Best Car Insurance in Illinois (2026 Picks)

Top Rated Car Insurance Companies in Illinois

Illinois drivers have three standout insurance companies to consider:

Best Overall for Adult and Young Drivers: Auto-Owners
Best Cheap Option for Many Drivers: GEICO
Best for Drivers with Bad Credit or Low Income: Erie

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

MoneyGeek's proprietary methodology identified Illinois's best car insurance by researching over 70 companies and analyzing actual quotes, verified customer reviews from trusted sources like J.D. Power, and coverage details. Our ratings prioritize what matters most: affordability (60%), customer experience (30%), and coverage options (10%).

Best Car Insurance Companies in Illinois

Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in Illinois, with a 4.7 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. It excels in affordability and customer service.

Auto-Owners offers competitive rates with state minimum coverage at $32 monthly. Drivers with clean records pay $73 monthly for full coverage, which runs 13% below state averages.

GEICO leads in affordability with the lowest rates at $69 monthly for full coverage. Erie earns top marks for drivers with low income or credit challenges, combining competitive rates with strong customer service.

Our recommendations provide a starting point, but your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which provider offers the best value. Compare these top companies to find the insurer that best fits your profile.

Data filtered by:


Auto Owners	4.70	$73	4.90	5.00	3.00
Geico	4.60	$69	5.00	4.40	2.50
Travelers	4.50	$87	4.50	4.80	3.70
Erie Insurance	4.30	$102	4.10	4.90	4.00
AAA	4.20	$91	4.40	4.50	2.50

*The rates above are based on a male driver insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with good credit.

How much does car insurance in Illinois cost?

How much car insurance do I need in Illinois?

Best Overall Insurer in Illinois: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

Best Overall for Adult and Young Drivers

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$75
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$32
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
True Blue Auto Coverage

pros
- Ranks first for customer experience in Illinois
- Ranks second for affordability among major carriers
- AM Best A++ financial strength rating ensures claim security
- Mutual company structure prioritizes policyholder interests over profits
cons
- Limited digital tools compared to tech-forward competitors
- Fewer coverage customization options than national carriers
Auto-Owners earns MoneyGeek's highest score (4.7 out of 5) among Illinois insurers. The company ranks first in customer experience with a perfect 5.0 rating while maintaining strong affordability performance.

Auto-Owners offers competitive rates for both clean-record drivers and those rebuilding after violations. Illinois drivers get comprehensive coverage at rates 13% below the state average, saving about $124 annually.
Auto-Owners' monthly premiums range from $32 for minimum coverage to rates varying by driver profile for full coverage. Most drivers with clean records pay $65 to $85 monthly for full coverage. Young drivers pay $180 to $350 monthly.

These rates run 13% below Illinois averages, saving drivers about $124 annually.

Auto-Owners offers additional savings through multi-policy bundling (typically 10% to 15% off) and good student discounts. The mutual company structure means policyholders share in company profits rather than paying dividends to external shareholders.
Auto-Owners scores a perfect 5.0 out of 5 for customer satisfaction, first among Illinois insurers. The company processes standard claims within seven to 10 business days. Customer service runs through local agents who provide personalized support and claims assistance.

Auto-Owners maintains agents throughout Illinois who understand regional challenges like harsh winter weather and Chicago-area traffic patterns. The mutual company structure focuses on policyholder service rather than shareholder profits. Phone support handles claims and policy questions with typical wait times under five minutes.
Auto-Owners scores 3.0 out of 5 for coverage options, reflecting its focus on core protections rather than extensive add-ons. Comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage form the foundation. Policy limits run from Illinois minimums (25/50/20) to 250/500/100. Deductibles flex from $250 to $2,000.

Coverage options include:
- True Blue Auto Coverage: Enhanced protection package for qualifying drivers
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage when your car's in the shop
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing, battery, fuel and lockout help
- Loan/lease gap coverage: Pays difference between vehicle value and loan balance

Best Cheap Company in Illinois: GEICO

GEICO

Best Cheap Option for Many Drivers

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.4/5Customer Experience

2.5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$69
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$30
Agent Service Score
4.2/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

pros
- Ranks first in Illinois for affordability among major insurers
- Ranks second overall making it best cheap option for many drivers
- Mobile app offers convenient claims filing and policy management
- Strong financial backing with excellent AM Best rating
cons
- Limited coverage options compared to other Illinois insurers
- Customer service experience lags behind top competitors
GEICO earns a 4.6 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and leads Illinois in affordability with a perfect 5.0 rating. The company offers the lowest rates at $69 monthly for full coverage while maintaining solid customer service ratings.

