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Best Cheap Car Insurance in Chicago
Country Financial, GEICO, USAA, Travelers, and Erie are top picks in Chicago.
Best Value
Editor's Rating:
4.2/5
4.2/5Cheapest Minimum Coverage
Editor's Rating:4.9/5
4.9/5
Average Cost in Chicago
- Full Coverage Monthly: $186
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $51
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5
Average Cost in Chicago
- Full Coverage Monthly: $163
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $57
Last updated: August 12, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Cheap Car Insurance in Chicago 2026
Travelers, Country Financial, and USAA offer some of the best rates for Chicago drivers, with premiums well below the city average.
Full coverage in Chicago averages $2,396/year; Travelers is cheapest at $1,791/year — 25% below average.
GEICO has the cheapest minimum coverage at $617/year, compared to the $764 city average.
Country Financial is the best overall pick, with competitive full coverage rates and above-average customer satisfaction scores.
USAA offers excellent rates and service but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
The rates provided here are citywide averages, and the cheapest quote you receive will depend on individual factors like your driving record, age, and vehicle.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Chicago
- Best Value: COUNTRY Financial
- Cheapest Minimum Coverage: GEICO
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Drivers with a Violation: Travelers
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Erie
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Chicago
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Avg. | Minimum Coverage Annual Avg. | North Central Customer Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $1,922 | $641 | Above average |
| GEICO | $2,226 | $617 | Above average |
| USAA | $1,951 | $679 | Above average |
| Travelers | $1,791 | $618 | Below average |
| Erie | $2,267 | $704 | Above average |
| Chicago average | $2,396 | $764 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Chicago
1. COUNTRY Financial - Best Value
4.2
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $57 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $155 mo.
Above-average customer satisfaction ratings- Discounts for teachers
- Additional financial services available
Limited footprint- Basic app features
- Rate variability
Why we chose it
Country Financial is a regional insurer based in Illinois and has consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. The company ranked above average in the North Central region, which includes Illinois, on J.D. Power’s most recent Auto Insurance Study. It also has a B- rating from the CRASH Network.
It has some of the cheapest rates in Chicago for both full and minimum coverage, as well as several discounts. Notably, the company offers a 15 percent discount for full-time K-12 teachers, which is why we recently named it one of our top picks for educators.
Who it’s best for
Customers who prioritize customer service, those who want to take advantage of the company’s financial offerings, teachers who qualify for discounts
Country Financial Chicago Pricing
| Country Financial | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $160 | $53 |
| Annually | $1,922 | $641 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -20% | -16% |
2. GEICO - Cheapest Minimum Coverage
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $46 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $156 mo.
- Cheapest rates for minimum coverage in Chicago
- Easy online quotes
- Many available discounts
- Limited agent presence
- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why We Chose It
GEICO offers the cheapest average minimum coverage rates in Chicago and below-average rates for full coverage. It also ranked third for customer satisfaction for the North Central region in J.D. Power’s 2026 Auto Insurance Study, making it another great option for drivers looking for a mix of affordable rates and good service — particularly for minimum coverage.
GEICO has one of the longest lists of discounts of any auto insurer, including discounts for safe drivers, good students, homeowners, military members, and federal employees. DriveEasy also provides a discount of up to 15 percent for safe drivers.
Who It’s Best For
Drivers looking for minimum coverage, those who want to purchase a policy online, safe drivers
GEICO Chicago Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $186 | $51 |
| Annually | $2,226 | $617 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -7% | -19% |
3. USAA - Best for Military and Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Chicago Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $56 mo.
- Average Chicago Rate for Full Coverage
- $170 mo.
- Military-specific coverage and discounts
- Excellent customer satisfaction
- Pay-per-mile option
- Military eligibility required
- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA provides financial products and services designed specifically for the military community. The company consistently earns the highest scores on J.D. Power studies, although it technically doesn’t meet the study criteria to be ranked, likely due to its membership requirement. It has the highest score in the North Central region in the latest Auto Insurance Study.
USAA also has auto insurance rates that are well below average in Chicago and is among our best picks for Illinois car insurance thanks to its excellent customer service and military-specific coverages and discounts, including for garaging a covered vehicle on a military base.
Who it’s best for
Those who are eligible for membership, including active service members, veterans, and their families
TIP:
If you drive infrequently, look into whether you can save with USAA’s pay-per-mile program, called SafePilot Miles.
USAA Chicago Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $163 | $57 |
| Annually | $1,951 | $679 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -19% | -11% |
4. Travelers - Best for Drivers with a Violation
4.1
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $57 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $153 mo.
- Cheapest average full coverage rates in Chicago
- Many affinity discounts
- New car replacement
- Average satisfaction scores
- Limited agent density in some regions
Why we chose it
Travelers offers the cheapest average full coverage rates in Chicago for drivers with a clean record, as well as the lowest rates for Illinois drivers with a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI on their record.
It’s also a good option for drivers with new cars, as it offers both new car replacement coverage as well as a new car discount. Other optional coverages available include gap insurance, rental coverage, and accident forgiveness. Note that accident forgiveness is generally only available to drivers with a clean record.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI, those looking for the cheapest full coverage, new car owners
Travelers Chicago Pricing
| Travelers | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $149 | $52 |
| Annually | $1,791 | $618 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -25% | -19% |
5. Erie - Best for Customer Satisfaction
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $50 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $127 mo.
