Secretary of State begins electronic auto insurance verification program

Secretary of State Jesse White issued a reminder electronic verification for car insurance started and vehicle owners who can’t prove they have insurance will face a license plate suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee.

Enforcement started July 1 and the vast majority of vehicle owners will not have to do anything as insurance companies are working with the Secretary of State’s office to confirm motorists’ are insured.

“My office has led the effort to establish and implement an automobile insurance verification system online that uses innovations in technology to help reduce the number of Illinois motorists driving while uninsured,” White said in a Friday news release. “The message is simple: if you don’t have auto insurance, get covered now. It is the law.”

The program is expected to reduce the number of uninsured drivers. Insurance will be verified electronically twice per year under the new regulation.

Vehicle owners who receive a letter should contact their insurance company or agent instead of a driver services facility to ensure their insurance company is verifying their insurance.