Illinois Car Insurance Verification

Illinois Car Insurance Verification Online

In 2020, the Secretary of State for Illinois began a program for electronic liability insurance verification for individual drivers. However, Illinois is ramping up its efforts to get compliance by Illinois drivers with the introduction of a new program that started on July 1, 2021.

Illinois drivers continue to verify proof of insurance electronically, however, the new program also requires Insurance Companies who write auto insurance in Illinois to work with the Secretary of State’s office to confirm electronically that drivers and owners do in fact have automobile insurance.

The program follows a set of national standards that have been established by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration and was implemented with the goal of dramatically reducing uninsured Illinois motorists. Motor vehicles that are affected by this car insurance verification policy include cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and buses. 

Illinois Insurance Verification System

With the new Illinois Insurance Verification System (“ILIVS”), vehicle owners are required to electronically verify insurance coverage at least twice a year at random intervals. If a vehicle owner fails to electronically verify insurance coverage, the Secretary of State’s office will send a written request to the owner giving them the opportunity to provide proof of insurance coverage prior to suspending their vehicle registration.

Upon receipt of a letter, a vehicle owner must contact their insurance company or their insurance agent and provide them with a specific reference number from the Secretary of State. The insurance company or insurance agent is then responsible for confirming insurance coverage through the ILIVS system that the vehicle owner does in fact have automobile insurance. Vehicle owners who fail to prove insurance will have their license plate suspended and face a $100 reinstatement fee.

While the new ILIVS will certainly help in reducing the number of uninsured motorists in Illinois, it will not eliminate it together. Some Illinois drivers will always take a chance, and allow their insurance coverage to expire or lapse.

The Uninsured Motorist Coverage, or “UM Coverage” section of your automobile insurance policy can be tricky to read and understand on your own. Insurance Companies more often than not include conditions and “hoops” for you to jump through in order to even make a claim for injuries and property damage through your UM Coverage. Simply carrying the proverbial “full coverage” does not always mean that you are “fully” covered in the event that you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. This may leave you wondering, "what happens after an accident with an uninsured driver?" If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver, and you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will be responsible for reimbursing you for your expenses, such as medical bills and vehicle repairs. It's important to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to determine what to expect and what your next steps are.

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