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Cheapest Car Insurance in Illinois (Sep 2024)
Cheapest Car Insurance in Illinois (Sep 2024)
Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Illinois.
Find Insurance Savings
No long forms
No spam or unwanted calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations
What's on this page?
- How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Illinois
- Cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois
- Illinois Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
- Illinois Car Insurance Rating Factors
- How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Illinois?
- Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?
- Cheapest car insurance in Illinois by location
- How to lower the cost of car insurance in Illinois
- FAQs
- Methodology
- Meet our Experts
Load full table of contents
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $218 | Alex, 55 | BMW M4 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Travelers | $91 | Daniel, 32 | Ford Explorer Sport | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Nationwide | $235 | Adam, 29 | KIA Optima LX | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Allstate | $200 | Elsie, 43 | Ford Escape S | • 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Clearcover | $128 | Billy, 30 | Audi A4 Premium Plus | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Sep 13, 2024Cheapest 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: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | September 3, 2024 | 3 | "Their Mile Wise program just doesn't fit our diving habits anymore " -Lizzie |
| Farmers | September 2, 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)" -Augusta |
| AAA | September 2, 2024 | 5 | "AAA is by far the best insurance company I've ever used! I wish i could say i hadnt had to do this but i ended up hav...(read more)" -Adeline |
| Bristol West | August 30, 2024 | 3 | "I haven’t personal been in an accident with this Insurance ,but I do have a policy with them. When it comes to payin...(read more)" -Birdie |
| The General | August 29, 2024 | 5 | "They have treated me well so far. I have only been with them for a short time " -Estella |
Last Updated Sep 17, 2024
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.
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.
- $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident inbodily injury liability coverage
- $20,000 per accident inproperty damage liability coverage
- $25,000 / $50,000 per accident ofuninsured 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. 
Katherine (26 years old)
$107
per month
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. 
"Jerry is the new benchmark in app usefulness. Period. It is SO EASY and the results are SO GOOD, and they specifically point out that no one is going to start calling and emailing me all the time. I gave very little info, it pulled up all my existing insurance info, and showed me how to get the same insurance for less, lesser coverage for huge savings, or better coverage for about the same I currently pay. I am personally saving around $1,400/year with my new insurance, and the entire process (including follow ups to sign the docs from the insurance companies) took less than an hour. If you make over $1,400/hour, this may not be worth your time. Otherwise, get the app and use it now!"
Sean S.
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 | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision | Progressive | $115 | Lois, 38 | Honda Odyssey EXL |
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Allstate | $139 | Marian, 26 | Ford Taurus SEL |
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Nationwide | $235 | Adam, 29 | KIA Optima LX |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Safeco | $84 | Callie, 42 | Jeep Compass Limited |
• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision | Clearcover | $82 | Luke, 25 | Volkswagen Beetle |
Last Updated Sep 17, 2024Average 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 $1,405 per year, which translates to around $117 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. How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Illinois?
How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Illinois?
Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Illinois currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Illinois:
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 | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Speeding 1-5 | Progressive | $186 | Margaret, 30 Sugar Grove, IL | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 6-10 | Travelers | $124 | Todd, 29 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 11-15 | Safeco | $66 | Bettie, 32 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 16-20 | Allstate | $118 | Clayton, 23 Wonder Lake, IL | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 21+ | Gainsco | $108 | Martha, 28 | • State Minimum Liability |
Last Updated Sep 17, 2024Over 3,500,000 customers and counting
We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Cheaper than competitors!
Miranda
Loved how easy the process was to get signed up, excited to stay for a while!
Jamie
Reliable insurance, great customer service!
Anthony
Provides the coverage needed!
Mehak
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. Emma (44 years old)
$181
per month
Kathryn (38 years old)
$65
per month
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
At Fault With Injury | Progressive | $133 | Sally, 42 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With No Injury | Allstate | $225 | Bettie, 39 Makanda, IL | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Not At Fault | Safeco | $182 | Bernice, 29 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With No Injury | Travelers | $122 | Clarence, 24 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With Injury | National General | $87 | Bettie, 29 | • State Minimum Liability |
Last Updated Sep 11, 2024FAQ
Is Illinois an at-fault state?
