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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How much does car insurance cost in Chicago?

Chicagoans pay, on average, $1,085 for a six-month car insurance policy, or about $185 per month. According to our 2024 data, Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company for Chicago drivers, offering policies at $660 for six months — well below the city's going rate for coverage.

Drivers in Chicago also pay more than the state average for Illinois ($750 every six months), as well as the national average of $880. According to our data, 36% of our customers in Chicago say they're paying too much for car insurance. Maybe you're one of them, or perhaps you want to learn more about what goes into calculating an auto rate — either way, we're here to help. Keep reading to discover fair rates in Chicago based on rating factors like credit score, age and location within the city.

Car Insurance in Chicago vs. Illinois

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Car Insurance in Chicago vs. Illinois Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Chicago Average $1,085
Illinois Average $750

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Chicago

1st place medal
1st place: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners is the cheapest company for a car insurance policy in Chicago, with average rates of $110 per month or $660 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

Chicago's second-cheapest option is GEICO, which costs $130 per month ($778 for a six-month term).

3rd place medal
3rd place: State Farm

Finishing strong on our list of cheap Chicago insurers is State Farm. On average, a State Farm policy in Chicago costs $789 per six-month policy or $132 on a monthly basis. 

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Chicago:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Chicago is $1,085 per six-month policy — $181 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Chicago is Auto-Owners ($660).
  • Chicago ranks as the fifth most expensive city for car insurance in Illinois.
  • 36% of Zebra customers in Chicago used our product because they are paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Chicago car insurance rates by company

According to our data for 2024, the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage in Chicago is Auto-Owners at $110 per month or $660 per six-month policy, while the second cheapest is GEICO at $130 per month or $778 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Chicago, Illinois

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $660
GEICO $778
State Farm $789
USAA $837
Country $997
Progressive $1,066
Nationwide $1,113
Allstate $1,961

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool 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.


Shop around for the best rates


The best way to find the cheapest coverage is to compare. Let The Zebra do the legwork for you! Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best cheap auto insurance in Chicago.

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Average car insurance in Chicago by rating factor

Rating factors are individual details about you that affect your car insurance rate. Generally, auto insurance companies use the same rating factors, but some will weigh them a little differently. For example, one company might place a higher priority on your claims history whereas another might value your credit score more. This is why it's important to shop around since no two companies are exactly alike. 

It's also important to remember that the insurance company you've had since you began driving might not be the best for you as you get older. We suggest getting new quotes every six months to a year to make sure you're still getting great rates as your insurance needs change throughout life.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) can greatly affect how much you'll pay for car insurance. You may be a very safe driver with zero claims but could still pay more for your coverage in Chicago just because the cost of doing business has increased for insurance companies.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Chicago

A key rating factor in the insurance world is age. This is important when insurers are evaluating risk, and historical data reveals that the rate of accidents for teen drivers is significantly higher than other age groups. Therefore, teens typically face the highest premiums. In Chicago, the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is $4,260 per year! This is 145% more than 20-something drivers and can come as a real shock to new drivers and their parents alike.

Remember that insurance companies are all about risk; due to the increased risk of teen accidents, it makes sense that these drivers pay a higher rate to offset the costs of claims payouts. The good news is that the high costs don't last too long — in a few years, with a good driving record and more experience behind the wheel, those prices will even out and be much more reasonable.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Teen Drivers in Chicago, IL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Country $2,318
Auto-Owners $2,361
GEICO $2,416
USAA $2,850
State Farm $2,938
Nationwide $4,034
Progressive $4,102
Allstate $5,268

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Auto-Owners $956
30s Auto-Owners $661
40s Auto-Owners $649
50s Auto-Owners $613
60s Auto-Owners $639
70s Auto-Owners $813

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Chicago drivers between 20 and 40 are Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO.


Most Chicago drivers are between the ages of 20 and 40, according to our data. On average, this group pays $1,265 every six months, but by going with these companies they can potentially save 31%!

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Chicago

A large part of your car insurance rate depends on the level of coverage you choose. In Chicago, 24% of drivers carry only the state minimum required coverage, which could leave those folks at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident. While minimum coverage is definitely cheaper, it may not be the best option in the long run.

Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together) will increase your rates, and they usually require a deductible. The nice thing about a deductible is that it gives you a little more wiggle room to save money — the higher deductible you choose, the lower your rate will be.

You might also consider adding roadside assistance for another layer to your peace of mind behind the wheel. It will increase your rate but can be a priceless asset if you get into a tricky situation with your car and need assistance. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in many places, but Illinois is one of the states that actually require it. This is a good thing in that it adds extra protection from drivers who are uninsured, or underinsured. 

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

48% of Chicago drivers have leased vehicles. Usually, if you're leasing or financing your vehicle, you will be required to carry a certain amount of auto insurance coverage. But if you're one of the 47% who own, you might consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. Before you decide, we suggest getting the actual cash value of your car from a reputable source, like Kelley Blue Book. If your car is worth $4,000 or less, you most likely don't need collision insurance. This can save you money on your rate, but it also means that you'll pay out-of-pocket for repairs in the event of a collision incident.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Chicago, IL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $235
Auto-Owners $255
State Farm $295
USAA $311
Progressive $352
Country $379
Nationwide $474
Allstate $508

Source: The Zebra

  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

The basic level of coverage is the most popular for our Chicago customers, but that doesn't mean it's right for all drivers. As far as the state-required coverage, Illinois' 25/50/20 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. We know that minimum coverage is the cheapest way to go — but it can leave you underinsured if you're involved in a multi-vehicle accident or a more complicated situation. 

Illinois also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist protection (UMPD) at a level of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This will help protect you if you are involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver.

Learn more about insurance laws in Illinois.

Chicago car insurance rates by credit score

It may not seem like there is a connection between credit score and your driving habits, but historical data actually shows that drivers with lower credit scores may pose more risk on the road. They tend to have more lapses in insurance coverage and are more likely to file claims. This is why most states, including Illinois, use credit scores as a rating factor. Typically, the lower your credit score, the higher your car insurance premium will be. 

In fact, Chicago drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 90% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). 33% of drivers in Chicago have a credit score in the good (680-719) tier, and Auto-Owners is the cheapest option for Chicago for those individuals.

car insurance in Chicago by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit in Chicago, IL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $1,040
USAA $1,466
Country $1,510
Nationwide $1,543
State Farm $1,713
Progressive $1,781
Auto-Owners $1,980
Allstate $2,594

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: If your credit score improved, it's time to shop for insurance!


In Chicago, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $994 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. Jumping from one credit level to the next may not even take that many points, depending on where you fall in the spectrum. If you've been working to improve your score (like paying off a loan) then it's a great time to get new auto insurance quotes and see if your hard work can save you money! 

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The majority of insurance claims are at-fault and collision-type accidents, and in Chicago, the average car insurance rate increased by $49 to $83 per month for an at-fault accident in 2024. If you're looking for the cheapest insurer after an at-fault accident, Auto-Owners is your best bet in Chicago.

The best way to keep rates low is to be a safe driver, regardless of where you live. This may not always be in your control but do your best to avoid accidents and tickets. Things like speeding tickets or reckless driving charges will result in premium increases and can stay on your record for three to five years. DUI or DWI charges could potentially impact your record for an even longer period of time. 

 

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident in Chicago, IL

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $865
State Farm $1,010
GEICO $1,211
USAA $1,221
Country $1,486
Progressive $1,557
Nationwide $1,786
Allstate $2,921

Source: The Zebra

Chicago car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims can increase your rate in Chicago.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Chicago, IL
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Chicago, IL

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,085 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,091 1% $5
Not-at-fault accident $1,142 5% $56
One comp claim $1,162 7% $77
Two Med/PIP claims $1,164 7% $79
Driving without lights $1,262 16% $176
Child safety restraint $1,263 16% $177
Two comp claims $1,272 17% $186
Failure to show documents $1,291 19% $206
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,311 21% $225
Driving with expired registration $1,317 21% $231
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,324 22% $239
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,366 26% $280
Driving too slowly $1,373 26% $287
Illegal turn $1,376 27% $291
Failure to yield $1,378 27% $293
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,380 27% $295
Failure to stop at a red light $1,381 27% $295
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,382 27% $296
Speeding in school zone $1,390 28% $305
Following too closely $1,392 28% $306
Improper passing $1,396 29% $311
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,413 30% $328
Cell phone violation $1,427 31% $342
Texting while driving $1,427 31% $342
Passing school bus $1,430 32% $345
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,460 35% $375
In 65 MPH zone $1,507 39% $421
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,528 41% $442
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,564 44% $478
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,580 46% $495
Open container $1,706 57% $620
Reckless driving $1,968 81% $883
Racing $1,980 82% $895
Driving with a suspended license $2,009 85% $924
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,021 86% $935
DUI $2,025 87% $939
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,050 89% $965

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Chicago so expensive?

