The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Chicago, Illinois, in 2026
Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurer in Chicago, with rates starting at $64 per month.
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Writer: Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Writer: Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
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Editor: Matthew GrossEditor
Editor: Matthew GrossEditor
Qualifications:
5+ years in communications and content creation
2+ years in insurance content
Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.
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Reviewer: David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
Reviewer: David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
Qualifications:
25+ years teaching risk management and insurance
Managing director, Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
An Appalachian State Univ. professor, David teaches risk management/insurance. He's appeared in the NY Times, CNN, and more.
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In Chicago, the overall average car insurance rate is $171 per month. Compare that to the Illinois statewide average of $130 per month. Chicago’s expensive premiums may partly be due to its high population density, which increases the likelihood of accidents and claims.[1]
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and Progressive are the cheapest insurance companies for Chicago drivers. But your personal car insurance rates can vary depending on your coverage, driving record, age, and insurer. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal.
We’ll break down the best insurers in the Windy City and tell you how to save money on your auto coverage.
Key Takeaways
Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Chicago, with rates starting at $64 per month.
Chicago drivers pay an average monthly rate of $115 for liability coverage and $228 for full coverage.
Travelers, GEICO, and Erie are our top picks for car insurance in Chicago.
The Best Auto Insurance Companies in Chicago
No single insurer is the best option for everyone. Different car insurance companies cater to different types of drivers. We picked the following three companies based on a combination of average rates in Chicago, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverages offered.
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $114/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $203/mo |
4.1
Best choice in IllinoisBased on 109 verified guest reviews and ratings
Travelers's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.5 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about Travelers
Drivers value the reliable coverage but find the policy costs high and the rate increases too frequent. Communication and claim settlement speed also need improvement.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 46 Travelers reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on October 23, 2026
Great.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Massachusetts on October 20, 2026
Claims adjusters don’t seem to make much effort to find out the details. I’ve had the misfortune of having three claims in the past three years, none of which were our fault.
On the first claim, the adjuster assigned fault to me, and I had to go to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal (which found me not responsible). But the damage was done—they had already paid out the other driver’s claim.
On the second claim, the adjuster was completely unhelpful and wouldn’t give us any information or help, even though the other driver admitted fault. Plymouth Rock (the other driver’s insurance), on the other hand, was a pleasure to deal with.
The most recent was an intersection accident, and I sent the dashcam video to both insurance companies. My own insurance didn’t even look at the video before assuming 50/50. After I complained about them not contacting me for weeks and not even looking at the materials I sent, they reviewed the dashcam video and changed their assessment to 25/75—but only after already sending the 50/50 assessment to the other insurance company, so who knows what will happen there.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Virginia on October 18, 2026
Don’t buy from Travelers. They can’t get billing correct, and customer service seems to have been outsourced to people who can’t understand English, let alone add things up.
JD Power
JD Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
606
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
Travelers is one of the best options for Chicago drivers thanks to its low rates and wide range of coverage options and discounts. You can save money for driving a hybrid vehicle, maintaining continuous coverage, or buying a new car. Plus, Travelers’ IntelliDrive program offers safe driving tips and rewards you for good driving habits.
Pros
Affordable rates
Various available coverage options
Offers IntelliDrive telematics program
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction rating
More expensive for teen drivers
IntelliDrive may raise rates
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $77/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $145/mo |
4.0
Best choice in IllinoisBased on 900 verified guest reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.4 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing 3 reviews from Illinois driversSee all 349 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Illinois on September 22, 2026
Although it’s a great insurance company, I’d suggest shopping around for better rates.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Illinois on August 24, 2026
I’ve had a decent experience with my current insurance company. Although they could provide more information about my policy options, especially when a claim is filed.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Illinois on June 16, 2026
I've never had to file a claim, but the service is easy to use.
JD Power
JD Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
GEICO stands out for its nationwide availability and the large number of discounts. GEICO offers more discounts than most of its competitors, including military member, government employee, and safety feature discounts. GEICO also offers optional coverages like mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and rental reimbursement.
Pros
Available nationwide
Many available discounts
Robust mobile app
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction
Gap coverage not available
Below-average claims satisfaction
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $79/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $140/mo |
4.2
Best choice in IllinoisBased on 27 verified guest reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.0 | 2.9 |
JD Power
JD Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
710
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
Not rated
Why we picked this company
Erie is one of the best choices for Chicago drivers thanks to its customizable coverage. It offers pet injury, glass repair, personal items, and locksmith coverages. And if you take advantage of Erie’s Rate Lock feature, your rates will stay the same until you add or remove a driver from your policy or change your address.
