Edited By Renata Balasco
Here's what you need to know when driving in Illinois
Across the Prairie State, there are 292,789 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel. Read on to learn about the factors affecting car insurance quotes in the state of Illinois.
Affordable insurance companies in Illinois
What's the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hartford | $761 |
| 2 | Pekin Insurance | $868 |
| 3 | Travelers | $971 |
| 4 | Unique | $988 |
| 5 | Lighthouse | $1,017 |
| 6 | Safeco | $1,074 |
| 7 | State Farm | $1,200 |
| 8 | Nationwide | $1,351 |
| 9 | Progressive | $1,643 |
| 10 | Hanover | $4,155 |
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Cheap auto insurance for good drivers in Illinois
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Illinois drivers without a recent at-fault accident save 32% on their car insurance, on average — on pace with the national average. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $214 | 16.22% |
| No Accidents | $538 | 32.78% |
| Good Credit | $1,115 | 50.28% |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Illinois
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Illinois, the typical teen driver pays $4,669 per year — a bit cheaper than average for teen drivers nationwide — but four times more than the rate for all Illinois drivers.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,557 | $5,327 |
| 17 | $5,340 | $4,550 |
| 18 | $5,172 | $4,072 |
| 19 | $4,555 | $2,779 |
Cheap auto insurance for bad drivers in Illinois
If you have no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, you can save money on car insurance. As insurance companies use your driving record as a way to predict the level of risk you present, keeping your driving record clean will lead to lower premiums. It's especially important to avoid DUI citations in Illinois, where insurers penalize drivers with an average rate hike of 53% after a DUI. Illinois' other post-incident premiums align with national averages (16% for speeding infractions and 32% after an at-fault accident).
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,641 | 32.78% |
| DUI | $2,368 | 53.42% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,316 | 16.22% |
| Bad Credit | $2,218 | 50.28% |
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Top rated car insurance companies in Illinois
Every car insurance company plays up its low costs. But as with any product, the most affordable car insurance isn't always the finest option. Considering the stakes, it's worthwhile to do your due diligence to find a policy that insures your vehicle completely after an accident. Consider doing research to discover the best value, rather than settling for the most affordable auto insurance in Illinois.
Use the table below to better understand the quality of service you'll receive. You'll see reviews for popular auto insurers' financial strength, claims satisfaction, and customer satisfaction including an internal satisfaction score from The Zebra's customers.
| Insurance Company |
Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
Customer Satisfaction (The Zebra) |
| Allstate | Average | Average | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Amica | Excellent | Excellent | Superior | N/R |
| Encompass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Erie | Excellent | Above average | Superior | 4.5/5 |
| GEICO | Average | Average | Superior | 4.4 / 5 |
| Nationwide | Average | Poor | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Progressive | Below average | Below average | Excellent | 4.3 / 5 |
| Travelers | Average | Below average | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Unique | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| USAA | Excellent | Excellent | Superior | 4.6 / 5 |
Illinois auto insurance laws
In Illinois, the minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $20,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Illinois (which varies by carrier) include:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical and Funeral Services
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
For the minimum required coverage in Illinois, you'll owe an average of $484 annually. This cost is cheaper than the U.S. average by 26%. If you opt for more comprehensive coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages incurred by car-versus-car collisions, theft, or weather incidents. Better auto insurance comes at a cost: in Illinois, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $997, 106% more than liability-only coverage. For comprehensive insurance coverage with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay 131% more than you would for a basic liability-only policy.
Read more about coverage requirements in this state.
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How tickets change insurance rates in Illinois
If you get a ticket, your car insurance rates will probably rise. How much your rates rise depends on the severity of the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at typical auto insurance rates in Illinois after a few common violations.
Illinois Car Insurance FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
The Hartford ($380 per month) and Pekin Insurance ($434 per month) are the cheapest providers for a typical Illinois driver. The only real way to find the cheapest rates for you is to shop around. Using The Zebra's insurance comparison tool, you can compare top providers such as GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive for free with no obligation.
How expensive is car insurance in Illinois?
Compared to the rest of the U.S., Illinois is 25% less expensive than average. However, if you're living in a big city like Chicago, you should expect to pay more. On average, drivers in Chicago pay $314 more per year for car insurance than drivers in the rest of Illinois.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Illinois?
The average driver in Illinois pays $558 for a six-month policy. This amount will vary by city and driver profile.
Is Illinois a no-fault state for car insurance?
No. Illinois is an at-fault state. You are responsible for any damage you cause to another vehicle. Fault can only be determined by an insurance adjuster.
How much does car insurance cost in Illinois cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Champaign, Illinois, and the most expensive in Chicago, Illinois.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | $1,711 |
| 2 | Joliet | $1,377 |
| 3 | Schaumburg | $1,374 |
| 4 | Elgin | $1,341 |
| 5 | Rockford | $1,340 |
| 6 | Aurora | $1,300 |
| 7 | Peoria | $1,283 |
| 8 | Naperville | $1,273 |
| 9 | Springfield | $1,251 |
| 10 | Champaign | $1,146 |
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