Illinois Isn’t Playing Games, Will Randomly Verify Vehicle Insurance Starting Next Month
If you are an uninsured driver you had better get it together, like today. Illinois' Secretary of State is launching a new program that will check for proof of insurance without drivers even knowing it.
It's no secret there are uninsured drivers on Illinois streets, highways, and interstates. Whatever the reason for not having insurance, it is unacceptable. Those drivers are already at risk for fines but it's about to get a lot more stressful for those drivers beginning July 1, 2021.
The new program called Illinois Insurance Verification System, or ILIVS, will allow the Secretary of State's office to randomly verify valid insurance for Illinois vehicle owners. There's nothing you will need to do unless you're uninsured because it's all happening out of sight and out of mind.
This program follows national standards established by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration and is expected to reduce the number of Illinois motorists driving while uninsured. (WREX)
As you can imagine, and as always, uninsured drivers will face fines and suspensions if their vehicle pops up as uninsured. However, should your vehicle be "flagged" and you actually do have current auto insurance, you will be able to prove you're in the clear. The actual proof will need to come from your insurance company though. In this instance, you will receive a letter you will need to be taken to your insurance provider. You are advised NOT to take this issue to the DMV.
The insurance agent’s responsibility is to confirm electronically with the Secretary of State – through www.ILIVS.com – that the vehicle owner does in fact have automobile insurance on the verification date stated in the letter. (WREX)
If you are unable to prove your vehicle is properly insured, you will face a license plate suspension along with a $100 reinstatement fee.
[h/t WREX]