Best car insurance in Illinois for 2025

To identify the insurers we consider among the “best” in Illinois, our team started by analyzing average premium data from Quadrant Information Services to find insurers with competitive rates for one or more groups. We then analyzed non-cost factors like the level and quality of service provided by each carrier, the availability and usefulness of their digital tools and the coverage and discount offerings provided.

Each carrier featured here has a Bankrate Score, which reflects how well it meets insurance customers' needs on a national scale. Bankrate Scores are assigned on a five-point scale which takes into account pricing, service, coverage options, availability, digital tools and more.

When shopping for car insurance in Illinois, it's important to think about your individual needs rather than just meeting the state's minimum requirements. While Illinois law requires all drivers to carry at least a minimum level of liability coverage, those limits may not be enough to protect your finances after an accident. Experts typically recommend choosing higher liability limits to safeguard your savings and assets from potential out-of-pocket costs.

If your vehicle still holds significant value, or if you have an auto loan or lease, adding comprehensive and collision coverage can be a smart move. These optional coverage types help pay for damage to your own car from accidents. 

Looking at reviews and ratings can help you make a more confident choice when selecting your auto insurance company. Organizations like J.D. Power measure real customer experiences with policy management and claims handling. These scores are a great way to gauge how responsive and reliable a company is and how customers feel about their interaction with the carrier.   

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index shows how often customers file complaints about a company compared to others of similar size. Lastly, AM Best is one of many financial stability rating companies that assess an insurer's ability to pay claims and meet long-term financial obligations. 

Big carriers are usually household names thanks to their nationwide availability and hefty advertising budgets, but small carriers can offer competitive rates, too, and tend to offer a more personalized experience. If you are deciding between a smaller or larger insurance company, it really comes down to what matters most to you. Larger insurers typically offer broader coverage options and robust digital tools, whereas smaller carriers may have strong customer service and tailored underwriting, which may benefit drivers with hard-to-place coverage. 

While the term full coverage is commonly used, the insurance industry doesn't have an official definition of full coverage. Typically, full coverage policies have at least the state-required liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage. However, some carriers add other optional coverage types such as full glass, towing or rental reimbursement in their policy packages. By talking with your agent about the specific coverage you want included in your policy, you can avoid confusion and skip paying for extras you don't want. 

To get car insurance in Illinois, you'll need a valid driver's license, your vehicle identification number (VIN) and some basic personal information, such as your address, occupation and date of birth. You will also need to know of any accidents or tickets you may have had within the last three years. If you plan to have additional drivers on your policy, you will need the same type of information for them as well. Once your policy is issued, your identification card will be the proof of insurance you need to register your car with the state.