Car Insurance in Illinois

  • GEICO and Travelers offers the cheapest liability and full coverage auto insurance in IL
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in IL from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
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Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Car insurance quotes in Illinois

The average car insurance rate in Illinois is $991 for a full coverage, six-month policy — 9% cheaper than the U.S. average.[1] 

To help you find affordable auto insurance quotes, The Zebra's experts analyzed Illinois car insurance rates across various factors. For the 37% of Illinoisans who feel overcharged for car insurance, GEICO offers the lowest rates for liability coverage.[2] If you need full coverage in Illinois, Travelers provides the most affordable option on average.

For those seeking more of a balance between cost and quality, we recommend checking out State Farm, especially if you need liability-only.

Travelers logo
Cheapest full coverage in IL
GEICO logo
Cheapest liability coverage in IL
Erie insurance logo
Best Customer Service in IL
Erie logo
Best car insurance in IL — overall

Cheap liability insurance in Illinois

The average cost for liability insurance in Texas is $334 for a 6-month policy.[1] For our user profile, GEICO, Travelers, and Erie offer the cheapest liability insurance in Texas. 

Liability-only insurance policies are significantly less expensive than full coverage policies. However, it's because they provide coverage only for damages you cause to others, not for any damage to your own vehicle or injuries you may sustain. This makes liability-only a budget-friendly option, but it leaves you more financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in IL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $220 $37
Travelers $238 $40
Erie $256 $43
USAA $318 $53
Progressive $360 $60
State Farm $387 $65
Allstate $411 $69

Source: The Zebra

According to our data, 40% of our Illinois customers opt for liability-only coverage. The state requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/25 meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Renata Balasaco, licensed insurance agent at The Zebra
Agent Insight: For Illinoisans, is the liability insurance enough?

Illinois' state minimums are fairly typical compared to other states but fall on the lower end. However, even in states with higher minimum coverage limits, these amounts are often insufficient, as they haven't kept pace with the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs. If an accident causes more damage or injury than your policy covers, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs, which could be financially devastating.

Renata Balasaco, licensed agent and insurance writer at The Zebra

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in Illinois

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
GEICO $178 $730
State Farm $200 $1,169
Travelers $249 $531
USAA $263 $945
Progressive $271 $995
Erie $307 $773
Allstate $310 $1,388

Source: The Zebra


Cheap full coverage insurance in Illinois

In Illinois, you should expect to pay around $991 for a six-month policy. 60% of our Illinois drivers opt for full coverage over minimum liability. 

While full coverage provides more protection for you and your vehicle, it tends to be more expensive. We recommend starting your search with GEICO and Erie, as, on average, they offer the cheapest full coverage rates in Illinois.

Full coverage quotes in IL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $531 $88
GEICO $730 $122
Erie $773 $129
USAA $945 $157
Progressive $995 $166
State Farm $1,169 $195
Allstate $1,388 $231

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Find the best coverage and price in Texas with The Zebra.

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What are the best car insurance companies in Illinois?

Erie Insurance is our top recommendation for Illinois drivers, supported by solid consumer reviews, third-party ratings, our analysis of Illinois insurance rates, and years of industry expertise that give us a deep understanding of each company's strengths.[3, 4, 5]
Erie Insurance logo
Overall best car insurance company in Illinois — Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance offers some of the most competitive rates in Illinois, consistently earning high marks for customer service and claims handling. With a range of coverage options and discounts, including the unique Rate Lock® feature, Erie helps keep premiums stable even after filing a claim or adding a vehicle. The company’s highly-rated local agents provide personalized service, making Erie a top choice for Illinois drivers seeking affordable and reliable car insurance.

Pros
  • Top customer ratings

  • ERIE Rate Lock

  • Local agents

  • Customizable coverage options

  • Erie Auto Plus endorsement (diminishing deductible, waved deductible for some claims, extra loss of use coverage )

Cons
  • Only available in 12 states (only a concern if you plan to move)

  • Limited web-based services (e.g. inability to add Auto ID card to Apple Wallet)

Best car insurance in Illinois — honorable mentions

To identify the top car insurance companies in Illinois, we evaluated J.D. Power ratings and analyzed consumer feedback from nearly 3,000 drivers across Illinois and the U.S.

Best Car Insurance Companies in Illinois

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Erie $773 $129
Westfield $837 $139
USAA $945 $157
Country $1,089 $182
State Farm $1,169 $195

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Illinois?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Illinois
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


How have car insurance costs in Illinois changed?

Like many states, Illinois has seen many fluctuations in insurance rates over the years. However, for the past five years, the overall trend has been an increase. In 2024 alone, insurance costs increased $106 year over year.

While overall prices might be increasing, Illinois is still comparatively cheaper than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017.

Car Insurance Costs in Illinois Since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $1,623 $106
2023 $1,517 $3
2022 $1,514 $120
2021 $1,395 $110
2020 $1,285 -$4
2019 $1,289 $32
2018 $1,257 -$539
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

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Car insurance in popular Illinois cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Unsurprisingly, larger cities like Chicago tend to have higher car insurance rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher accident rates, and elevated crime levels, all of which raise the risk for insurers.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Illinois's biggest cities.

Auto Insurance Quotes in Illinois' Biggest Cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Naperville $922 $154
Aurora $939 $156
Rockford $986 $164
Joliet $1,032 $172
Chicago $1,445 $241

Source: The Zebra


Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Illinois

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance.

