Note from our editor: Maybe you’re searching for car insurance for the first time or want to do some insurance shopping to help lower your monthly premium? This article can serve as a starting point for your car insurance research. There are a lot of factors when it comes to the cost of car insurance, so while you may not see the exact premiums we’ve researched, they can give you an idea of some of the insurers offering the cheapest rates in your state.
From Lake Shore Drive to Route 66, there are plenty of roads to explore in Illinois. But could you be saving money on your car insurance?
We looked at estimated car insurance rates across several Illinois insurance companies and calculated the average cost, as well as insurers offering the cheapest estimated rates for several driver needs and profiles.
We based our calculations on a relatively neutral driver profile — someone with no accidents, tickets or claims, for example — in order to evenly compare and get a baseline view of insurers’ rates for basic coverage (see our full methodology). The rates you see may be higher or lower given not only your personal driving history but other factors that affect car insurance like your mileage and vehicle type, age and coverage options.
Read on to learn about Illinois’ average car insurance rates and our findings for the cheapest options.
- Cost of car insurance in Illinois
- 5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois
- Cheapest state-minimum car insurance in Illinois
- Cheapest car insurance for good credit in Illinois
- Cheapest car insurance for poor credit in Illinois
- Cheapest car insurance for drivers with multiple claims in Illinois
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Illinois
- Illinois auto insurance requirements
- Is usage-based insurance available in Illinois?
- FAQs about the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois
- Methodology
Cost of car insurance in Illinois
Average monthly premiums for car insurance in Illinois range from just over $56 up into the $100s for basic coverage, depending on the driver profile.
Average monthly auto insurance premiums in Illinois
| Driver or coverage | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| State-minimum car insurance in Illinois | $56.05 |
| Drivers with poor credit in Illinois | $98.89 |
| Drivers with multiple claims in Illinois | $122.91 |
| Young drivers in Illinois | $115.25 |
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois
As a reminder, we’ve calculated insurance rates based on a specific Illinois driver profile to assess insurers evenly and get a sense of costs for an average driver. Check out our methodology to learn more.
Unless otherwise noted, our Illinois driver has a 680 to 719 credit score, is between 36 and 45 years old, has a car valued between $20,000 and $30,000, and has no tickets or coverage gaps. Your rates could be different, but don’t worry — we’ve also calculated the cheapest car insurance options for several different driver profiles, so keep reading to find the best option for your needs.
1. First Chicago Insurance
Headquartered in Illinois, First Chicago Insurance provides car insurance policies in select states. The company offers standard car insurance coverage options and various ways to save, including discounts for being a defensive driver or good student, paying for your policy in full upfront, insurance multiple cars or being a homeowner.
2. Hastings Mutual Insurance
Founded over a century ago, Hastings Mutual offers car insurance policies to customers in six Midwestern states. With Hastings Mutual, drivers can get a comprehensive plan with additional features such as roadside assistance, “multiprotection” for things like rental vehicles, pet injuries or key replacement and free identity theft protection.
3. Pekin Insurance
Available in a handful of states, Pekin offers car insurance coverages like bodily injury, property damage, medical payments and coverage for hitting an animal. It also offers optional add-ons such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, new auto replacement, auto loan/lease coverage and more. Pekin offers car insurance policies specifically for high-risk drivers, too.
4. Geico
Geico offers a wide range of coverage options and many opportunities to save money for safe driving habits, safety equipment and customer loyalty. Its mobile app allows users to manage their policies, pay bills, request roadside assistance and more. Read reviews of Geico to learn more.
5. Mercury
Founded in 1962, Mercury provides auto, home, condo, renters, business and mechanical protection insurance. Standard car insurance discounts are available, such as multi-car, good student, good driver, bundling, anti-theft device and pay-in-full. Repairs made by a Mercury-authorized auto shop are guaranteed for as long as you own your car. Read reviews of Mercury to learn more.
Cheapest state-minimum car insurance in Illinois
Illinois requires drivers to carry a minimum 25/50/20 insurance policy. This is considered the state minimum and may be the cheapest policy option you can buy.