Yes, Illinois is an at-fault state. At-fault car accidents are when higher coverage limits come in handy. Even if you choose not to carry full coverage insurance, increasing your limits beyond the minimum requirements can ensure you don’t face out-of-pocket costs for other drivers on top of your own expenses. Additionally, insurance add-ons like personal injury protection (PIP) can help supplement your own damages and bring you peace of mind.
What do I need to insure a car in Illinois?
To insure a car in Illinois, you’ll need your driver’s license number, VIN, and Social Security number, along with information about your vehicle like the year, make, and model and personal information like your name and address.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Illinois?
In almost all cases, no. Very few car insurance companies will sell car insurance to someone
without a valid driver’s license
. Is car insurance cheaper in Illinois?
In Illinois, the average cost of car insurance is close to the national average. However, high-risk drivers will see higher rates, making it harder to find cheap auto insurance.
Can I drive a car without insurance if I just bought it in Illinois?
No—it’s illegal to drive without insurance in Illinois, even if you’re just driving a block home from the dealership next door.
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 | Car | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Careless Driving | Progressive | $132 | Genevieve, 56 Rushville, IL | Toyota Highlander | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Cell Phone | Travelers | $92 | Marcus, 28 | Mazda 6 Touring | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Defective Equipment | Clearcover | $253 | Leo, 22 | KIA Sorento EX | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Driving on Sus. License | Nationwide | $207 | Gene, 35 | KIA Optima EX | • 250,000/500,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
DUI | Mercury | $130 | Curtis, 35 | Chevrolet Malibu LT | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Eluding Police | Safeco | $140 | Franklin, 32 | Nissan Versa S | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Failure to Yield | Travelers | $180 | Sadie, 23 | Toyota Corolla L | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Illegal Turn | Bristol West | $93 | Nina, 43 | Chevrolet Impala LT | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Improper Passing | Progressive | $94 | Cora, 22 | Honda Civic LX | • State Minimum Liability |
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | National General | $183 | Allen, 49 Naperville, IL | KIA Forte FE | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Open Container | Mercury | $123 | Jimmy, 51 | Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Racing/Drag Racing | Gainsco | $278 | Eleanor, 36 | Lincoln MKC | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 16-20 | State Auto | $217 | Teresa, 41 Atwood, IL | Mercedes-Benz C 300 4matic | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding Violation-Minor | Clearcover | $119 | Caroline, 31 | Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Suspension | Electric | $108 | Lilly, 24 | Lexus ES 300 | • State Minimum Liability |
Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | Bristol West | $85 | Tony, 28 | KIA Sorento | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Other Minor | Safeco | $193 | Christopher, 29 | Jeep Gladiator Overland | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Sep 17, 2024Cheapest 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.
Justin (31 years old)
Currently Insured
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Naperville, IL$121
per month
Sophie (28 years old)
Not Currently Insured
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$91
per month
Cameron (67 years old)
Currently Insured
Coverage250,000 per person
500,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$102
per month
Manuel (31 years old)
Not Currently Insured
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$225
per month
Fanny (43 years old)
Currently Insured
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$89
per month
Clearcover
Kyle (35 years old)
$134
per month
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 | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
> 750 | Progressive | $88 | Don, 44 | Mercury Milan | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
660 - 750 | Safeco | $64 | Adrian, 36 | Honda Accord Sport | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
550 - 659 | Allstate | $63 | Victor, 26 | Dodge Charger R/T | • State Minimum Liability |
< 550 | Bristol West | $208 | Aaron, 25 | Hyundai Elantra SEL | • State Minimum Liability |
Last Updated Sep 17, 2024Cheapest 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.
Alvin (22 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$111
per month
Blake (24 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$136
per month
Zachary (24 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$180
per month
Rebecca (20 years old)
$368
per month
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.
Margaret (77 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Lincoln Navigator$208
per month
Jane (68 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$152
per month
Chester (74 years old)
$269
per month
Mabelle (85 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$175
per month
Over 3,500,000 customers and counting
We’ve earned an App Store rating of 4.7 stars for all we do to make car ownership easier.
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Taya
Best insurance ever!
Alexandria
Great rate for great coverage.
Liz
Great company never had any issues.
