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Depending on your age, driving record, vehicle type, and a host of other factors, you may define the “best” car insurance company differently than your neighbor.
For instance, drivers with DUIs might believe the best car insurer is one that provides SR-22 filings, while parents might feel an insurer that offers discounts for students is the best.
With the average liability-only car insurance rates in Illinois starting at $54 a month, you have multiple options for finding the best insurer for your needs.
Best car insurance companies in Illinois
Finding the best auto insurance for you means comparing quotes, coverage levels, discounts, and customer service pros and cons from both regional and national insurers. For most drivers, the “best” company isn’t the cheapest or the largest but the one that most accurately meets their coverage needs and budget.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA has an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.5 out of 5, a high A.M. Best rating, and some of the lowest average premiums in Illinois. Offering a variety of insurance products and discounts, USAA is a great option for auto insurance, though it’s only available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
Drivers insured with USAA pay an average of $94 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Lower premium averages than many competitors
A.M. Best rating of A++ (Superior)
Homeowners insurance and investment help available
Cons
Available only to U.S. military members and their families
Clearcover is a tech-focused car insurance company that’s relatively new in the industry and only available in certain states. But drivers who prefer using an app-based claims service can receive payouts in as little as 10 minutes.
Drivers insured with Clearcover pay an average of $111 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Quick payout of qualified claims
A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
24/7 customer service via mobile app
Cons
Tech-based focus might not appeal to all users
Offers only car insurance
No physical locations in the U.S.
Most affordable car insurance in Illinois: Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners has the lowest average premium rates in Illinois, according to Insurify data. This insurer is a great option for cheap car insurance thanks to its IQ Score of 4.1 and A+ BBB rating.
Drivers insured with Auto-Owners pay an average of $54 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Lowest average premium rates in Illinois
Offers a variety of discounts for all ages
A.M. Best rating of A++ (Superior)
Cons
Low customer review ratings (1.38 out of 5 stars) on the BBB website
Not available in all states
Must utilize independent agents for claims, payment, and policy information
Travelers is a well-known national insurer with more than 150 years of industry experience. It offers some of the lowest rates on average in Illinois and has extensive coverage options for drivers who need as much coverage as possible, including rideshare coverage and named nonowner coverage. But the company does have lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Drivers insured with Travelers pay an average of $84 per month for liability-only coverage and $115 per month for full-coverage policies — much lower than the state average of $165.
Pros
Extensive coverage options available
Lower premium averages than competitors
Numerous discounts available
Cons
Lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores
With customizable coverage options to fit your needs, commuters can find a number of advantages with a Safeco auto policy. Though the company has lower-than-average rates, it does have a below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score and limited discounts available.
Drivers insured with Safeco pay an average of $82 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Backed by Liberty Mutual
A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent)
Offers a diminishing deductible for maintaining a clean driving record
Cons
Low customer review rating (1.1 out of 5 stars) on BBB website and not BBB accredited
Limited discounts available
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Erie is limited to only 13 states, though families searching for lower-than-average premiums and multiple discounts should get a quote from this insurer. The company offers discounts that are applicable to many members of the family, like first accident forgiveness, multi-policy, youthful driver, college student, and safety savings.
Drivers insured with Erie pay an average of $88 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Family-focused discounts
Offers pet and personal item coverage for auto accidents
A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior)
Cons
Not available in all states
No online claim service available
Coverages and discounts not available in all states
Not only will students appreciate State Farm’s low average premiums, they’ll also find its Steer Clear and teen driver discounts ideal for people younger than 25. State Farm has a century-long history in the industry and the highest financial strength rating from A.M. Best.
Drivers insured with State Farm pay an average of $58 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
A.M. Best rating of A++ (Superior)
Low average premiums compared to other Illinois insurers
Discounts for drivers younger than 25 and teen drivers with good grades
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Fewer discounts overall than some other competitors
Low customer reviews (1.2 out of 5 stars) on BBB website
Mercury has middle-range average rates, making it an attractive option for drivers comparing multiple insurers side by side. Although it’s only available in 11 states, Mercury offers auto insurance, including ridesharing insurance, as well as other auto products like mechanical protection.
