How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Illinois
When it comes to shopping for the best car insurance coverage, there’s no single company that’s right for everyone. Every insurer calculates their rates a little differently—and insurance quotes are uniquely customized to individual drivers.
That’s why drivers should get free quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most cost-effective car insurance rates in Illinois. With help from the Jerry Insurance Agency, that search process can be simplified.
Jerry gathers and compares quotes on your behalf, so you can easily assess your options across insurance agencies to find the ideal policy.
Check out these quotes Jerry found for real drivers just like you:
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $312 | Adeline, 74, Blue Island, IL | Hyundai Genesis 5.0L | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $181 | Jason, 22, Chicago, IL | Toyota Corolla Ce | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $277 | Bruce, 20, Chicago, IL | Toyota Prius | State Minimum | No |
| Electric | $181 | Jeff, 24, Chicago, IL | Toyota Prius | State Minimum | No |
| Electric | $94 | Max, 27, Oak Lawn, IL | Honda Civic Lx | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois
Auto insurance companies like GEICO, Country Financial, and Mercury are commonly regarded as some of the cheapest providers in Illinois. But are they actually?
Jerry conducted the most extensive nationwide survey on insurance shopping to determine which companies offer the most affordable rates for Illinois drivers:
The results of our survey indicate that there is no single insurance company that can universally offer the cheapest rates for Illinois drivers. Some of the best-rated insurers in our survey of Illinois drivers included:
- Clearcover
- Dairyland
- Gainsco
- Liberty Mutual
- Mercury
- National General
- State Auto
- State Farm
Check out what these Jerry drivers had to say about various insurance carriers:
| Insurance company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | November 5, 2024 | 5 | “I absolutely love Bristol West. They are a great insurance company. VERY affordable. They work well with people who d…(read more)” -Clarence |
| Bristol West | November 2, 2024 | 5 | “Whenever I need an adjustment to my plan, or have any questions, the representatives on online chat are quick, clear,…(read more)” -Dale |
| Allstate | October 28, 2024 | 4 | “It has been a very good business relationship between myself and my agent with Allstate in Russellville Arkansas. I d…(read more)” -Gussie |
| Dairyland | October 28, 2024 | 5 | “I just switched over to Dairyland and it has been a great decision! I am paying waaaay less for car insurance and the…(read more)” -Linnie |
| The General | October 26, 2024 | 5 | “I have had no issues with American Alliance, and haven’t had to file a claim with them. I will say that they provided…(read more)” -Bernice |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
The easiest way to compare rates across car insurance companies online is by using an insurance comparison website or app.
That’s where Jerry comes in. As a trusted insurance agency, Jerry provides a free app that not only compares car insurance quotes on your behalf, but also offers customized service with a dedicated team of over 100+ licensed insurance agents.
Minimum liability and full coverage
In Illinois, drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage. Depending on your driving needs, it may also be worth considering additional coverage options that offer extra protection for vehicle damages and repairs.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in Illinois
To hit the roads in Illinois, drivers must have liability insurance and carry proof of insurance coverage at all times. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties if caught.
The state minimum coverage in Illinois is as follows:
- $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $20,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
- $25,000 / $50,000 per accident of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
These coverages are commonly expressed more simply as 25/50/20 coverage. In addition to liability coverage, Illinois drivers are also required to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which protects you in the event of an accident with an at-fault driver who does not have liability coverage.
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) recommends purchasing higher coverage limits for both liability and uninsured motorist coverage, as the state’s insurance minimums may not be enough to cover the actual costs of an at-fault accident.
Drivers may also want to consider purchasing insurance add-ons, such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, or roadside assistance, which can extend extra protection to both you and your vehicle.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Illinois
The best way to protect yourself against expenses related to repairing or replacing your vehicle is with a full coverage car insurance policy.
Full coverage policies include your insurance minimums alongside comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage handles costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident, while comprehensive coverage offers compensation for theft or damage resulting from non-collision incidents.
Paired together, comprehensive and collision coverage may simply be called “physical damage” coverage. If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender may even require you to carry physical damage coverage before you can take possession of the car.
Whether it’s a contract requirement or a personal necessity, finding affordable full-coverage rates doesn’t have to be hard.
See what these Jerry users paid for different types of coverage below:
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $312 | Adeline, 74, Blue Island, IL | Hyundai Genesis 5.0L |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $181 | Jason, 22, Chicago, IL | Toyota Corolla Ce |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $277 | Bruce, 20, Chicago, IL | Toyota Prius |
| State Minimum | No | Electric | $181 | Jeff, 24, Chicago, IL | Toyota Prius |
| State Minimum | No | Electric | $94 | Max, 27, Oak Lawn, IL | Honda Civic Lx |
Average rates for state minimum liability coverage and full coverage
Based on our work with policyholders in Illinois, Jerry has found that the average cost of minimum liability insurance is about $1,355 per year, which translates to around $113 per month. For those seeking full coverage insurance, the average annual cost in Illinois is approximately $1,993, resulting in a monthly expense of around $166.
