Best car insurance companies in Chicago
Chicago has hundreds of insurance providers and thousands of coverage options, meaning you’d need to do a lot of research to find the best rates in the city on your own—or you could turn to Jerry research.
In a nationwide survey, Jerry experts asked over 15,000 real policyholders about their experience with their current provider. Companies that received the highest overall ratings included Travelers, Nationwide, and State Farm car insurance in Chicago—but there were other top contenders to take note of as well.
Here are some of the top insurance companies in Chicago that provide the cheapest rates and received the highest marks overall.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $46 | $111 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| State Farm | $47 | $160 | 3.8 | 4.0 |
| Nationwide | $49 | $191 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| State Auto | $50 | $224 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Progressive | $54 | $154 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| Clearcover | $64 | $139 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Gainsco | $91 | $220 | 4.6 | 5.0 |
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 to find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago
Drivers in Chicago, Illinois pay an average of $75 per month for minimum coverage insurance and about $185 per month for full coverage insurance. Compared to the national average, Chicago motorists pay approximately 7.4% more for car insurance.
| Coverage type | Chicago, IL | Illinois | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $75 | $63 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $185 | $138 | $165 |
Several factors—such as your driver profile, coverage levels, and even your location—can impact your premium costs. With a population between 2,500,000 and 2,700,000, Chicago is one of Illinois’ largest cities. While the total population count has decreased by 5% in recent years, Chicago residents still pay more on average for car insurance due to the increased risk of traffic accidents and property theft.
However, there are still several ways to lower your Chicago premiums—and one of the best places to start is by using Jerry. With the Jerry app, drivers can create a custom profile and compare quotes from dozens of the best providers in Chicago.
Most drivers can find lower than average rates with insurers such as Progressive, Safeco, and Travelers—and the entire process only takes between one and two hours max.
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago
When choosing the best insurance plan for you, you’ll first need to decide how much car insurance you need. Not only are there different types of coverages, but there are also different liability limits and deductible amounts you can choose from.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Chicago
Under Illinois car insurance laws, drivers are required to carry liability car insurance and uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage.
Minimum liability insurance requirements in Illinois follow a 25/50/20 (plus 25/50) rule. That may sound confusing, but it really just means that your policy must cover at least:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 of UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
If you are at fault in an accident, liability insurance will cover medical expenses and property damage for the other party involved. On the other hand, UM/UIM coverage provides financial protection for you and your passengers if the damages exceed the coverage limits for the at-fault driver.
You’ll likely pay the lowest available rates with minimum required liability coverage. On average, drivers in Chicago pay approximately $75 per month for state minimum insurance—however, your rates may vary. Here’s what real Chicago drivers pay for the state minimum with some of the top insurers in the city:
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $46 |
| Mercury Auto | $45 |
| Nationwide | $49 |
| Safeco | $51 |
| Progressive | $54 |
| Allstate | $56 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Chicago?
Most drivers in Chicago will benefit from more than the minimum coverage. While the Illinois state minimum liability coverage requirement of 25/50/20 offers adequate protection, medical and repair bills after a crash can be really expensive.
If you’re at fault in an accident and the resulting damages are more expensive than your coverage limits, you’ll be responsible for paying the rest out-of-pocket. Keep in mind that according to Illinois’s car accident laws, an injured party can sue you in a personal injury lawsuit for up to two years after the accident.
Additionally, Chicago has some very severe winter weather, thanks to the lake effect. This means it’s really easy to get into an accident in the winter, even if you’re an incredibly careful driver.
As a result, most experts recommend drivers increase their liability limits to either 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to protect their assets and future income.
A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Chicago
While you’re not legally required to purchase full coverage car insurance, it does provide additional protection for your vehicle if you need repairs (or a new car) after an accident.
On average, a full-coverage policy generally includes liability insurance, plus collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
- Collision insurance: Covers the costs of repairing or replacing your car if you drive into another vehicle or a non-moving object.
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers the costs of repairing or replacing your car in cases of theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
Most car loan lenders will require you to maintain collision and comprehensive insurance coverage until you’ve paid off your vehicle. If you don’t have a car loan, though, your level of coverage is up to you.
Although a full coverage policy is more expensive on a monthly basis compared to the state minimum, it’s a worthy investment—and several providers offer cheaper than average rates for it.
| Insurance company | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $111 |
| Mercury Auto | $127 |
| Safeco | $137 |
| Progressive | $154 |
| Kemper | $176 |
Average cost of car insurance in Chicago
On average, Chicago drivers spend about $75 per month (or $906 per year) for minimum liability coverage. For full coverage insurance, the average Chicago driver pays $185 per month ($2,226 per year).
Compared to both the state and national averages, Chicago drivers pay more for auto insurance—and these factors may be why.
- Vehicle theft rates: Chicago hit a record high for vehicle theft rates in 2023. There were over 26,000 vehicle thefts and attempted thefts reported in Chicago in 20231, representing a 26% increase compared to 2022. Meanwhile, arrest rates have hit a low of just 2.6%2. With the increased risk of theft, insurance rates for comprehensive coverage may be higher than they were in previous calendar years.
- Traffic crashes: Chicago has previously been named one of the most dangerous cities to drive in. In 2023, there were 399 reported car crash fatalities in Chicago. While this doesn’t place Chicago in the top 10 most dangerous cities to drive in, it can contribute to higher insurance rates within the city limits.
- Severe weather: Winters in Chicago can be extremely cold and snowy. In fact, from November 2021 to March 2022, Chicago experienced a total of 38.8 inches of snow during the winter season. This can lead to dangerous driving weather, poor road conditions in terms of potholes and bumps, and the potential for more frequent crashes, all of which can contribute to higher insurance rates.
The national average gives you a good starting point for potential insurance costs, but actual insurance rates are highly individualized. Things like your driver profile, claims history, and driving record can have a huge impact on your final rate. You may find that your final insurance rate is hundreds of dollars higher—or lower—than the average.
Average cost of car insurance in Chicago by zip code
If you live in a Chicago neighborhood considered high-risk for vandalism, motor vehicle theft, and/or accidents— think Englewood, Austin, and South Shore3— you’ll likely be charged a higher rate for your insurance. Here are some of the Chicago ZIP codes, starting with the cheapest and heading into the most expensive.
| ZIP code | Average annual coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 60654 | $339 |
| 60605 | $441 |
| 60614 | $447 |
| 60607 | $551 |
| 60628 | $1,483 |
| 60706 | $1,484 |
| 60632 | $1,498 |
| 60601 | $1,530 |
| 60827 | $1,630 |
| 60620 | $1,833 |
Car insurance quotes in Chicago by rating factors
When calculating your auto insurance premium, insurance companies in Chicago will typically use a variety of factors, including:
- Your age: Drivers under the age of 25 are considered to be higher risk, and therefore, face much higher insurance rates.
- Your driving record and claims history: Car accidents and tickets will cause your insurance rates to increase.
- Your vehicle: Luxury, high-performance, and sports cars are often more expensive to insure.
- Your parking spot: If you park your vehicle in a neighborhood notorious for auto insurance claims, your rates will often be higher. Many Chicagoans have no choice in their parking spot, but if you can rent a private parking space in a garage or gated lot, you might be able to save on your insurance.
- Your credit score: If you have bad credit, you’ll typically pay more than someone with good credit for the same insurance coverage.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago after driving violations
If you have violations or points on your Illinois driving record, you may see a significant increase in your Chicago car insurance premiums. Some insurance companies are happy to work with high-risk drivers, but others won’t. This is especially true if you’ve received a conviction like a DUI or reckless driving in Illinois.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago after speeding ticket
Just one Illinois speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates by about 28%. If you have received multiple speeding tickets, or if you received a ticket while speeding well above the posted speed limit, your rates could shoot up even more. Here’s the average full coverage rate for drivers with varying speeding tickets on their Chicago record.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | $166 | 28% |
But just because your rates are higher, it doesn’t mean you need to stick with them. Some insurance providers may be more forgiving of a violation like a speeding ticket. To find insurance providers in Chicago who will offer you a more affordable rate, it can be helpful to work with a broker like Jerry to speed up the process.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago after DUI
When you get charged with a DUI in Illinois, you’ll face some serious consequences, including:
- Fine of up to $2,500
- Jail sentence of up to one year
- Driver’s license suspension of at least one year
- Up to 100 hours of community service
If you get additional DUI charges on top of your first one, the penalties become even more severe. You’ll also face a steep increase in insurance rates after a DUI.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | $170 | 31% |
The best way to lower your rates after a DUI is to shop for car insurance quotes from several providers. Not all insurers will offer insurance to drivers with DUIs or SR-22 requirements, but you may be able to find deals with providers, such as State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago after an at-fault accident
When you’re declared at fault in an accident, you’ll be hit with higher auto insurance rates than drivers with a clean driving record. Chicago drivers with an at-fault accident on their record may see their rates rise by 29%.
| Driving record | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $168 | 29% |
If you’re looking to mitigate rising car insurance costs after an at-fault accident, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course, or shopping for discounts. While you may not be eligible for good driver discounts, you can still earn savings through loyalty and bundling discounts.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago after other driving violations
If you receive any other traffic violation like driving without a license or reckless driving in Illinois, you’ll likely see an increase in your insurance rates. The table below shows some common violations and infractions in Chicago, and the percent increase for each charge.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Defective equipment | $133 | 2% |
| Improper passing | $138 | 6% |
| Failure to yield | $151 | 16% |
| Cell phone use | $152 | 17% |
| Careless driving | $199 | 53% |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago by age
The two age groups that face the highest insurance rates are teenagers and older adults. Drivers between 25 and 75 years of age will pay less for their car insurance than younger or older drivers.
If you’re a younger or older driver looking for affordable Chicago car insurance, consider the following tips.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago for young drivers
Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are more likely to get into an accident than any other age group, meaning they also have the highest insurance rates. Check out some of the average rates for young drivers in Chicago:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | $202 | $357 |
| 22-25 | $126 | $252 |
To keep your auto insurance affordable for young drivers, keep them on their parents’ policy for as long as you can, and shop for quotes with Jerry to find the most affordable options for teens in Chicago.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 45-54 see some of the cheapest full rates for middle-aged drivers, while those between 35 and 44 often experience lower minimum coverage costs.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 26-34 | $94 | $178 |
| 35-44 | $74 | $158 |
| 45-54 | $76 | $146 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheapest car insurance in Chicago for senior drivers
On average, senior car insurance is typically more expensive—however, in Chicago, full coverage rates continue to decrease as motorists age, making this type of coverage more affordable for individuals. On the other hand, minimum coverage costs tend to witness a spike between 55-64, and lower slightly again once motorists turn 65.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $81 | $143 |
| 65+ | $78 | $142 |
To achieve lower premiums as a senior Chicago driver, start by searching for car insurance discounts. Several companies, including Travelers, Safeco, and Allstate offer discounts for good driving, paying your premium in full, and more.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago based on insurance history
It’s not just your age and driving history that can impact your rates—it’s also your insurance history. Having a lapse in your insurance history isn’t a good look for most insurers. This is because insurance providers consider previously uninsured motorists to be high-risk drivers.
If you’re currently experiencing a lapse in coverage, or have had one in the past, here’s how much, on average, you can expect to pay for car insurance in Chicago.
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $166 | 68% |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago for drivers with poor credit
Even if you have a clean driving record, your credit score can dramatically increase your insurance rates4.
Chicago drivers with poor credit (under 600) pay an average of 22% more than drivers with fair credit (601-699) and 45% more than drivers with excellent credit (700+) for their car insurance. Here’s the breakdown:
| Credit score | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| < 600 | $116 |
| 601-699 | $95 |
| 700+ | $80 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Chicago for popular cars
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may see higher or lower insurance premiums than the average Chicago driver.
If your car is cheap to repair, you’ll have lower insurance rates. Additionally, vehicles with anti-theft systems, driver-assistive technology, and good safety ratings generally cost less to insure. Check out the average monthly costs for some of the most popular vehicles in Chicago in the table below:
| Vehicle type | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | $142 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $170 |
| Honda CR-V | $111 |
| Ford F-150 | $136 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $172 |
Top 3 tips to lower car insurance costs in Chicago
Shopping for car insurance is one of the best ways to save on premiums in Chicago, but it’s not the only way. Take a look at some of these top tips to help you save even more.
1. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Most insurance providers will offer several discounts for various things, even if those discounts aren’t advertised! When shopping for insurance, keep an eye out for discounts like:
- Good driver discounts: Many insurers offer discounts to drivers with a clean record.
- Good student discounts: Are you a student? If you maintain a B average or higher, you may qualify for a discount from some insurance companies.
- Bundling discounts: Many insurers will offer a discount to drivers who bundle their home insurance and auto insurance. That applies to renters insurance, too!
- Telematics discounts: Many insurers will offer discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. Sometimes, you can even get a discount just for signing up!
2. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
Increasing your deductible is one way to save on your car insurance. However, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for paying your deductible out-of-pocket in the event of an accident, so you should never raise your deductible to an amount that you can’t afford.
3. Take a defensive driving course
Depending on your provider, Illinois drivers may be able to save between 5% and 30% on car insurance premiums by completing an approved defensive driving course. Defensive driving classes are a great way to lower insurance costs and prevent accidents, leading to safer driving and cheaper insurance in the long term. Check with your provider to learn more about approved defensive driving course options.
FAQ
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Who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois?
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How much is car insurance in IL per month?
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How much is car insurance per month in Chicago?
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How to lower car insurance in Illinois?
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Is car insurance high in Chicago?
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Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Illinois?
Sources
- https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-crime-car-theft-vehicle-police-department/14212073/ ↩︎
- https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-hits-record-high-car-thefts-record-low-arrests-in-2023/ ↩︎
- https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-hits-record-high-car-thefts-record-low-arrests-in-2023/ ↩︎
- https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Official-CFA-Credit-Score_2023-FINAL-REPORT.pdf ↩︎
Liz Jenson is an insurance writer who specializes in general automotive and insurance topics. Liz’s mission is to produce informative and useful content to help car owners make smart choices when buying cars and car insurance. Since joining Jerry in 2021, Liz has written nearly 4,000 long- and short-form articles on topics including state-specific insurance recommendations, common car insurance questions, and deep dives into vehicle model details. Before they came to Jerry, Liz was a full-time student at Indiana University, Bloomington working on a double major in English and French.
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
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.