Drivers insured with Mercury pay an average of $118 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Lower average auto premiums than many other Illinois insurers
Rideshare coverage available
Good driver and anti-theft feature discounts
Cons
Higher-than-average customer complaints, according to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data
GEICO is a national insurer, offering multiple insurance products alongside its auto coverage, such as business insurance. Its business insurance includes commercial auto insurance, cyber liability insurance, and more.
GEICO has an IQ Score of 4.3 and offers policyholders a number of discount opportunities. It also has one of the lowest average premium rates in Illinois, according to Insurify data.
Drivers insured with GEICO pay an average of $77 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
A.M. Best rating of A++ (Superior)
Offers business insurance along with auto insurance
Auto coverage available in all 50 states
Cons
Business coverage provided through partner agencies, not GEICO directly
Trustpilot reviews reference poor customer service
The General has been known for its cheap car insurance since 1965. Though it doesn’t offer extensive coverage options, it provides coverage to drivers with poor driving histories, including those who need SR-22 forms. The General has some of the highest average premium rates and limited discounts compared to competitors.
Drivers insured with The General pay an average of $186 per month for liability-only coverage.
Pros
Facilitates SR-22 insurance form filing
Provides coverage for customers with poor driving histories
Offers other auto insurance products, like motorcycle and commercial auto insurance
Hugo is a pay-as-you-go car insurance company that offers short-term car insurance in Illinois. Drivers who need temporary car insurance can purchase coverage for as little as three days, or in intervals of seven or 14 days, or one or six months. Three different coverage options allow drivers to choose minimum liability coverage, liability plus medical and accidental death coverage, or full coverage that includes liability, comprehensive, collision, medical, and accidental death coverages.
Pros
Multiple options for short-term, pay-as-you-go coverage
No down payment and no up-front fees
Start and stop coverage via text message
Cons
Available in a limited number of states
Limited customization options
No traditional discounts, like bundling discount
How Insurify’s experts used internal proprietary data to rate the top auto insurers
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page.
The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Service’s database of auto insurance rates.
With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums. The data included on this page represent averages across all driver ages, gender, credit scores, and driver profiles for Illinois drivers.
How to shop for the best car insurance in Illinois
The best way to review multiple insurers is to first identify what factors are important to you. Price, customer service, availability of other insurance products, and the potential for discounts are all important points of consideration.
Keep these factors in mind while comparing:
Consider if liability-only or additional coverage is best for you.
See if the company offers other forms of insurance, like homeowners insurance, and bundling discounts.
Read customer service ratings, including claim service reputation.
See if an independent agent or online-only insurer can offer lower rates.
“We recommend consumers shop their insurance coverage at least annually. Auto insurance is the most competitive insurance market in the U.S. Insurers want to grow their market share, and prices can vary greatly between carriers. Get at least three quotes from a mix of national and regional insurers and compare costs and coverage levels,” says Mark Friedlander, corporate communications director for the Insurance Information Institute (III).
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How to get the cheapest car insurance in Illinois
Rates differ between insurers, even if their policies offer the same levels of coverage. Not only may Insurer A be cheaper than Insurer B this year, but because rates change frequently, Insurer B may offer cheaper rates than Insurer A next year.
When searching for the cheapest car insurance in Illinois, use these tips to save as much as possible:[1]
Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Review your coverage annually and shop around again if needed.
Ask about discounts.
Increase your deductible or reduce coverage on older cars.
Maintain a good driving and credit history.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Illinois
All states, including Illinois, require drivers to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance. If you operate or park a motor vehicle on any state roadway, you’re required to provide proof of this insurance if law enforcement requests it. You’ll also need to present it when renewing your registration and if you’re involved in a car accident.