Pros
Above-average customer satisfaction
Rate Lock helps you avoid rate hikes
Pet injury coverage available
Cons
Fewer available discounts than some competitors
Limited online features
Must work with an agent to buy a policy
The Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Chicago
Car insurance premiums can vary quite a bit among different insurers. So it’s important to compare quotes from at least three different car insurance companies when shopping for coverage.[2]
If you’re looking for a good place to start, the table below shows the five cheapest insurers in Chicago, according to data from Compare.com.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium $66/mo* | Average Premium $71/mo* | Average Premium $100/mo* | Average Premium $113/mo* | Average Premium $100/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating N/A |
Value | Value | Value | Value | Value N/A |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service N/A |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling N/A |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 11 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 1097 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 1137 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 63 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 0 user reviews |
We sourced the data in this table from Compare.com users who indicated they're existing customers of the insurers you see here.
How Much Car Insurance Do You Need in Chicago?
Like nearly every state, Illinois requires drivers to have liability insurance. Liability insurance covers injuries and damages you cause others in an accident, but not your own.
Here are the minimum-coverage requirements you must meet:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage for injuries you cause to others
Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage for damages you cause
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of UM/UIM coverage; this helps cover you if a driver without enough insurance — or no insurance at all — hits you[3]
Should you buy full-coverage insurance in Chicago?
Illinois’ minimum liability requirements aren’t likely to provide enough coverage for most drivers. Serious accidents can quickly exceed minimum coverage amounts. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider full-coverage car insurance.
Liability coverage pays for damages and injuries you cause to others, but full coverage pays for you and your vehicle as well. It can even cover damage from theft or vandalism. If you finance or lease your car, your lender will likely require you to buy full-coverage car insurance.[4]
Other car insurance coverage options in Chicago
While Illinois requires only liability coverage, most insurers offer optional coverages for extra protection. Some additional coverage options you may want to consider include:
Collision coverage: Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle if you hit another car or object.
Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance pays for damages caused by things like severe weather, theft, vandalism, or falling objects.
Medical payments (MedPay): MedPay covers medical or funeral expenses related to a car accident.
Gap insurance: If you finance your car, gap insurance covers the difference between your loan balance and your car’s current value.
Rental reimbursement: Rental reimbursement coverage pays for rental car costs while your vehicle is in the shop for a covered repair.
Towing: Towing insurance and other roadside assistance plans cover towing your vehicle to a repair shop.
Estimated Cost: $187 per month
Category | Price |
|---|---|
| $78 | 3.7% |
| $97 | 5.6% |
| $115 | 7.0% |
| $134 | 7.5% |
| $153 | 8.4% |
| $171 | 8.4% |
| $190 | 7.6% |
| $209 | 7.5% |
| $228 | 6.8% |
| $246 | 5.8% |
| $265 | 5.5% |
| $284 | 4.8% |
| $302 | 4.2% |
| $321 | 3.5% |
| $340 | 3.2% |
| $358 | 2.8% |
| $377 | 2.3% |
| $396 | 2.1% |
| $414 | 1.9% |
| $433 | 1.6% |
40.5% of drivers like you pay less for car insurance. Compare quotes to save up to $1308 per year.
We sourced the figures you see here from Compare.com's database of more than 58 million real-life car insurance quotes. Actual rates may vary based on your unique driver profile.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago by Driver and Coverage Type
Car insurance rates vary from driver to driver. Insurers use a variety of factors when setting rates, including your age, ZIP code, and driving record. For example, insurance companies consider a driver with a history of speeding tickets as riskier to insure and charge them higher rates.
That’s why it’s important to check rates for drivers with a similar profile to yours. The following table shows the average rates for different types of drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer |
|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | Auto-Owners |
| Full coverage | Auto-Owners |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Auto-Owners |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Auto-Owners |
| Drivers with a DUI | Auto-Owners |
| Teens | Auto-Owners |
| Seniors | Auto-Owners |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Auto-Owners |
| Drivers with poor credit | Auto-Owners |
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .
