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.
Cheap Car Insurance
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 | Safeco | $1,074 |
| 5 | SECURA Insurance | $1,178 |
| 6 | State Farm | $1,200 |
| 7 | Rockford Mutual | $1,223 |
| 8 | Grange Mutual | $1,266 |
| 9 | USAA | $1,326 |
| 10 | Nationwide | $1,351 |
| 11 | Esurance | $1,390 |
| 12 | Encompass | $1,456 |
| 13 | 21st Century | $1,473 |
| 14 | Hastings Mutual Insurance Co | $1,476 |
| 15 | Progressive | $1,643 |
| 16 | Country | $1,646 |
| 17 | Mercury | $1,651 |
| 18 | Metropolitan | $1,787 |
| 19 | Cincinnati Insurance | $1,861 |
| 20 | Safe Auto | $1,862 |
| 21 | General Casualty | $1,878 |
| 22 | GEICO | $1,895 |
| 23 | Auto Club Group | $1,896 |
| 24 | State Auto | $1,921 |
| 25 | Farmers | $2,206 |
| 26 | American Family | $2,213 |
| 27 | Allstate | $2,473 |
| 28 | Hanover | $4,155 |
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Cheap 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 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 Car 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% |
Best Car Insurance
What are the Best 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.
Review top auto insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the level of service they'll provide. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and running from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to satisfy its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| American Family | 4 | Excellent |
| Amica | 4 | Superior |
| Auto-Owners | 5 | Superior |
| Cincinnati Insurance | Not Rated | Superior |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| Erie | 5 | Superior |
| Esurance | Not Rated | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Hanover | 3 | Excellent |
| Hastings Mutual | Not Rated | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What is the Best Car Insurance Coverage in Illinois?
The minimum allowed insurance in Illinois is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $20,000 Property Damage per accident.
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.
Examine average premiums for basic and comprehensive coverage tiers below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Illinois | $483.60 | $997.36 | $1,117.98 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car Insurance Laws
What are the state minimum insurance requirements in Illinois?
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
Additional resources on coverage requirements in this state:
Illinois Auto Insurance FAQs
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.
What is the fine for driving without car insurance in Illinois?
While the amount may vary, generally you should expect a fine and to have your license suspended if you're found guilty of driving without insurance. The fine can range from $500 to $1,000, and the fee for having your license suspended hovers around $1,000.
Do teenage drivers in Illinois need auto insurance?
Age does not change the fact that car insurance is required in Illinois. If you are driving a vehicle — licensed or not — you need to have car insurance.
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 Cicero, Illinois.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cicero | $1,773 |
| 2 | Chicago | $1,711 |
| 3 | Skokie | $1,687 |
| 4 | Berwyn | $1,661 |
| 5 | Oak Lawn | $1,541 |
| 6 | Des Plaines | $1,513 |
| 7 | Evanston | $1,461 |
| 8 | Bolingbrook | $1,420 |
| 9 | Mount Prospect | $1,418 |
| 10 | Orland Park | $1,399 |
| 11 | Tinley Park | $1,388 |
| 12 | Joliet | $1,377 |
| 13 | Schaumburg | $1,374 |
| 14 | Palatine | $1,346 |
| 15 | Elgin | $1,341 |
| 16 | Rockford | $1,340 |
| 17 | Arlington Heights | $1,330 |
| 18 | Aurora | $1,300 |
| 19 | Peoria | $1,283 |
| 20 | Naperville | $1,273 |
| 21 | Springfield | $1,251 |
| 22 | Decatur | $1,238 |
| 23 | Bloomington | $1,168 |
| 24 | Champaign | $1,146 |
Recent Illinois Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Within what timeframe does an insurer typically drop or penalize you for multiple (two) accidents?
Sorry to hear about the accidents. If you were to move to a new company they would probably start the policy reflecting these accidents.
Can my 16-year-old daughter have a non-owners policy and drive my car?
In short, a non-owners policy is for someone who doesn't drive a vehicle on a normal basis, doesn't own a vehicle, and doesn't have access to one. So if your daughter only rents cars, then non-owners insurance may be a better fit.
What is the reason that another driver would refuse to give their car insurance after an accident?
They might not have insurance or don't want you to file a claim on their insurance. Any claim you make would impact their premium.
How do I choose a car insurance deductible?
When it comes to selecting your deductible you have to know what you can afford, and if you could cover the claim or damages with a high deductible. If so, high deductible + good driving = a lot of savings but a lot of people can't fork over 1k-2k in the event of an accident.
How Do Tickets Impact Auto 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.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $1,883 | 54% | $661 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,835 | 50% | $613 |
| DUI | $1,835 | 50% | $613 |
| Racing | $1,883 | 54% | $661 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,856 | 52% | $634 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $1,903 | 56% | $681 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,831 | 50% | $609 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,638 | 34% | $416 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,629 | 33% | $406 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,584 | 30% | $362 |
| Improper Passing | $1,698 | 39% | $476 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,688 | 38% | $466 |
| Speeding | $1,580 | 29% | $358 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,688 | 38% | $466 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,688 | 38% | $466 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,584 | 30% | $362 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,688 | 38% | $466 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,570 | 29% | $348 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,571 | 29% | $349 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,542 | 26% | $320 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,256 | 3% | $34 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,256 | 3% | $34 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,488 | 22% | $266 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,222 | 0% | $0 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,222 | 0% | $0 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,222 | 0% | $0 |
Illinois Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Illinois area, while also getting an insider view of the Prairie State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.