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No, uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Illinois, as drivers can reject the coverage in writing. Still, insurance companies are required to offer at least $25,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $50,000 per accident).
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage pays for the medical bills of the policyholder and their passengers who were injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist. The per-person limit applies to each person injured, while the per-accident limit applies if multiple people in your car are injured. Drivers in Illinois can also use MedPay, but it is optional in Illinois, to cover medical expenses regardless of whether the at-fault driver was uninsured.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage pays to repair or replace the policyholder’s vehicle. Instead of UMPD, drivers in Illinois can use collision insurance, which covers vehicle repairs after an accident.
Additionally, drivers have the option to purchase $25,000 in underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $50,000 per accident). Underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for a car accident if the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough coverage.
Why You Should Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, uninsured motorist coverage provides protection. Normally, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays for any property damage or injuries they caused. But if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage, it can be time-consuming and difficult to sue them for funds to cover any bills. That’s where uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can help save drivers time and money.
Even though Illinois does not require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you should still consider buying it. In Illinois, an average of 12% of drivers on the road don’t have car insurance, which means there is a 1 in 7 chance that the other driver won’t have coverage if you get into an accident. Car accidents in Illinois can be very expensive, too.
Key Facts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois:
- Minimum Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and up to $50,000 per accident
- Minimum Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and up to $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Drivers on the Road: 12%
- Crashes per Year: 295,604
- Odds of a Crash with an Uninsured Driver: 1 in 7
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
People also ask
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage if I have collision and comprehensive?
Yes, you need uninsured motorist coverage, even if you have collision and comprehensive. Collision insurance will pay to repair your vehicle if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, but it won’t pay for any of your medical expenses, and comprehensive insurance won’t cover your costs at all after a collision. Comprehensive insurance only pays for repairs if your car is damaged by something other than a collision, such as vandalism or a natural disaster. And you would...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyWhat is the cost of uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage costs around $50-$75 annually for bodily injury and property damage coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) protects the policyholder by paying for injuries or damage resulting from a car accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.
Like any type of car insurance, uninsured motorist premiums vary based on the policyholder’s risk factors. How much coverage you purchase will also affect the cost of UM. Similarly, uninsured motorist premiums are...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyShould I reject uninsured motorist coverage?
You should not reject uninsured motorist coverage unless you have collision insurance and enough medical coverage in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in states such as California, Florida, and Texas. In 21 other states, including New York and Illinois, uninsured motorist coverage is required, so drivers cannot reject it.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a smart investment even if it’s not mandatory in your state....
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