Cheapest liability-only coverage in Chicago: Auto-Owners
Liability-only coverage pays for damages and injuries you cause to another driver in an accident, but not your own. State-minimum coverage is best for drivers with older, lower-value vehicles. For example, if your car is worth less than 10 times your premium, liability coverage may be enough.[2]
The average rate for minimum coverage in Chicago is $115 per month. The table below shows the cheapest insurers offering liability-only insurance in Chicago, based on Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Liability Rates by Company
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $64 |
| State Farm | $69 |
| Progressive | $91 |
| Certainly | $92 |
| Country Financial | $96 |
| Direct Auto | $99 |
| The General | $99 |
| Allstate | $103 |
| GEICO | $103 |
| Erie | $106 |
| First Chicago | $107 |
| USAA | $112 |
| GAINSCO | $116 |
| Safeco | $118 |
| American Family | $122 |
| Bristol West | $127 |
| Mercury | $128 |
| National General | $128 |
| Freedom National | $138 |
| Elephant | $142 |
| Clearcover | $144 |
| First Acceptance | $148 |
| Dairyland | $150 |
| Travelers | $154 |
| Insurify Car | $158 |
| Farmers | $164 |
| Root | $164 |
| Liberty Mutual | $167 |
| Mendota | $176 |
| Hugo | $178 |
| State Auto | $216 |
Cheapest full coverage: Auto-Owners
Full-coverage car insurance includes liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance. It’s best for drivers with an auto loan or who want the most financial protection.
Chicago drivers pay an average monthly rate of $228 for full-coverage car insurance. The following table shows the cheapest insurers in Chicago for full-coverage car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $114 |
| State Farm | $123 |
| Country Financial | $172 |
| Progressive | $178 |
| Safeco | $178 |
| Erie | $188 |
| GEICO | $194 |
| Direct Auto | $199 |
| USAA | $200 |
| Allstate | $206 |
| American Family | $215 |
| Mercury | $216 |
| Elephant | $244 |
| The General | $246 |
| National General | $247 |
| Certainly | $248 |
| Root | $258 |
| First Chicago | $261 |
| Liberty Mutual | $266 |
| Clearcover | $273 |
| Travelers | $274 |
| Bristol West | $283 |
| Farmers | $293 |
| Freedom National | $293 |
| GAINSCO | $309 |
| Mendota | $337 |
| First Acceptance | $353 |
| State Auto | $385 |
| Dairyland | $389 |
Compare Real-Time Car Insurance Quotes in Chicago
Rates in Chicago start at $64 per month.
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 883 reviews
Secure. Simple. Free to compare.
Cheapest after a speeding ticket: Auto-Owners
Getting a speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates. Insurers view tickets as an indicator of risky driving and charge more for coverage. The average rate for drivers with a recent ticket in Chicago is $222 per month.
Fortunately, drivers can avoid rate hikes by switching to an insurer better suited for drivers with a ticket. Here are the five companies with the cheapest rates for Chicago drivers with a recent ticket, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates With a Ticket
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $84 |
| State Farm | $89 |
| Progressive | $118 |
| Certainly | $120 |
| Direct Auto | $127 |
| Country Financial | $130 |
| Allstate | $134 |
| The General | $135 |
| GEICO | $137 |
| First Chicago | $139 |
| Erie | $141 |
| GAINSCO | $142 |
| USAA | $146 |
| Safeco | $158 |
| American Family | $160 |
| National General | $162 |
| Bristol West | $163 |
| Elephant | $178 |
| Mercury | $179 |
| Freedom National | $179 |
| Clearcover | $186 |
| Dairyland | $189 |
| First Acceptance | $192 |
| Root | $199 |
| Travelers | $202 |
| Insurify Car | $205 |
| Farmers | $213 |
| Liberty Mutual | $216 |
| Mendota | $229 |
| Hugo | $231 |
| State Auto | $289 |
Cheapest after an accident: Auto-Owners
A single at-fault accident can increase your car insurance rates. Accidents signal to insurers that you’re more likely to file future claims. Chicago drivers with an accident on their record pay an average of $222 per month for car insurance.
But you can avoid a rate hike by finding an insurer that offers low rates to drivers with a recent accident. The chart below shows the cheapest insurers in Chicago for drivers with a recent accident on their record, according to data from Compare.com.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates With an Accident
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $87 |
| State Farm | $94 |
| Progressive | $125 |
| Certainly | $127 |
| Country Financial | $135 |
| Direct Auto | $138 |
| The General | $139 |
| GEICO | $140 |
| Allstate | $142 |
| Erie | $146 |
| First Chicago | $147 |
| GAINSCO | $152 |
| USAA | $154 |
| Safeco | $168 |
| American Family | $169 |
| Bristol West | $172 |
| National General | $174 |
| Freedom National | $190 |
| Elephant | $190 |
| Mercury | $194 |
| Dairyland | $202 |
| First Acceptance | $204 |
| Clearcover | $209 |
| Root | $211 |
| Travelers | $213 |
| Insurify Car | $218 |
| Farmers | $225 |
| Liberty Mutual | $227 |
| Mendota | $243 |
| Hugo | $245 |
| State Auto | $303 |
Cheapest after a DUI: Auto-Owners
A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is one of the most serious driving offenses and can significantly increase your rates. Some insurers may even refuse to cover you at all.