Although averages can help provide a general idea of your personal insurance costs, it’s important to remember that every driver’s premium is determined by personal factors like your demographics, driving record, discount eligibility, and more.
Illinois car insurance: Additional coverages
For an extra premium, drivers may choose to purchase additional coverages that can round out their vehicle’s protection or help meet specific needs. Popular add-ons in Illinois include:
- Accidental death benefits
- Custom/Non-factory equipment
- Medical payments
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)
If you drive a leased or financed vehicle, gap insurance is recommended. Gap insurance protects you from the financial “gap” between your remaining loan balance and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it’s stolen or declared a total loss.
On the other hand, if you find yourself frequently borrowing or renting a vehicle that’s not your own, a non-owner car insurance policy may be a better choice. This type of policy ensures you have liability coverage regardless of the car you’re driving.
Car insurance premium by rating factors
Rating factors determine your insurance premium based on risk-related characteristics among drivers. Car insurance companies in Illinois take various rating factors into account, such as:
- Your driving record / claims history: Drivers with a history of accidents or violations typically face higher insurance premiums.
- Your demographics: Your age, gender, and marital status all play a role in determining what you pay.
- Your location: Drivers in cities like Chicago pay more than their rural counterparts due to higher crime rates, population density, and a greater risk of property damage.
- Your mileage: Drivers with a higher annual mileage often face higher insurance premiums.
- The make / model of your car: Luxury, high-performance, and sports vehicles generally have higher rates for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Cheapest Illinois car insurance after a driving violation
Your driving history plays a significant role in determining your insurance quotes. If insurance companies detect a record of violations, they’ll perceive you as a higher risk and raise your rates accordingly.
Cheapest car insurance for Illinois drivers with a speeding ticket
Even a minor speeding infraction can have a negative impact on your insurance rates—and excessive speeding infractions can increase your rate by an average of 33.4% in Illinois.
See how much these Jerry drivers paid for insurance after various speeding violations:
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 16-20 | Gainsco | $164 | Sophie, 24, Elk Grove Village, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 21+ | The General | $253 | Charlie, 23, Tinley Park, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 21+ | Progressive | $260 | Melvin, 22, Joliet, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding 21+ | Progressive | $101 | Alta, 26, Dongola, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $137 | William, 28, Westmont, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest auto insurance in Illinois after a DUI
DUI convictions can significantly impact insurance rates. In Illinois, even a first offense DUI charge can result in a year-long license suspension and heavy fines, not to mention seriously elevated car insurance costs.
Illinois SR-22 insurance
If you’re convicted of a serious violation, such as a DUI, you may need to obtain SR-22 insurance. An Illinois SR-22 is issued by insurance companies to verify that you meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
SR-22 filing may also be required if:
- You’re caught driving without insurance
- You’re caught driving with a suspended license
- You are convicted of a reckless driving charge
- You have committed repeated driving violations
Once mandated, Illinois requires you to carry SR-22 insurance for a minimum of three years.
Cheapest Illinois auto insurance after an at-fault accident
Like your driving record, your accident history also significantly affects what you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies evaluate your at-fault accidents to assess your risk level, and recent at-faults can result in notable rate increases.
|
Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not At Fault | Electric | $200 | Augusta, 44, Chicago, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $55 | Douglas, 39, Orland Park, IL | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $105 | Angel, 46, Chicago, IL | 100/300 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Bristol West | $390 | Irene, 51, Chicago, IL | 50/100 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Gainsco | $81 | Lucile, 72, Romeoville, IL | State Minimum | No |
FAQ
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Is Illinois an at-fault state?
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What do I need to insure a car in Illinois?
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Can you get car insurance without a license in Illinois?
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Is car insurance cheaper in Illinois?
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Can I drive a car without insurance if I just bought it in Illinois?
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Illinois
Apart from speeding tickets and DUIs, various other violations can result in increased car insurance costs in Illinois. Below, you can see how Jerry has helped drivers save on their car insurance following different driving violations.
|
Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Minor | Gainsco | $231 | Alta, 37, Fairview Heights, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Other Minor | The General | $163 | Marie, 27, Springfield, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Other Minor | Progressive | $64 | Catherine, 40, Cherry Valley, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Driving on Sus. License | Progressive | $57 | Jon, 37, Matteson, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Careless Driving | Progressive | $34 | Chris, 52, Springfield, IL | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest auto insurance in Illinois based on insurance history
Insurance history is another big rating factor that companies consider. This includes how long you’ve been insured and whether you’ve had any lapses in coverage.
Jerry understands the importance of timely insurance payments and preventing coverage lapses, which is why we provide payment reminders to eligible customers to help you stay on track with your insurance obligations and maintain continuous coverage.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit
Despite not directly reflecting your driving skills, insurance companies also take into account your credit history when determining your rates.
