Using Automatic Verification, Illinois Suspending Plates For Lack Of Insurance

Since July 1, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has caught thousands of uninsured drivers.

Nearly 7,000 letters were sent out to motorists who either did not have insurance or the Secretary of State’s office was unable to verify it, according to Spokesperson Henry Haupt. He said that’s the latest number as of last week.

The state has always been responsible for verifying insurance, but now that process is happening in the background and it affects everyone. Before the Electronic Automobile Insurance Verification rollout, it was done randomly.

About 300,000 car owners were selected to mail in proof of insurance each year, according to Haupt, a fraction of the state’s population of more than 12 million.

As of July 1, everyone’s insurance will now be checked twice a year. Haupt said this was put in place to hold all uninsured drivers accountable and to keep them off of the road.