If my brief google search is correct, there are only two states in this fine land that do not require its residents to have car insurance. Would you like to take a guess as to whether Illinois is one of them? Nah, don’t waste your time. Number 1, below, spoils the surprise anyway. Here is what you should know about car insurance in Illinois:
If my brief google search is correct, there are only two states in this fine land that do not require its residents to have car insurance. Would you like to take a guess as to whether Illinois is one of them? Nah, don’t waste your time. Number 1, below, spoils the surprise anyway. Here is what you should know about car insurance in Illinois:
1. Yes, you have to have car insurance in Illinois.
1. Yes, you have to have car insurance in Illinois.
You are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle without car insurance in Illinois. The insurance policy must cover liability and be issued in amounts no less than the minimum amounts set for bodily injury or death and for destruction of property. See 625 ILCS 5/3-707.
You are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle without car insurance in Illinois. The insurance policy must cover liability and be issued in amounts no less than the minimum amounts set for bodily injury or death and for destruction of property. See 625 ILCS 5/3-707.
2. What happens if I get into an accident without car insurance in Illinois?
2. What happens if I get into an accident without car insurance in Illinois?
It is a Class A misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle without car insurance in Illinois if you cause personal injury to another person. The maximum penalty for a conviction is a $2,500 fine and up to 364 days in jail.
You get the picture. Don’t drive without car insurance in Illinois, and certainly don’t hurt anybody while doing it.
It is a Class A misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle without car insurance in Illinois if you cause personal injury to another person. The maximum penalty for a conviction is a $2,500 fine and up to 364 days in jail.
You get the picture. Don’t drive without car insurance in Illinois, and certainly don’t hurt anybody while doing it.
3. What happens if I do not have proof of car insurance with me?
3. What happens if I do not have proof of car insurance with me?
You are deemed to not have insurance if you fail to provide proof of insurance when a police officer requests it. The officer will give you a ticket for driving without car insurance in Illinois. However, the judge will dismiss your case if you had insurance at the time (just not on you) and you bring proof to court.
Congratulations.
You are deemed to not have insurance if you fail to provide proof of insurance when a police officer requests it. The officer will give you a ticket for driving without car insurance in Illinois. However, the judge will dismiss your case if you had insurance at the time (just not on you) and you bring proof to court.
Congratulations.
4. What if I get car insurance before my court date?
4. What if I get car insurance before my court date?
If you did not have car insurance when the police officer stopped you, but you have it now, it is deemed “late compliance.” You are eligible for court supervision if (1) it is your first offense and (2) you maintain insurance throughout the supervision period. Nonetheless, you will be given a $100 fine, plus court costs.
I know, pricey.
If you did not have car insurance when the police officer stopped you, but you have it now, it is deemed “late compliance.” You are eligible for court supervision if (1) it is your first offense and (2) you maintain insurance throughout the supervision period. Nonetheless, you will be given a $100 fine, plus court costs.
I know, pricey.
5. What happens if I am convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois?
5. What happens if I am convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois?
You are required to pay a fine in excess of $500, but not more than $1,000, if you are convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois. Yet, a third conviction (yes, meaning you have done this three times) results in a fine of $1,000.
Are you ready for the bad news? A conviction also results in your driver’s license being suspended for 3 months. Also, if your driver’s license was already suspended, it will be suspended for another 6 months. Dang.
You are required to pay a fine in excess of $500, but not more than $1,000, if you are convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois. Yet, a third conviction (yes, meaning you have done this three times) results in a fine of $1,000.
Are you ready for the bad news? A conviction also results in your driver’s license being suspended for 3 months. Also, if your driver’s license was already suspended, it will be suspended for another 6 months. Dang.
6. What can I do?
6. What can I do?
I hate being a Debbie-Downer, so I want to end this on a high note. Police officers often give tickets for driving without car insurance in Illinois because they are too impatient to wait for you to find it. Or, maybe you just forgot it at home. Either way, bring it to court and your case will be dismissed. You will be done. No big deal.
If you were convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois, the first thing you have to do is cut off the bleeding. GET INSURANCE. Make sure it doesn’t happen again. I recommend you speak with an attorney if you are in a deep whole.
Drive safely. Good luck!
I hate being a Debbie-Downer, so I want to end this on a high note. Police officers often give tickets for driving without car insurance in Illinois because they are too impatient to wait for you to find it. Or, maybe you just forgot it at home. Either way, bring it to court and your case will be dismissed. You will be done. No big deal.
If you were convicted of driving without car insurance in Illinois, the first thing you have to do is cut off the bleeding. GET INSURANCE. Make sure it doesn’t happen again. I recommend you speak with an attorney if you are in a deep whole.
Drive safely. Good luck!