In nearly every state, including Illinois, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance. Each state outlines the required insurance coverages for their drivers, but there's always the possibility that you will find yourself without proper coverage and get in an accident.

The easiest way to make sure you're insured against any type of accident is by working with an Illinois independent insurance agent to secure coverage. Agents understand the state requirements and additional policies that can protect you from an accident. If you're driving around Illinois without proper coverage, here's what it could cost you.

What Happens If You’re in a Car Accident without Insurance in Illinois?

While driving without insurance is risky all the time, the consequences of being in an accident and not having coverage varies depending on whether the accident was your fault or not.

Consequences of being in an at-fault accident in Illinois without insurance

If you cause an accident in Illinois and you do not have proper insurance, you will be responsible for all financial damage associated with the accident for yourself and any third parties involved. This includes:

• Vehicle repair and replacement costs
• Medical bills
• Legal and court fees if you're sued
• Property damage

All of this would have to be paid by you, out of pocket. If the police are notified and it is determined that you're driving illegally without proper insurance, you will also be responsible for any fines related to those charges.

Consequences of being in an accident in Illinois without insurance that isn't your fault

While it's slightly more ideal if you are not the person that causes the accident, getting in an accident without insurance can still result in challenges and consequences. This may include:

• Not being able to receive full compensation for the damage to your vehicle or personal injuries
• Financial penalties for not carrying proper insurance if the police are called to the scene of the accident

Consequences of Driving without Insurance in Illinois

The consequences of driving without insurance rarely outweigh the benefits of getting coverage. In Illinois if you're operating a vehicle without coverage it can result in the following:

• Suspended registration: If you don't have proper coverage, it's likely that the DMV will suspend the registration of your vehicle and even your license. For first-time offenders in Illinois, there's a $100 reinstatement fee and you must provide proof of insurance if your registration is suspended. Repeat offenders will have to pay the $100 reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, and serve a four-month suspension. 
• License suspension: If you're found guilty three or more times of driving without insurance,  you'll be responsible for proving financial responsibility for three years. If you can't prove financial responsibility, your license will be suspended. 
• Financial fines: There is a minimum $500 fine for driving without insurance in Illinois. This is for first-time offenders and increases with repeat offenses. There is also a minimum $1,000 fine if you're caught driving with a suspended registration because of no insurance.

What Are the Minimum Requirements for Car Insurance in Illinois?

In Illinois, all drivers are required to carry the state's minimum liability coverage on a vehicle. This includes:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
• Property damage liability: $20,000 for damage to property of another person
• Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

With the minimum required auto insurance policies in Illinois, you receive coverage for:

• If an accident you cause results in bodily injury to a third party in an accident
• If an accident you cause results in property damage to another person's vehicle or private property
• If you're sued by a third party for an accident or property damage you cause
• If you're in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured

Liability coverage will not cover any damage to your vehicle or personal injuries in an at-fault accident. There are additional auto insurance policies that can protect you in these situations.

What Else Does a Good Car Insurance Policy Cover?

Liability coverage is great if you cause an accident that results in injuries or property damage to someone else. But you also need protection for yourself and your own vehicle. A well-rounded insurance policy in Illinois includes the following coverages:

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft. 
• Medical payments coverage:  Pays for personal injuries to driver and passengers.

An Illinois independent insurance agent can help you determine which coverages are best for you and the limits you should be purchasing on all of your coverages.

What Is Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

In every accident, someone has to pay for the damage. If you're in an accident that is not your fault, you'll rely on the other driver's insurance to pay for any injuries you sustain and to repair or replace any damage to your vehicle. If that driver does not have proper insurance, you could be left having to pay for those injuries and damage yourself. 

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in these situations. In Illinois, 13.7% of drivers are uninsured, despite the required coverage laws. With uninsured motorist coverage, you'd have coverage to help pay for medical expenses and any damage involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. 

What Does It Mean to Be an At-Fault State vs. a No-Fault State?

Whether you live and operate a vehicle in an at-fault or no-fault state is important for insurance purposes and understanding your car insurance coverage. Illinois is an at-fault state. Here's what that means. 

• At-fault: The driver that causes the accident is responsible for any compensation related to the accident. In Illinois, this includes injuries and property damage, including damage to vehicles. Typically claims are filed against the at-fault driver's insurance. 

No-fault states work differently and impact who pays for what in the following way: 

• No-fault: In no-fault states, drivers are responsible for insuring themselves and filing a claim against their own insurance for any personal injuries related to an accident. Medical expenses are covered under a personal injury protection (PIP) policy, which is required in all no-fault states. Even though they're no-fault, these states still have fault when it comes to any other claims outside of personal injury. In a no-fault state, if you caused an accident that resulted in injuries to you and the other driver, each driver's PIP coverage would pay for their medical expenses. However, your property damage liability coverage would pay for any damage to the other driver's vehicle. 

How Can You Find Affordable Insurance in Illinois?

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to save on your insurance in Illinois. From working with an independent insurance agent to taking advantage of available discounts, you can save money on your car insurance premiums in the following ways:

• Having a clean driving record
• Shopping multiple insurance quotes with an independent insurance agent
• Working with your coverages and deductibles to have the right limits
• Taking advantage of available discounts such as loyalty discounts, multi-policy discounts, association discounts, and claims-free discounts
• Reviewing your policy annually with your agent

How Can an Illinois Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Auto insurance in Illinois is required by law, and being caught without insurance can result in fines and even jail time. With one quick chat with an Illinois independent insurance agent, you can make sure you're never left on the road without proper coverage. 

Agents will shop multiple companies and car insurance quotes to find you the best policies to fit your needs and your budget. They understand the local laws and can recommend additional coverages to protect you in specific events like a hit-and-run or at-fault collision. Work with a local agent today to get the coverage you need.