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Best Cheap Car Insurance in Chicago
State Farm, Country Financial, USAA, Auto-Owners, and Erie are top picks in Chicago.
Best Value
Editor's Rating:
4.9/5
4.9/5
Average Cost in Chicago
- Full Coverage Monthly: $168
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $47
Best Regional Provider
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5
Average Cost in Chicago
- Full Coverage Monthly: $170
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $56
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Cheap Car Insurance in Chicago 2026
State Farm, COUNTRY Financial, and USAA offer the best rates for Chicago drivers, with premiums well below the city average.
- Full coverage in Chicago averages $2,686/year; COUNTRY Financial is cheapest at $1,760/year — 35% below average.
- Auto-Owners has the cheapest minimum coverage at $546/year, compared to the $832 city average.
- State Farm is the best overall pick, with the cheapest full coverage among major national insurers 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: State Farm
- Best Regional Provider: COUNTRY Financial
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Cheapest Minimum Coverage: Auto-Owners
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,014 | $563 | Above average |
| Country Financial | $1,776 | $573 | Above average |
| USAA | $2,042 | $672 | Above average |
| Auto-Owners | $2,172 | $546 | Below Average |
| Erie | Data unavailable | Data unavailable | Above average |
| Chicago average | $2,686 | $832 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Chicago
1. State Farm - Best Value
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Chicago Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $47 mo.
- Average Chicago Rate for Full Coverage
- $168 mo.
Local Chicago agents- Cheapest full coverage rates
- Good telematics discount
Must complete quotes by phone- No accident forgiveness
Why we chose it
State Farm provides the reliability of a large national insurer along with personalized service provided by its network of local agents. It also offers the cheapest average full coverage rates in Chicago, and the second-cheapest minimum coverage rates. State Farm scored above average on J.D. Power’s most recent Auto Insurance Study as well as on the 2025 Claims Satisfaction Study.
Who it’s best for
Customers who prefer working with local agents and safe drivers who are looking for the cheapest rates. Note that State Farm does not offer accident forgiveness or gap coverage unless you finance your loan with State Farm Bank.
>>RELATED: Check out our comparison of State Farm vs. USAA.
State Farm Chicago Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $168 | $47 |
| Annually | $2,014 | $563 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -25% | -32% |
2. COUNTRY Financial - Best Regional Provider
4.2
Editor's Rating:
- Average Chicago Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $48 mo.
- Average Chicago Rate for Full Coverage
- $147 mo.
- Highly rated for customer satisfaction
- 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 fourth in the North Central region, which includes Illinois, on J.D. Power’s most recent Auto Insurance Study. COUNTRY also has a B- rating from the CRASH Network.
While it doesn’t have the cheapest rates in Chicago, average premiums are still below average.
Who it’s best for
COUNTRY Financial offers more than just insurance products — it also provides various financial services, such as retirement accounts. It’s a good option for customers who prioritize customer service and would like to take advantage of the company’s financial offerings in addition to insurance. It also 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.
COUNTRY Financial Chicago Pricing
| COUNTRY Financial | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $147 | $48 |
| Annually | $1,760 | $573 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -35% | -31% |
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 also has auto insurance rates that are well below average in Chicago.
Who it’s best for
Those who are eligible for membership, including active service members, veterans, and their families. Along with State Farm, USAA is also among our best picks for Illinois.
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 | $170 | $56 |
| Annually | $2,042 | $672 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -24% | -22% |
4. Auto-Owners - Cheapest Minimum Coverage
4.4
Editor's Rating:
- Average Chicago Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $46 mo.
- Average Chicago Rate for Full Coverage
- $181 mo.
- Cheapest rates for minimum coverage
- Independent agents
- Cheap rates for households with teens
- Agent-only sales
- Slower digital adoption
Why We Chose It
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest average minimum coverage rates in Chicago and below-average rates for full coverage. It also generally has great customer service ratings, including a CRASH Network Report Card rating of B, making the Honor Roll.
Who It’s Best For
Auto-Owners does not offer online quotes, so it’s best for drivers who are comfortable purchasing a policy with one of its agents. We also named Auto-Owners one of the best insurers for households with teens.
Auto-Owners Chicago Pricing
| Auto-Owners | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $181 | $46 |
| Annually | $2,172 | $546 |
| Difference from Chicago average | -34% | -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
Why We Chose It
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 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.
Average Chicago pricing data isn’t available for Erie, but nationally it falls well below the average, so we recommend getting a quote from the company as you shop around.
Who It’s Best For
Erie is best for drivers with clean records and good credit scores, as it tends to target the preferred-risk market. While you can start quotes online, note that you’ll have to complete your purchase by phone.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 646 | C- | 716 | 1.80 |
| COUNTRY Financial | 659 | B- | Not rated | 1.22 |
| USAA | 728 | D+ | 741 | 3.00 |
| Auto-Owners | Not rated | B | 711 | 1.32 |
| Erie | 684 (#1) | A- | 743 | 1.61 |
| Average | (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 |
*USAA technically doesn’t qualify to rank on J.D. Power studies due to its eligibility restrictions.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
COUNTRY Financial and Travelers State Farm have the cheapest average full coverage auto insurance rates in Chicago. State Farm, Auto-Owners, and USAA also have below-average rates.
| Company | Annual Chicago Average | Monthly Chicago Average |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $1,760 | $147 |
| Travelers | $1,776 | $148 |
| State Farm | $2,014 | $168 |
| USAA | $2,042 | $170 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,172 | $181 |
| Progressive | $2,319 | $193 |
| GEICO | $2,503 | $209 |
| Allstate | $3,731 | $311 |
| Chicago average | $2,686 | $224 |
| Illinois average | $2,166 | $181 |
| U.S. average | $2,356 | $196 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
For minimum coverage, Auto-Owners has the best rates in Chicago. State Farm and COUNTRY Financial have the next cheapest rates for minimum coverage.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Chicago?
In 2024, there were 112,032 car accidents in Chicago, which caused 123 deaths.5 This was the year with the third-most accidents on record. The month with the most accidents was May, with 10,738 accidents, while February had the least: 7,800.
Fatalities from traffic accidents have steadily declined since 2021, with deaths in 2024 decreasing by 17 percent compared to the year prior. However, accident-related injuries increased by 10 percent year over year.
Western Avenue and Pulaski Road 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.
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 accident6
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 17th highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country7. 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 $2,319 per year for full coverage in the city, and several companies, including State Farm, Travelers, 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 $224 per month for full coverage and $69 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: $50,000 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
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-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.htmChicago Accident Statistics 2025. Power Rogers Trial Lawyers. (2025, Mar 03).
https://www.powerrogers.com/blog/2025/03/chicago-accident-statistics-2025/Mandatory Vehicle Insurance. Illinois Secretary of State. (2025).
https://www.ilsos.gov/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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