Most states have
mandatory insurance laws to protect drivers from irresponsible drivers.
Depending on your state, you are in compliance with the mandatory
insurance law if you have vehicle liability insurance in the following
minimum amounts, as in Illinois:
* $20,000 - injury or death of one person in an accident
* $40,000 - injury or death of more than one person in an accident
* $15,000 - damage to property of another person
You
must always carry your insurance card in your vehicle and show it upon
request by any law enforcement officer. Your insurance company will
send you an insurance card, usually when your insurance policy is
issued or renewed.
Enforcement of the mandatory insurance law is
accomplished through a random questionnaire sampling process and the
issuance of traffic tickets. If the computer randomly selects your
vehicle, you will receive a questionnaire asking for the name of your
insurance company and policy number. Your answers will be verified with
the company you name. If you do not have insurance or fail to return
the questionnaire with the requested information, your license plates
will be suspended.
If you are stopped for a traffic violation or
involved in an accident, a law enforcement officer may issue a traffic
citation if you are unable to provide evidence of insurance. If
convicted, your license plates will be suspended and you will face the
following fines:
* minimum $500 fine for driving uninsured
* minimum $1,000 fine for driving a vehicle while the license plates are suspended for a previous insurance violation.