Updated: May 20, 2024
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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.
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskBest Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023
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.
The definition of a high-risk driver varies depending on the insurer. Remember that even if you have a spotless driving record, your credit score and the type of car you drive might raise the cost of your auto insurance premium.
Generally, insurance companies classify the following as high-risk drivers:
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.
| State Farm | Annual Premium$897 |
| Erie | Annual Premium$1,064 |
| GEICO | Annual Premium$1,091 |
| Mercury | Annual Premium$1,107 |
| Progressive | Annual Premium$1,169 |
| Travelers | Annual Premium$1,494 |
| Allstate | Annual Premium$1,546 |
| Farmers | Annual Premium$1,602 |
High-risk drivers in Illinois may need an SR-22 form proving they carry at least the state-mandated minimum level of auto insurance coverage. Your insurance company files this document on your behalf. Illinois drivers must apply for an SR-22 to reinstate their license after being convicted of severe driving violations, like a DUI.
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.
Erie charges high-risk Illinois drivers an average annual premium of $1,064, 24% higher than the premium it charges drivers with a clean record.
Erie has high scores across most industry-standard rating agencies. It offers accident forgiveness, new car replacement and better car replacement for drivers. Unfortunately, it does not provide roadside assistance or gap insurance coverage.
Overall, Erie has a high customer satisfaction score. It provides affordable policies for most drivers, and you can save more on your policy by insuring several cars or paying for your policy in full.
State Farm charges high-risk drivers an average annual premium of $897 in Illinois. That’s 11% more than State Farm’s premium for a driver with a clean record.
State Farm has the largest market share in the country across auto insurance providers. It offers coverage options like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and rideshare insurance. However, it does not offer accident forgiveness or new car replacement for drivers.
Overall, it is an affordable provider for teen drivers and those with numerous driving violations. It also provides discounts for students and good drivers.
When car insurance costs are too high for your budget, you can often save money by exploring your options. For instance, you can find low-income car insurance in Illinois that meets the minimum state requirements for insurance, or consider purchasing pay-per-mile insurance if you don’t drive very often.
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.
| State Farm | Annual Premium$872 |
| Mercury | Annual Premium$921 |
| Progressive | Annual Premium$979 |
| Erie | Annual Premium$1,281 |
| GEICO | Annual Premium$1,490 |
| Allstate | Annual Premium$1,580 |
| Travelers | Annual Premium$1,632 |
| Farmers | Annual Premium$1,633 |
A look-back period is the length of time a DUI stays on your record. These can be very long or permanent to deter drivers from committing multiple DUI offenses. If you live in Illinois and have a DUI, you will have a lifetime look-back period. Your DUI will remain on your driver’s record permanently, and your third DUI in this state counts as a felony.
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.
| State Farm | Annual Premium$4,648 |
| Allstate | Annual Premium$4,893 |
| GEICO | Annual Premium$5,930 |
| Progressive | Annual Premium$6,889 |
| Nationwide | Annual Premium$7,676 |
Although car insurance for teens can be expensive, MoneyGeek recommends investing in full coverage instead of a minimum option. With better coverage, you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs after a major accident. For cost savings, compare rates between insurance providers with the cheapest and best auto insurance for students.
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.
| GEICO | Annual Premium1,752 | Percent Change55% |
You can still get affordable auto insurance if you have bad credit. If you’re unhappy with your current provider, switching to a different auto insurance provider and comparing rates within your state can help you find the most affordable option for your needs. For example, USAA offers some of the cheapest rates if you have a military background.
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.
Low-Risk Driver
$976High-Risk Driver
$1,546This is 58% more expensive.
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.
MoneyGeeks's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 26, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT
ilaip@aipso.com
Phone
(888) 706-6100
Fax
(800) 827-6260
Mailing Address
Central Region, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530
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.
According to MoneyGeek’s findings, the best option for high-risk drivers in Illinois is State Farm, with a total score of 93 out of 100.
MoneyGeek found that the average rates for high-risk drivers in Illinois are as follows:
If you have a poor credit score, have been convicted of a DUI, are a teenage driver or have a history of car accidents, insurers may classify you as a high-risk driver.
If insurers in Illinois deny your application, you can apply for the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan. You can email them at ilaip@aipso.com or call (888) 706-6100 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT.
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.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
