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Last updated: January 13, 2026Best Auto Insurance in Illinois of 2026
Country Financial, Direct Auto, USAA, Erie, and State Farm are our top picks in Illinois.
Best Value
Editor's Rating:
4.2/5
4.2/5Full Coverage Averages in Illinois
- Annual Premium: $1,236
- Monthly Premium: $103
Best for High-Risk Drivers
Editor's Rating:3.6/5
3.6/5Full Coverage Averages Nationally
- Annual Premium: $3,162
- Monthly Premium: $264
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in Illinois
- Annual Premium: $1,811
- Monthly Premium: $151
Key Takeaways
- The best value auto insurance provider in Illinois according to our research is Country Financial. Illinois drivers should also consider Erie, Direct Auto, USAA, and State Farm depending on their situation.
- The cost of full coverage auto insurance in Illinois is lower than the national average at $2,166 per year, while minimum coverage is around the same as the national average at $726 per year.
- Average rates offer a useful snapshot of a company’s typical pricing, but your actual premium will depend on personal details like your age and driving record.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Illinois
- Best Value: COUNTRY Financial
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: Direct Auto
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Safe Drivers: Erie
- Best Major Insurer: State Farm
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Illinois
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in IL | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in IL | Central customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $103 | $39 | Above average |
| Direct Auto | Data not available | Data not available | Not rated |
| USAA | $151 | $53 | Above average |
| Erie | $142 | $40 | Above average |
| State Farm | $152 | $45 | Above average |
| Illinois | $181 | $60 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Illinois
1. Best Value - COUNTRY Financial
What We Like Most:
- Excellent customer satisfaction
- Affordable rates across all driving profiles
- High bundling discount
Why we chose it
Country Financial offers some of the lowest average rates across multiple driver categories in Illinois. Its full coverage auto insurance costs an average of $1,236 — almost $1,000 less than the statewide average. It also offers cheap rates for drivers after a DUI or speeding ticket in Illinois, along with high-risk driving profiles like those with poor credit and teens. It also boasts high ratings for the North Central region in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study.
Country Financial offers extra savings for drivers who participate in one of its safe driving programs, DriverIQ and Simply Drive. DriverIQ is available to any Country Financial customer in Illinois, while Simply Drive is exclusively for young drivers.
Even though Country Financial is a regional provider, it offers an extensive list of add-ons for drivers in Illinois, including new car replacement, rental and trip interruption, and windshield replacement.
Who it’s best for
Families with teen drivers, those looking for the cheapest rates, teachers who qualify for discounts
Country Financial Illinois Pricing
| Country Financial | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $103 | $39 |
| Annually | $1,236 | $468 |
| Difference from Illinois average | -43% | -36% |
2. Best for High-Risk Drivers - Direct Auto
What We Like Most:
- SR-22 filing
- Payment plans available
- Multiple discounts for high-risk drivers
Why we chose it
Unlike the other providers on our list, Direct Auto caters specifically to high-risk drivers who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere. With its specialization in nonstandard auto insurance, Direct Auto is great for those who need SR-22 certifications or who are high-risk drivers. An SR-22 certifies you meet the minimum insurance requirements and may be required for certain traffic or insurance violations. Direct Auto can submit the SR-22 on your behalf.
Unfortunately, high-risk drivers will pay more than average for auto insurance. Companies determine your risk by looking at your driving history, including DUIs, reckless driving citations, hit-and-runs, and multiple at-fault accidents. Direct Auto offers various discounts, including for good students, homeowners, active military members, and insuring multiple cars. With Direct Auto, you can also customize your payment plan to fit how and when you wish to pay for your policy.
FYI:
In Illinois, you can deposit $70,000 in cash or securities to the State Treasurer, file a surety bond, or file a real estate bond with court approval as an alternative to SR-22 insurance.
Who it’s best for
High-risk drivers, like those with a DUI or multiple at-fault accidents on their record, those who want flexibility in how they pay their bills
3. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Stellar customer service
- Low rates for teen drivers in Illinois
- Usage-based coverage available
Why we chose it
USAA provides some of the most affordable insurance policies for its customer base, which includes active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Customers have saved an average of $840 annually with USAA, thanks to its expansive list of discounts.1 USAA offers SafePilot Miles, a pay-per-mile option that allows you to save for both low mileage and good driving habits.
USAA has long maintained above-average customer satisfaction ratings from third-party organizations such as J.D. Power and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). USAA’s superior ratings indicate its trustworthiness, reliability, and history of quickly responding to complaints. It holds the highest regional J.D. Power customer satisfaction score, well ahead of the next-highest rated Erie.
TIP:
Consider switching to USAA’s usage-based insurance if you drive less than 10,000 miles annually. It’s a good option for customers in major cities like Chicago who might drive less frequently, as well as retirees, remote workers, and households with a second vehicle driven less often.
Who it’s best for
Military members, veterans, and their families; good students and their parents; low-mileage drivers
USAA Illinois Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $151 | $53 |
| Annually | $1,811 | $631 |
| Difference from Illinois average | -16% | -13% |
4. Best for Safe Drivers - Erie
What We Like Most:
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Unique coverages
- Rate lock option
Why we chose it
Erie is one of the best overall auto insurance providers in the country, and Illinois is one of the 12 states it operates in. It ranked first in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study for the North Central region, as well as in J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. In addition, it earned a spot on the CRASH Network Report Card’s Honor Roll with a grade of A-.