On average, Chicago drivers with a DUI pay $222 per month for car insurance. But you can soften the effect on your rates by finding an insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers.
Here are the insurers with the cheapest rates for Chicago drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates With a DUI
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $93 |
| State Farm | $101 |
| Progressive | $135 |
| Country Financial | $136 |
| Certainly | $136 |
| The General | $140 |
| Direct Auto | $144 |
| GEICO | $151 |
| Allstate | $152 |
| Erie | $153 |
| First Chicago | $158 |
| USAA | $163 |
| GAINSCO | $169 |
| American Family | $170 |
| Bristol West | $185 |
| National General | $186 |
| Safeco | $189 |
| Mercury | $197 |
| Clearcover | $203 |
| Freedom National | $204 |
| Elephant | $207 |
| Dairyland | $219 |
| First Acceptance | $219 |
| Travelers | $224 |
| Insurify Car | $234 |
| Farmers | $239 |
| Root | $239 |
| Liberty Mutual | $243 |
| Mendota | $260 |
| Hugo | $263 |
| State Auto | $303 |
Cheapest for teens: Auto-Owners
Teen drivers have some of the most expensive car insurance rates of any age group. Younger drivers lack experience and tend to have riskier habits behind the wheel. In fact, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have a fatal crash rate nearly three times higher than older drivers.[5]
On average, Chicago teens pay a monthly rate of $339 for car insurance. But if you’re adding a teen driver to your policy, you’re not necessarily stuck with high rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts and other savings for teen drivers.
The following chart shows the cheapest insurers for young Chicago drivers, based on Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates for Teens
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $133 |
| State Farm | $138 |
| Country Financial | $157 |
| Progressive | $181 |
| Certainly | $183 |
| The General | $186 |
| GEICO | $194 |
| Erie | $200 |
| Direct Auto | $200 |
| Allstate | $204 |
| GAINSCO | $211 |
| USAA | $212 |
| First Chicago | $212 |
| Bristol West | $234 |
| American Family | $238 |
| Mercury | $241 |
| Clearcover | $245 |
| Safeco | $250 |
| Root | $260 |
| National General | $262 |
| Dairyland | $269 |
| Elephant | $271 |
| Freedom National | $274 |
| First Acceptance | $294 |
| Liberty Mutual | $304 |
| Insurify Car | $314 |
| Travelers | $329 |
| Farmers | $338 |
| Mendota | $349 |
| Hugo | $353 |
| State Auto | $525 |
Cheapest for seniors: Auto-Owners
Seniors tend to have the cheapest rates of any age group. Older drivers typically have more experience and safe driving habits, so insurers charge them less for coverage.
Chicago seniors pay an average monthly rate of $140 for car insurance. But you can often find even better rates with the right insurer.
Here are the five cheapest insurers for seniors in Chicago, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates for Seniors
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $49 |
| State Farm | $53 |
| Country Financial | $74 |
| Progressive | $75 |
| Certainly | $75 |
| Direct Auto | $79 |
| Erie | $79 |
| GEICO | $80 |
| The General | $82 |
| Allstate | $84 |
| First Chicago | $88 |
| USAA | $88 |
| American Family | $95 |
| GAINSCO | $97 |
| National General | $98 |
| Mercury | $98 |
| Safeco | $100 |
| Bristol West | $103 |
| Elephant | $111 |
| Freedom National | $113 |
| Travelers | $120 |
| First Acceptance | $121 |
| Dairyland | $123 |
| Clearcover | $124 |
| Farmers | $126 |
| Insurify Car | $130 |
| Liberty Mutual | $135 |
| Mendota | $144 |
| Hugo | $146 |
| Root | $147 |
| State Auto | $158 |
Cheapest for bad credit: Auto-Owners
Illinois allows insurance companies to consider your credit history when determining your rates. Drivers with poor credit tend to file more claims, so they pay more for car insurance.
Chicago drivers with poor credit pay an average of $214 per month for car insurance. Fortunately, not all insurance companies consider credit, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit.
Here are the five cheapest companies for drivers with poor credit in Chicago, according to data from Compare.com.
The below rates in Illinois are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:19 AM PDT.
Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $97 |
| State Farm | $101 |
| Progressive | $114 |
| Certainly | $115 |
| Country Financial | $117 |
| GEICO | $121 |
| Direct Auto | $123 |
| The General | $123 |
| Allstate | $129 |
| First Chicago | $134 |
| USAA | $139 |
| GAINSCO | $144 |
| Safeco | $146 |
| American Family | $148 |
| Erie | $155 |
| Mercury | $156 |
| Bristol West | $157 |
| National General | $158 |
| Freedom National | $173 |
| Elephant | $176 |
| Clearcover | $178 |
| Travelers | $183 |
| First Acceptance | $185 |
| Dairyland | $186 |
| Farmers | $193 |
| Insurify Car | $198 |
| Liberty Mutual | $200 |
| Root | $203 |
| Mendota | $220 |
| Hugo | $223 |
| State Auto | $271 |
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Chicago Auto Insurance FAQs
Below, we answered some common questions from Chicago drivers about car insurance in the Windy City.
How much is car insurance in Chicago?
Chicago drivers pay an average monthly rate of $171 for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Liability insurance costs an average monthly rate of $115, and full coverage costs an average monthly rate of $228.
What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Chicago?
Auto-Owners is the cheapest auto insurance company in Chicago, with rates starting at $64 per month. But your personal rates depend on a variety of factors, like your age and ZIP code.
What’s the best car insurance company in Chicago?
Travelers, GEICO, and Erie are Compare.com’s top picks for car insurance in Chicago. But there isn’t a single “best” insurance company for every driver. The right car insurance company varies depending on your age, ZIP code, driving history, and coverage needs.
Is car insurance in Chicago expensive?
It depends. Car insurance in Chicago costs an average of $171 per month, according to Compare.com data. Compare that to the Illinois statewide average of $130 per month and the national average of $144 per month. How much you pay for car insurance depends on several factors, like your age, location, and driving record.
Is minimum coverage enough in Chicago?
Not typically. Minimum-coverage car insurance might be enough if you have an older car that you can afford to repair or replace yourself. But most experts recommend buying coverage above the state’s minimum limits. It’s a good idea for Chicago drivers to consider additional coverage, like collision, comprehensive, MedPay, and gap coverage.
Is auto insurance mandatory in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois requires all Chicago drivers to have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage. You also need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage.
Does Illinois require full-coverage insurance?
No. Illinois doesn’t require drivers to purchase full-coverage car insurance. But, depending on your situation, purchasing full coverage may be a good idea. Serious accidents can quickly exceed minimum-coverage limits, and full-coverage insurance provides added financial protection.
How can you find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago?
Comparing car insurance rates from at least three companies is the easiest way to find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago. You can also ask your insurer about ways to save, like bundling or good student discounts.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Chicago, Illinois."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- Illinois Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Shopping Guide."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Consumer Insight."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
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.
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Aurora, IL Car Insurance
On average, Aurora drivers pay around $51 a month for their car insurance. For more information refer to our guide below.
Belleville, IL Car Insurance
Drivers in Belleville pay around $54 a month for their car insurance. To learn more about car insurance rates in the Belleville area, read our guide below.
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Bloomington, IL Car Insurance
On average, Bloomington drivers pay a monthly average rate of around $41 for their car insurance. To find out more check out our guide below.
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Champaign, IL Car Insurance
Champaign drivers pay, on average, around $46 a month for their car insurance. For information on policy rates, coverage, and more check out our guide below.
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Chicago Heights, IL Car Insurance
On average, Chicago Heights drivers pay around $69 a month for their car insurance. Check out our guide below to find out how much you'll pay.
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Crest Hill, IL Car Insurance
Residents of Crest Hill pay, on average, about $57 per month for car insurance. We cover plan rates, policies and more in our guide below.
Decatur, IL Car Insurance
Drivers in Decatur pay, on average, $53 a month for their car insurance. Check out our guide below to find out how much you'll pay.
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Des Plaines, IL Car Insurance
Drivers in Des Plaines pay, on average, $48 a month for their car insurance. To learn more about policy rates and coverage in the Des Plaines area, continue reading our guide below.
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Residents of Elgin pay around $50 monthly for their car insurance coverage. To learn more about what you're likely to pay in the Elgin area, read our guide below.
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About Compare.com
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.
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- 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.
Writer: Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Writer: Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Editor: Matthew GrossEditor
Editor: Matthew GrossEditor
Qualifications:
5+ years in communications and content creation
2+ years in insurance content
Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.
Reviewer: David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
Reviewer: David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
Qualifications:
25+ years teaching risk management and insurance
Managing director, Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
An Appalachian State Univ. professor, David teaches risk management/insurance. He's appeared in the NY Times, CNN, and more.