In Illinois, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,059/six-month policy — that's $206 less than the nationwide average and over triple that of a typical Illinois driver.

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes for Young Drivers in TX

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Erie $1,702 $284
Travelers $1,906 $318
GEICO $2,235 $372
USAA $3,084 $514
Progressive $3,410 $568
Allstate $3,651 $609
State Farm $4,218 $703

Source: The Zebra

Top Companies in Illinois for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
State Farm $5,691 $948
Progressive $4,658 $776
Allstate $4,497 $750
USAA $4,471 $745
Travelers $3,487 $581
GEICO $2,842 $474
Erie $1,883 $314

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Complete a defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce the risk of accidents.
  2. Opt for a car with high safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance vehicle.
  3. Stay on your parent’s policy to save money and benefit from their established insurance history.

Illinois auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. In Illinois, an at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as 45%.

Curious where you can find the best rates after an at-fault accident? Check out the table below. 

Best Insurance Companies in IL After an Accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $703 $117
Erie $1,045 $174
GEICO $1,130 $188
USAA $1,369 $228
State Farm $1,462 $244
Progressive $1,531 $255
Allstate $2,165 $361

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

In a perfect world, you wouldn't need to use your insurance. But if you ever do, a smooth claims process makes all the difference. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we found that Erie and USAA stood out for their claims handling. If you're in Illinois, these companies are worth at least considering.

In Illinois, a poor driving record can lead to steep increases in your insurance rates. If you get a ticket or citation, expect your premiums to rise, though the exact amount depends on the type of violation, your insurer’s policies, and local regulations. This means tickets can affect your rates differently in Illinois compared to other states.

Illinois Auto Insurance Quotes by Violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $1,984 $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,997 $12
Not-at-fault accident $2,102 $118
Two Med/PIP claims $2,147 $163
One comp claim $2,150 $166
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,299 $315
Driving without lights $2,333 $349
Two comp claims $2,336 $352
Child safety restraint $2,341 $356
Failure to show documents $2,373 $389
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,418 $433
Driving with expired registration $2,438 $454
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,483 $499
Driving too slowly $2,498 $514
Failure to yield $2,500 $516
Illegal turn $2,500 $516
Failure to stop at a red light $2,518 $533
Following too closely $2,525 $540
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,525 $541
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,526 $542
Speeding in school zone $2,530 $546
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,545 $561
Improper passing $2,545 $561
Texting while driving $2,592 $608
Cell phone violation $2,592 $608
Passing school bus $2,615 $631
In 65 MPH zone $2,629 $645
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,656 $672
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,702 $718
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,873 $889
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,910 $926
Open container $3,016 $1,032
Reckless driving $3,495 $1,511
Racing $3,527 $1,543
Driving with a suspended license $3,595 $1,611
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,623 $1,639
DUI $3,631 $1,647
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,676 $1,691

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Illinois car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Certain violations, like a DUI or driving without insurance, can result in more complex insurance consequences. For detailed information on these issues, explore our in-depth guides to Illinois car insurance laws and regulations. Learn all about Illinois car insurance requirements with our helpful guide.

Illinois DUI laws

In Illinois, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $578. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Illinois

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Illinois, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Illinois, Travelers, advertises annual rates 19% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Illinois is State Farm, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 59% above average.

Illinois Car Insurance Quotes with a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $753 $126
Progressive $1,157 $193
Erie $1,233 $206
GEICO $1,620 $270
State Farm $1,679 $280
Allstate $1,841 $307
USAA $1,955 $326

Source: The Zebra

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Illinois SR-22 laws

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Illinois to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Illinois might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Illinois

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Illinois in minutes!

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Illinois car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Illinois auto insurance.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois are GEICO for liability coverage at $37 per month ($220 for six months), which is 34% cheaper than the average liability cost in Illinois, and Travelers for full coverage at $88 per month ($531 for six months), which is 46% cheaper than the average full coverage rate in the state.

The average cost of car insurance in Illinois is approximately $165 per month for a full coverage policy, based on an annual average of around $1,990. For liability-only coverage, the average monthly cost is about $56, totaling roughly $670 annually​.

The best and cheapest insurance company for those shopping for liability-only coverage is Erie ($43/mo for liability, $129/mo for full coverage). While not the cheapest, Erie offers highly competitive rates and received top marks from both The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey and regional J.D. Power Customer Service surveys. Plus, who doesn't want the option to lock in their rate with ERIE rate lock with rates trending up?

The minimum liability insurance requirements in Illinois are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident. These limits are often referred to as 25/50/20 coverage.

RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN IL

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What do I do if my car is hit by an object that came off of someone else's vehicle?

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Someone gave me the wrong insurance information after a claim

I would first try contacting the insurance company they gave you. It could be they are using a new card they received for their policy renewal that hasn't started yet. If they truly did not have insurance at the time of the accident, they will have to pay for the damages out of pocket. If that…
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How long do I have in Illinois to add a new vehicle to my current insurance policy?

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Do I pay a deductible for a liability claim?

Great question, thanks for reaching out to The Zebra. You are not responsible for a deductible unless you have comprehensive and collision coverage. Since you only have liability insurance, the damages to your car will not be covered which means there is no deductible.Liability coverage is there to…
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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.