Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in Illinois

Country Financial offers the most affordable full coverage auto insurance in Illinois, with an average annual rate of $1,236 annually or $103 monthly. That’s 43 percent lower than the statewide average. Travelers also offers lower-than-average rates for full coverage, at $1,553 annually.

For minimum coverage in Illinois, Country Financial is also the cheapest pick, with an average rate of only $468 per year — 35 percent below the state average. Erie ($480 annually) and State Farm ($540 annually) have the next-cheapest rates, both also below the state average.

In Illinois, USAA has the cheapest premiums for military-affiliated teen drivers, with an average rate of $3,907. For non-military teens, Country Financial is the most affordable choice, with an average rate of $3,144. Both USAA and Country Financial both offer premiums that are well below the state average of $5,086.

State Farm and Erie also have competitive rates. Auto insurance for teens tends to be very expensive, so it’s worth shopping around, whether they’re getting their own policy or being added to a family policy. The existing family insurer may not offer the best rates with a teen added, so it may make sense to switch providers.

A speeding ticket in Illinois can increase rates by around 19 percent per year, on average. However, it’s still possible to find affordable coverage. Travelers and Country Financial offer the best rates for drivers with a speeding ticket, with average annual premiums of $1,702 and $1,938, respectively.

Drivers with an at-fault accident in Illinois may find the cheapest rates from State Farm, which has an average premium of $1,656 per year — 45 percent below the state average. Travelers ($1,819) and AAA ($1,917) also have affordable rates for those in Illinois with an accident.

A DUI is one of the most severe driving offenses and will cause your rates to increase accordingly. In Illinois, that could mean a 64 percent increase, on average. Travelers and Progressive offer the lowest rates for drivers with DUIs in the Prairie State, at $1,945 per year and $2,171 per year, respectively. Both companies’ rates are well below the state average.

Travelers also offers the lowest average rates for drivers with poor credit in Illinois, at $2,072 per year. In general, rates are much higher than average for drivers with poor credit, and finding cheap rates can be more difficult. Country Financial and USAA offer below-average rates as well, though only military drivers are eligible for USAA.

Erie’s average rates in Illinois are higher than Travelers’, but Erie ranks much higher for customer service. Depending on the quotes you receive, paying a bit more may make sense for a better likelihood of a smooth experience if you have issues or need to file a claim. USAA and Country Financial also have strong customer service records.

1. Drive safely. On average, drivers with clean records pay significantly less for car insurance than drivers with violations do. To keep your rates as low as possible, drive safely and do everything possible to avoid moving violations.
2. Improve your credit. In Illinois, having poor credit can lead to much higher auto insurance premiums. If you have low credit, work on improving it by avoiding new debt and making on-time payments. Over time, your rates may improve to reflect a change in your credit.
3. Look for discounts. Auto insurers provide a variety of discounts, but some providers offer more discounts than others. When you get quotes, always check what discounts are available and ask an agent to make sure you’re not missing any that you may be eligible for.
4. Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discount opportunities for completing an approved driver education or defensive driving course. Some are limited by age, so be sure to check whether you’re eligible. In addition to saving you money, a driving course will help you be a safer driver, which will keep your premiums low.

The city with the highest average auto insurance rates in Illinois is, unsurprisingly, Chicago. The average annual rate in the Windy City is $3,029, which is 40 percent higher than the statewide average of $2,166. The average rate is much lower in the smaller city of Naperville, at $2,051, which is slightly below the state average.

Drivers in Illinois are required by law to carry 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 accident⁴

Although minimum coverage offers some financial protection, it may not be enough if you need to file a claim for severe injuries or damage. We recommend getting higher limits, as well as full coverage, if you can afford it.

We analyzed average auto insurance premiums in Illinois for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as other driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, low credit, speeding tickets and teenagers. 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: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible