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Illinois is one of two states that doesn’t protect consumers from large car insurance rate increases. So, even if your auto insurance rate is affordable now, it might not stay that way.
Knowing which companies typically offer the most competitive premiums can help you stay on budget. After careful analysis, we found SECURA has some of the cheapest rates in Illinois, averaging $52 per month for a standard policy.
Keep reading to learn how to compare Illinois car insurance quotes, what factors affect your premium, and which companies might be the cheapest in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- SECURA is the cheapest overall car insurance company in Illinois, averaging $32 per month for liability-only policies and $72 for full coverage.
- First Chicago and State Farm offer the cheapest premiums for Illinois drivers with a DUI.
- Illinois requires drivers to carry 25/50/20 liability limits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages.
Illinois’ Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Even though Illinois drivers pay a little less than the national average for car insurance, you can still find savings opportunities to get the best deal. Let’s take a look at which companies offer the lowest overall rates across the state.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| SECURA | $52 |
| GEICO | $62 |
| Auto-Owners | $69 |
| QBE | $74 |
| First Chicago | $79 |
SECURA is the cheapest insurance company on our list for Illinois drivers. That said, because several factors are used to determine insurance premiums, it might not have the lowest rates for everyone.
We compared the top rating factors and different driver profiles in the sections below to help you find the cheapest Illinois auto insurance companies.
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Illinois. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Illinois drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All of the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Illinois. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.
The Average Cost of Illinois Car Insurance
The overall average car insurance premium in Illinois is $123 per month (or $1,476 per year), according to Compare.com data. The state has cheaper average rates than neighboring Kentucky and Missouri as well as the national average. Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin have lower average rates than Illinois.
Illinois has lower-than-average traffic density, fatal accidents, and vehicle thefts, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). These factors can contribute to its lower average rates.
But premiums can vary by different factors, as you’ll see in the following sections.
| State | Average Rates | State Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $123 | 27th-cheapest |
| Indiana | $87 | 11th |
| Iowa | $76 | 3rd |
| Kentucky | $157 | 39th |
| Missouri | $161 | 41st |
| Wisconsin | $110 | 21st |
| National average | $129 | – |
Get Illinois’ Best Car Insurance Rates
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: SECURA
The type and amount of coverage you choose affects your auto insurance rates. Basic liability-only policies with state-minimum coverage limits (25/50/20 in Illinois — more on that later) are the cheapest plans available if you’re on a budget.
With that in mind, let’s look at Illinois’ cheapest car insurance companies for state-minimum liability insurance.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| SECURA | $32 |
| GEICO | $34 |
| First Chicago | $37 |
| Auto-Owners | $40 |
| Westfield | $43 |
SECURA might be the most affordable car insurance company if you only need state-minimum coverage. Its average rate in Illinois is just $32 per month.
You might also find cheap auto insurance through GEICO or First Chicago, with average rates are just $2 and $5 more per month than SECURA, respectively.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: SECURA
Full coverage is a general insurance term for a policy that includes liability insurance and other coverages to pay for damage to your vehicle and any injuries you might suffer in an accident.
These additional coverages typically include comprehensive, collision, medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage.
The table below shows the most affordable car insurance companies in Illinois for full-coverage car insurance.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| SECURA | $72 |
| GEICO | $90 |
| Auto-Owners | $98 |
| Progressive | $101 |
| QBE | $105 |
If you need the added protection a full-coverage policy provides but are on a budget, SECURA might be the best choice. Its average full-coverage premium is just $72 per month.
SECURA offers multiple ways to customize your full-coverage auto policy, including identity theft protection, pet injury, and accident forgiveness.
Compare Illinois Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Your age is one of the most important factors that affect your auto insurance rates. For example, older drivers usually pay less than young drivers due to their driving experience and generally less-risky behavior.
We compared rates for young drivers and older drivers below to show you how age can affect your car insurance premiums in Illinois.
Cheapest car insurance for Illinois teens: SECURA
The most expensive age group to insure is teens. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are close to three times as likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than those 20 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rates usually drop at age 25, though, and continue to become more affordable as you approach your 40s.
The cheapest average rates for 18-year-olds in Illinois are shown below.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SECURA | $78 | $167 |
| COUNTRY Financial | $93 | $236 |
| Erie | $99 | $267 |
| QBE | $112 | $269 |
| GEICO | $121 | $308 |
SECURA has the lowest rates for young drivers, whether you’re looking for state minimum or full coverage. Plus, you could get even cheaper rates with SECURA’s good student discount if you have a 3.0 GPA or better.
Cheapest car insurance for Illinois seniors: SECURA
If you’re nearing retirement age, you might focus more on your budget to stretch your income further. Luckily, seniors get some of the cheapest auto insurance rates available. And, if you drive less than you did while working, you could save even more.
We compared rates for 65-year-old drivers in the table below to show you the most affordable insurance companies for Illinois seniors.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SECURA | $34 | $73 |
| GEICO | $35 | $87 |
| First Chicago | $35 | $115 |
| Auto-Owners | $41 | $92 |
| Erie | $44 | $115 |
SECURA is, yet again, the most affordable choice for liability or full coverage in Illinois. Not only does SECURA offer cheap car insurance rates for seniors, but it also offers valuable add-ons, including optional coverages like travel and medical assistance, roadside assistance, and glass express coverage.
Compare Illinois Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record is one of the most important rating factors insurance companies use to determine your auto insurance rates. Causing accidents or getting a ticket, moving violation, or DUI typically means paying higher rates.
Our analysis below shows how various driving infractions can affect your premiums and which Illinois insurance companies might be the cheapest for different driving profiles.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Illinois: SECURA
Insurance companies reserve the best rates for good drivers. You’re considered a good driver if you don’t have any tickets or accidents on your driving record in the last three to five years.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for a good driver without an at-fault accident or ticket, according to Compare.com data.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SECURA | $32 | $72 |
| GEICO | $34 | $90 |
| First Chicago | $37 | $121 |
| Auto-Owners | $40 | $98 |
| Westfield | $43 | $120 |
We found SECURA offers the cheapest liability-only and full-coverage auto insurance for Illinois’ good drivers. Plus, if you have no tickets or at-fault accidents in at least three years, you’re eligible for SECURA’s claim-free/violation-free discount and accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is one of the best ways to keep your rates from increasing after an accident.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois after a ticket: SECURA
If you get a ticket in Illinois, you’ll likely see a rate increase the next time your auto insurance policy renews. The national average rate increase after one ticket is 23%, according to Compare.com data, but that doesn’t mean you just have to accept hire rates.
The cheapest auto insurance companies in the state after one speeding ticket are shown in the table below.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SECURA | $32 | $73 |
| GEICO | $39 | $105 |
| Erie | $50 | $132 |
| First Chicago | $50 | $157 |
| Westfield | $51 | $144 |
SECURA is Illinois’ cheapest state-minimum and full-coverage insurer after a moving violation, according to Compare.com data. GEICO and Erie are also affordable options if you have a ticket in your recent driving history.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois after an accident: SECURA
Causing an accident will usually cause a higher rate increase than getting a ticket. Rates increase nationally by an average of 43% after an at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data. But, again, there are likely still cheaper options out there.
The table shows the cheapest average rates for Illinois drivers after one at-fault accident, based on our analysis.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SECURA | $38 | $90 |
| First Chicago | $51 | $165 |
| Auto-Owners | $53 | $125 |
| GEICO | $57 | $157 |
| State Farm | $63 | $129 |
We found SECURA to once again be the cheapest option for auto insurance after causing an accident. It offers several discounts you might be eligible for, which can help keep rates low.
Cheapest car insurance in Illinois after a DUI: First Chicago
A DUI is one of the most severe infractions when it comes to increasing your insurance rates, causing a national average rate hike of 92%, according to Compare.com data.
You could also face penalties such as a license suspension and potential policy cancellation. You might also need an SR-22 to prove you meet Illinois’ minimum car insurance requirements.
But not all auto insurance companies will double your rate after a DUI conviction. Let’s look at some of the insurance companies with the cheapest rates for drivers with one DUI.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| First Chicago | $53 | $196 |
| State Farm | $58 | $119 |
| GEICO | $65 | $196 |
| Progressive | $65 | $121 |
| SECURA Insurance | $77 | $167 |
First Chicago, State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive might be the most affordable options in Illinois for liability-only car insurance after a DUI. But if you need full coverage, consider State Farm, Progressive, or SECURA for cheaper rates.
Find Cheaper Illinois Auto Insurance
The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Illinois
Where you live will affect how much you pay for car insurance. Factors like state-mandated coverage requirements, weather conditions, traffic density, vehicle theft rates, and medical expenses can cause premiums to vary by ZIP code.
Let’s take a look at which cities in Illinois offer the cheapest average rates.
| City | Monthly Liability Premium |
|---|---|
| Aurora | $51 |
| Belleville | $55 |
| Berwyn | $53 |
| Bloomington | $42 |
| Bolingbrook | $51 |
| Calumet City | $60 |
| Centralia | $49 |
| Champaign | $46 |
| Chicago | $51 |
| Chicago Heights | $72 |
| Crest Hill | $57 |
| Danville | $47 |
| Decatur | $54 |
| Des Plaines | $49 |
| East St. Louis | $63 |
| Elgin | $51 |
| Elmwood Park | $52 |
| Evanston | $49 |
| Granite City | $57 |
| Joliet | $53 |
| Moline | $45 |
| Naperville | $52 |
| Peoria | $49 |
| Plainfield | $54 |
| Rockford | $47 |
| Schaumburg | $44 |
| Skokie | $66 |
| Springfield | $46 |
| Streamwood | $54 |
| Waukegan | $45 |
| Wheeling | $44 |
The cheapest Illinois cities for auto insurance are Bloomington, Schaumburg, and Wheeling, according to Compare.com data. Bloomington averages $42 per month, while Schaumburg and Wheeling average $44 monthly. These cities have smaller population densities than many other Illinois cities, contributing to their cheaper premiums.