GEICO's strength lies in combining low premiums with efficient digital tools. Coverage customization stays simpler than competitors, but the streamlined approach keeps costs down for budget-conscious drivers.
GEICO offers Illinois's most affordable rates. Adult drivers pay $69 monthly for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs $30 monthly.

Clean-record adults pay $60 to $80 monthly for full coverage. Young drivers pay $150 to $320 monthly. Senior drivers benefit from some of the lowest rates among all driver categories.

Multi-policy bundles save up to 10%. Military discounts, good student discounts, federal employee discounts and vehicle safety features provide additional savings. GEICO's mechanical breakdown insurance offers extended coverage for newer vehicles.
Customer experience scores 4.4 out of 5. GEICO operates primarily through digital channels with phone support available 24/7 at 800-861-8380. Claims processing runs seven to 10 business days on average.

The mobile app provides streamlined claims filing, photo uploads and policy management. Digital tools reduce wait times for routine transactions. Phone support handles complex claims and policy questions, though automated systems may be less accommodating than traditional agent-based service during complicated situations.
Coverage options score 2.5 out of 5, reflecting GEICO's focus on essential protections rather than extensive add-ons. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from Illinois minimums (25/50/20) to 250/500/100. Deductibles range from $250 to $2,000.

Coverage options:
- Mechanical breakdown insurance: Extended coverage for newer vehicles beyond manufacturer warranty
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage while your car's repaired
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing, battery, fuel and lockout service
- Emergency roadside service: Additional assistance programs for breakdowns

Best Insurer for Low Income: Erie

Erie

Best for Drivers with Bad Credit or Low Income

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.1/5Affordability

4.9/5Customer Experience

4/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$104
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$35
Agent Service Score
4.45/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Rate Lock Protection

pros
- Ranks second in Illinois for customer experience satisfaction
- Offers comprehensive coverage options for various driver needs
- Best for drivers with bad credit or low income
- Strong financial stability with AM Best A+ rating
cons
- Limited availability in certain Illinois geographic areas
- Claims processing can be slower than competitors
Erie earns a 4.3 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and excels for drivers with low income or credit challenges. The company combines competitive rates with a 4.9 customer experience score, second among Illinois insurers.

Erie's regional focus provides personalized service through local agents who understand Illinois-specific risks. The company offers quality coverage options alongside specialized affordability for drivers who typically face premium penalties.
Erie offers competitive rates for Illinois drivers facing credit challenges. Adult drivers pay $102 monthly for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs $35 monthly.

Drivers with credit challenges or low income pay specialized rates that remain more competitive than most insurers. Rate Lock protection guarantees your rate won't increase after your first at-fault accident.

Multi-policy bundles save around 10% to 15%. Safe driver discounts and paperless billing provide additional savings. Erie's diminishing deductible drops $50 yearly per claim-free year, up to $500 total reduction.
Customer experience scores 4.9 out of 5, second among Illinois insurers. Erie maintains local agents throughout the state who provide personalized service and faster claims resolution during severe weather events. Claims processing runs five to seven business days on average.

The mobile app handles policy management, claims filing with photo uploads and digital insurance card access. Erie's regional focus enables quick response to Illinois-specific risks like severe weather. Wait times average under three minutes for phone support.
Coverage options score 4.0 out of 5. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits range from Illinois minimums (25/50/20) to 250/500/100.

Erie's features:
- Rate Lock: First accident forgiveness unique among Illinois regional carriers
- Diminishing deductible: Drops $50 yearly per claim-free year, up to $500 total
- Emergency expense coverage: Up to $500 for hotels, meals and transportation after covered accidents
- Rental reimbursement: $30 to $50 daily
- Roadside assistance: $18 yearly per vehicle for towing, battery, flat tires and lockouts
- Custom equipment coverage: Up to $10,000 for aftermarket parts and modifications

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Illinois

Securing quality car insurance in Illinois takes research beyond quick online quotes. The right policy combines affordable rates with solid coverage and reliable customer service. Every driver's perfect balance differs based on their unique needs and circumstances.

1
Know Illinois Insurance Requirements
Before comparing car insurance quotes in Illinois, know what the state requires: $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage coverage and uninsured motorist coverage at $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident.

Most drivers need more than these minimums. If you own substantial assets or finance your vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Think about what you're protecting. A 12-year-old sedan with high mileage probably doesn't need collision coverage. Skipping comprehensive on a $30,000 vehicle could cost you thousands in one incident.
2
Research Average Costs
Full coverage car insurance in Illinois costs $800 to $1,200 per year. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving history, credit score, location and vehicle.

