You'll Learn
Minimum insurance requirements in Illinois
Illinois law requires all vehicle owners to have minimum amounts of auto liability insurance. The minimum coverage required in Illinois is $25,000 for the injury or death of one individual, $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one individual, and $20,000 for property damage. These figures are split into two separate coverages: Bodily Injury (BI) and Property Damage (PD).
BI covers injury or death to a pedestrian or person(s) in another car and may also cover your passengers' injury costs as long as they are not members of your household. Illinois law requires BI limits of at least $25,000 per person per accident and $50,000 total per accident.
PD covers damage to another person's car or property, such as fences, buildings, utility poles, signs, and trees. Illinois law requires PD liability limits of at least $20,000 per accident.
In addition to the minimum liability insurance requirements, Illinois drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times, such as their insurance card. Failure to provide proof of insurance if stopped by a law enforcement officer can result in a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and a license plate suspension of up to four months.
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Penalties for failing to carry proof of insurance
In Illinois, it is a requirement for all drivers to carry proof of insurance in the form of a physical or digital insurance card. Failure to do so can result in a range of penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time in certain cases.
The penalties for failing to carry proof of insurance in Illinois include:
Fines
If you are caught driving without proof of insurance in Illinois, you will likely be fined. The fine amount can vary depending on the specific circumstances and your driving record. For a first offence, the fine typically ranges from $500 to $1,000. If you are caught driving with suspended license plates due to a previous insurance violation, the fine can be up to $2,000. Repeat offenders may face higher fines, with a minimum fine of $1,000 for a third or subsequent conviction.
License Suspension
In addition to fines, your driver's license and vehicle registration may be suspended for a period of time. For a first offence, the suspension can be up to three months. If you are caught driving without insurance during this suspension period, you will face an additional six-month suspension. Repeat offenders may face longer suspension periods, and their driving privileges will be revoked until they pay the reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance.
Jail Time
While failing to carry proof of insurance is typically charged as a petty offence, it can lead to jail time in certain circumstances. If you cause bodily harm to another person in an accident while uninsured, it is charged as a Class A misdemeanour, which can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Additionally, if you provide false insurance information to a law officer, you may face a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $2,000.
Increased Insurance Premiums
If you are caught driving without insurance, insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver, leading to higher insurance premiums. Additionally, repeat offenders may be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate, which is a special type of insurance that reports to the state monthly. Failure to maintain the SR-22 insurance can result in further license suspension.
It is important to note that the penalties for failing to carry proof of insurance in Illinois can vary depending on the specific circumstances and your driving record. It is always best to consult with a legal professional for specific advice regarding your situation.
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Illinois' Electronic Liability Insurance Verification system
In Illinois, it is mandatory for all drivers to have car insurance. The minimum coverage required by Illinois law is $25,000 for the injury or death of one individual, $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one individual, and $20,000 for property damage. Illinois drivers must also carry proof of insurance, such as an insurance card, and present it when requested by a law enforcement officer. Failure to provide proof of insurance can result in penalties, including fines ranging from $500 to $2,500 and license plate suspension of up to four months.
To streamline the insurance verification process, Illinois introduced the Illinois Electronic Liability Insurance Verification system, also known as ILIVS. This system, initiated by the Illinois Secretary of State, aims to electronically verify each vehicle's liability policy at least twice a year through a third-party vendor. The vendor is electronically linked with all insurance companies offering vehicle liability insurance policies in Illinois.
The ILIVS program plays a crucial role in enforcing the Mandatory Insurance Law (625 ILCS 5/7-601) for vehicles registered in Illinois. If a vehicle cannot be verified as having the minimum liability insurance during the initial check, it will be re-checked after 30 days. If the second verification attempt also fails to confirm insurance coverage, the registered owner will receive a registration suspension letter. To reinstate the registration, the owner must obtain liability insurance and pay a $100 fee.
The Illinois Electronic Liability Insurance Verification system, ILIVS, is an essential tool for ensuring compliance with the state's mandatory auto insurance requirements. By electronically verifying insurance policies, ILIVS helps maintain proper coverage for all vehicles on Illinois roads, reducing the risk and financial burden associated with uninsured motorists.
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Insurance card formats
In the state of Illinois, drivers are required to have car insurance and carry proof of this insurance in case they are asked to present it by a law enforcement officer. While insurance cards can be printed, many car insurance companies now offer mobile phone applications that allow policyholders to show proof of insurance on their phones.
There are many different insurance card formats. Some are minimalistic, while others are more detailed and colourful. Some common features of insurance cards include:
- Personal information, such as the name of the insured person and the policy number.
- The insurance group number, also known as the group plan number, if the insurance is provided through an employer.
- Copays and coverage amounts, which refer to how much of the healthcare costs the insurance company will cover.
- In-network and out-of-network coverage percentages. In-network providers have a contractual agreement with the insurance company to provide lower-cost services and treatments.
- Prescription coverage information, which indicates how much the insurance provider will pay for prescription medications.
- Insurance provider contact information, which can be found on the back or bottom of the card.
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How to get your suspension lifted
In Illinois, drivers are required to carry proof of their auto insurance at all times. This is usually in the form of an insurance card kept in their vehicle or wallet, although some insurance companies now offer mobile phone applications as an alternative. If you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested by a law enforcement officer, you will face penalties.
If you are caught driving without insurance in Illinois, you will be fined between $500 and $1,000 and your license plates will be suspended for up to four months. If you are caught driving without proof of insurance but can provide proof that you are insured in court, you will be fined $100. If you cause bodily injury while driving without insurance, you may face a misdemeanor conviction, a year in jail, and a fine of $2,500.
If your license has been suspended, there are a few ways to get it reinstated. The specific process will depend on the reason for your suspension. Here are some general steps to follow to get your suspension lifted in Illinois:
- Review your driving record: Obtain your Illinois Secretary of State Court Purposes Driving Abstract to understand the status of your license, the reasons for the suspension, and the date you are eligible for reinstatement.
- Address the issues that caused the suspension: This could include paying any outstanding fines or fees, resolving traffic tickets, or completing any required education programs or treatments.
- Wait out the suspension period: In some cases, you may need to simply wait out the defined suspension period until you are eligible for reinstatement.
- Pay the reinstatement fee: Once your suspension period is over and you have addressed any underlying issues, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the Illinois Secretary of State to get your driving privileges back. The fee amount may vary depending on the nature of the offense and whether you are a first-time or repeat offender.
- Provide proof of insurance: Before your driving privileges can be reinstated, you will need to provide proof of financial responsibility, such as liability insurance.
- Complete any required testing: You may be required to pass a driver's license exam (written, vision, and driving) to get your license reinstated.
- Attend a hearing: In some cases, you may need to attend a hearing with a Secretary of State hearing officer to demonstrate that public safety will not be endangered if your driving privileges are restored.
It is important to note that the process for reinstating a suspended license can be complex and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your suspension. It is always best to consult with an experienced traffic lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure you take the necessary steps to get your suspension lifted.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois.
The minimum mandatory auto insurance requirements in Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.
You can prove you have car insurance by keeping a physical insurance card in your vehicle or by showing an electronic version on your phone.
If you are unable to provide evidence of insurance, you will likely receive a citation and a fine of $500. If you are caught driving without insurance for the first time, you will be responsible for a $100 fine if you can later prove that you had insurance.
