More than half of Illinois’ 12.7 million total residents are licensed to drive. However, even with car insurance being legally required in the state, nearly 12% of the 8,546,932 licensed drivers in the state are uninsured.
More than just a legal requirement, car insurance helps keep you financially protected against incidents that may impact you, your vehicle or other motorists and passengers on the road. Car insurance in Illinois is priced at $442 per year for minimum coverage and $1,485 per year for full coverage, considerably under the national average cost of car insurance. Still, many drivers still seek lower premiums.
To help Illinois’ driving population — both those with and without car insurance — Bankrate researched multiple companies writing policies in the state and compared each company’s average 2021 premiums to narrow down the cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois.
The cheapest car insurance in Illinois
Illinois drivers have several options when it comes to affordable car insurance, making it considerably less car insurance rates in other states. The table below includes the cheapest car insurance in Illinois from some of the best car insurance companies in the country.
| Car insurance company | J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | 837 / 1,000 | $267 | $928 |
| State Farm | 851 / 1,000 | $316 | $935 |
| Progressive | 842 / 1,000 | $525 | $1,299 |
| Allstate | 827 / 1,000 | $416 | $1,637 |
| Country Financial | 850 / 1,000 | $438 | $1,648 |
Geico
Drivers who are looking for cheap car insurance in Illinois might consider starting their search with Geico. The average full coverage policy from Geico costs $928 annually and the average minimum coverage policy costs just $267. In addition to low rates, Geico offers many discounts for even more savings. Drivers can get a lower premium by having vehicle safety features, being a good student, being a good driver, being a federal employee or being an active duty military member.
Learn more: Geico Insurance review
State Farm
Drivers who are looking for cheap insurance coverage in Illinois could choose an affordably-priced policy from State Farm. The average minimum coverage policy costs $316 annually and the average full coverage policy costs $935 annually. Drivers can save money by taking advantage of discounts for being accident-free, being a good student, taking a defensive driving course and taking advantage of one of State Farm’s safe driver programs, Drive Safe & Save or Steer Clear. Policyholders can also feel confident when they opt for travel expense coverage, which pays for transportation, food and temporary stay expenses when they are involved in an accident more than 50 miles from home.
Learn more: State Farm Insurance review
Progressive
Progressive is a great choice when you want to save on your insurance, especially when you bundle home and auto insurance. Its signature Snapshot program rewards safe driving with extra savings, but there are many other ways to save, too. Progressive also offers discounts for multiple cars, continuous insurance, college students and teen drivers. You can also use the Name Your Price Tool to control how much you pay each month for your insurance.
Learn more: Progressive Insurance review
Allstate
Allstate offers several types of car insurance coverage like sound system insurance, roadside coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and rental car reimbursement. It is also a company that specializes in teen driver insurance, as well as rideshare insurance if you drive for Uber or Lyft. If you need classic car insurance, Allstate has you covered there, too. To help you afford these additional types of coverage, you can sign up for Allstate’s Drivewise program, which will reward you for safe driving habits.
Learn more: Allstate Insurance review
Country Financial
If you have a new car, Country Financial’s Keeper® protection will replace your car with the exact make and model so you are not affected by depreciation if your brand-new car is totaled in an accident. There is also emergency roadside assistance, vehicle rental and trip interruption coverage and safety glass coverage. Country Financial has several savings programs that include bundle and multi-car discounts, plus extra savings for new drivers when you complete its Simply Drive course.
Learn more: Country Financial Insurance review
Minimum coverage for Illinois drivers
Drivers in Illinois are required to carry minimum coverage car insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, as well as liability coverage for uninsured motorists.
Minimum coverage insurance in Illinois is abbreviated as 25/50/20, which includes:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Purchasing minimum coverage insurance could mean you pay the lowest rate. However, drivers are encouraged to purchase coverage beyond the minimum requirement. Car accidents can be expensive, and if your policy does not cover the full cost of an accident, you are responsible for paying the rest out-of-pocket.
How to get cheap car insurance in Illinois
If you are looking for the cheapest auto insurance in Illinois, finding an affordable carrier is important. However, there are several other ways that drivers can get a low rate. Here are some of the most common ways to save when purchasing insurance from Illinois’s best car insurance providers:
- Shop around: Instead of settling for the first provider you find, consider doing some research to identify a few car insurance companies that have the coverage and discounts you are looking for.
- Compare rates: Get quotes from several insurance providers and compare them to see which company can offer the lowest-priced policy.
- Take advantage of discounts: Look for insurance companies that offer discounts you qualify for. The more discounts you can take advantage of, the cheaper your premium may be.
- Pay in full: If you can afford to pay your annual premium upfront and in full, you can probably save some money on your policy.
- Raise your credit score: In Illinois, car insurance companies will use your credit score to price your insurance. Improving your credit score can help you get a lower rate.
- Increase your deductible: If you can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost, you may consider raising your deductible. The savings may not be significant, but it will lower your premium slightly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance in Illinois?
The best car insurance company in Illinois is different for every driver. When determining the best car insurance company for you, it may help to look at which provider offers the most meaningful coverage options and has strong customer service.
What is the average cost of car insurance in the U.S.?
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $1,674 for a full coverage policy annually. The statewide average cost of full coverage insurance in Illinois is $1,485 per year, which is considerably below the national average. The rate you end up paying may be different depending on your age, driving record and ZIP code, among other factors.
How do I get a car insurance quote?
Getting a car insurance quote is a simple process. The easiest ways to get a quote are to use an online quote tool or call an agent directly. You will be asked to provide personal information, like your name, address, birthday and possibly your social security number. You will also need to provide information about your vehicle, such as the VIN, mileage, make, model and year.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
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