Bloomington is the 12th most populated city in Illinois, with over 77,000 residents according to 2019 estimates. Most people in Bloomington drive to work alone, with an average commute time of 15.1 minutes. The area has a vibrant community with well-rated schools and a dense suburban environment that appeals to many families. On average, each home in Bloomington has two cars, making it easy for residents to enjoy the many amenities that the area has to offer. If you’re driving in Bloomington, it’s important to make sure your vehicle has the right insurance coverage. Even the safest drivers can’t control everyone on the road, so you need to make sure you’re safe and protected at all times.
Car Insurance Requirements in Bloomington, Illinois
Under state law, all drivers in Illinois must carry liability coverage that meets the state’s minimum amounts, which includes: $20,000 of coverage for damage to another person’s property. $25,000 of coverage for the death or injury of an individual in an accident. $50,000 of coverage for the death or injury of more than one individual in an accident. This liability coverage will help pay for damage, injury, and death as it affects the individuals in the other vehicle if you’re the one at fault. It’s important to note that the minimum coverage outlined here will not cover damage to yourself or your vehicle if you’re at fault in an accident. You will need to sign up for additional coverage to get this type of protection. Under Illinois state law, you must have your insurance card with you in your vehicle at all times. You must show this card to any law enforcement officer upon request. If you’re in an accident, you should share this information with the other driver.
How Does Illinois Enforce Car Insurance Laws?
Illinois uses an Electronic Insurance Verification system to ensure that all drivers have the appropriate car insurance coverage. This system automatically verifies active auto insurance for all licensed vehicles in the state. If a verification attempt fails, the system will flag that vehicle for a second attempt in 30 days. If the second attempt also fails, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a registration suspension letter. You must provide proof of insurance on the date of the initial verification attempt to keep your registration from being suspended. If your vehicle were uninsured at the time, the state would suspend your registration. In this case, you must obtain the required liability insurance and pay a $100 fee to reinstate your vehicle’s registration. If you’re a repeat offender, you must serve a four-month suspension before you can reinstate your vehicle registration. Drivers caught operating a vehicle with a suspended registration due to lack of insurance will face a minimum fine of $1,000. The court may choose to order supervision for any mandatory insurance violation. Individuals convicted of three driving violations without liability insurance will automatically receive court supervision. In this case, you will be required to file an SR22 certificate that verifies your insurance coverage for three years. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Law enforcement can also issue a traffic citation if you’re stopped by an officer and do not have proper evidence of your automobile insurance. There is a minimum fine of $500 for operating an uninsured vehicle.
Other Types of Car Insurance for Bloomington Drivers
You’re required to carry the minimum liability insurance mandated by the state of Illinois, but there are several other types of insurance that you may want to consider as well. Some options include: Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage: Comprehensive physical damage coverage will help pay for damage to your vehicle that’s not caused by an accident. There are many other hazards that you may face in Bloomington, such as hail, falling tree branches, or vandalism. Comprehensive coverage will help you pay for these types of repairs. Uninsured Motorists Coverage: Uninsured motorists coverage will help pay for damages if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. Though you also have the option of suing the other driver for damages, there’s no guarantee that you will win or that the individual will have the means to payout. Uninsured motorist’s coverage offers added protection for this type of situation. Additional Liability Coverage: If you’re at fault in an accident, you’re responsible for all associated costs, even if they exceed your insurance coverage. You could end up having to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. If you choose to carry additional liability coverage, there’s a greater chance that your insurance plan will cover all the expenses associated with the accident. Determining Fault in Illinois Car Accidents Illinois is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who’s considered at fault for the accident must pay for the damages. However, determining fault isn’t as simple as it may seem. A driver may be found only partially at fault, in which case the costs associated with the accident are allocated appropriately between the drivers. A driver can be found at fault in an accident if they violate the rules of the road or don’t exercise appropriate care while driving. You should contact the police immediately if you’re in a car accident, so they can file the appropriate reports to help determine fault. If damages exceed $500 or there are injuries of any kind in the accident, an accident report must be filed with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Whether you need to get car insurance for a new vehicle or you’re simply thinking about updating your coverage to a more affordable or comprehensive plan, we can help. Our team at American Auto Insurance will help you assess your needs and find coverage that’s compliant with all state laws and appropriate for your needs. Contact us today for a free auto insurance quote to see how much you can save with one of our plans. We have the Bloomington car insurance coverage that you need! If you drive in Aurora and want quality, affordable automobile insurance, get the best rates available by calling American Auto Insurance – 630-832-2400 and get a free quote today.
