Yes – Illinois requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, and going without it can lead to fines, license plate suspension, and major financial risk. At a minimum, your policy must include:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $20,000 for property damage
- $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Beyond these legal minimums, carrying additional coverage can protect your bike from damage, cover your medical bills, and even pay for custom parts or theft. The good news? Basic motorcycle insurance in Illinois is surprisingly affordable, often starting around $15 to $25 per month.
If you ride in the Chicago area, Insure on the Spot can help you find the most affordable motorcycle insurance options fast. Call 773-202-5060 or get a quote online in just 2 minutes.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Motorcycle insurance policies in Illinois can be customized to fit your bike, budget, and needs. Here’s a breakdown of common coverages:
Required Coverage:
Liability Insurance:
Covers injury or property damage you cause to others. This is legally required to register and ride in Illinois.
Uninsured Motorist (UM):
Covers your injuries if an uninsured driver causes the crash. Required in Illinois.
Optional but Highly Recommended:
Collision:
Pays for repairs to your bike after a crash, regardless of who caused it.
Comprehensive:
Covers theft, fire, vandalism, or weather damage.
Medical Payments (MedPay):
Covers immediate medical expenses for you or a passenger, regardless of fault.
Custom Parts & Accessories:
Covers upgrades like saddlebags, fairings, chrome kits, or custom paint.
Roadside Assistance:
Helps with towing or mechanical issues if your bike breaks down.
Trip Interruption & Equipment Coverage:
Optional coverages for long-distance riders, breakdowns far from home, or total loss protection for new bikes.
What Affects the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois?
Motorcycle insurance premiums vary based on several key factors:
- Your Age & Experience: Younger and newer riders pay more.
- Driving Record: Tickets, accidents, or DUI can increase your rate.
- Type of Motorcycle: High-performance bikes cost more to insure.
- ZIP Code: City riders (especially in Chicago) pay more due to traffic, theft, and crash risk.
- Annual Mileage: Frequent riders may see slightly higher rates.
- Coverage Level: Liability-only is cheaper; full coverage (collision + comp) adds cost.
- Discounts & Bundles: Savings for multi-policy, safe driver, and safety course completion.
Average liability-only rates in Illinois start around $200–$300 per year, but full coverage can range from $500–$1,000+, depending on your bike and profile. To find your best rate, it’s essential to compare quotes. Insure on the Spot shops multiple companies to find the lowest premium for Illinois riders.
Ways to Save on Motorcycle Insurance
Here are proven ways to lower your premium:
- Bundle with Auto or Renters Insurance
- Take a Motorcycle Safety Course (MSF-certified)
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record
- Insure Multiple Bikes on One Policy
- Pay Your Policy in Full or Enroll in Autopay
- Ask About Equipment or Club Discounts
- Consider Higher Deductibles (if financially feasible)
- Store Your Bike Securely to Reduce Theft Risk
Insure on the Spot automatically applies all discounts you’re eligible for — helping you get the best rate upfront.
Common FAQ’s About Motorcycle Insurance in Illinois
Q: Is motorcycle insurance required in Illinois?
A: Yes. State law requires you to carry minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Riding without insurance can result in a $500 fine and registration suspension.
Q: What’s the cheapest insurance I can get?
A: Basic liability-only insurance can cost under $20/month in Illinois, especially for experienced riders on smaller bikes. Insure on the Spot can help you find a budget-friendly policy.
Q: Do scooters or mopeds need insurance?
A: If your moped or scooter is street-legal and requires a plate, yes. Most do. Insure on the Spot can help you determine what’s required based on your model and engine size.
Q: Can I cancel insurance in winter?
A: Illinois law requires insurance year-round if your motorcycle is registered. Instead of canceling, ask about lay-up policies or reducing coverage to comprehensive-only during off-season months.
Q: Can I get insurance with an SR-22?
A: Yes. If the state requires you to file an SR-22 (due to a DUI, suspended license, etc.), Insure on the Spot can help you get a compliant motorcycle policy with same-day filing.
Q: Am I covered if I ride with a passenger?
A: Yes. Illinois requires passenger liability to be included in your motorcycle policy. Consider adding medical payments coverage for added protection, especially in no-fault or single-bike crashes.
Q: What if I don’t have a motorcycle license yet?
A: You may still be able to insure the bike by listing a licensed rider on the policy. Insure on the Spot can help you explore options even without a license.
Get a Fast, Free Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today
Insure on the Spot makes it easy to compare motorcycle insurance rates across multiple companies — no credit check required. Whether you’re riding daily in Chicago traffic or just cruising on weekends, we’ll help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.Call 773-202-5060 now or get a free quote online in just 2 minutes. You’ll get instant proof of insurance, access to SR-22 filings if needed, and support from local agents who understand Illinois riders. Ride safe, ride smart — and ride insured with Insure on the Spot.