Illinois to Raise Minimum Automobile Insurance Requirements

automobile insurance requirements

Illinois to Raise Minimum Automobile Insurance Requirements

May 31, 2013 by Jason M. Whiteside

For the first time in 24 years, Illinois will be raising the minimum liability insurance requirement for all drivers.  This legislation (SB 1898) passed through the General Assembly by overwhelming majority and is expected before Governor Quinn within the next few months.

This bill, sponsored by Senator Daniel Bliss (D. 9 th District) and Representative Laura Fine (D. 17 th District), will apply to all insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2015.  Specifically, this bill affects minimum liability coverage (insurance designed to cover injuries to others) and minimum property coverage.  First, it raises the mandatory minimum liability coverage for the injuries or death of one person from $20,000 to $25,000.  For the injuries or death of two people, the legislation raises the minimum coverage from $40,000 to $50,000.  Finally, this bill increases the mandatory minimum coverage for property damage from $15,000 to $20,000.

Supporters of this bill state that this change is a long-overdue response to insurance rate’s inability to match rising medical costs.  One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Fine, stated that this legislation is crucial to protect people who are injured through no fault of their own from high out-of-pocket medical expenses.  Others, however, are not convinced that this bill is an appropriate response.  Rep. Mike Bost (R. 115 th District), for example, stated that this bill will ultimately cost low-income families at least $75 more in insurance payments per year.  He worries that this legislation will force low-income divers to choose between driving without insurance and struggling to afford the increased costs.

The attorneys at Whiteside Goldberg, Ltd. are committed to protecting the rights of those who were injured or killed as the result of someone else’s negligence.  If you, or someone you know, were injured in an automobile accident, it is important that you obtain an attorney to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.   Contact the attorneys at Whiteside Goldberg, Ltd. for a free consultation at (312) 334-6875.

The content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute or establish an attorney-client relationship, nor constitute legal advice. If you wish to discuss any further aspect of the material contained herein, please contact an attorney at Whiteside Goldberg, Ltd.

automobile insurance requirements