Car Insurance in Chicago

Adult drivers with GEICO pay Chicago's cheapest rates at $521 annually for minimum coverage. Young drivers with Auto Owners face the highest costs at $1,335 per year, paying 156% more than clean-record adults.

Drivers with a DUI from Travelers pay $988 annually, 89% more than clean-record adults with GEICO. The substantial rate differences across profiles make comparing quotes essential for your situation.

Chicago's varied pricing by carrier and profile requires careful shopping to secure the best rate.

GEICO dominates Chicago with rates of $521 per year for minimum coverage and $1,179 per year for full coverage, both coming in 41% below the city average of $877. Erie Insurance and Auto Owners provide competitive alternatives at $603 and $723 annually for minimum coverage.

Travelers also competes effectively in Chicago's market. The presence of multiple affordable options gives Chicago drivers strong leverage when comparing coverage.

Different carriers win for different driver profiles, making multiple quotes essential for finding your best rate.

Young drivers pay $1,335 annually with Auto Owners for minimum coverage, the highest rate among age groups. Adult drivers find the best deal with GEICO at $521 per year, significantly lower than other options.

Senior drivers also benefit from GEICO's competitive rates at $621 annually, about 19% more than adults pay. The shift in best carrier by age group means you can't assume one insurer wins universally.

Age-based pricing varies dramatically across Chicago's insurance market, making demographic-specific quotes crucial.

At-fault accidents result in moderate rates at $723 annually with Auto Owners. Speeding tickets create lower penalties at $611 with Auto Owners.

DUIs impose the steepest penalties at $988 annually with Travelers, an 89% increase that adds nearly $500 to yearly costs. After any violation, shopping multiple insurers becomes crucial.

Chicago's violation penalties run higher than many markets, making clean records particularly valuable for keeping costs down.

Auto Owners leads Chicago's insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. The company combines competitive base rates with outstanding customer experience scores and minimal complaint ratios.

Travelers, GEICO, Erie Insurance and Progressive are also great options. These insurers stand out for offering competitive rates, quality customer service and comprehensive coverage options.

Car insurance in Chicago costs an average of $877 per year for minimum coverage and $1,750 per year for full coverage. These rates significantly exceed the Illinois state average of $594 for minimum coverage.
Auto Owners offers rates of $723 for minimum coverage. Chicago drivers face elevated premiums compared to other Illinois cities, making thorough comparison shopping essential.

In Chicago, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $62 to $182 per month. ZIP code 60628 is the most expensive, while 60631 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code below.

Chicago drivers face some of the highest car insurance rates in Illinois, but finding affordable coverage doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Car insurance rates in Chicago depend on your age, driving history and vehicle type. While GEICO and Auto-Owners offer the lowest average premiums in the city, compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.

We break down coverage options and costs to help you get the protection you need at the best price.

Finding affordable car insurance in Chicago starts with understanding how insurers price policies across the city. Traffic congestion, theft risk and Illinois’ insurance requirements all shape your premium. Even within city limits, drivers in ZIP code 60628 often pay much more than those in 60631.

We partnered with the Illinois Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to analyze hundreds of thousands of quotes from 12 insurers across every Chicago ZIP code. This research identifies which companies consistently offer competitive rates for real driver profiles — not just advertised averages that disappear once neighborhood, credit and driving history are factored in.

Our Baseline Driver Profile

• Age: 40 years old
• Gender: Male
• Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• Annual Mileage: 12,000 miles
• Driving Record: Clean, no violations
• Credit Score: Good
• Coverage History: Continuous coverage with no claims

This baseline reflects a typical Chicago driver who qualifies for standard rates before insurers adjust for individual risk factors.

Adjustments for Different Profiles

We modified key variables — age, driving record, credit score and military status — to measure how premiums change across driver types. Insurers weigh these factors differently. For example, GEICO might charge around $98 per month, while another company could quote more than $200 for the same coverage, depending on how they assess your ZIP code’s theft risk and accident frequency.

Coverage Levels Analyzed

We examined both minimum and full coverage options to capture the range of financial protection available to drivers.

Minimum coverage meets Illinois’ legal limits of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. It covers costs you cause to others but doesn’t protect your own car.

Full coverage combines 100/300/100 liability limits with comprehensive and collision coverage and $1,000 deductibles. It adds protection for theft, vandalism, weather damage and repairs after an at-fault accident.

How We Weighted Each Factor

• 60% – Affordability: Based on average rates across multiple driver profiles.
• 30% – Customer Experience: Includes Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best financial strength, and verified consumer feedback.
• 10% – Coverage Options: Reflects the availability of features like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Why This Matters

This methodology identifies which insurers maintain competitive rates across Chicago neighborhoods and driver categories. It highlights companies that deliver affordable premiums and reliable claims service, not just those advertising low rates for ideal customers.