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Illinois motorcycle insurance

Illinois may be home to America’s third-largest city, but the state’s nickname—the Prairie State—still applies, thanks to its vast farmlands, forests, hills, and wetlands. That means over the course of one ride, you can pass through open landscapes and rural small towns and still find yourself in the metropolis of Chicago by your trip’s end.

But to safely enjoy everything this state has to offer, you need motorcycle insurance. We’ll help ensure you’re prepared for your Illinois road trip.

What’s required of all motorcycle riders in Illinois?

According to the State of Illinois Operator’s Manual, you need to follow the same laws as other motorists. Additionally, there are several motorcycle-specific rules you need to be aware of.

You’re required to:

  • Carry minimum insurance coverage
  • Have a motorcycle endorsement from Illinois or another state
  • Use headlights during the day
  • Wear eye protection or have a windshield installed on your bike
  • Align your bike’s handgrips below the height of your head when seated
  • Ensure your bike has a passenger seat and footrest if you intend to carry passengers

You can customize your motorcycle, but keep the following in mind to ensure your bike remains street legal:

  • Mirrors: Required (at least one)
  • Headlights: Required—must always be active, though you can use a modulating daytime headlight
  • Mufflers: Required, and cannot be modified to amplify noise above the original muffler
  • Safety inspections: Optional
  • Noise levels: Per the Illinois Environmental Protection Regulations, Sec. 902-122: “Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 feet: 80– 82dBA at less than 35 mph; 86dBA at more than 35 mph.”

Does Illinois have a motorcycle helmet law?

Under Illinois law, you and your passengers aren’t required to wear helmets. However, you both need to protect your eyes with glasses, goggles, or transparent shields:

  • Glasses: Common eyepieces worn in front of the eyes, including glasses or sunglasses made of shatter-proof material.
  • Goggles: Eyewear that protects the eyes without getting in the way of peripheral vision. The goggles must cover the front and sides of your face, though they don’t need to form a complete seal with the face.
  • Transparent shields: Can be one of two types:
    • A shatter-proof windshield attached to the bike’s front that extends above your eyes when you’re in a standard, upright seating position
    • A face shield covering your eyes and face, typically as part of a helmet

Make sure your motorcycle is in ride-ready shape

What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in Illinois?

Here are the minimum insurance coverage limits for riders:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury (in the event that multiple people are hurt in the accident)
  • $20,000 for property damage

Check our motorcycle coverage recommendations before buying IL insurance coverage

Does Illinois have any optional motorcycle insurance coverage?

In addition to the coverage you already have, you can get various other forms of insurance in Illinois. At Dairyland®, we have plenty of options to help protect you and your bike:

  • Motorcycle collision coverage: If you have an on-road accident of almost any type, this insurance will help protect your bike.
  • Motorcycle comprehensive coverage: This covers damage by fire, wind, water, theft, and vandalism. Without comprehensive coverage, you could end up losing the value of your bike due to a non-motoring mishap.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage helps protect you if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Understand the cost factors that help determine your motorcycle insurance

Illinois motorcycle insurance discounts

At Dairyland, we offer the following discounts:

  • Home ownership discount
  • Multi-cycle discount
  • Loyalty discount
  • Rider group discount
  • Multi-line discount
  • HOG member discount
  • Winter discount
  • Full ownership discount

Be sure to ask about available discounts when you get your Dairyland quote.

Sites to see in Illinois

Elizabeth Scales Road, Elizabeth

Farmland, hills, and incredible views of the Mississippi River—this route has plenty to offer! You'll also ride along scenic Blackjack Road, famed for its many curves. Stop in the town of Galena to grab a bite to eat, refill your gas tank, or just take a breather.

Great River Road, Alton

If you enjoy a good view, this ride is for you. On one side of the road, you have the Mississippi River. On the other, you have farms, caves, bluffs, and wetlands. Ready for some twists and turns? Take advantage of this route’s many side roads. And if you go at the right time of year, you’ll spot plenty of exciting birds, including the occasional bald eagle. 

Shawnee National Forest, Carbondale

Within this national forest, you'll see waterfalls, bluffs, lakes, caves, and cypress swamps. The area, known as the Illinois Ozarks, also provides plenty of curves and hilly roads. Along the way, you'll also encounter several stunning landmarks, including the Garden of the Gods—a collection of rocks protruding out of the green grasses—and Cave-in-Rock, a riverside cave used by Native Americans for thousands of years.

Get an Illinois motorcycle insurance quote

With its scenic routes and picture-perfect landscapes, Illinois has what it takes to make for a great motorcycle ride. To make the most of your trip, be sure you're covered with an affordable motorcycle insurance policy. We’re here to help.

Get insured and ride on.

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