Chicago, Aurora, and Joliet are the most populated Illinois cities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their rates are higher because of it, averaging between $51 and $53 monthly.
Regardless of your home state, you can typically expect to pay more when living in cities with higher population densities, accidents, and motor vehicle thefts.
5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Illinois
Knowing which companies offer cheap car insurance can help you get the best rates for your coverage needs. We covered which companies are cheapest for various profiles in the sections above, but here are five additional ways to get the lowest auto insurance rates in Illinois:
- Bundle your home and auto insurance together. “Drivers who can bundle their auto insurance with home insurance often get a steep discount,” says Rhett Stubbendeck, chartered property casualty underwriter (CPCU) and CEO of LeverageRx.
- Keep your driving record clean. Avoiding tickets and accidents can help you get the cheapest rates and unlock benefits like safe driving discounts and accident forgiveness.
- Take an approved defensive driving course. “Many insurance companies offer discounts if you take an approved safety driving course,” advises Stubbendeck.
- Consider your coverage needs. Speaking with an insurance agent can help you assess your coverage needs so you only buy the necessary coverage.
- Shop regularly and compare quotes. Comparing car insurance quotes regularly can ensure you get the cheapest rates from the best insurance company.
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Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
Illinois has the following minimum auto insurance requirements:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
You also must carry the same minimum limits in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages (UI/UM). If you choose higher liability limits — and you should if you have more assets — you’ll also need the same UI/UM limits.
Illinois ranks 24th for uninsured drivers in the country, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can pay for damages or injuries you incur from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Illinois
Driving without auto insurance in Illinois can come with severe penalties, including:
- A $500-to-$1,000 fine
- Three-month license suspension
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee of $100
Third and subsequent offenses increase the fine to $1,000 and include an SR-22 requirement for three years. You could also face jail time and a Class A misdemeanor charge, with an additional $2,500 fine.
SR-22 auto insurance in Illinois
An SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. It’s a form high-risk drivers must provide to the Illinois Secretary of State, proving you carry at least the minimum-coverage requirements. SR-22 insurance is for high-risk drivers with a license suspension, DUI, or three or more insurance violations.
You can file a $70,000 surety bond or deposit $70,000 with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office instead of complying with the SR-22 requirement. However, SR-22 insurance might be cheaper and easier.
“Comparing quotes with different companies can help you find the best SR-22 insurance rate,” says Stubbendeck. Setting up auto pay or paying in full can help ensure your SR-22 insurance doesn’t cancel to avoid additional fines.
Illinois Auto Insurance FAQs
Understanding coverage requirements and how to shop for car insurance can help you protect yourself financially and get the best rates. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting cheap auto insurance in Illinois.
Which is the cheapest auto insurance company in Illinois?
Illinois’ cheapest auto insurance company depends on factors like your driving history, age, and coverage needs. According to our analysis, SECURA, GEICO, First Chicago, and Auto-Owners are the cheapest Illinois car insurance companies.
How much is car insurance in Illinois?
On average, Illinois drivers pay $123 per month for car insurance. But your premiums could be lower or higher since personal factors such as age, claims history, and driving record determine auto insurance costs.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
Bloomington has the cheapest Illinois car insurance, according to Compare.com data, averaging just $42 monthly. Schaumburg, Wheeling, Waukegan, and Moline are also affordable cities in Illinois.
How much car insurance is required in Illinois?
You must carry 25/50/20 car insurance liability limits and the same for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you have assets higher than the minimum-coverage requirements, most insurance experts recommend buying enough liability coverage to cover them, since you could be held financially responsible if you cause an accident with higher liability costs than your limits.
What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Illinois?
You can face fines, license suspension, and reinstatement fees if you’re caught driving without insurance in Illinois. Fines will increase the third and subsequent offense to $1,000, and you’ll have a three-year SR-22 insurance requirement.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes 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 of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered 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 drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Teen Drivers.” Accessed July 28, 2023.
- Illinois Compiled Statutes Database. “(625 ILCS 5/) Illinois Vehicle Code.” Accessed July 31, 2023.
- Illinois Department of Insurance. “Auto Insurance Shopping Guide.” Accessed July 31, 2023.
- Illinois PIRG Education Fund. “New Analysis: Illinois car insurance rates hiked by more than $1 billion in 2022.” Accessed July 31, 2023.
- Illinois Secretary of State. “Financial Responsibility (SR-22) Insurance.” Accessed July 31, 2023.
- Illinois Secretary of State. “Illinois Vehicle Hijacking & Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention & Insurance Verification Council.” Accessed July 31, 2023.
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