Full Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Illinois 

Illinois drivers looking for cheap "full coverage" car insurance should know that there are a wide variety of policies available. While “full coverage” is not an actual auto insurance policy, it’s a commonly used phrase describing a combination of auto insurance coverages. It offers more than just the basics.  

“Full coverage” is a combination of: 

• The state required minimum liability coverage 
• Collision coverage, and 
• Comprehensive coverage 

The difference between having "full coverage" and just the state-required liability coverage is that with "full coverage", your policy will help pay for more of the costs in the case of a covered accident.  Let’s see a more detailed example below: 

For instance, if you get into a covered traffic accident and you are considered at fault, a "full coverage" policy will not only help pay for the other person’s car and property damages (up to the policy limits), but also for your own vehicle’s repair costs. It may also cover medical expenses, depending on the policy you choose. 

Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle) can help answer your questions about "full coverage" and provide quotes for Illinois residents. 

Let’s dive deeper into what makes up a "full coverage" policy. 

What does "full coverage" car insurance cover? 

“Full coverage” car insurance in Illinois is usually made up of these coverages: 

Liability insurance 

Liability insurance helps pay for the bodily injury or property damages you cause to another person when a covered accident happens. For example, if you rear-end someone and are found at-fault, your liability coverage will help pay for that person’s car repairs up to the policy limits that you have chosen. 

Liability coverage is required in Illinois. In this state, the required liability coverage is known as 25/50/20, which means you need an insurance policy that covers: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person 
• $50,000 total for injury or death to one or more people 
• $20,000 for damages to the other person’s property 

Keep in mind that these payments will take place if the accident is covered. It may also help cover medical costs, lost wages, and repairs or replacement of the other person’s car or property. 

Liability coverage won’t help pay for any damage you incur if you are the driver at fault. 

Comprehensive coverage 

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by collisions or traffic accidents. It may cover events such as: 

• Theft and vandalism 
• Falling trees 
• Natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, severe storms, etc. 
• Fires 

Comprehensive coverage is different from collision coverage.  

Collision coverage 

If you’re involved in a covered accident, collision coverage helps pay for the costs of fixing or replacing your car, regardless of who is at fault. 

The policy will cover the costs beyond your chosen deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance policy payments kicks in. 

Uninsured (UM)/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage 

The state of Illinois also requires uninsured motorist coverage. When a covered accident takes place and the other, at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for the costs of bodily injuries to you and your passengers. 

On the other hand, underinsured motorist coverage helps cover the costs of bodily injuries when another driver causes a covered accident and they don’t have enough insurance coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for the costs that go beyond that driver’s policy limit. 

Medical payments (MedPay) 

MedPay, or medical payments coverage, may cover medical or funeral expenses for you or your family if they are injured by another driver (up to your policy limit). 

If you would like to learn more about "full coverage" options customized to your needs, an Illinois Vehicle agent can help answer your questions. 

Benefits of "full coverage" car insurance in Illinois 

Drivers choose "full coverage" when they wish to deal with fewer financial losses in the case of a covered accident. Since "full coverage" may offset the costs for your own car repairs or replacement (in case of collision coverage), or bodily injuries, it can be a good option for drivers looking to have a bigger financial safety net. 

“Full coverage” goes beyond just accidents. It also may help pay for repairs your car needs after it’s vandalized, stolen, or damaged in a fire or extreme weather event, in the case of comprehensive coverage. 

For drivers concerned about costly accidents, especially those who drive new or expensive cars, or for drivers who live in an area with high accident rates or regular bad weather conditions, "full coverage" is a helpful option. 

Additionally, if you are financing or leasing your vehicle, most leasers or lending companies will require you to get "full coverage” in Illinois. 

Average cost of "full coverage" car insurance in Illinois 

As of the publishing of this page, the yearly average price of "full coverage" in Illinois is $1,153, just a bit lower than the national average of $1,358. However, how much you will pay depends on the following factors: 

• Your vehicle type: Expensive or luxury vehicles often cost more to insure. 
• Your driving history: An experienced driver with a clean driving record will often pay less than a driver with a less-than-perfect record. 
• Location: Drivers in cities or counties with more traffic and higher accident rates often pay higher premiums. Chicago, for example, ranks in the top five cities with high accident rates in Illinois. 
• Coverage limits: The limits are how much your policy may cover in case of a covered accident. Higher limits usually mean higher premiums, but also lower out-of-pocket costs in the case of covered accidents or events. 
• Insurance company: The cost will also depend on the carrier and policy you choose, as different insurance companies have different package prices. 

Finding "full coverage" car insurance in Illinois 

To find the best "full coverage" deal, you can research your options. Shop around and get insurance quotes from carriers in your city. Comparing the different prices can give you a more accurate view of the budget you’ll need. 

You can also try contacting insurance agents directly. Illinois Vehicle’s agents are ready to help interested drivers looking for quotes. We work with multiple carriers to help customers find affordable options. Additionally, we have Spanish Bilingual agents who can help you find a policy that fits your budget. 
 

Illinois laws on "full coverage" car insurance 

As you can see, the minimum insurance required in Illinois, liability insurance, may help cover costs to another person’s damages. Illinois law requires the following limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 total for injury or death to one or more people, and $20,000 for another person’s property damage. 

“Full coverage” is a good option for drivers looking to go beyond the minimum. It can help cover the costs of your own vehicle repairs or damaged property in the case of covered accidents.  

Additionally, "full coverage" often has higher limits. This means that for a covered accident, your insurance company may pay more of the costs before you have to pay anything. 

How to get lower-cost "full coverage" car insurance in Illinois 

As an Illinois resident, here’s how you can lower your insurance premiums: 

1. Maintain a clean driving record: Insurance companies often offer discounts for experienced drivers with good records. 
2. Choose a higher deductible: If you choose to pay more out of pocket when a covered accident occurs, your monthly premium cost will be less. However, check that you can afford this deductible, since you’ll have to pay it before the insurance coverage kicks in. 
3. Ask about available discounts: Insurance carriers may offer various discounts for bundling more than one vehicle under one policy, being a good student, switching providers, or paying your full premium up front. 

Illinois Vehicle works with various insurance carriers that offer different discount options. Call 630-581-4805, stop by your nearest store, or get a free auto insurance quote online today to see how much you could save on "full coverage" car insurance in Illinois. 
 
Disclaimer:​ 

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply.