Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Illinois

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Illinois is $765.75. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Illinois across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

*Data Methodology – Updated 3/2/2024

The Illinois car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in IL. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

Illinois Minimum Liability Coverage

Illinois has minimum car insurance requirements to ensure that drivers have the coverage necessary to pay for damages in the event of an accident. Here are the key types of minimum coverage you must have in Illinois:

Bodily Injury Liability – $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries that you cause to other people in an accident.

Property Damage Liability – $15,000. This coverage pays for damage that you cause to another vehicle or property in an accident.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This coverage pays for your injuries if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Medical Payments – $500 per person. This coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, up to the policy limit.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, driving without insurance is illegal and can result in serious penalties. If you are caught driving without insurance in Illinois, you may face the following penalties:

• Traffic citation: You will receive a traffic citation for an uninsured motorist violation. This carries a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on how many times you have been cited before. The citation will also add points to your driving record.
• Vehicle impoundment: The police have the right to impound your vehicle on the spot if you are caught driving without insurance. You will have to pay towing and storage fees, which can run into the hundreds of dollars, to get your vehicle back.
• Driver’s license suspension: The Secretary of State may suspend your driver’s license for up to one year for a first offense or up to three years for subsequent offenses. In order to have your license reinstated, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee.
• Court appearance: You may need to appear before a judge in traffic court to face the charges against you. The judge has the discretion to impose any of the above penalties based on the circumstances of your case.

Auto Insurance Rates in Illinois

Auto insurance rates in Illinois can vary widely based on location, driving history, vehicle type, and more. Here are some of the key factors that impact your auto insurance premiums in the state:

• Location: Where you live in Illinois has a significant effect on auto insurance rates. Drivers in Chicago and the surrounding Cook County suburbs generally pay the highest rates due to higher traffic density, more accidents, and higher crime rates. Rates tend to be lower in more rural areas of Illinois.
• Driving history: Your driving history, including any accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations, is a major determinant of your rates. Clean driving records with no violations typically qualify for lower premiums. Insurance companies also check your history going back several years.
• Vehicle type: Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and large trucks tend to have higher insurance costs due to their higher replacement value and repair costs. Compact cars often have the most affordable rates.
• Credit score: Insurers in Illinois are allowed to use your credit-based insurance score to set rates, so a higher credit score can help you save on premiums. However, lower credit scores do not automatically disqualify you.
• Age: Younger drivers under 25 often face the highest auto insurance rates due to their higher risk of accidents. Rates typically decline as drivers get older and more experienced.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in Illinois

There are several options to help lower the cost of your car insurance in Illinois. Some insurance providers offer low-income insurance programs for those who qualify based on income. For example, some companies offer programs for low-income seniors, veterans, or the unemployed. These programs can provide more affordable rates and coverage options.

You may also qualify for discounts that can lower your premiums. Common discounts offered by insurers include:

• Multi-policy discounts – Bundling home and auto insurance with the same company can save 5-10% or more.
• Good student discounts – Students with a B average or higher often qualify for discounts of 15-25%.
• Anti-theft devices – Devices like immobilizers, alarms, and tracking systems can earn you 5-10% off.
• Defensive driving courses – Completing an approved course can earn you up to 10% off for three years.
• Multi-vehicle discounts – Insuring more than one vehicle with the same company often earns a 5-15% discount.
• Continuous coverage – Maintaining insurance with the same company for multiple years without gaps can earn you a discount.
• Low annual mileage – Driving under 7,500 to 10,000 miles per year often qualifies for a 5-10% discount.
• Good driver discounts – Drivers with a clean driving record for several years often qualify for significant premium reductions.
• Military and alumni discounts – Some companies offer discounts of 5-15% for military members, veterans, and alumni of certain colleges and organizations.

Do your research to find insurance providers that offer the programs and discounts that apply to your situation.

Illinois Car Insurance Statistics

Illinois drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. According to the latest data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, here are some key Illinois car insurance statistics:

• Average premiums: Illinois drivers pay an average annual car insurance premium of $1,137. This is the 8th highest rate in the U.S. and 35% higher than the national average of $841.
• Minimum required coverage: Illinois has relatively high minimum coverage requirements. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $20,000 in property damage liability coverage.
• Uninsured motorists: Around 13% of Illinois motorists are uninsured, which is slightly higher than the national uninsured motorist rate of 11.2%. Driving without insurance is illegal in Illinois.
• Accidents and claims: Illinois drivers experience around 730,000 motor vehicle accidents each year, resulting in over 400 fatalities. This leads to high claim costs for insurers, contributing to higher premiums.
• Speeding tickets: Illinois ranks 16th in the nation for the most speeding tickets issued per capita. Frequent traffic violations can significantly raise your insurance rates.
• Theft: Illinois has a high rate of motor vehicle theft, particularly in the Chicago area. Comprehensive coverage to protect against theft is more expensive in the state.

The Largest Illinois Car Insurance Companies

Illinois drivers have plenty of choices when shopping for car insurance. The following are the largest auto insurance companies in Illinois based on the amount of premiums written in the state.

State Farm
State Farm is the largest car insurance company in Illinois, with over $2.2 billion in premiums written in the state. It has a strong network of local agents and offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts. State Farm is known for good customer service and a strong claims process.

Allstate
Allstate is another major player in Illinois, with over $1.4 billion in premiums written. Allstate has a large presence throughout the state with agents and offices. It offers many discounts and coverage options to Illinois drivers.

Progressive
Progressive is a national insurance company that has grown rapidly in Illinois. It wrote over $750 million in car insurance premiums in the state. Progressive is known for its simple online quoting and purchasing process as well as many discounts for things like safe driving and bundling policies.

Country Financial
Country Financial is an Illinois-based insurance company with a large network of agents across the state. It wrote over $600 million in auto insurance premiums in Illinois. Country Financial offers discounts for things like good grades, multiple policies, and safe driving.