Minimum requirements and optional coverage.
Every state has a state mandated minimum requirement for car insurance. This is the least amount of insurance you can purchase to cover your vehicle. In Illinois, it is required by law to have at least liability coverage on your vehicle. This means, for free insurance quotes, that in the event of an accident the other driver's expenses will be covered by your insurance. This is only when you are at-fault in the accident. Your insurance company will payout the damages to the vehicle and any medical expenses incurred up to a predetermined amount. The amount your insurance company pays out is set in your insurance policy. This amount is determined at the time you purchase the insurance policy. You could be liable to cover any medical expenses or damages if the amount exceeds the payout stated in your policy. Many states require a certain minimum amount for the liability insurance. Illinois, for example, requires a policy to have the following minimum amount of coverage: $20,000 injury or death of any single person in the accident, $40,000 injury or death for more than one person in the accident, and $15,000 damage of property of another person. This means if you are at-fault in an accident your insurance company will pay up to $15,000 in damages to the other drive. If the other driver happened to be driving a car worth more then $15,000, and it was totaled, then you are liable to pay the difference. Also, if the repair cost to the vehicle or property exceeds the $15,000 you are required to pay the difference.
Illinois is also a state that requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you in the event of an accident with someone who is uninsured or underinsured, meaning below the required minimum liability insurance. Free insurance quotes often adjust to your state’s required minimum insurance. These requirements are for all vehicles that display license plates and are driven. Including vans, cars, trucks, buses, and RVs. You do not need to purchase additional insurance for a trailer. If you are stopped by an officer and found not to have the minimum requirement, you will be fined $500 and have your license suspended until you can show that you have the appropriate coverage.
Many drivers also get comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage protects you in an accident. If you are in an accident, even one that is you fault, your comprehensive plan will pay for the damages to your vehicle and any medical costs up to the maximum stated in your policy. This is always a good idea to add to your policy. The few extra bucks a month could mean saving thousands if you are in an accident. If you are the victim, comprehensive coverage also covers the excess costs left after their insurance company has paid you the max. Many times your insurance company will cover your expenses until the other insurance company pays out. Agents who have been in the industry a long time suggest that you obtain a minimum of three quotes.
