In Chicago, understanding stacked vs. unstacked car insurance can help you maximize your coverage. Stacked uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage lets you combine the coverage limits of multiple vehicles, giving you more protection if an uninsured driver hits you. Unstacked coverage applies each vehicle’s UM/UIM limit separately, which is standard for Illinois policies. Call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 to get expert advice on the best coverage option for your needs or a fast, free quote today.
1. What Is Stacked vs Unstacked Car Insurance?
Stacked vs. unstacked car insurance refers to uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and how its limits apply when you have multiple vehicles. Stacked coverage allows you to combine the UM/UIM coverage limits of more than one vehicle (or policy) for a single claim. In contrast, unstacked coverage (the standard default) keeps each vehicle’s coverage separate and limits your claim to the one vehicle’s policy limit.
For example, if you have two cars, each with $50,000 in UM bodily injury coverage, a stacked policy could provide up to $100,000 of protection if one car is in an accident with an uninsured driver. With unstacked coverage, you would only be able to use the single $50,000 limit of the car that was involved. Stacked coverage can offer greater financial protection after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, while unstacked coverage offers only the individual vehicle’s coverage amount.
2. Can Illinois Drivers Stack Their Car Insurance Coverage?
Illinois drivers should know that stacking uninsured motorist coverage is generally not allowed under state law. Illinois is an “anti-stacking” state, meaning auto insurance policies here typically include clauses preventing you from combining coverage limits across vehicles. If you have multiple cars on one policy in Illinois, you are usually limited to the single highest UM/UIM limit on any one vehicle when making a claim – you cannot add them together.
In practical terms, even if you own two cars, each with $25,000 in UM coverage, an accident involving an uninsured driver would only give you $25,000 of coverage (not $50,000) under an Illinois policy. The state enforces these anti-stacking rules, so Chicago drivers usually have unstacked coverage by default. To increase protection, you would need to raise the UM/UIM limits on each vehicle’s policy rather than relying on stacking.
3. What Are the Pros and Cons of Stacked vs Unstacked Coverage?
Comparing stacked and unstacked UM coverage shows clear trade-offs. Stacked coverage can significantly increase the protection you have in a serious accident (since you can draw on multiple vehicles’ insurance limits). However, it tends to come with higher premiums and is not available everywhere. Unstacked coverage is the default—usually cheaper and simpler—but it limits you to one vehicle’s worth of coverage, which may leave a gap if that limit is low. The table below highlights key differences:
| Factor | Stacked UM/UIM Coverage | Unstacked UM/UIM Coverage |
| Coverage Limits | Combines limits from multiple vehicles or policies for one larger total coverage. | Only uses the limit of the vehicle involved in the accident (no combining of limits). |
| Availability | Offered only if you have multiple cars/policies; not allowed in some states (including Illinois). | Included by default on all auto policies; this is the only option in states that prohibit stacking. |
| Premium Cost | Typically higher premium due to the increased potential payout. | Generally lower cost, since coverage per claim is capped at a single policy’s limit. |
| Protection Level | Higher protection against uninsured drivers – you can access more funds if one policy’s limit isn’t enough. | Standard protection – limited to your chosen per-vehicle limit, which might be insufficient in a severe accident. |
| Who It’s Best For | Drivers with multiple vehicles who want maximum UM/UIM coverage (and live in states where stacking is permitted). | Drivers with one vehicle, or anyone looking to minimize premiums, default choice in Illinois and other non-stacking states. |
4. Stacked or Unstacked? Tips for Choosing the Right Coverage in Illinois
Even if stacking isn’t available in Chicago, understanding the concept helps you make smart coverage choices. Choosing the right coverage comes down to a few key factors. Consider these points when evaluating your uninsured motorist coverage needs:
- Number of Vehicles: Stacked coverage only benefits you if you have multiple cars (or multiple auto policies). If you only own one vehicle, stacking isn’t applicable – your UM/UIM coverage will be unstacked by default.
- Illinois Law: Always check state rules. In Illinois, insurers generally do not allow stacking, so this decision might already be made for you. (If you move or have vehicles in another state, the rules could differ.)
- Uninsured Driver Risk: Think about the risk on Chicago roads. Roughly 15% of Illinois drivers (about 1 in 7) are uninsured. With heavy traffic in Chicago, there’s a higher chance of accidents – so having as much UM/UIM coverage as possible (stacked or not) is wise.
- Budget and Premiums: Know your financial comfort zone. Stacked coverage usually costs more in states where it’s offered. If you’re budget-conscious, you might opt for unstacked coverage and choose higher limits on that single policy instead. If the price difference for stacking is small and added protection matters to you, paying a bit extra could be worth it.
- Other Coverage: Consider what other insurance you have. For example, if you have good health insurance or personal injury protection, you might rely less on UM coverage for injury costs. If not, maximizing your UM/UIM limits (within what’s allowed) becomes more important to cover medical bills after a crash.
5. What If You Can’t Stack? Maximizing Your Coverage in Illinois
Since Illinois doesn’t allow stacking, the best strategy is to maximize the coverage on each policy. This means opting for higher uninsured/underinsured motorist limits on every car you insure. Many Chicago drivers choose to carry more than the state-minimum $25,000/$50,000 UM coverage – for example, increasing to $50,000/$100,000 or even higher – so that each vehicle has robust protection on its own. Higher limits ensure that even without stacking, you have enough coverage to handle serious injuries or losses if an uninsured driver causes a crash.
You should also review your other coverages to close any gaps. For instance, collision coverage will pay for damage to your car if an uninsured driver hits you (after your deductible), since UM coverage in Illinois primarily covers bodily injuries. Working with an experienced Chicago insurer like Insure on the Spot is a smart way to tailor each vehicle’s policy to your needs. We can help you determine appropriate UM/UIM limits and other coverages so you stay fully protected on Chicago’s roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Illinois allow stacked uninsured motorist coverage?
A: No – Illinois generally does not allow stacking of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. State law enforces anti-stacking, so each policy’s coverage stands alone. You can only claim up to the single-vehicle limit in an accident.
Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. The law also mandates at least $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage on every auto policy. These base limits are the legal minimum for Illinois drivers.
Q: How common are uninsured drivers in Illinois?
A: Approximately 14–15% of Illinois motorists (about one in seven) are driving without insurance. It’s a significant portion, meaning there’s a real chance any given accident in Chicago could involve an uninsured driver. This high risk is exactly why having uninsured motorist coverage is so important.
Q: If I only have one car, can I get stacked insurance?
A: No – stacking only works if you have multiple vehicles or policies to combine coverage limits. With just one car, your UM/UIM coverage is automatically unstacked (there’s nothing to stack). In this case, it’s best to focus on choosing an adequate single-vehicle coverage limit.
Q: Does stacked UM coverage cost more?
A: Yes – stacked uninsured motorist coverage usually costs a bit more. It offers higher payout potential (more protection), which is why insurers charge slightly higher rates for that added coverage. In states where stacking is available, many drivers find the extra cost is only a few dollars more per month for the added peace of mind.
Get a Quote Today!
Insure on the Spot is a Chicago-based auto insurance expert that understands local drivers’ needs. Whether you have questions about stacked vs unstacked coverage or just want the most affordable protection, our team is here to help. Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to see how easy saving on quality car insurance can be.