This is because insurers observe a correlation between lower credit scores and more frequent claim filing. Consequently, having a lower credit score can mean higher insurance premiums.
Based on our data, drivers with poor credit scores (below 550) typically face car insurance rates that are nearly 87% higher compared to those with excellent credit.
See real quotes for drivers with various credit scores below:
|
Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550-659 | Progressive | $312 | Adeline, 74, Blue Island, IL | Hyundai Genesis 5.0L | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $181 | Jason, 22, Chicago, IL | Toyota Corolla Ce | State Minimum | Yes |
| 660-750 | Electric | $94 | Max, 27, Oak Lawn, IL | Honda Civic Lx | State Minimum | No |
| <550 | Electric | $200 | Augusta, 44, Chicago, IL | Honda Hr-V Lx | State Minimum | Yes |
| 660-750 | Progressive | $55 | Douglas, 39, Orland Park, IL | Ford Ecosport S | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois by age
Young drivers often encounter higher auto insurance rates due to their limited driving experience and a higher risk of accidents. However, as drivers reach the age of 25, these steep rates gradually drop off.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois for young drivers
Insurance rates for teenage drivers—specifically those aged 16 to 19—are the highest among all age groups in Illinois. Jerry specializes in helping young drivers find affordable options for comprehensive and collision coverage—some of the most expensive coverage for young drivers.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois for senior drivers
Similar to teen drivers, insurance agencies see senior drivers as posing a heightened risk on the roads. That’s because:
- Senior drivers have an increased risk of accidents compared to other age groups.
- Collisions involving senior drivers often result in severe injuries, leading to higher medical expenses and increased costs for insurance providers.
In other words, once drivers enter their mid-70s, they may experience a sudden increase in their insurance costs.
Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
The make and model of your vehicle can significantly influence your car insurance premium.
While it is a myth that your vehicle’s color affects your insurance rates, insurance companies look at the type of vehicle you own to help determine your premium. They’ll take into consideration the average repair and replacement costs associated with the vehicle, its likelihood of theft, and the vehicle’s overall safety record.
That’s why certain car owners may encounter higher-than-average insurance rates. Some of the most popular car models among Illinois drivers include:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Altima
- Ford Escape
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Ce | Progressive | $181 | Jason, 22, Chicago, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Accord Ex-L | Progressive | $86 | Francis, 25, Chicago, IL | State Minimum | No |
| Toyota Corolla Le | Progressive | $317 | Leila, 67, Chicago, IL | 50/100 | Yes |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | National General | $343 | Minerva, 40, Alsip, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
| Ford Escape S | Progressive | $72 | Chad, 48, Mount Vernon, IL | State Minimum | Yes |
Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?
On average, new vehicles tend to carry higher insurance costs compared to used or older models. Our data shows that the average full coverage insurance cost for a car older than 10 years is $1,397 per year in Illinois.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois by location
Your insurance premiums are also influenced by where you live. Factors such as population density, accident rates, crime statistics, and climate can all contribute to the variation in insurance costs across cities and even between zip codes.
|
City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Island, IL | Adeline | Progressive | $312 | Hyundai Genesis 5.0L | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chicago, IL | Jason | Progressive | $181 | Toyota Corolla Ce | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chicago, IL | Bruce | Progressive | $277 | Toyota Prius | State Minimum | No |
| Chicago, IL | Jeff | Electric | $181 | Toyota Prius | State Minimum | No |
| Oak Lawn, IL | Max | Electric | $94 | Honda Civic Lx | State Minimum | No |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in Illinois
There are a variety of ways you can lower your insurance costs in Illinois, such as:
- Compare quotes from at least three to five different insurance companies.
- Bundling your homeowners and auto insurance to receive a discounted rate.
- Maintain a good credit score.
- Choose the maximum deductible that fits within your budget.
- Ask your insurance company about what discounts you qualify for. Some of the most popularly available discounts in Illinois include good driver discounts, good student discounts, and low annual mileage discounts.
- Enroll in a defensive driving course.
- Assess the need for collision and comprehensive coverage on older or rarely used vehicles.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Illinois?
On average, Illinois drivers pay less than the national average for auto insurance coverage. Nonetheless, premiums in the Prairie State can quickly get pricey due to:
- High population density cities
- Many uninsured drivers
- Expensive healthcare costs
- Higher highway density
- Rate of car thefts
- Severe winter climate conditions
FAQ
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How much is car insurance in Illinois?
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What is the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
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How much car insurance do I need in Illinois?
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What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Illinois?
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How long do at-fault accidents stay on your record in Illinois?
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When did car insurance become mandatory in Illinois?
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Do you need insurance to register a car in Illinois?
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Does USAA cover me if I drive someone else’s car in Illinois?
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Licensed Insurance Agent
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.
Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
