In order to register and ride a motorcycle in Illinois, you must have an active motorcycle insurance policy with at least the minimum liability coverage.
PHOTO Courtesy| Freepik
When registering your motorcycle, you will be required to provide proof of insurance, maintain coverage for the entire registration period, and carry proof of insurance while riding.
If you financed your motorcycle, your lender will typically mandate both the state’s minimum liability coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Illinois
The Illinois Compiled Statutes mandate a minimum motorcycle insurance policy with the following limits:
– $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person
– $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons
– $20,000 for damage or destruction of property.
It’s important to note that these minimum coverage limits may not provide comprehensive protection for you, your passenger, and your motorcycle.
In the event that your policy doesn’t cover all accident-related costs, you will be accountable for additional expenses, which could potentially deplete your life savings.
Is there a Motorcycle Helmet Law in Illinois
Under Illinois law, wearing helmets is not mandatory for both you and your passengers.
However, you must ensure eye protection using glasses, goggles, or transparent shields, which are defined as follows:
- – Glasses: Eyepieces worn in front of the eyes, such as glasses or sunglasses made of shatter-proof material.
- – Goggles: Eyewear that safeguards the eyes without obstructing peripheral vision. Goggles must cover the front and sides of your face, although they are not required to form a complete seal.
- – Transparent shields: This can take one of two forms:
1. A shatter-proof windshield attached to the bike’s front, extending above your eyes when in a standard, upright seating position.
2. A face shield that covers your eyes and face, typically integrated as part of a helmet.
What Motorcycle Riders in Illinois Need to Comply with
The State of Illinois Operator’s Manual states that you must adhere to the same laws as other motorists and be aware of specific motorcycle regulations. You must:
– Maintain minimum insurance coverage
– Possess a motorcycle endorsement from Illinois or another state
– Use headlights during the day
– Wear eye protection or have a windshield on your bike
– Position your bike’s handgrips below the height of your head when seated
– Ensure your bike has a passenger seat and footrest if carrying passengers.
Types of Motorcycle Coverage
Illinois mandates higher basic liability amounts compared to many states, yet they might not offer sufficient coverage.
It is advisable to carry additional coverage.
If your motorcycle has a lien, the lender will necessitate full coverage as part of the loan conditions.
Even if your bike is fully paid off, it’s recommended to consider extra coverage. Some types of policies to think about include:
1. Motorcycle Collision Coverage:
This coverage safeguards your bike in on-road accidents under almost all circumstances, excluding damage caused by “acts of God” and criminal activities, which are covered by comprehensive coverage.
2. Motorcycle Comprehensive Coverage:
This protection includes incidents like fire, wind, water, theft, and vandalism.
Without this coverage, you might face the risk of losing the entire value of your bike in non-motoring mishaps.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
With 13.3 percent of drivers in Illinois lacking any form of car or motorcycle insurance, an uninsured motorist policy is crucial.
Additionally, there’s the concern of drivers who are under-insured.
This policy protects you in both scenarios.
Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois
Several factors contribute to the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Illinois. These factors can be categorized into the following main areas:
1. Your demographics and riding experience.
2. The type of motorcycle you own.
3. The type of coverage you require.
In Illinois, a full coverage policy has an average annual cost of around $740.
For a minimum liability coverage policy, the starting range is typically between $75 to $240 per year or approximately $7 to $20 per month.
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