Illinois SOS Form VSD 941 Tow Truck Insurance Affirmation

Illinois SOS Form VSD 941 Tow Truck Insurance Affirmation – Operators of tow trucks for hire in Illinois must comply with strict insurance rules under state law. The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) requires proof that vehicles meet minimum liability coverage before issuing or renewing “tow truck” registration plates. Form VSD 941, titled Tow Truck for Hire Insurance Affirmation, allows title holders or authorized signers to formally affirm that their designated tow trucks meet these requirements under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

This guide explains what Form VSD 941 is, who needs it, the exact insurance minimums, how to complete it, and how it fits into the overall tow truck registration process. Information is drawn from official Illinois SOS publications and the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

What Is Illinois Form VSD 941?

Form VSD 941 is an official affirmation issued by the Office of the Secretary of State. On this form, the certificate of title holder (or an individual with signing authority for the titled entity) declares that specific vehicle(s) identified by VIN are designated as tow trucks under Chapter 18A of the Illinois Vehicle Code and that they carry the minimum liability insurance required by law (625 ILCS 5/12-606).

The affirmation is valid for the full one-year registration period. However, if the Secretary of State has reason to believe a vehicle is uninsured or underinsured, the office may demand a Certificate of Insurance (or equivalent). Failure to produce it within two calendar days can result in revocation of the vehicle’s registration until compliance is confirmed.

You can download the official fillable PDF here: Illinois SOS Form VSD 941 – Tow Truck for Hire Insurance Affirmation.

Who Must File Form VSD 941?

Any person or business that registers a tow truck or wrecker for hire in Illinois generally needs to satisfy insurance proof requirements. Form VSD 941 is used specifically as an affirmation of compliance with the minimum liability coverages. It is commonly submitted in connection with tow truck registration (see related Form VSD 404).

Typical users include:

  • Independent tow truck operators and small fleets
  • Companies operating wreckers, boom-type, or rollback/carrier-type tow trucks
  • Title holders or authorized representatives listed on the certificate of title

Government-owned tow trucks are generally exempt from certain display and insurance filing rules under 625 ILCS 5/12-606.

Illinois Tow Truck Insurance Requirements Under 625 ILCS 5/12-606

Illinois law sets clear minimums for tow truck operators. According to 625 ILCS 5/12-606, every tow truck operator must maintain (or file proof of) the following:

  • Automobile (truck) liability insurance — at least $500,000 combined single limit
  • Garagekeepers liability insurance — at least $500,000 combined single limit
  • On-hook coverage (or garagekeepers coverage for damage to towed vehicles) — at least $25,000
  • Garagekeepers legal liability for stored vehicles — at least $25,000
  • Workers’ compensation insurance meeting the minimum requirements of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

On Form VSD 941 itself, the affirmant checks one of two options:

  1. Automobile Liability — $500,000 combined single limit AND Garage Liability — $500,000 combined single limit, or
  2. The policy meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of 625 ILCS 5/12-606 or Public Act 89-433.

The accompanying Certificate of Insurance must also show:

  • Each vehicle covered by the policy
  • Insured name and address matching the vehicle registration
  • “Secretary of State” listed as certificate holder
  • Policy number
  • Expiration on December 31 of the current registration year or continuous coverage language

A Certificate of Liability Insurance is generally required for each vehicle. Wreckers or boom-type trucks may register based on empty weight of the fully equipped unit; rollback or carrier-type trucks register for gross weight.

Related Form: VSD 404 Tow Truck Registration

Form VSD 941 works in tandem with Form VSD 404 – Tow Truck Registration. VSD 404 outlines the full insurance documentation needed at registration or renewal and notes limited situations where an affirmation may be accepted instead of certain coverages:

  • Small towing companies without repair or storage facilities may not need the $25,000 garagekeepers legal liability
  • Sole proprietors with no employees may not need workers’ compensation coverage
  • Companies that only tow their own vehicles may not need on-hook coverage

Always confirm current requirements directly with the Illinois Secretary of State, as forms and instructions are updated periodically.

How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 941?

  1. Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
  2. Enter the name of the certificate of title holder or authorized signer and the entity name if applicable.
  3. List the VIN(s) of the vehicle(s) designated as tow trucks.
  4. Check the appropriate insurance affirmation box (specific $500,000 limits or the “meets or exceeds” statement).
  5. Sign and date under penalty of perjury. The signer assumes liability for any litigation arising from false statements.

Submit the completed affirmation along with other required registration documents (typically including a Certificate of Insurance and the appropriate application such as VSD 190) to the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. Processing can be done by mail or at an SOS facility. For questions, contact Vehicle Services at 800-252-8980 (Illinois toll-free) or 217-785-3000.

Official forms page: Title and Registration Publications and Forms.

Why Compliance Matters for U.S. Tow Truck Operators?

Operating without the required insurance or proper affirmation can lead to registration revocation, fines, and liability exposure. Illinois requires the Certificate of Insurance (or proof) to be carried in the cab of each tow truck. Cancellation of coverage triggers notice requirements to both the operator and the Secretary of State; replacement coverage must be filed promptly.

In addition to state rules, operators who engage in interstate commerce may face federal financial responsibility requirements under FMCSA rules. Local municipalities (for example, the City of Chicago) often impose additional licensing, background checks, and higher coverage expectations for public-way towing.

Staying current with Form VSD 941 and supporting insurance documentation helps protect your business, your customers’ vehicles, and the public.

Download Illinois Form VSD 941

Get the official current version of the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Download Form VSD 941 – Tow Truck for Hire Insurance Affirmation (PDF)

Always use the latest version published by the SOS. Forms are provided as fillable PDFs; download them to your computer and open with a compatible PDF reader for best results.

Additional Resources and Official Contacts

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official Illinois Secretary of State forms and Illinois Compiled Statutes current as of the latest published versions. Requirements can change; always verify the most recent instructions and forms on the official Illinois SOS website before filing.

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