The best car insurance in Illinois

The average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy in Illinois is $1,403 per year. Compared to the national average of $1,652 per year, drivers in the Prairie State pay $243 less for their car insurance. Illinois drivers may pay less than the national average, but there are ways to save even more money.

Car insurance rates are different for everyone. Factors such as your ZIP code, marital status, and driving history all dictate the rates you pay. Policygenius can help you get quotes from top companies so you can choose the best protection for your situation.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois

Car insurance rates are determined by many factors, such as your location, driving history, and the kind of vehicle you drive. 

Since insurance can be expensive in Illinois, you’ll want to shop around for the best rates. The table below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Illinois

If you have a teenager in your household, one of the most important rites of passage in their lives is getting a driver’s license. Unfortunately, statistics show young drivers are more likely to be in an accident, which, in turn, makes their car insurance rates more expensive.

The table below shows the company with the lowest rates in every age group.

Choosing the right car insurance company in Illinois

It’s more than just price when choosing an insurance company. You want a company that has a track record of good customer service and won’t raise your rates if you have too many claims. Here’s what to look for when you’re ready to switch insurance companies:

• Are there offices nearby where you can speak directly with an agent? 

• Do they return phone calls promptly? 

• Do they score well with current customers on things like claims satisfaction and customer service? 

Our insurance experts at Policygenius can help you see quotes from top companies and choose the best coverage.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Illinois

WIth many insurance companies, a single ticket can raise your rates by several hundred dollars. Additionally, if you’re caught driving while intoxicated, your rates could go up by over a thousand dollars. The easiest way to save on your car insurance is to obey posted speed limit signs and obey all traffic laws. 

The average car insurance rates for Illinois drivers with moving violations are shown below.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Illinois

A few missed or late payments are all it takes for some car insurance companies to increase your rates. A bad credit score can make it hard to lease an apartment, keep a job or get a car loan. Higher credit scores translate to lower insurance rates, which means paying your bills on time can save you money on car insurance.

Below are the average rates for drivers in Illinois with bad credit.

Car insurance costs in Illinois cities

We know that the average car insurance rates in Illinois are $1,403 per year for full coverage. But statistics like crime rates and population density also impact rates too. Below are the average car insurance rates for the ten largest cities in Illinois, based on population.

• Chicago: $2,040

• Aurora: $1,386

• Naperville: $1,372

• Joliet: $1,521

• Rockford: $1,422

• Springfield: $1,377

• Elgin: $1,410

• Peoria: $1,357

• Champaign: $1,246

• Waukegan: $1,522

Residents in Chicago pay the highest rates in the state because of the city’s population and crime rate. If you live in an urban area, comparing rates is a great way to reduce your insurance costs.

Buying car insurance in Illinois

If your vehicle is registered in Illinois, state law mandates drivers must have the following minimum liability insurance requirements:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000

• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000

• Property damage liability coverage: $20,000

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident

• Have continuous coverage on a vehicle even if it is inoperable or not being driven.

• The insurance must be issued by a company licensed in the state of Illinois.

These are just the basic required minimum rates. However, if you have a car loan or lease a vehicle, then you’ll need to have more than liability insurance.

Physical damage or full coverage insurance helps pay for loss or damage to your vehicle. There are two kinds of physical damage insurance.

• Collision: Covers collisions with other vehicles

• Comprehensive: It covers theft, fire, and vandalism to your car

All registered vehicles in Illinois are now checked at least twice a year for compliance with the mandatory liability insurance law.

Illinois is a fault state when it comes to car accidents. What this means for you as a driver is if you cause a wreck, then your insurance company must compensate the other driver for any damages or personal injuries resulting from the collision.

How to get cheap car insurance in Illinois

Most car insurance companies in Illinois offer ways to save on your insurance. Here are some of the discounts they offer:

• Safe-driver discount: For drivers without any accident claims during a given time frame or for those drivers who take a defensive driving course

• Bundling discount: When you get more than one insurance policy (auto and home) from the same insurer 

• Good student discount: A discount for young drivers who earn good grades, usually a B average or higher

• Military discount: A discount for active-duty service members and their family

Not everyone will qualify these discounts, so be sure and ask about what others may apply to you.

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.