- Top scores in J.D. Power and CRASH Network
- Regional provider
- Independent agents
- Agent-only
- Fewer online features
Erie is another regional provider with an excellent customer service reputation. It ranked first in both the North Central region in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance study (for the sixth consecutive year) and in J.D. Power’s nationwide Claims Satisfaction Study. Erie also has a rating of A- from the CRASH Network, earning a spot on the Honor Roll and ranking fourth out of 91 providers nationally.
While Erie isn’t the cheapest provider in Chicago, it still has slightly below average rates for full and minimum coverage, so we recommend getting a quote from the company as you shop around.
Who It’s Best For
Drivers looking for the best customer service, drivers with clean records and good credit scores, those who prefer working with a local agent
Erie Chicago Pricing
| Erie | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $189 | $59 |
| Annually | $2,267 | $704 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -5% | -8% |
Chicago Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – North Central1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction3 | NAIC Complaint Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | 652 | B- | Not rated | 1.22 |
| GEICO | 657 | C- | 697 | 1.67 |
| USAA | 724 | C- | 741 | 3.00 |
| Travelers | 633 | C | 691 | 0.41 |
| Erie | 688 | A- | 743 | 1.61 |
| Average | 645 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 52,000 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 |
*USAA technically doesn’t qualify to rank on J.D. Power studies due to its eligibility restrictions.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
Travelers and Auto-Owners have the cheapest average full coverage auto insurance rates in Chicago. Country Financial, USAA, and State Farm also have below-average rates.
| Company | Annual Chicago Average | Monthly Chicago Average |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,791 | $149 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,869 | $156 |
| Country Financial | $1,922 | $160 |
| USAA | $1,951 | $163 |
| State Farm | $1,961 | $163 |
| Progressive | $2,005 | $167 |
| GEICO | $2,226 | $186 |
| Erie | $2,267 | $189 |
| AAA | $2,370 | $198 |
| Allstate | $3,799 | $317 |
| Chicago average | $2,396 | $200 |
| Illinois average | $2,247 | $187 |
| U.S. average | $2,356 | $196 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
For minimum coverage, GEICO has the best rates in Chicago. Travelers and Country Financial have the next cheapest rates for minimum coverage.
| Company | Annual Chicago Average | Monthly Chicago Average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $617 | $51 |
| Travelers | $618 | $52 |
| Country Financial | $641 | $53 |
| USAA | $679 | $57 |
| Erie | $704 | $59 |
| Auto-Owners | $728 | $61 |
| Progressive | $846 | $70 |
| AAA | $915 | $76 |
| State Farm | $953 | $79 |
| Allstate | $1,350 | $112 |
| Chicago average | $674 | $56 |
| Illinois average | $674 | $56 |
| U.S. average | $722 | $60 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Chicago?
In 2025, there were 108,831 car accidents in Chicago.5 Of these, 85 were fatal, and around 1,500 caused severe injuries. The month with the most accidents was August, with 10,193 accidents, while February had the least at 7,764.
As of 2024, Broadway/Sheridan Rd, Devon Ave, and Cicero Ave are some of the most dangerous roadways in the city based on the number of crashes that take place there, so be extra careful when driving in those areas.6
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Illinois
According to state law, Illinois drivers must carry auto insurance with at least the following limits:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $20,000 per accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident7
If you can afford to, we recommend getting higher liability limits as well as full coverage, which will cover damage to your own vehicle.
FYI:
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Illinois has the 13th highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country8. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is important, as it will cover you if you get into an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Learn more about the penalties for driving without insurance in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, there is cheaper insurance than Progressive in Chicago. Progressive has an average rate of $2,005 per year for full coverage in the city, and several companies, including Travelers, Auto-Owners, and Country Financial, have cheaper average rates. However, your rate will depend on your driving record among many other factors, so always get multiple quotes.
Car insurance in Chicago costs an average of $200 per month for full coverage and $64 per month for minimum coverage. However, your rates may differ from the average and will depend on various factors, including your driving history and age.
Several factors influence the cheapest auto insurance rates in Chicago. Keep in mind that the cheapest overall rates are averages based on aggregated data, and the cheapest rate you’re quoted will depend on individual factors such as your driving record, age, ZIP code, and credit history. Drivers over 30 with clean records and good credit will pay the least for car insurance, on average.
Auto-Owners is generally one of the most highly rated insurance companies in terms of customer service. It ranks 16th out of 91 insurers on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card with a score of B, beating out many other Illinois insurers. The company also scored above average on the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Survey.
However, Auto-Owners ranks below average in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study for the North Central region, indicating that its customer service reviews may be a bit more mixed in the Illinois area.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyzed average premiums for full and minimum coverage in Chicago for good drivers with good credit. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
Auto Insurers Struggle to Maintain Seamless Interactions Across Channels, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026, Jun 09).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2025).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmTraffic Crashes – Crashes. Chicago Data Portal. (2026, Aug 06).
https://data.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/Traffic-Crashes-Crashes/85ca-t3if/about_dataChicago Traffic Crashes. Chicago Department of Transportation. (2025).
https://api.chicago.gov/filenet5/servlets/getDocumentContent?applicationId=CompleteStreets&documentId=%7B805EE69A-0000-C518-8777-D32746FEA322%7DMandatory Vehicle Insurance. State of Illinois. (2026).
https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/vsd361.pdfFacts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. Insurance Information Institute. (2025).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
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