![Danny Smith](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/0f08c3f54e/danny-smith-headshot.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Table of contents
The average cost of car insurance in Illinois is $125 per month, compared to the national average rate of 152, according to our research. The rising cost of auto parts is one major reason why Illinois drivers pay more for car insurance.[1] Since it costs more to fix cars than it did a few years ago, insurance companies have begun increasing prices for insurance policies.
Still, many insurance companies offer affordable rates well below the statewide average. For example, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest coverage in Illinois. Its average monthly rate is just $32 per month, according to Compare.com data.
This guide will show you where to find cheap car insurance in the Prairie State based on different driver profiles, coverage types, and more.
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO are the three cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois.
Illinois requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance limits of 25/50/20 to drive legally in the state.
Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for teen drivers.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Illinois
Regardless of the average cost of car insurance in Illinois, you can still find ways to save on your insurance policy. Several insurers offer rates below the statewide average, and most offer various discounts you can take advantage of, too.
The table below highlights the cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $32 |
State Farm | $35 |
GEICO | $46 |
Progressive | $48 |
COUNTRY Financial | $48 |
Mile Auto | $48 |
Erie | $53 |
USAA | $56 |
American Family | $61 |
Direct Auto | $62 |
Mercury | $67 |
Clearcover | $69 |
Nationwide | $72 |
Travelers | $77 |
Farmers | $82 |
Allstate | $86 |
National General | $89 |
The General | $95 |
Safeco | $96 |
GAINSCO | $98 |
Bristol West | $99 |
Elephant | $100 |
Dairyland | $104 |
State Auto | $108 |
Root | $118 |
Foremost | $141 |
Hugo | $151 |
Liberty Mutual | $156 |
Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurance company overall in Illinois, with an average rate of $32 per month.
Below, we’ll dive into the cheapest insurance companies based on rating factors, age, and driving record.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Illinois by Driver and Coverage Type![The Illinois state flag](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/800x450/0cd5960eb5/illinois-state-flag.jpg/m/800x450/smart/filters:quality(90))
The insurers above are a great place to start looking for an insurance policy, but your exact rate will likely differ based on factors like your driving record, age, and even ZIP code. Every auto owner is different and will find varying rates by insurance company, which is why it’s important to compare rates.
The table below shows the cheapest companies for a variety of backgrounds and coverages, according to Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurance Company ▲▼ | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
State-minimum coverage | Auto-Owners | $32 |
Full coverage | Auto-Owners | $58 |
Teens | Auto-Owners | $57 |
Seniors | Auto-Owners | $24 |
Drivers with a speeding ticket | Auto-Owners | $42 |
Drivers with an at-fault accident | Auto-Owners | $45 |
Drivers with a DUI | Auto-Owners | $54 |
Drivers with excellent credit | Auto-Owners | $29 |
Drivers with poor credit | Auto-Owners | $44 |
In the tables below, we’ve further broken down the cheapest car insurance companies for each type of driver.
The average rate for minimum car insurance coverage in Illinois is $81 per month, according to Compare.com data. But most car insurance experts suggest purchasing more than the state-minimum coverage because it doesn’t usually provide enough protection.[2]
In some cases, minimum liability coverage may be what you’re looking for. For example, if you have an older, cheap car or if you can afford to pay out of pocket for car accident damages, it may be worthwhile.
The chart below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for liability-only car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
Average Liability Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for liability insurance, with an average rate of $32 per month.
Most drivers should consider purchasing full-coverage car insurance instead of just minimum coverage. That’s because full coverage provides more protection. It includes collision and comprehensive coverage, which pays for your vehicle and property damage in addition to liability insurance.
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Illinois is $169 per month, according to Compare.com data. But some insurers may offer you a more affordable rate.
Here are five companies offering the cheapest insurance rates in Illinois for full coverage, according to our data.
Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Illinois drivers can find the lowest full-coverage car insurance with Auto-Owners. The insurance company charges an average rate of Auto-Owners per month.
Teens pay some of the most expensive car insurance rates of any age group. Insurers see them as riskier than other drivers due to their lack of driving experience and higher likelihood of car accidents.[3] Illinois teens pay an average rate of $239 per month, according to our research.
Here are five cheap car insurance options for Illinois families with teens, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates For Teens
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for teens, with an average rate of $57 per month.
Seniors, on the other hand, tend to enjoy the cheapest rates of any age group, due to their decades of driving experience. The average cost of car insurance for seniors in Illinois is $93 per month, according to Compare.com data.
The chart below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Illinois, according to our research.
Average Rates For Seniors
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Illinois seniors can find the most affordable rates with Auto-Owners. The insurance company charges an average monthly rate of just $24 per month for drivers age 60 and older.