Use this range as a baseline. Quotes over $1,800 annually for basic coverage with a clean record indicate you're probably overpaying.

Your ZIP code affects your rate; urban areas cost more. So do your vehicle's safety ratings, annual mileage and even your education level with some insurers.
3
Find Applicable Discounts
Illinois drivers can tap into several car insurance discounts. Bundling multiple policies often saves up to 25%. Good student discounts reward young drivers who maintain B averages.

Defensive driving courses approved by Illinois DMV can lower your premium 5% to 15%. Usage-based insurance programs track your actual driving habits. Progressive's Snapshot can save safe drivers up to $145 yearly. Ask about vehicle safety discounts if your car has anti-theft systems, airbags or electronic stability control.
4
Compare Companies Beyond Price
Affordable car insurance means more than finding the lowest premium. A $45 monthly policy with minimal coverage and poor claims handling isn't cheaper than a $60 policy from an insurer known for fast, fair settlements.

Read customer reviews about claims experiences. Check financial stability ratings from AM Best. Look at coverage options. Auto-Owners leads Illinois insurers in customer service. GEICO maintains competitive pricing with efficient digital tools.
5
Gather Multiple Quotes
Get car insurance quotes from at least three to five companies. Use direct insurer websites, independent agents and online comparison tools.

Independent agents often access regional insurers not available through comparison sites. Auto-Owners and Erie, for example, work primarily through local agents.

Provide the same information to every insurer. Otherwise, you're comparing different products instead of finding the best price for identical coverage.
6
Review Annually
Car insurance prices change constantly. Companies update rates and underwriting standards throughout the year. Set a calendar reminder to review your coverage and get new quotes annually. Last year's best deal might not be competitive today.

Life changes impact your rates, too. Buying a home, paying off your car loan, adding a young driver or moving all affect what you pay. Many drivers overpay by keeping coverage they no longer need or by failing to switch car insurance companies.

Best Car Insurance Coverage in Illinois

State minimums often don't provide enough financial protection for real accident costs. Illinois ranks 32nd nationally for traffic safety, which means crashes happen more often than you'd hope.

An emergency room visit costs about $2,168 on average nationwide. A major trauma case at a Chicago hospital costs $20,696 to $56,200. Even minor fender-benders result in repair bills exceeding $1,500.

Minimum coverage won't cover you if you cause a multi-vehicle accident on I-90, I-55 or I-94. Lawsuits will drain your savings and garnish your wages.

Illinois's traffic fatality rate of 1.1 per 100,000 residents approaches the national average, while the state's 13.7% uninsured driver rate means roughly 1.5 million drivers operate without required coverage. These factors make robust liability coverage and uninsured motorist protection valuable for Illinois drivers.

MoneyGeek recommends these coverage levels for Illinois drivers:

Liability: 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage) costs just $15 to $20 more monthly than state minimums and covers most Illinois drivers adequately.

Drivers with substantial assets (homeowners, business owners or high earners) should choose 250/500/100 limits. This costs $25 to $35 more monthly than minimums but covers your assets if you cause a serious accident. Illinois's traffic fatality rate makes higher liability limits worth the cost.

Comprehensive and Collision: Add full coverage if your vehicle is worth more than $4,000 or carries a loan or lease. Choose $500 or $1,000 deductibles based on your emergency savings—a $500 deductible costs $20 to $30 more monthly than $1,000 but lowers your out-of-pocket costs after incidents.

Comprehensive coverage matters in Illinois, where weather-related incidents like hail and snowstorms damage thousands of vehicles annually, and vehicle theft rates in Chicago exceed national averages. Collision coverage protects you in heavy traffic areas where accident rates climb during peak tourist seasons along the Great River Road and in downtown Chicago's congested streets.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Illinois requires this coverage at 25/50 minimum levels, but you should match these limits to your liability coverage. With roughly 1.5 million uninsured drivers on Illinois roads (13.7% of all motorists), higher protection becomes essential when at-fault drivers can't pay for your damages. Underinsured coverage fills gaps when responsible parties carry only minimum limits insufficient for your medical bills and vehicle repairs.

Medical Payments: $5,000 to $10,000 covers immediate medical expenses after accidents regardless of fault. In Illinois, this coverage pays quickly without waiting for liability determinations. You avoid out-of-pocket costs while claims work through the state's at-fault system.

Medical payments coverage costs $15 to $25 monthly for $5,000 in coverage, which is worth it given Illinois's traffic risks.

