Illinois Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Illinois requires all drivers to carry liability insurance: minimum $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
Driving without insurance in Illinois can result in license suspension, fines up to $1,000, and vehicle impoundment. You must carry proof of insurance at all times.
Many insurers also offer uninsured motorist protection, which is recommended but not required.
Can Immigrants Get a License in Illinois?
Illinois does NOT allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver license or state ID card, even with an ITIN.
However, you can still get car insurance without a driver license if you have a valid passport, international driver permit, or state ID from another country. Some insurers will quote you.
To legally drive in Illinois, you must have a valid license. Check nearby states like Wisconsin or Missouri if you need license options.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in Illinois
Many major insurers (State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Progressive) accept ITIN numbers in place of SSN for car insurance quotes in Illinois. You do NOT need a driver license to request a quote.
Buying car insurance does NOT report you to ICE. Insurance companies are not immigration enforcement. Your information is protected under federal privacy law.
Bring a passport, international license, or state ID when getting quotes. Rates vary widely—shop with at least 3 insurers before choosing.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in Illinois
Always carry proof of insurance in your car. Illinois police will ask for it at traffic stops. Having insurance protects you legally even if your immigration status is questioned.
If pulled over, stay calm and provide insurance documents first. You have rights—you do not need to answer questions about immigration status without a lawyer present.
Keep the Illinois Secretary of State phone number (217-782-6900) and your insurance company contact info in your car. Many insurers have bilingual support lines.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $20,000 | Per injured person |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $40,000 | Total per accident |
| Property Damage | $15,000 | Per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist (BI) | $20,000/$40,000 | Required in Illinois |
| Uninsured Motorist (PD) | $15,000 | Required in Illinois |
| Medical Payments (PIP) | Not required | Optional coverage |
📋 Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Insurance companies accept ITIN as valid ID. Visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number to apply.
No. Illinois does not offer driver licenses to undocumented immigrants. You must have valid immigration status or a visa. Check https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/states-that-allow-unauthorized-immigrants-to-get-a-drivers-license for neighboring states that do.
Illinois requires: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage. These are state minimums. Your lender may require more.
Major companies like State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and Allstate accept ITIN. Specialty immigrant-friendly insurers also operate in Illinois. Get quotes from multiple companies for best rates.
Temporary yes, permanent no. Your foreign license works 1 year from arrival. After that, you need an Illinois license. Insurance companies accept valid foreign licenses during this period.