Your driving record can have a big effect on car insurance rates. A single speeding ticket causes average rates to increase by 29% nationwide, according to Compare.com research.
The average cost of car insurance for Illinois drivers with a recent speeding ticket is $172 per month, according to Compare.com data. But you can still find cheap car insurance with the right company.
The chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers for drivers with a ticket in Illinois.
Average Rates With a Ticket
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for drivers with a ticket, with an average rate of $42 per month.
If you cause a car accident, expect your monthly insurance rate to increase. A single at-fault accident causes rates to increase by 33% nationwide, according to Compare.com research.
Our research shows the average Illinois driver pays around $190 per month after an at-fault accident. But plenty of companies still offer cheap auto insurance, if you know where to look.
The chart below highlights the five cheapest car insurance companies for drivers after an at-fault accident in Illinois.
Average Rates With an Accident
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for drivers after an accident, with an average rate of $45 per month.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. A single DUI conviction can result in a 61% increase nationwide, according to our research. The average cost of car insurance for Illinois drivers with a DUI is $215 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Some insurers still offer affordable rates. Here are five cheap car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Illinois.
Average Rates With a DUI
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois if you have a DUI. The insurer offers the most affordable rates, at an average of $54 per month.
Your credit history matters more than you may think when it comes to your car insurance rates. In fact, drivers with bad credit pay an average of 42% more for auto insurance than drivers with excellent credit, according to our research.
Illinois drivers with bad credit pay about $141 per month for car insurance. But it’s possible to find an affordable rate with bad credit.
The five insurers in the chart below offer the cheapest car insurance for drivers in Illinois with bad credit, according to our data.
Average Rates With Bad Credit
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois for drivers with bad credit, with an average rate of 44 per month.
The Cheapest Illinois Insurers by City
Car insurance rates not only vary by state but from one city to the next. This is because each city has different risk factors. For example, one city might have a higher rate of accidents, while the next may experience more car break-ins. Insurance companies consider your location down to the ZIP code when determining rates.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for some of Illinois’ largest cities, according to our data.
City ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurance Company ▲▼ | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Chicago | Auto-Owners | $40 |
Aurora | Auto-Owners | $29 |
Joliet | Auto-Owners | $32 |
Naperville | Auto-Owners | $29 |
Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Chicago, with an average liability rate of $40 per month. But it might not be the cheapest option for you, which is why it’s so important to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies before buying an insurance policy.
Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
Like just about every state in the country, Illinois requires all drivers to have car insurance. Below are the state’s minimum-coverage car insurance requirements — the bare minimum coverage you need to drive legally in the state.
$25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$20,000 in property damage coverage per accident
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Visit the Illinois Department of Insurance if you want to learn more details about exact coverages.
While Illinois’ minimum-coverage requirements are enough to satisfy the law, most insurance experts recommend buying more car insurance coverage. And most lenders require you to buy collision insurance and comprehensive coverage, so you’ll likely need to buy full coverage, anyway.
Illinois Auto Insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about your car insurance in Illinois, take a look at these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois, with an average rate of $32 per month, according to our research. But your monthly rate could be different, so it’s important to compare quotes from different insurers.
Car insurance in Illinois costs $125 per month, on average, according to our data. That breaks down to an average liability-only rate of $81 per month and a full-coverage rate of $169.
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO offer some of the best car insurance rates for Illinois drivers. But there’s no single best insurance company for every driver.
Remember that rates will vary by insurer, coverage type, available discounts, and your unique driver profile. Always compare rates from multiple companies to find the best deal for your budget and needs.
Full-coverage auto insurance in Illinois includes meeting the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements and purchasing comprehensive and collision coverage.[4]
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Car insurance in Illinois
- Car insurance in Joliet
- Car insurance in Chicago
- Car insurance in Peoria
- Car insurance in Waukegan
- Car insurance in Schaumburg
- Car insurance in Moline
- Car insurance in Bloomington
- Car insurance in Belleville
- Car insurance in Wheeling
- Car insurance in Skokie
- Car insurance in Naperville
- Car insurance in Evanston
- Car insurance in Elgin
- Car insurance in Des Plaines
- Car insurance in Decatur
- Car insurance in Crest Hill
- Car insurance in Chicago Heights
- Car insurance in Champaign
- Car insurance in Aurora
Sources
- ABC7 Chicago. "Illinois drivers see auto insurance rates skyrocket; what you can do to save."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
- Illinois.gov. "Auto Insurance Shopping Guide."
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
- Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
![Danny Smith](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/0f08c3f54e/danny-smith-headshot.jpg/m/96x96/smart/filters:quality(90))
Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.