Ronnesha
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:
| Popular Car | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry LE | Progressive | $67 | Katharine, 33 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Honda Accord Sport | Travelers | $84 | Lida, 46 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Toyota Corolla LE | Travelers | $147 | Daniel, 28 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | Allstate | $122 | Lucas, 39 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Sep 14, 2024Is 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 $1,417 per year in Illinois.
Louise (21 years old)
2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Greenup, IL$99
per month
Verna (51 years old)
$113
per month
Duane (39 years old)
$114
per month
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Kevin, 38 | Progressive | $143 | Nissan Altima 2.5 | • State Minimum Liability |
| Hillside, IL | Vera, 43 | Allstate | $200 | Ford Escape S | • 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Chicago, IL | Lucy, 58 | Safeco | $67 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | • State Minimum Liability |
| Sauk Village, IL | Minnie, 29 | Nationwide | $235 | KIA Optima LX | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Des Plaines, IL | Verna, 31 | Mercury | $74 | Hyundai Santa FE SE | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Belleville, IL | Maria, 21 | Gainsco | $262 | Honda Accord EX | • State Minimum Liability |
| Chicago, IL | Essie, 25 | Clearcover | $82 | Volkswagen Beetle | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Chicago, IL | Ricky, 54 | Electric | $289 | KIA Forte LX | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Wheeling, IL | Robert, 24 | Dairyland | $196 | Honda Accord Sport SE | • State Minimum Liability |
Last Updated Sep 15, 2024How 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 insuranceto receive a discounted rate.
- Maintain a good credit score.
- Choose the maximum deductible that fits within your budget.
- Ask your insurance company about whatdiscounts 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
FAQs
How much is car insurance in Illinois?
The average cost of car insurance in Illinois can vary between drivers, based on personalized rating factors like your age, gender, and zip code, along with the liability limits and extra coverages you choose to purchase. On average, drivers pay ${dynamic} in monthly car insurance costs.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
The best way to find affordable car insurance in Illinois is by comparing quotes from multiple insurance carriers. Using a car insurance comparison app or website (like Jerry) can help simplify this process, and most carriers are willing to provide free quotes. This will allow you to effectively evaluate your insurance options and find the lowest rates.
How much car insurance do I need in Illinois?
Illinois’s car insurance requirements include a minimum of $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $20,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. These coverages are commonly expressed more simply as 25/50/20 coverage.
Additionally, Illinois drivers must also carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Illinois?
Driving without car insurance in Illinois can result in serious penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. First offenses typically incur a $500 fine and license suspension, with the possibility of community service hours—but repeated offenses or getting caught driving while your license is suspended could mean more serious charges.
How long do at-fault accidents stay on your record in Illinois?
An at-fault accident will remain on your Illinois driving record for three years. During that time, you may also experience heightened car insurance costs. If you were at-fault in an accident due to speeding or driving under the influence, you may also be required to hold SR-22 insurance—which is more expensive than other types of coverage.
When did car insurance become mandatory in Illinois?
Car insurance coverage has been mandatory in Illinois since the 1990s. The state’s mandatory insurance law, which went into effect in January of 1990, has helped curb the number of uninsured drivers in the state.
4
When did car insurance become mandatory in Illinois?
Car insurance coverage has been mandatory in Illinois since the 1990s. The state’s mandatory insurance law, which went into effect in January of 1990, has helped curb the number of uninsured drivers in the state.
4
Do you need insurance to register a car in Illinois?
Yes. In Illinois, drivers must obtain at least minimum liability coverage before they can register their vehicle, and proof of insurance must also be provided at each registration renewal.
Does USAA cover me if I drive someone else’s car in Illinois?
It depends. As is customary for most insurance companies, USAA will extend your coverage to drivers who borrow or drive your vehicle with your consent. This is called “permissible use” and typically encompasses coverage up to your policy’s limits.
If you allow someone else to drive your car and they are involved in an accident, your insurance company would likely be responsible for covering the claim. However, the situation can become more complex if someone involved in the accident is excluded from coverage, or if both you, the person borrowing your car, and the at-fault party have their own insurance policies.
Methodology
The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.
Meet our Experts
R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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
Licensed Insurance Agent
Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just 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.
Josh Damico
Head Of Insurance Operations
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*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.