Additional Coverage to Consider: Rental reimbursement ($30 to $50 daily) covers transportation costs while your car is in the shop. Roadside assistance provides towing, battery service and lockout help for $15 to $25 annually.

Gap insurance matters if you owe more on your vehicle loan than the car's current value. It protects you from paying thousands out of pocket if your financed vehicle gets totaled.

Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates in Illinois

Illinois's competitive insurance market and consumer protections keep car insurance rates affordable for most drivers. State minimum coverage costs just $41 monthly, ranking Illinois first nationally for affordable basic coverage.

Full coverage runs $43 more monthly than the state minimum. Average premiums hit $84 monthly for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible, 16% below the national average.

Compare your quotes with these averages using the table or our Illinois car insurance calculator.

Data filtered by:


Clean	$41	$84	1
Not At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$44	$91	2
Texting While Driving	$49	$103	3
Speeding 11-15 MPH over limit	$49	$104	4
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$59	$119	7
DUI - BAC >= .08	$68	$146	10

HOW VIOLATIONS AFFECT YOUR RATES IN ILLINOIS

DUI violations crush Illinois car insurance rates with a crushing 74% premium spike, plus mandatory SR-22 filing requirements. Texting while driving bumps rates 21%, adding $18 monthly to full coverage. At-fault accidents hit harder at 41% increases, tacking on $35 per month for comprehensive protection.

Best Illinois Auto Insurance: Bottom Line

Auto-Owners ranks first for most Illinois drivers with a 4.7 overall score, balancing competitive rates ($73 monthly full coverage) with superior customer service. Your priorities determine the best choice: GEICO offers the most affordable rates at $69 monthly for drivers with clean records, and Erie excels for drivers with low income or credit challenges through personalized service and competitive specialized rates.

Compare quotes from at least three insurers. Your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which company offers the best value, as rates vary widely by driver profile.

Best Auto Insurance in Illinois: FAQ

Finding suitable car insurance depends on your unique circumstances. Common questions and their answers guide you toward coverage that fits your specific needs.

What do I need to get car insurance in Illinois as a new resident?

New Illinois residents need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and VIN for each vehicle. Most insurers require your Social Security number to check your credit score, which affects your rate.

You must get coverage within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll also need to provide your five-year driving history, including any accidents and violations.

Transferring from another state? Update your existing policy to meet Illinois's minimum requirements, which include mandatory uninsured motorist coverage.

Can I drive in Illinois with out-of-state insurance?

You can drive temporarily with valid out-of-state insurance. If you establish residency (get a job, register to vote or stay more than six months), you must get Illinois insurance within 30 days.

Your out-of-state policy must meet Illinois's minimum requirements, including uninsured motorist coverage. Military members stationed in Illinois can keep their home-state insurance but should verify that their policy meets state standards.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance in Illinois?

Driving without insurance results in immediate license suspension and a $500 fine for first-time offenders. Repeat violations within three years cost at least $1,000. Illinois requires SR-22 certification for three years following your first offense, substantially increasing insurance costs. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you're personally liable for all damages and medical expenses with no insurance protection.

How do I switch car insurance companies in Illinois?

Purchase your new policy before canceling coverage to avoid gaps that trigger license suspension. Start your new policy the same day or the day after your old policy ends. Request cancellation in writing from your current insurer with your policy number and cancellation date. Most Illinois insurers don't charge cancellation fees for policies over six months old. You'll receive prorated refunds for any unused coverage paid in advance.

Does Illinois offer car insurance discounts for military members?

Most Illinois insurers offer military discounts ranging from 4% to 15% for active-duty members, veterans and military spouses. USAA, GEICO, Armed Forces Insurance and Navy Federal specialize in military coverage. Ask about storage discounts during deployment, emergency payment extensions, military defensive driving course discounts and waived deductibles for vehicles damaged during deployment.

How We Rated the Best Car Insurance in Illinois

We researched more than 70 companies, from national to small local providers across all U.S. residential ZIP codes in Illinois. We also checked the internet for customer reviews, discounts and coverage details to give you a complete picture of each provider's services. All companies had enough customer reviews and coverage information to make our list.

Here's how we score each company:

Affordability (60%): We looked at quotes for different driver profiles and compared rates within Illinois. Our main rating is based on a 40-year-old male with good credit, no driving violations, no claims history and a valid license. We also checked other combinations to ensure you find the right fit.
Customer experience (30%): We used sources like Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best and Reddit to see what customers think about each company. We focused on Illinois-specific feedback to get an accurate score.
Coverage options (10%): This score considers the number of coverage options a company offers, what makes it unique and what benefits it includes.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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