Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Illinois

Insurance companies will likely charge you higher premiums if you have a bad driving record. However, you may be able to save money by comparing rates among high-risk insurers.

With a score of 93 out of 100, MoneyGeek discovered that State Farm offers the best insurance for high-risk drivers in Illinois. With an average yearly cost of $897, State Farm also provides the most affordable auto insurance for high-risk customers. Your actual rate, however, may vary depending on your situation.

An insurer could consider you a high-risk driver for various reasons, including a history of traffic violations and car accidents, driving without an insurance policy or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. If you are younger with little driving experience, insurers may also view you as high-risk.

Compared to a driver with a clean record, a high-risk driver in Illinois should expect to pay around 32% more for car insurance. When insurers cover high-risk drivers, they tend to shoulder higher costs for damaged property, legal claims and medical bills. High-risk insurance is also more costly since bad drivers are more likely to file a claim than those with clean records.

According to MoneyGeek’s criteria, State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in Illinois at an average annual premium of $897.

For a more detailed review, MoneyGeek’s review of State Farm dives deeper into its pros and cons to help you determine whether it is the right insurance provider for your needs.

MoneyGeek analyzed the top high-risk auto insurance companies in Illinois and found that the best option is State Farm, with a score of 93 out of 100. According to our analysis, the second-best option for high-risk drivers in Illinois is Erie, receiving a total score of 86 out of 100, according to our ranking scale.

After comparing several providers in the state, MoneyGeek found State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for drivers with a DUI at an average yearly cost of $872. Generally, drivers with a DUI pay higher premiums than those with clean driving records due to higher levels of associated risk.

Military members and their family members may be able to get more affordable premiums after a DUI from the USAA.

Teen drivers often face higher insurance premiums than adults since they tend to file more claims. State Farm offers the most affordable insurance in Illinois for teenage drivers, with an average annual premium of $4,648. Some providers also offer discounts to teens with good grades or who complete safe driving programs.

Auto insurance quotes for people with bad credit tend to be higher than for those with good credit because they are typically more likely to file claims. In Illinois, MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the most affordable auto insurance for those with bad credit, charging an annual premium of $1,752.

High-risk auto insurance typically costs much more than insurance for low-risk drivers. Drivers with bad records are more likely to get into major accidents, so insurance companies charge them more expensive premiums to cover these risks.

In Illinois, for example, a high-risk policy from MoneyGeek’s top-rated companies costs 11% to 48% more than an auto insurance policy for drivers with a clean record. However, taking a defensive driving course and following traffic laws can help lower the cost of your high-risk premium.

Depending on your circumstances, your auto insurance policy cost can be higher or lower than the average for your state. MoneyGeek’s Illinois auto insurance calculator can provide you with a customized estimate based on your age, vehicle type, driving record and several other factors.

Because the insurance market is voluntary, some Illinois auto insurance companies may refuse to insure you if they consider you too risky. Alternatively, you can consult the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) for your standard state plan. It is a not-for-profit organization that provides insurance services for those who meet the eligibility requirements in their state.

In Illinois, the state residual market plan is the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP), which was established in 1940.

If you are applying for the ILAIP, you must declare that you were denied automobile insurance in Illinois’ voluntary market within 60 days of your ILAIP application. You’ll also need to show proof of a valid driver's license.

Finding high-risk auto insurance in Illinois can be difficult if you’re not sure where to start. To help you out, MoneyGeek answered the most commonly asked questions about high-risk car insurance companies in Illinois.

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.