Insurance
Car Insurance in Chicago
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Chicago drivers follow Illinois rules: at least 25/50/20 in liability plus uninsured motorist coverage. What's different is the risk. The Chicago metro area had the 3rd most vehicle thefts in the country in 2025, and about 1 in 7 Illinois drivers is uninsured.
That makes two coverages worth a close look: comprehensive, which pays if your car is stolen, and strong uninsured motorist coverage.
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What Illinois requires
- Liability of 25/50/20: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per crash, and $20,000 for property damage.
- Uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50.
- Underinsured motorist coverage if you buy uninsured motorist coverage above the minimum.
The Illinois Secretary of State checks each registered car's insurance electronically at least twice a year. Driving uninsured brings a fine of at least $500 and suspended plates.
Car theft in Chicago
Vehicle thefts dropped 23% nationwide in 2025, to the lowest level in decades. But the Chicago area still had 24,299 thefts, the 3rd most of any U.S. metro area.
Only comprehensive coverage pays if your car is stolen. Liability, the part the state requires, doesn't cover your own car at all. If you have a loan or lease, your lender likely requires comprehensive already.
Ways to lower your risk, from the National Insurance Crime Bureau:
- Park in well-lit areas, and roll up your windows.
- Lock the doors, and take your keys, every time.
- Never leave the car running while you're away from it.
- Consider a steering wheel lock, an alarm, a kill switch, or a GPS tracker.
Ask your insurer whether anti-theft devices earn a discount. Learn what comprehensive covers.
Uninsured drivers
About 15.2% of Illinois drivers were uninsured in 2023, close to the national rate of 15.4%. Your uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries if one of them hits you. The state minimum is 25/50. Many drivers choose higher limits to match their liability coverage.
Chicago city sticker
This isn't insurance, but it's a car cost that surprises new residents. Chicago residents who drive, park, or own a car in the city must buy a City of Chicago vehicle sticker within 30 days of moving in. Without one, you can be ticketed, and tickets can be issued every 24 hours until you comply.
What drives car insurance prices in Chicago
- Theft and break-ins, which raise comprehensive claims.
- Street parking, which is common in the city and adds risk.
- Traffic and winter weather, which mean more crashes.
- Your driving record, your car, and your coverage.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Chicago
- Compare the same coverage from several insurers. Line up the limits, deductibles, and uninsured motorist coverage.
- Raise your comprehensive deductible instead of dropping the coverage.
- Ask about anti-theft and garage-parking discounts.
- Bundle with renters or condo insurance. See renters insurance and condo insurance.
More ideas: how to lower car insurance.
What to ask before you choose
- "Do I have comprehensive coverage? What's the deductible?"
- "Is there a discount for a garage, alarm, or tracker?"
- "What are my uninsured and underinsured motorist limits?"
- "Does this cover a rental car if mine is stolen?"
- "How much would higher liability limits cost?"
The catch: dropping comprehensive to save money on an older car can make sense. But in a high-theft area, check what your car is worth and what a replacement would cost you before you decide.
Keep reading
Own a home in Illinois? See Illinois homeowners insurance. Want more liability protection? See umbrella insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
More Illinois guides: Illinois car insurance · Illinois homeowners insurance
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Sources
- National Insurance Crime Bureau, U.S. vehicle thefts experience historic decline (Mar. 18, 2026)
- Insurance Research Council data (2023), via Insurance Information Institute, Uninsured motorists
- Illinois Department of Insurance, Auto insurance shopping guide
- Illinois Secretary of State, Mandatory insurance
- Office of the City Clerk, Chicago city sticker FAQs