New Illinois Law to Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists

 Posted on June 09, 2021 in Car Accidents

It is a fact of life that no matter how safe a driver you are, your chances of being involved in a car accident are high. Insurance statistics show that the average driver will file an auto accident claim approximately every 18 years. Most people get their driver’s license in their late teens, so it is estimated that the majority of drivers will be involved in three to four accidents in their driving lifetime.

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

When a person is injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the victim usually files a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In Illinois, every vehicle owner is required to purchase automobile liability insurance. The minimum requirement is:

• $25,000 for injury or death for one victim

• $50,00 for injury or death for more than one victim

• $20,000 for damage to another individual’s property

Unfortunately, there are some vehicle owners who fail to purchase car insurance, or they let the policy lapse. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of Illinois vehicle owners are uninsured drivers, despite a potential $1,000 fine if caught driving without insurance. However, a new Illinois law will make it more difficult for drivers to avoid paying those insurance premiums.

Beginning July 1, 2021, the Secretary of State’s Office will begin verifying that all registered vehicles are covered by the minimum insurance requirement, using the new Illinois Insurance Verification System (ILIVS). The system will electronically verify a vehicle’s insurance coverage at random intervals, at least bi-annually. The majority of vehicle owners will not have to do anything since their coverage will automatically be verified in the system.

The 10 percent of vehicle owners who fail to carry vehicle insurance will have the issue. If the ILIVS cannot verify insurance coverage, the owner will receive a written request to prove they have insurance. This verification will require the owner to contact the insurance company, and it is the insurance company that will provide confirmation of insurance coverage. If the state receives no insurance verification, the vehicle’s registration will be suspended.

Uninsured Motorists

Even with the new law, there is still a chance you could be injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. Illinois also requires vehicle owners to carry uninsured motorists coverage, so you could file a claim with your own insurance company for financial compensation to cover the losses caused by your injuries. While you may think it would be easier to get the full compensation you deserve from your own insurance company, the reality is that insurance companies hate paying out funds to anyone, even their own customers, and will still do all they can to minimize their settlement amounts. This is why it is important to have an attorney advocating for you no matter whose insurance company you are dealing with.

Let a Hyde Park Personal Injury Lawyer Help

If you have been injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, contact Kadzai Law Group, LLC to speak with one of our skilled Chicago car accident attorneys. Call 312-229-0050 today to schedule a free consultation and find out what legal options you may have. 

Sources:

https://www.insurancepanda.com/faq/how-often-do-the-safest-drivers-have-accidents/

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/vsd361.pdf

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists

https://wgem.com/2021/06/08/illinois-launching-online-car-insurance-verification-program/