Your car has two unique qualities. First, it is probably one of the
most expensive things you own. Insurance protects your investments and
guarantees you a way of coping with the expense of accidents, vandalism
or theft, as well as securing your financial responsibility to the bank
or other institution lending the money to buy your vehicle.
Second, when you drive, you are operating a powerful machine, weighing
one ton or more and capable of moving at over 100 miles per hour. You
are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your fellow drivers,
other people's property, pedestrians and yourself. Insurance helps you
live up to that responsibility by ensuring your ability to cover the
costs of potential damages or injuries.
You are also required to be financially responsible by state laws,
which are best satisfied through your insurance coverage. In fact, insurance
is a prerequisite to registering your car in Illinois. So if you want
to drive your own vehicle, you must be insured.