Erie offers the second-cheapest minimum coverage and third-cheapest full coverage rates for safe drivers in Illinois. It also has a unique rate lock option, which guarantees that your rate will not increase year over year, assuming you don’t make major changes to your policy like adding a driver. If you adjust your coverages, your rate will reflect only those changes and will not otherwise increase. And if you remain accident-free for three years as an Erie customer, you will automatically become eligible for accident forgiveness.
Who it’s best for
Those with clean driving records, drivers looking for the best customer service, people who want to work with a local agent
Erie Illinois Pricing
| Erie | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $142 | $40 |
| Annually | $1,699 | $480 |
| Difference from Illinois average | -22% | -34% |
5. Best Major Insurer - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Highly-rated digital tools
- Great telematics programs
- Wide network of local agents
Why we chose it
State Farm is the only major auto insurance provider that has consistently high customer satisfaction scores across various metrics, including J.D. Power’s auto insurance studies. It has some of the cheapest minimum coverage rates in Illinois and offers below-average full coverage rates as well. State Farm is known for its wide availability of local agents, who help provide personalized service to customers.
State Farm provides several discounts to policyholders, including for bundling multiple policies, being a good student, driving fewer than 7,500 miles annually, and paying your policy in full. It has two telematics programs, Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear, which can help you save even more. Steer Clear is unique in that it is specifically available to young drivers and includes modules to help them learn to drive safely.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who prefer to purchase a policy from a national insurer, those who want to work with a local agent
State Farm Illinois Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $152 | $45 |
| Annually | $1,828 | $540 |
| Difference from Illinois average | -16% | -26% |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – North Central2 | CRASH Network Report Card3 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction4 | NAIC Complaint Index5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | 659 | B- | Not rated | 0.87 |
| Direct Auto | Not rated | D+ | Not rated | 1.37 |
| USAA | 728 | D+ | 741 | 2.74 |
| Erie | 684 | A- | 743 | 1.13 |
| State Farm | 646 | C- | 716 | 2.16 |
| Average | 643 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Illinois
Full Coverage Rates in Illinois
The cost of full coverage auto insurance in Illinois is lower than the national average at $2,166 annually (compared to the national average of $2,356).
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois average | $2,166 | $181 |
| National average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage
Minimum coverage auto insurance costs an average of $726 per year, or $60 per month, which is just about on par with the national average of $722 per year.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois average | $726 | $60 |
| National average | $722 | $60 |
Cost of Auto Insurance in Illinois by City
Among Illinois’s major cities, Aurora and Naperville have some of the cheapest rates, with averages of $1,657 and $1,708 annually, respectively. Chicago is the most expensive city in Illinois for car insurance, with an average annual rate of $2,122.
| City | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $177 | $2,122 |
| Aurora | $138 | $1,657 |
| Joliet | $149 | $1,788 |
| Naperville | $142 | $1,708 |
| Rockford | $146 | $1,751 |
| Elgin | $152 | $1,826 |
| Springfield | $146 | $1,753 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Illinois?
Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation shows that there were 299,133 total crashes in the state in 2023.6 This equates to about 820 crashes per day. These accidents caused 87,573 injuries and 1,240 deaths. Most crashes occurred on Friday, and the most common time was between 12 and 3:59 p.m. Unsurprisingly, many more crashes happened on urban roads than on rural ones.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Illinois
Illinois state law requires the following minimum coverage limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
These limits are average when compared to most other states, but it’s important to keep in mind that they may not adequately cover your expenses if you get into a severe accident. If you can afford to, it’s best to get higher liability limits, as well as full coverage to cover damage to your own car.
Methodology - How We Chose the Best Providers in Illinois
We assessed auto insurance companies in Illinois across four key categories: pricing, claims handling, customer experience, and coverage options.
- Pricing (40%): We analyze average annual premiums for multiple driver profiles in Illinois, accounting for driver risk, driving record, coverage options, and discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $55,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): If you need to file a claim, you want your auto insurance company to handle it quickly and efficiently. We consider third-party evaluations and surveys from J.D. Power, AM Best, Better Business Bureau, and other sources that reflect real-life customer experiences with claims handling.
- Customer Experience (25%): Likewise, we listen to customer experiences obtaining a quote, purchasing a policy, and interacting with their insurers. We use regional data from sources like J.D. Power and the NAIC.
- Coverage Options (10%): We always check for unique coverage add-ons, like gap insurance, rideshare insurance, and classic car insurance.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car insurance in Illinois is cheaper compared to other states. The average annual cost of a full coverage policy in Illinois is $2,166, compared to the national average of $2,356.
The average rate for full coverage car insurance for a teen driver in Illinois is $5,932 per year. These rates are slightly lower than the average annual rates for teens countrywide, at $6,054 for full coverage insurance.
Yes, Illinois laws require that you carry liability coverage. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, not having car insurance can result in a traffic citation and a minimum fine of $500 if convicted. Your license plate will be suspended until you’ve proved to the state that you’ve purchased the minimum coverage. Then, you’ll have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee before you can drive again. For repeat offenders, the suspension will last four months.
Illinois car insurance requirements are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage: $20,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance: Required if you purchase higher limits of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UIM); the limit is the difference between the UIM and liability limits of the driver at fault in an accident
Sources
Bundle and Save! USAA. (2026).
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/ins_bundle_landing?akredirect=trueIt’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Jun 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmCrash Data. Illinois Department of Insurance. (2026).
https://idot.illinois.gov/travel-and-maps/safety/crash.html
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