Chicago, the 5th most expensive city for car insurance in the state of Illinois, is pricey for a variety of reasons. Let's take a closer look at some of the causes of expensive car insurance in Chicago — regardless of your driving profile.

costs
Business costs

One important factor is the cost of living, as well as the cost of doing business. Generally, in places where the cost of living is high for residents, that means it's also high for businesses to operate. Car insurance companies have to cover their costs and this is then passed along to you, the customer, through increased premiums.

location
Location

Where you live, specifically, in Chicago will affect your car insurance rate. Certain areas of any city are more prone to theft, uninsured motorists and crime in general — this makes it more expensive to insure a vehicle. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates will be less expensive because they are less risky. Check out these zip codes to determine whether or not you're in a more expensive area.

Expensive Chicago ZIP codes: 60624, 60623, 60636, 60639, 60644

Cheap Chicago ZIP codes: 60611, 60656, 60601, 60701, 60610

weather
Weather

The damage caused by tornadoes, hurricanes and other similar weather-related damage can seriously impact insurance companies, and has even been known to put them out of business. Chicago gets its fair share of extreme weather, mostly in the form of snow, wind or flooding. Insurers raise rates in areas at risk of weather damage to account for this. Comprehensive coverage handles weather-related claims, so if you're concerned about potential weather damage this is worth considering as part of your auto insurance policy.

drivers
Drivers

As a city grows, so does its number of drivers. Chicago is not short on people, and as you'd expect, the more cars on the road the more accidents are going to happen. Accident-related claims are usually passed on to other customers through increased costs, even for infrequent or very safe drivers. According to our data, about 33% of drivers in Chicago are not currently insured — UMPD is required in Illinois, which will help protect you if you're in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or lacks adequate coverage.

Zebra Tip: Uninsured property damage coverage


In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). In Chicago, about 33% of drivers are uninsured. UMPD is required in Illinois, which is good for peace of mind on the road. This coverage will provide assistance to you if you or your vehicle are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Chicago

Although it feels like car insurance rates are always creeping higher, there are still ways you can help keep yours more affordable. One of the simplest ways is bundling, and many companies offer some kind of a discount for this — you might be able to save 10% or more on your combined premiums. If you're shopping for a new policy consider combining your home or renters with your car insurance policy. It doesn't require much time or work on your part and a few minutes might be well worth the savings!

Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

bundling home and auto insurance in Chicago
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Chicago, IL
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Chicago, IL

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $581
State Farm $646
GEICO $740
USAA $811
Country $852
Nationwide $865
Progressive $987
Allstate $1,674

Source: The Zebra

There are some factors that go into your car insurance rate which are simply out of your control, but there are things you can do to get the most affordable rate possible. The best way to find cheap car insurance is to shop around! Try to get auto insurance quotes from multiple companies so you can find the best fit for your coverage needs as well as your budget. As mentioned earlier, it's a great idea to get new quotes every six months to a year — or at the very least when you experience a life change such as a milestone birthday, improving your credit or moving to a new area. It can be a little uncomfortable to shop for a new insurance company but don't let that stop you from saving money and feeling prepared when you're behind the wheel. 

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average for a six-month auto insurance policy in Chicago is $1,085 for a six-month policy or $181 per month. This is more expensive than the national and Illinois state averages.

Auto-Owners is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Chicago, coming in at an average of $660 per six-month policy.

Teenagers in Chicago pay over $3,500 for a six-month policy or $600 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers who have their own policy, we recommend that young drivers be added to their parents' policies to significantly bring down the cost.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Chicago, IL


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Chicago from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in Chicago

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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.