Mercury Car Insurance in Chicago
Mercury Insurance understands the challenges of driving in Chicago, from navigating the snowy suburban streets of Naperville to managing the heavy traffic of the Dan Ryan Expressway. That’s why we offer reliable, affordable car insurance that’s tailored to the needs of Chicago drivers. Plus, we offer a wide range of discounts to help you save more, including savings for bundling policies, driving accident-free, paying in full, or signing your documents electronically. Drive through the Windy City with confidence knowing that Mercury has your back.

Why Choose Mercury for Chicago Car Insurance?
- Local expertise: Our local agents know Chicago—from snowy commutes in Oak Park to rush hour on the Eisenhower—and can help you find the right coverage for your needs.
- Affordable rates and discounts: Mercury offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates in Chicago. Plus, you could save up to 14% with discounts like multi-car, good driver, paid-in-full, automatic payments, and bundling your home or renters policy.
- 24/7 claims service: Our dedicated claims team is available around the clock to assist you when you need it most.
- Customized coverage: Choose from a range of protection options like collision, comprehensive, and roadside assistance to build a policy that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in Chicago?
In Illinois, auto insurance is not just a recommendation—it's a legal requirement. The state mandates that all drivers must have minimum liability insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle. This ensures that all drivers are financially responsible in the event of an accident.
Legal Requirements to Drive in Chicago
According to the Illinois Department of Insurance, the required minimum coverages are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: This coverage is required at a minimum limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. It covers injuries that you’ve caused to someone else.
- Property damage liability: With a minimum required limit of $20,000 per accident, this coverage pays for damage you might cause to another person’s property.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: This is required with the same minimum limits as bodily injury liability. It pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIM): This coverage is required for situations where the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their limits are insufficient to cover your total medical expenses. It pays the difference between your UIM coverage’s limits and the at-fault driver’s liability limits.
Optional Coverages
In addition to the state’s requirements, you can also add these coverages to your Chicago auto policy:
- Collision coverage: This pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If you finance or lease your car, your lender may require you to get this coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage offers protection against theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and other non-collision damages. Just like collision coverage, your vehicle lender may require you to get this coverage.
- Medical payments: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP often covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
What Does Chicago Auto Insurance Not Cover?
Understanding these exclusions can help you make informed decisions about additional coverage options or taking extra precautions. Here are some common exclusions found in auto insurance policies:
- Intentional damage: If you intentionally cause damage to your vehicle or if someone acting on your behalf does so, your insurance will not cover it.
- Normal wear and tear: Your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover the gradual deterioration of your vehicle over time, such as rust or worn tires.
- Personal belongings: If someone steals or damages items inside your vehicle, like laptops, smartphones, and other personal items, your auto policy likely won’t cover these losses. Typically, homeowners or renters insurance policies cover these items.
- Business use: When you use your vehicle for business purposes, like making deliveries or transporting goods for a fee, your standard personal auto insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage. You’ll usually need a business auto insurance policy.
- Racing and dangerous activities: If you participate in racing, speed contests, or dangerous driving activities, you’re voiding your coverage. Your insurance won’t cover accidents that happen during these activities.
How to Get Car Insurance in Chicago, IL
Looking for affordable car insurance in Chicago? Mercury makes it simple. We offer competitive rates, customizable coverage, and local agents who understand the driving conditions of the Windy City.
Get started with a free quote today by contacting a Mercury agent or calling us at (866) 791-2850.

