The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Chicago, Illinois, in 2026

Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurer in Chicago, with rates starting at $66 per month.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.6 / 5726 reviews
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
Progressive LogoAllstate LogoLiberty Mutual LogoUSAA LogoThe General LogoBristol West Logo+120 more
Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
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.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

Updated

Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.

In Chicago, the overall average car insurance rate is $168 per month. Compare that to the Illinois statewide average of $123 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 Certainly 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 $66 per month.

  • Chicago drivers pay an average monthly rate of $112 for liability coverage and $224 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.

Travelers logo
User Reviews
3.8
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.
$115/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.
$211/mo
3.8
A solid option in IllinoisBased on 72 verified guest reviews and ratings
Travelers's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.43.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts4.42.9
Policy transparency4.23.1
Value4.32.9
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 27 Travelers reviews
Philip
Verified Review
Mediocre to Good
I have only experienced the renewal costs since I have not had any claims or extensive coverage changes. The agent is okay, but there's not much contact, either verbally or in writing.
J.D. Power
J.D. 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

GEICO logo
User Reviews
3.8
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.
$76/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
3.8
A solid option in IllinoisBased on 746 verified guest reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.33.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.43.1
Value4.42.9
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 recent national reviewsSee all 283 GEICO reviews
Christopher
Verified Review
Confusing pricing
They quoted me one price and then updated to a higher price when it came to my payment.
Maria
Verified Review
Expensive
Too expensive... each year my rate would go up.
Lillian
Verified Review
Excellent
I have had no problem with Geico. They have been friendly and very helpful.
J.D. Power
J.D. 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

Erie Insurance logo
User Reviews
4.3
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.
$145/mo
4.3
Best choice in IllinoisBased on 19 verified guest reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.52.9
Policy transparency4.13.1
Value4.22.9
J.D. Power
J.D. 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.

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:

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]

  • 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: $186 per month
Category
Price
$783.8%
$965.3%
$1157.0%
$1347.9%
$1527.9%
$1718.4%
$1897.6%
$2087.5%
$2276.8%
$2455.8%
$2645.5%
$2824.8%
$3014.0%
$3203.7%
$3383.1%
$3572.8%
$3762.4%
$3942.0%
$4131.9%
$4311.6%
40.3% of drivers like you pay less for car insurance. Compare quotes to save up to $1296 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
sort ascsort desc
Cheapest Insurer
sort ascsort desc
State-minimum coverageAuto-Owners
Full coverageAuto-Owners
Drivers with a speeding ticketAuto-Owners
Drivers with an at-fault accidentAuto-Owners
Drivers with a DUIAuto-Owners
TeensAuto-Owners
SeniorsAuto-Owners
Drivers with excellent creditAuto-Owners
Drivers with poor creditAuto-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 $112 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Liability Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$66
State Farm$71
Certainly$87
Progressive$92
Country Financial$98
Direct Auto$100
The General$101
GEICO$104
Erie$108
First Chicago$108
USAA$115
GAINSCO$120
Safeco$120
Mercury$122
American Family$124
Bristol West$126
National General$128
Freedom National$139
Elephant$145
Clearcover$146
Nationwide$146
Dairyland$149
Insurify Car$150
First Acceptance$152
Travelers$157
Farmers$168
Root$168
Liberty Mutual$171
Allstate$176
Mendota$176
Hugo$179
State Auto$220
Foremost$246

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 $224 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Full-Coverage Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$120
State Farm$130
Country Financial$180
Safeco$183
Progressive$184
Erie$198
GEICO$198
Direct Auto$199
Mercury$208
USAA$210
American Family$227
Elephant$242
National General$249
Certainly$250
The General$254
Root$262
First Chicago$268
Nationwide$268
Clearcover$275
Liberty Mutual$275
Bristol West$288
Travelers$288
Farmers$307
Freedom National$307
GAINSCO$317
Allstate$322
Mendota$336
First Acceptance$361
State Auto$404
Dairyland$425
Foremost$490

Compare Real-Time Car Insurance Quotes in Chicago

Rates in Chicago start at $66 per month.

Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 726 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

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 $218 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates With a Ticket

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$87
State Farm$92
Certainly$113
Progressive$119
Direct Auto$128
Country Financial$135
The General$138
GEICO$139
First Chicago$140
Erie$145
GAINSCO$147
USAA$151
Safeco$160
Bristol West$162
National General$163
American Family$163
Mercury$172
Elephant$179
Freedom National$180
Dairyland$189
Clearcover$189
Nationwide$192
Insurify Car$195
First Acceptance$197
Root$204
Travelers$207
Farmers$219
Liberty Mutual$222
Mendota$228
Hugo$232
Allstate$233
State Auto$297

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 $218 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates With an Accident

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$90
State Farm$96
Certainly$120
Progressive$127
Country Financial$137
Direct Auto$139
GEICO$140
The General$142
Erie$148
First Chicago$149
GAINSCO$157
USAA$158
Bristol West$170
Safeco$170
American Family$171
National General$174
Mercury$186
Freedom National$192
Elephant$194
Dairyland$201
Nationwide$201
Insurify Car$207
First Acceptance$210
Clearcover$212
Root$216
Travelers$217
Farmers$230
Liberty Mutual$232
Allstate$242
Mendota$243
Hugo$243
State Auto$308

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 $218 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates With a DUI

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$91
State Farm$102
Certainly$125
Progressive$133
Country Financial$138
The General$141
Direct Auto$144
GEICO$149
First Chicago$156
Erie$156
USAA$166
American Family$171
GAINSCO$173
Bristol West$182
Safeco$184
National General$185
Mercury$187
Freedom National$200
Clearcover$203
Elephant$209
Nationwide$211
Dairyland$215
Insurify Car$216
First Acceptance$219
Travelers$226
Farmers$242
Root$242
Liberty Mutual$247
Mendota$253
Allstate$254
Hugo$258
State Auto$305

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 $340 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates for Teens

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$140
State Farm$145
Country Financial$167
Certainly$176
Progressive$186
The General$192
GEICO$198
Direct Auto$205
Erie$209
First Chicago$219
USAA$224
GAINSCO$224
Mercury$235
Bristol West$236
American Family$247
Clearcover$255
Safeco$256
National General$268
Root$271
Dairyland$275
Elephant$276
Freedom National$281
Nationwide$299
Insurify Car$304
First Acceptance$308
Liberty Mutual$316
Travelers$342
Hugo$350
Farmers$352
Mendota$356
Allstate$365
State Auto$554

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 $141 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates for Seniors

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$51
State Farm$55
Certainly$73
Country Financial$76
Progressive$77
Direct Auto$81
GEICO$81
Erie$81
The General$85
First Chicago$91
USAA$92
Mercury$95
American Family$98
National General$99
GAINSCO$101
Safeco$103
Bristol West$104
Nationwide$110
Elephant$116
Freedom National$117
Travelers$123
Dairyland$125
Insurify Car$126
Clearcover$127
First Acceptance$128
Farmers$131
Liberty Mutual$140
Allstate$141
Mendota$148
Root$152
Hugo$153
State Auto$163

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 $210 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: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$99
State Farm$102
Certainly$109
Progressive$115
Country Financial$118
Direct Auto$124
The General$125
GEICO$129
First Chicago$135
USAA$141
GAINSCO$148
Safeco$148
Mercury$149
American Family$149
Bristol West$156
National General$158
Erie$158
Freedom National$174
Elephant$179
Clearcover$180
Nationwide$180
Dairyland$184
Insurify Car$188
First Acceptance$190
Travelers$194
Liberty Mutual$205
Farmers$208
Root$208
Allstate$218
Mendota$220
Hugo$221
State Auto$273

Find the Best Company for You

Local rates start as low as $66 per month.

Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 726 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

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 $168 for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Liability insurance costs an average monthly rate of $112, and full coverage costs an average monthly rate of $224.

  • What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Chicago?

    Auto-Owners is the cheapest auto insurance company in Chicago, with rates starting at $66 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 $168 per month, according to Compare.com data. Compare that to the Illinois statewide average of $123 per month and the national average of $140 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

  1. U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Chicago, Illinois."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
  3. Illinois Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Shopping Guide."
  4. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Consumer Insight."
  5. 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.

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.

  • 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.

Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Jamie Johnson
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.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCU
Reviewed byDavid C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 726 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate