Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

At our Chicago-based law firm, we understand what it means to ride in the Prairie State. From backroads in Southern Illinois to the city grid of Chicago, every ride comes with its share of risks. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate Illinois motorcycle insurance requirements. If you’re involved in an accident, we stand with you and believe in your right to fair treatment and recovery.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements for Illinois Residents?

If you own a motorcycle in Illinois, state law requires that you carry motorcycle insurance to legally ride on public roads. These requirements are laid out in 625 ILCS 5/7-203 and include the following minimum liability insurance limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident when multiple people are involved
• $20,000 for property damage liability

What Does Standard Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Include?

Your motorcycle insurance coverage should offer more than just legal compliance. It should help protect you, your bike, and your financial stability. At a minimum, your policy will include:

• Bodily injury liability to cover others’ medical expenses if you’re at fault for the motorcycle crash
• Property damage liability to cover damage to another vehicle, building, or structure
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (unless waived in writing, per 215 ILCS 5/143a)

Should You Consider Additional Collision Coverage Beyond the State Minimums?

Absolutely. While Illinois doesn’t mandate it, we encourage riders to explore additional options like:

• Medical payments coverage: This helps cover your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your own motorcycle, even if you’re at fault.
• Replacement cost coverage: Ensures you’re reimbursed for the full value of your bike if it’s totaled, not just its depreciated value.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance Policy

Start by comparing multiple motorcycle insurance quote options. Be sure to ask questions about:

• What’s covered and what’s excluded
• Property damage coverage limits
• How bodily injury coverage applies to passengers
• What happens in a hit-and-run or an accident involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist

Each motorcycle rider has different needs. What works for a weekend warrior might not work for a daily commuter. The best approach is to tailor your insurance policy to your lifestyle and level of risk.

How Do Different Motorcycle Types Affect Insurance Needs?

Different bikes bring different risks. Dirt bikes, sport bikes, and cruisers each come with unique considerations when choosing motorcycle insurance. For instance, sport bikes may lead to higher premiums due to increased speeds and accident rates.

Why Are Higher Limits Important for Illinois Riders?

Higher limits on your motorcycle insurance are often worth the slightly higher premium. Medical bills, lost income, and bike repairs can quickly exceed what basic liability coverage will handle.

Our firm routinely helps Illinois motorcycle riders who thought they had enough coverage, only to find out after an accident that they didn’t. The more insurance coverage you have upfront, the less you’ll have to worry about when the unexpected happens.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois

If you’ve been in a crash, your first step is to seek medical care. But what happens when insurance companies delay, deny, or lowball your claim? That’s where we step in. Whether you’re struggling with property damage, bodily injury, or navigating a claim with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, we’re here to support you.

At our Chicago-based motorcycle accident law firm, we’ve helped countless riders across Illinois stand up for their rights and access the support they deserve. When your motorcycle insurance doesn’t go far enough, we can help fill the gap.

Let Us Help You Navigate Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois

Navigating Illinois motorcycle insurance can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re reviewing your current insurance coverage, recovering from an accident, or trying to make sense of a confusing insurance policy, we’re here to help.

Beyond filing claims, our motor vehicle accident attorneys listen, advise, and act when it matters most. If you need answers, we’re only a call away. Contact us for a free consultation today!