Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for moving violations, uninsured accidents causing injury or significant property damage, or multiple violations within 12 months must file SR-22 with the Illinois Secretary of State. Uninsured motorist coverage is required unless rejected in writing, which matters for high-risk drivers facing above-average accident rates from other uninsured operators.
Cost Overview
High-risk insurance premiums in Illinois vary significantly based on violation type, location, age, and vehicle. DUI convictions typically increase rates 80–150% above standard premiums, while at-fault accidents raise rates 40–70% and multiple violations can double or triple costs. Chicago-area drivers face the highest premiums due to population density, theft rates, and accident frequency, while downstate rates typically run 20–35% lower for comparable profiles.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions carry 80–150% surcharges, at-fault accidents 40–70%, multiple violations 50–120%
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$35 filing fee plus eligibility restrictions that push drivers to non-standard carriers charging 25–60% more
- Location: Chicago premiums run 30–50% higher than downstate areas like Springfield or Peoria due to theft, density, and accident rates
- Time since violation: rates typically decrease 10–20% annually after 3 years clean driving, with full standard eligibility at 5 years for most violations
- Age and experience: drivers under 25 with violations face compounded surcharges of 100–200% above standard adult rates
- Vehicle type: high-theft models and sports cars face comprehensive premiums 40–80% above sedans and economy vehicles
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Illinois
Coverage Options
Find Your City in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State - SR-22 Insurance Requirements
- Illinois Department of Insurance - Minimum Coverage Standards
- Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5/7 - Financial Responsibility