Get Cheap Auto Insurance in Chicago from Mercury
Finding affordable auto insurance in Chicago that doesn’t compromise coverage is easier than you think. Mercury offers various options to keep you protected on the Windy City’s roads without breaking the bank. Discover how to save more with our available discounts and the benefits of bundling your policies with Mercury.
Save More with Discounts
Mercury offers multiple ways for Chicago drivers to save on auto insurance. Depending on your situation, you could qualify for one or more of the following discounts:
- Multi-car discount: Save up to 13% when you insure more than one vehicle with Mercury.
- Accident- and violation-free: Up to 7% savings for drivers with a clean record over the past 35 months.
- Paid in full: Choose the “Full Pay” plan and save up to 12%.
- Automatic payment: Set up autopay from a checking or savings account and save up to 2%.
- Annual 2-pay discount: Save up to 12% when you choose the 2-pay billing plan on annual policies.
- E-signature discount: Sign all applicable documents electronically and save up to 3%.
- Multi-policy discount: Bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners (HO-3), renters (HO-4), or condo (HO-6) policy and save between 3% and 14%.
- Electric vehicle discount: Receive up to 5% off for each electric vehicle listed on your policy.
- Association discount: Save up to 10% if you or your spouse are members of a participating sponsored group.
- Good payer discount: Get up to 5% off if you’ve had no late or NSF payments in the past 35 months.
- Distant student discount: Save up to 8% if your college student (under age 23) lives more than 100 miles from your garaging ZIP code and doesn’t regularly use a covered vehicle.
- Defensive driving course: Drivers over 55 who complete the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course may qualify for up to 1% off.
- Good student discount: Full-time students under 23 may earn up to 10% off with qualifying grades or test scores.
- 5-year claim-free discount: Save up to 10% if you haven’t had an at-fault accident in five years and have a verifiable driving history.
Additional discounts may also be available. Ask your local Mercury agent for details.


Bundling with Mercury
One of the smartest ways to save on insurance is to bundle your auto policy with other types of coverage. Mercury offers options for Chicago homeowners and renters insurance, allowing you to protect your vehicle, home, and personal possessions under one trusted provider.
- Chicago homeowners insurance: Protect your home from the unexpected with our comprehensive homeowners insurance policy. Covering everything from fire and theft to weather-related damages, our homeowners insurance gives you peace of mind knowing your biggest investment is protected.
- Chicago renters insurance: If you rent in the Windy City, safeguard your personal belongings within your rental property against theft, damage, and more with our renters insurance. Plus, with liability coverage included, you’re protected if someone is injured in your rental space.
Top Rated Auto Insurance in Chicago
When it comes to protecting what matters most, Illinois drivers trust Mercury Insurance. We’re proud to be recognized for delivering quality coverage, affordable rates, and outstanding customer service across the state.
Read customer reviews to see why drivers love Mercury.
Learn More About Car Insurance
Check out these articles to learn tips, coverage options, and ways to save.
Common Chicago Car Insurance Questions
Is car insurance high in Chicago?
According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance in Illinois is $3,298 per year or $273 per month. The annual rate is much higher than the national average of $2,685 annually.
Can I borrow a friend’s car in Chicago without insurance?
In Chicago, auto insurance typically follows the car rather than the driver. This means if you borrow a friend’s car, their auto insurance coverage would generally apply in the event of an accident, assuming you had permission to use the vehicle.
How to find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago?
To secure cheap auto insurance in Chicago, follow these steps and consider Mercury Insurance for competitive rates:
- Leverage discounts: Ask about available discounts for multiple policies, safe driving, and more.
- Adjust coverage: Tailor your coverage and deductibles to match your needs and reduce costs.
- Maintain good credit: A good credit score can lower your insurance premiums.
- Drive safely: Safe driving can lead to lower rates.
Start saving with Mercury Insurance. We offer affordable, customizable auto insurance that meets the needs of Chicago drivers like you. Get your competitive quote today and see how much you could save.
Why has car insurance increased so much in Illinois?
Rising repair costs, higher medical expenses, increased accident frequency, and inflation all contribute to the trend. On top of that, supply chain issues have made car parts more expensive and harder to get, which drives up claim costs. Insurance companies adjust rates to keep up with these changes.
How do I find a Mercury Agent in Chicago?
Visit the Illinois Insurance Agents page, scroll down to Chicago, and find an agent that best suits your needs.
What is the minimum car insurance in Illinois?
The minimum car insurance in Illinois is the following:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 total for injury or death of more than one person
- $20,000 for property damage
- $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
What products does Mercury offer in Chicago?
Here are the products Mercury offers to Chicagoans: