Services
Insurance
Repairs
Advice
About

Cheapest car insurance in Chicago, Illinois (Oct 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Chicago, Illinois.
background
Find Insurance Savings
√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
background
avatar
Liz Jenson
Expert Insurance Writer
icon
Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
icon
Edited by Kianna Walpole, Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

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
$46
$111
5.0
5.0
$47
$160
3.8
4.0
$49
$191
4.0
4.5
$50
$224
4.0
5.0
$54
$154
3.8
4.3
Clearcover
$64
$139
4.1
4.5
Gainsco
$91
$220
4.6
5.0
Highlighticon

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 n 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

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
$46
$45
$49
$51
Progressive
$54
$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. 
logo

Expert Insight

avatar
VP Insurance Operations, 18+ Years Experience in Insurance
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
$111
$127
$137
$154
$176
Lower my car insurance too!

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.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Chicago?

icon
Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
icon
Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Chicago currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in Chicago:

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.
Let’s take a look at how different violations, such as speeding tickets, DUIs, and at-fault accidents can impact your record.

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

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

Who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois?

Many drivers in IL have found good rates with
Travelers
and State Farm. However, since car insurance rates are highly personalized based on your driver profile and coverage needs, there’s no single company that will offer the cheapest car insurance policy to every driver. 

How much is car insurance in IL per month?

On average, drivers in Illinois pay about $63 per month for state minimum coverage and about $137 per month for full coverage.

How much is car insurance per month in Chicago?

On average, Chicago drivers pay about $75 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance and about $185 per month for
full coverage insurance
. However, your personalized car insurance rate could be very different from the average depending on your driver profile, your coverage needs, and other factors.

How to lower car insurance in Illinois?

One of the best ways to lower your car insurance in Illinois— or in any other state, for that matter— is to shop around for coverage and get quotes from at least three different providers. Other things that could help include researching discounts, keeping your driving record clean, and
bundling your home and auto insurance
with the same provider.

Is car insurance high in Chicago?

Compared to the Illinois state average, car insurance prices are slightly higher in Chicago. However, Chicago drivers actually pay about 7.4% more than the national average for their insurance.

Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Illinois?

All drivers in Illinois must have the
state minimum required insurance coverage
, which includes
liability car insurance
and
uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist
(UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage. 

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes and conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). All average quote data is based on rates for single drivers with a clean record and a single car between the ages of 35 and 65.  
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. 
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.

Sources

Meet our experts

avatar
Liz Jenson
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.
avatar
Kianna Walpole
badge icon
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
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.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
Head Of Insurance Operations
badge icon
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.