The following table shows the minimum amount of liability insurance required for Illinois drivers.[2]
Coverage Type
Amount
Bodily injury (per person)
$25,000
Bodily injury (per accident)
$50,000
Property damage
$20,000
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Illinois
Illinois requires all drivers to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance, but you may want more coverage than it provides. Liability-only insurance pays for damages and medical expenses for another person or their property when you’re at fault. These rates are typically the lowest, as they maintain the lowest coverage levels — but they don’t cover your expenses.
Some drivers who are budget-conscious or don’t drive often may prefer liability-only insurance. Others will find that purchasing additional policies provides the coverage they need. For instance, collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle if it hits another vehicle or overturns.
Comprehensive insurance pays for other damages not involving an accident, such as flood, fire, vandalism, and theft. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance.[3]
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in Illinois by policy type. Some insurers, like Auto-Owners, offer rates that are well below the state average of $165, which is ideal for budget-conscious drivers. Others, like The General, may be more lenient with the driving records that they accept but have much higher rates than the state average.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Illinois car insurance rates by driving and accident history
Most insurers will reevaluate your premium rates after you file a claim. Many insurers offer programs like “accident forgiveness,” which may help you avoid a raise in rates, but it’s important to understand that any claim you file with your insurer has the potential to increase your rates.[4]
Insurers also look at your driving history when quoting a new premium. Everything from DUI/DWI convictions to at-fault accidents and speeding tickets have the potential to raise your rates. Many of these issues stay on your driving record for up to three years, while some single instances, such as a DUI, may cause an insurer not to renew your policy.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Illinois based on driving and accident history.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
SR-22 insurance in Illinois
An SR-22 is a form that proves your car insurance meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. Certain drivers in Illinois are required to file one through their insurance company if they have safety responsibility suspensions, mandatory insurance supervisions, or have received more than two convictions for mandatory insurance violations, such as:[5]
DUI/DWI convictions
Multiple traffic violations in a short span
Unpaid child support
Not maintaining the minimum insurance required
Being in an accident or caught driving without having the insurance minimum
To reinstate a revoked or suspended license
Insurers that offer SR-22s in Illinois include:
Allstate
American Family Insurance
Country Financial
Farmers
GEICO
Progressive
State Farm
USAA
Illinois car insurance quotes by credit tier
The majority of states, including Illinois, allow car insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when quoting driver premiums. These scores assess a driver’s credit history, including credit score, to assume their level of responsibility and risk.[6]
Though this is only one of many factors influencing the quote, many insurers tend to favor excellent or good credit scores over poor credit scores. It’s not uncommon for drivers with good credit to pay lower rates than drivers with poor credit.
Car insurance quotes in Illinois cities
Insurance rates always vary by city, sometimes even by ZIP codes within the same city. Rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents can all influence your rate. Keep in mind that these statistics aren’t the only factor in price.[7]
The table below shows the average monthly quotes for Illinois cities and how they compare to the state average of $165 per month. Cities like East Saint Louis are significantly higher, while cities like Decatur are significantly lower.
For instance, Chicago had 98,563 crashes, Decatur had 1,730 crashes, and East St. Louis had 665 crashes in 2021, according to Illinois Department of Transportation data. Decatur had nearly three times as many crashes as East St. Louis, yet Decatur has the lowest rates and East St. Louis has the highest, according to Insurify data.
Least expensive cities in Illinois
Cities
Average Monthly Quote
Compared to State Average
Decatur
$129
-22%
Bloomington
$133
-20%
Peoria
$151
-9%
Urbana
$152
-8%
Naperville
$152
-8%
Aurora
$158
-5%
Springfield
$160
-4%
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Most expensive cities in Illinois
Cities
Average Monthly Quote
Compared to State Average
Rockford
$161
-3%
Champaign
$172
4%
Belleville
$178
8%
Joliet
$182
10%
Chicago
$187
13%
Waukegan
$189
14%
East St. Louis
$231
40%
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Illinois car insurance rates by driver age
No matter where you live in the Prairie State, age is an important factor in your car insurance rates. Across the nation, studies have shown that teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers older than 20, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[8] These drivers tend to have the highest average car insurance rates.
