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Cheapest Car Insurance in Illinois (Nov 2024)

Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Illinois.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

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 CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Progressive
$286
KIA Sportage LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$109
Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$141
Mazda CX-5 Sport
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clearcover
$117
Hyundai Elantra GLS
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
National General
$133
Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 23, 2024

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 companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
Bristol West
November 21, 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)"
-Tyler
Hugo
November 19, 2024
5
"They have treated me well so far. I have only been with them for a short time "
-Elmer
Amica
November 17, 2024
4
"The people there are kind and courteous. The prices are reasonable . "
-Clarence
Freedom National
November 10, 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)"
-Polly
AAA
November 8, 2024
5
"From taking the policy to fit in pocket. Everything was flawless "
-Kate
coverageLast Updated Nov 21, 2024
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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.
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. 
card cover
Della (32 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carBMW 750i
$265
per month
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Josie (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationCanton, IL
carKIA Sedona EX
$199
per month
card cover
Myrtle (26 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Taurus SEL
$107
per month
card cover
Madge (32 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Explorer Sport
$91
per month
card cover
Gainsco
Lee (42 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSesser, IL
carGMC Sierra C1500
$76
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. 
Lower my car insurance too!

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 CoverageInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$265
BMW 750i
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$122
Toyota RAV4 XLE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$235
KIA Optima LX
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$141
Mazda CX-5 Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$106
KIA Soul
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

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 $0 per year, which translates to around $0 per month. For those seeking full coverage insurance, the average annual cost in Illinois is approximately $0, resulting in a monthly expense of around $0.
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.

How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Illinois?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
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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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Progressive
$145
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Travelers
$124
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 11-15
Safeco
$66
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 16-20
Allstate
$118
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 21+
Gainsco
$108
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

Over 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:
Progressive
Cheaper than competitors!
Miranda
Progressive
Loved how easy the process was to get signed up, excited to stay for a while!
Jamie
Bristol West
Reliable insurance, great customer service!
Anthony
National General
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. 
card cover
Georgia (24 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationJoliet, IL
carRAM 1500 Classic SLT
$284
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Marion (34 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carMazda 3 Touring
$138
per month
card cover
Amanda (38 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
locationEffingham, IL
carHonda Civic LX
$65
per month
card cover
Nathaniel (43 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Escape SE
$249
per month
card cover
Gainsco
Daniel (32 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Impala LT
$220
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Christina (44 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carJeep Grand Cherokee Limited
$180
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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$133
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$225
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Safeco
$182
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Travelers
$122
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With Injury
National General
$87
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

FAQ

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. 
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. 
In almost all cases, no. Very few car insurance companies will sell car insurance to someone
without a valid driver’s license
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. 
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. 
ViolationInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Careless Driving
Progressive
$132
Toyota Highlander
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Cell Phone
Travelers
$92
Mazda 6 Touring
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Defective Equipment
Clearcover
$253
KIA Sorento EX
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Driving on Sus. License
Nationwide
$207
KIA Optima EX
• 250,000/500,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
DUI
Mercury
$130
Chevrolet Malibu LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Eluding Police
Safeco
$140
Nissan Versa S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Yield
Travelers
$180
Toyota Corolla L
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Illegal Turn
Bristol West
$93
Chevrolet Impala LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Improper Passing
Progressive
$94
Honda Civic LX
• State Minimum Liability
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run
National General
$183
KIA Forte FE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Open Container
Mercury
$123
Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Racing/Drag Racing
Gainsco
$278
Lincoln MKC
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 16-20
State Auto
$217
Mercedes-Benz C 300 4matic
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding Violation-Minor
Clearcover
$119
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Suspension
Electric
$108
Lexus ES 300
• State Minimum Liability
Wrong Way/Wrong Lane
Bristol West
$85
KIA Sorento
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Other Minor
Safeco
$193
Jeep Gladiator Overland
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 24, 2024

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.
card cover
Dustin (31 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationNaperville, IL
carChevrolet Equinox LS
$121
per month
card cover
Nell (28 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carToyota Corolla CE
$91
per month
card cover
Florence (67 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
250,000 per person
500,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carHyundai Tucson SE
$102
per month
card cover
Birdie (31 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carAcura TLX Tech
$225
per month
card cover
Lou (43 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carJeep Renegade Latitude
$89
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Maria (35 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Leaf S
$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 RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$64
Honda FIT
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Travelers
$92
Mazda 6 Touring
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
550 - 659
Travelers
$89
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Bristol West
$208
Hyundai Elantra SEL
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 25, 2024

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.
card cover
Christopher (21 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Cruze LT
$115
per month
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Amanda (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord F250 Super Duty
$136
per month
card cover
Louisa (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Spark 1LT
$233
per month
card cover
Herbert (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Silverado C1500
$131
per month
card cover
Fanny (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord Fiesta SE
$277
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Maurice (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationPalos Heights, IL
carHonda Accord EX
$69
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. 
card cover
Katharine (80 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationWauconda, IL
carLexus RX 330
$78
per month
card cover
Caroline (77 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carLincoln Navigator
$208
per month
card cover
Zachary (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord Taurus SEL
$152
per month
card cover
Katie (74 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord F-150
$269
per month
card cover
Eunice (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationTolono, IL
carJeep Cherokee Latitude
$122
per month
card cover
Gainsco
Betty (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$99
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.
Progressive
Awesome!
Taya
Progressive
Best insurance ever!
Alexandria
Mercury
Great rate for great coverage.
Liz
ClearCover
Great company never had any issues.
Ronnesha

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.
CityCustomerInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CarInsurance coverage
Mount Vernon, IL
Andre, 34
Progressive
$286
KIA Sportage LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Oak Lawn, IL
Ethan, 68
Travelers
$102
Hyundai Tucson SE
• 250,000/500,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Chicago, IL
Nathaniel, 58
Safeco
$67
Toyota Camry Hybrid
• State Minimum Liability
Sauk Village, IL
Kathryn, 29
Nationwide
$235
KIA Optima LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Rockford, IL
Edward, 62
National General
$133
Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Fox River Grove, IL
Maria, 62
Gainsco
$67
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• State Minimum Liability
Belleville, IL
Gene, 23
Clearcover
$117
Hyundai Elantra GLS
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Belleville, IL
Randall, 55
Mercury
$168
KIA Sedona EX
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clinton, IL
Carolyn, 29
Dairyland
$117
Ford Fusion SE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Dekalb, IL
Nell, 38
Electric
$199
Buick Enclave
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

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: 
  1. Compare quotes from at least three to five different insurance companies.
  2. Bundling your homeowners and auto insurance
    to receive a discounted rate.
  3. Maintain a good credit score.
  4. Choose the maximum deductible that fits within your budget.
  5. 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. 
  6. Enroll in a defensive driving course.
  7. 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

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. 
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. 
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). 
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. 
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. 
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
 
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
 
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. 
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

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R.E. Fulton
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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.
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Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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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.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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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.