What Is PLPD Insurance and What Does It Cover?

PLPD stands for Personal Liability and Property Damage insurance—a basic, liability-only auto insurance policy that meets Illinois’ legal minimum requirements. It covers injuries and damage you cause to others in an accident but does not pay for repairs to your own vehicle. PLPD is often the cheapest option for legal driving in Illinois, but it comes with limitations. 

For help finding affordable liability coverage, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.

What Does PLPD Stand For?

In Illinois, PLPD refers to a liability-only auto insurance policy made up of two key coverages:

• Personal (Bodily Injury) Liability
  
• Property Damage Liability
  

This type of policy satisfies the Illinois state minimum insurance requirements. PLPD is often used by drivers of older vehicles or those who want to keep insurance costs as low as possible.

What Does PLPD Insurance Cover in Illinois?

PLPD covers other people’s losses when you are at fault in an accident. It includes:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
  Pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of people injured in a crash you cause.
  Illinois minimum: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  
• Property Damage Liability (PD)
  Pays to repair or replace another person’s property that you damage—most often, their vehicle.
  Illinois minimum: $20,000 per accident
  

This is all you need to legally drive in Illinois—but it doesn’t cover your car, your injuries, or damage from theft or weather.

What’s Not Covered by PLPD in Illinois?

PLPD does not cover:

• Damage to your own car (requires collision coverage)
  
• Theft, vandalism, fire, or storm damage (requires comprehensive coverage)
  
• Your medical bills (requires MedPay or health insurance)
  
• Damage from uninsured drivers (requires uninsured motorist property damage, which isn’t required in Illinois but is available)
  
• Rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance
  

PLPD vs. Full Coverage in Illinois

PLPD is ideal for meeting legal minimums.
Full coverage offers broader protection—especially for newer or financed cars.

When Is PLPD a Good Choice in Illinois?

PLPD may be right for you if:

• Your car is older or low value
  
• You’ve paid off your vehicle
  
• You need budget-friendly coverage
  
• You can afford to pay for your own repairs if needed
  
• You mostly drive short distances or in low-traffic areas
  

PLPD is not ideal if you:

• Drive a newer or valuable vehicle
  
• Want financial protection after a collision
  
• Can’t afford to replace your car out of pocket
  
• Live in a high-risk driving area
  

Illinois Minimum Coverage Requirements

Illinois law requires drivers to carry the following liability limits at a minimum:

• $25,000 for injury or death to one person
  
• $50,000 for injury or death per accident
  
• $20,000 for property damage
  
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
  

Note: Illinois does not require uninsured motorist property damage or comprehensive/collision insurance—but adding them can provide vital protection.

When Should You Drop Full Coverage and Switch to PLPD?

Consider switching to PLPD if:

• Your car is worth less than $3,000–$5,000
  
• You’ve fully paid off your vehicle
  
• Your full coverage premium is more than 10% of your car’s value annually
  
• You’re comfortable covering repairs or a total loss yourself
  

Always weigh the risk before removing full coverage.

What Happens If You Get in an Accident With PLPD?

If You’re At Fault:

• Your PLPD policy covers the other driver’s injuries and damage
  
• You’re responsible for your own car’s repairs
  
• You’ll need MedPay or health insurance for your medical bills
  

If You’re Not At Fault:

• The at-fault driver’s liability insurance should pay for your damages
  
• If they’re uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage (if added) may cover your injuries—but not your car
  

In a Hit-and-Run:

• You’d only be protected for injuries, not vehicle damage, unless you carry additional coverage
  

Frequently Asked Questions About PLPD Insurance in Illinois

Q: What does PLPD insurance mean in Illinois?
A: It stands for Personal Liability and Property Damage insurance. It’s a basic liability-only policy that covers damage and injuries you cause to others.

Q: Does PLPD cover my car if I’m at fault?
A: No. PLPD does not pay for your vehicle’s repairs. You’d need collision or comprehensive coverage for that.

Q: Is PLPD cheaper than full coverage?
A: Yes. PLPD is typically the lowest-cost option and meets the legal minimum required in Illinois.

Q: Is PLPD the same as liability insurance?
A: Yes. In Illinois, PLPD and liability insurance refer to the same basic type of coverage.

Q: Can I buy uninsured motorist property damage with PLPD?
A: Yes, it’s optional in Illinois and can be added to help protect your vehicle if hit by an uninsured driver.

Q: When should I remove full coverage?
A: Consider dropping full coverage once your car’s value is low enough that repairs or replacement wouldn’t justify the added premium.

Need Help Choosing Between PLPD and Full Coverage?

If you’re not sure whether PLPD is right for your situation, Insure on the Spot can help. We’ve helped Illinois drivers find the right balance between cost and coverage for over 30 years. Call 773-202-5060 for a free quote or to speak with an insurance expert today.