Older drivers also have higher rates of car crashes than middle-aged drivers; their rates may be more expensive on average, particularly drivers older than 80.[9]
The table below lists how age can affect insurance rates. You’ll see that Illinois averages follow these national trends: Teenages tend to pay more, premium rates tend to decrease as drivers get older, and rates tend to increase when a driver enters the 80+ category.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance in Illinois FAQs
As you’re shopping for car insurance in the Prairie State, it’s important to know what the minimum insurance requirements are and what additional coverages you might need. Here’s some additional information to help you in your search.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO have some of the lowest average car insurance rates in Illinois, ranging between $54 and $77 for liability-only insurance. Other insurers, including local insurers like Lincoln Insurance Agency, also offer cheap car insurance.
What is the required car insurance coverage in Illinois?
Illinois state law requires each driver to maintain $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $20,000 of property damage coverage. These coverages pay for damages that you cause another person or piece of property during an at-fault accident. It doesn’t cover damages to you or your vehicle.
Illinois’s requirements are similar to other states which require the same coverage, but it has fewer requirements than states that require personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
What are the best car insurance companies in Illinois?
State Farm and Auto-Owners are two of the best car insurance companies in Illinois. Both have higher-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
State Farm has average full-coverage rates at $80, while Auto-Owners has average monthly full-coverage premiums of $74. GEICO is another reputable car insurance company in Illinois, with average full-coverage rates of $107 and an A++ rating from A.M. Best.
How does credit score affect car insurance premiums in Illinois?
Insurers can use credit-based insurance scores to price your premiums. This involves assessing your credit history to determine your level of financial risk and responsibility. Generally, drivers with a higher credit score are offered more favorable rates than drivers with lower credit scores.
Is Illinois a no-fault state?
No. Like most states, Illinois is an at-fault state. This means that the driver responsible for the accident is financially responsible for reimbursing the victimized driver or property owner. If you cause an accident, your insurance company is responsible for covering the damages of all parties involved.
Insurify Insights
How Illinois Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Illinois below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Illinois drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more. Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Chevrolet Malibu
Most Popular Car in Illinois
#35
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#46
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#40
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#32
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Illinois is the #48 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
Rank among states: #48
Percent of drivers in Illinois with an accident: 5.8%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Illinois is the #40 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
Rank among states: #40
Percent of drivers in Illinois with a DUI: 1%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Illinois is the #25 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
Rank among states: #25
Percent of drivers in Illinois with a reckless driving offense: 1.3%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Illinois is the #27 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
Rank among states: #27
Percent of drivers in Illinois with a rude driving violation: 1.4%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Illinois is the #35 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
Rank among states: #35
Percent of drivers in Illinois with a speeding ticket: 7.3%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Illinois is the #46 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
Rank among states: #46
Percent of drivers in Illinois with a failure to yield violation: 0%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Methodology
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Service's database of auto insurance rates. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Teenagers." Accessed April 17, 2023
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers." Accessed April 17, 2023
Nick Dauk
Nick Dauk is a freelance writer specializing in business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. His work has been featured in Fox Business, BBC, The Edge, Business Insider, and Bisnow. Nick is a first-generation college graduate, having majored in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. His eclectic coursework, combined with previous managerial roles in the retail and broadcast television industries, have helped him develop an interdisciplinary approach to writing.
For nearly a decade, Nick has created content for mom-and-pop businesses and global corporations. As a travel writer, his global adventures have also been featured on Inside Hook, Houston Chronicle, Culture Trip, and Matador. When he's not traveling, Nick can be found in Orlando spending time with his wife and toddler.
