Minimum Coverage Requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20 — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits unless you decline it in writing. SR-22 filing is typically required for DUI convictions, driving while suspended, at-fault accidents without insurance, and multiple violations within 12 months, with most requirements lasting 3 years from the offense date.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Illinois?
Post-SR22 drivers in Illinois typically pay $150–$280/mo for minimum liability immediately after their filing requirement ends, with rates influenced by the type of violation, time since the offense, and carrier. DUI offenses carry the highest surcharges (150–250% above base rates), while minor violations like driving without insurance may add 50–100%. Your rate drops in stages — expect 10–20% reductions at 6 months, 20–35% at 12 months, and near-normal rates at 36 months if you maintain a clean record.
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since SR-22 filing ended — rates drop 10–20% at 6 months, 20–35% at 12 months, and return to near-normal at 36 months with clean record
- Type of violation — DUI carries 150–250% surcharge, at-fault accident 50–100%, lapse 30–70%
- Carrier specialization — non-standard carriers like Acceptance, Titan, and Direct Auto often offer the lowest rates for the first 12 months post-SR22
- Policy renewal timing — your violation surcharge is recalculated at each renewal, so shopping 30–60 days before renewal captures your improved risk profile
- Geographic location — Chicago and East St. Louis drivers pay 30–50% more than downstate areas like Springfield or Champaign due to higher claim frequency
- Credit-based insurance score in Illinois — post-SR22 drivers with good credit may see 15–30% lower rates than those with poor credit, even with identical driving records
Your SR-22 period is ending — you can access standard rates again
Most drivers see significant savings when they transition off SR-22. Compare current rates now.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. Illinois minimums are 25/50/20, but post-SR22 drivers should consider 100/300/100 limits — the cost difference is typically $20–$40/mo and provides 4x the protection.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision, required by lenders. Post-SR22 drivers with full coverage pay $220–$380/mo immediately after filing ends, but rates drop 25–40% within 12–24 months with clean driving.
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate proving continuous coverage filed with the Illinois Secretary of State. The filing costs $15–$35, but the high-risk premium during the 3-year requirement averages $1,800–$3,360/year for minimum coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Illinois requires 25/50 UM unless you waive it in writing, but post-SR22 drivers should carry limits matching their liability coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes. Post-SR22 drivers can add comprehensive for $25–$50/mo with a $500–$1,000 deductible, and it typically carries no violation surcharge since it's not tied to at-fault behavior.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for high-risk drivers, including those with recent SR-22 filings, DUIs, lapses, or suspensions. Non-standard carriers often offer the lowest rates for the first 12 months post-SR22.
