Car Insurance in Illinois

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Car Insurance in Illinois

When you’re on the road in Illinois, having the right car insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law. Mercury Insurance is here to make finding Illinois car insurance coverage simple, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re cruising through Chicago’s busy streets or enjoying a scenic drive along the Mississippi River, we’ve got your back with reliable protection and plenty of ways to save, from multi-car discounts to bundling home and auto insurance.

Sad woman talking on cell phone near wrecked car

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

The state has specific minimum liability coverage requirements to ensure all drivers are protected in case of an accident. Here’s what’s mandated:

  • Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to others if you’re found at fault.
  • Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident. This covers damage to another person’s property if you’re at fault.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance or any at all.

While these are the minimums, many drivers choose higher limits or additional insurance coverage for extra peace of mind.

What is Full Coverage Car Insurance in Illinois?

While Illinois only requires liability coverage, full coverage car insurance provides added protection for your vehicle and finances. Full coverage typically includes:

  • Collision coverage: Pays for repairs to your car if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision damages like theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents (think hail or falling branches).

Full coverage is a great option if you want more robust protection, especially for newer vehicles or if you have an auto loan. If you’re unsure about what level of coverage is right for you, a Mercury agent can help tailor a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Get Car Insurance Savings and Discounts in IL

Who doesn’t love saving money? At Mercury, we offer plenty of ways to lower your car insurance premiums while still getting quality coverage. Here are some of the discounts Illinois drivers can take advantage of:

  • Multi-car discount: Save up to 13% when you insure more than one vehicle with Mercury.
  • 3-year accident- and violation-free discount: Get up to 7% off if you’ve had no accidents or violations in the past 35 months.
  • Paid-in-full discount: Save up to 12% when you pay your annual premium in full.
  • Automatic payment discount: Set up auto-pay from your bank account and enjoy up to 2% in savings.
  • Annual two-pay discount: Receive up to 12% off when you select the two-pay billing option for an annual policy.
  • Advance quote discount: Score up to 9% in savings if you request a quote 5-90 days before your policy starts.
  • E-signature discount: Get up to 3% off by signing your policy documents electronically.
  • Multi-policy discount: Bundle your auto insurance with homeowners (HO-3), renters (HO-4), or condo insurance (HO-6) and save up to 14%, depending on the policy type.
  • Electric vehicle discount: Earn up to 5% in savings for each electric vehicle insured on your policy.
  • Association discount: Get up to 10% off if you or your spouse are part of a sponsored group—ask your agent for eligibility details.
  • Good payer discount: Save up to 5% if you have no late payments or NSF charges in the past 35 months.
  • Distant student discount: Receive up to 8% if your child (under 23) attends school over 100 miles away and doesn’t have regular access to the insured vehicle.
  • Defensive driving course discount: Illinois drivers over 55 who complete the National Safety Council’s course can save up to 1%.
  • Good student discount: Full-time students under 23 can get up to 10% off with proof of strong academic performance, such as being on the dean’s list, having a GPA of 3.0+, or ranking in the top 20% of their class or standardized test scores.
  • 5-year claim-free discount: Drivers with no at-fault accidents and a clean record over the past 5 years can save up to 10%.

Additional discounts may also be available. Talk to a Mercury agent today to find out which ones you qualify for and how much you can save.

How to Get Car Insurance in Illinois

Mercury makes it easy to find the right policy at a great price. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Get a quote: Find an Illinois local agent, or use our online quote tool for a quick estimate.
  • Contact an agent: Have questions or need guidance? Our friendly agents are here to help. You can find their contact information on the same page to connect directly.
  • Customize your policy: Work with your agent to build a policy that fits your needs and budget, whether it’s basic liability or full coverage.
  • Save and drive confidently: Take advantage of our discounts and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
Portrait of woman enjoying road trip in open top classic car

Mercury Insurance Coverage in Illinois

Here are the insurance products Mercury offers to Illinois residents:

Traffic on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago at sunset, with downtown behind

 

Top-Rated Auto Insurance in Illinois

At Mercury, we’re proud to have a long history of providing award-winning service to our customers. Over the years, we’ve been recognized for our commitment to affordability, quality coverage, and exceptional customer satisfaction. Here are a few of our proudest achievements:

  • Named by Forbes as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies
  • Recognized by J.D. Power for “Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction” in the Shopping Segment of the 2021 U.S. Digital Experience Study
  • Listed among Forbes’ Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our Illinois customers have to say:

Learn More About Car Insurance

Want to learn more about car insurance? Check out these blogs for tips, insights, and answers to common questions:

Illinois Car Insurance FAQs

What is the average monthly payment for car insurance in Illinois?

According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Illinois is about $203 per month and around $57 per month for minimum coverage.

How much car insurance do I need in Illinois​?

Illinois requires a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $20,000 per accident for property damage liability, as well as $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, you might want to consider higher limits or additional coverage, like collision and comprehensive coverage, for better protection.

Can you get car insurance without a license in Illinois?

Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance without a license in Illinois. This can be useful for those who own a vehicle but don’t drive, such as parents insuring a car for their child.

Does auto insurance follow the car or the driver in Illinois?

In Illinois, auto insurance typically follows the car. This means that if someone else drives your insured vehicle with your permission, they’re usually covered under your policy.

What happens if you don't have car insurance in Illinois?

The state requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, and if you’re caught without it, you could face fines, license suspension, and even higher insurance rates in the future. Plus, if you’re involved in an accident without insurance, you could be held personally responsible for covering all the damages and medical bills.

Is Illinois a no-fault state?

No, Illinois is an at-fault state. This means the driver responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering damages through their insurance. If you’re not at fault, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurer or, if needed, take legal action.

Do you need insurance to register a car in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can’t register your car without proof of insurance. The state requires all vehicles to have at least the minimum liability coverage before hitting the road.

Why is car insurance so expensive in Illinois?

According to Bankrate, car insurance rates in Illinois are lower than the national average. However, several factors can still make car insurance feel expensive. Urban areas like Chicago, with heavy traffic and a higher risk of accidents, can drive up premiums. Additionally, Illinois experiences extreme weather conditions like snowstorms and flooding, which can lead to more claims.

How to lower my car insurance in Illinois?

If your car insurance feels too expensive, here are some tips to lower it:

  • Shop around: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rate.
  • Bundle your policies: Combining auto insurance with home or renters insurance can save you money.
  • Raise your deductible: A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but make sure it’s still affordable if you need to file a claim.
  • Take advantage of discounts: Ask your insurer about discounts for safe driving, being a student, or installing anti-theft devices.
  • Improve your credit score: A better score often leads to lower rates.

What are helpful resources for Illinois drivers?

Here are some great resources for drivers in Illinois: