Illinois Car Insurance FAQ
What is GAP insurance?
GAP insurance is insurance that makes up the difference between what you owe on your car and what you would be paid by your insurance provider in case of a total loss accident. This type of insurance is usually only necessary on new or almost new vehicles as cars quickly depreciate once you drive them off the lot.
What does it mean that Illinois follows the Tort System?
In the state of Illinois someone MUST be found to be at fault for causing an accident. This is done so that one person, or that person's car insurance provider, can be held responsible for ALL damages in an accident. There is no 50-50 split of liability of damages and there is no such thing as a no fault accident in the state of Illinois.
What is meant by 20/40/15?
These are the minimum limits of liability required by Illinois law. These limits are $20,000 coverage for bodily injury liability per injured person per accident, up to $40,000 total bodily injury liability per accident, and property damage liability up to $15,000.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a Financial Responsibility Certificate that ensures that problem drivers in the state of Illinois have auto insurance. It must be filed by your insurance company directly to the Illinois Secretary of State and the insurance carrier must be licensed by the state of Illinois to write SR-22 insurance policies. If you are deemed a problem driver, and you do not have an SR-22 on file, your driver's licensed will be suspended by the state.
What are some factors that affect my car insurance rate?
When an insurance company determines you car insurance rate they will factor in your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, your credit history and your age.
What is Personal Injury Protection?
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a coverage option that will protect you against reasonable and necessary medical expenses in case of injury.