These companies offer the lowest rates for drivers shopping for state-minimum coverage only.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for state-minimum coverage
| 1 | First Chicago Insurance | $33.42/month |
| 2 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $34.75/month |
| 3 | Pekin Insurance | $35.65/month |
| 4 | Geico | $35.66/month |
| Mercury | $38.25/month |
Cheapest car insurance for good credit in Illinois
One of the many factors that affect your car insurance premium is your credit. Generally, drivers with good credit pay less for car insurance than drivers who are considered to have poor credit.
The following companies have the lowest estimated rates for drivers considered to have good credit.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for those with good credit
| 1 | Pekin Insurance | $29.10/month |
| 2 | Auto-Owners Insurance | $29.69/month |
| 3 | Hastings Mutual Insurance Co | $30.08/month |
| 4 | Erie | $31.78/month |
| 5 | Westfield | $32.35/month |
Cheapest car insurance for poor credit in Illinois
Drivers with poor credit often end up paying more for the same level of car insurance coverage. But there are other ways to keep your insurance costs low, like qualifying for various discounts and, most importantly, keeping your driving record free of claims and accidents.
These companies have the lowest estimated rates for drivers with poor credit.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for those with poor credit
| 1 | First Chicago Insurance | $36.67/month |
| 2 | Geico | $49.98/month |
| 3 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $53.38/month |
| 4 | Mercury | $53.77/month |
| 5 | Pekin Insurance | $60.23/month |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with multiple claims in Illinois
Your claims history is another big factor in determining the cost of your car insurance. Drivers with multiple claims will end up paying more for car insurance than drivers with fewer (or no) claims.
These five insurance companies may offer the lowest rates for Illinois drivers with multiple claims.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for multiple claims
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $58.17/month |
| 2 | Pekin Insurance | $64.69/month |
| 3 | Rockford Mutual Insurance | $71.83/month |
| 4 | First Chicago Insurance | $72.42/month |
| 5 | Travelers | $72.83/month |
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Illinois
Finally, your age can affect how much you pay for car insurance, as insurers generally believe younger drivers to be riskier. Your rates should decrease as you get older and maintain a clean driving record.
These insurance companies have the lowest estimated rates for young drivers between the ages of 18 and 21.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Illinois for young drivers
| 1 | Geico | $51.67/month |
| 2 | Westfield | $72.92/month |
| 3 | Hastings Mutual Insurance Co | $74.17/month |
| 4 | Travelers | $75.54/month |
| 5 | First Chicago Insurance | $79.00/month |
Illinois auto insurance requirements
Illinois requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage, plus an additional $20,000 per accident of property damage insurance. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender may require you to carry higher levels of coverage.
Is usage-based insurance available in Illinois?
Usage-based insurance is a type of vehicle insurance that allows customers to pay premiums based on their driving behavior. In Illinois, drivers may save money on their premiums by taking advantage of their insurance company’s UBI program.
FAQs about the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois
Your car insurance costs depend on several factors, including your credit, driving history and which coverages you choose. We found that First Chicago Insurance offered the cheapest car insurance for a couple Illinois driver profiles although your situation and circumstances may differ.
Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face a minimum $500 fine and suspension of your registration for a first offense.
We found that the cost of car insurance in Illinois is pretty middle-of-the-road compared to other states. There are things you can do to lower your insurance costs, like making sure you qualify for any discounts or UBI programs your insurer offers and maintaining a clean driving history.
Methodology
The estimated rates in this article are the lowest estimated rates based on the profile of a driver aged 36 to 45 living in Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, the rates displayed assume a single driver on the insurance policy with no tickets on their driving record and no claims or coverage lapses. The vehicle used in this estimate is valued between $20,000 and $30,000 and has annual mileage of 12,000 to 15,000. Estimated rates for insurance for good credit apply to scores of 720 or higher. Estimated rates for insurance for poor credit apply to scores from 350 to 579. Estimated rates for young drivers include those aged 18 to 21. Estimated rates for those with multiple claims are calculated based on two claims.
Note that the rates are provided every six months by Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant Information Services doesn’t include all insurance companies in its rate data. These are estimated rates meant only to provide a frame of reference and comparison. Your rates may vary depending on factors such as age, vehicle driving habits, and history.
The average monthly premium for full coverage car insurance includes bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, collision and comprehensive coverages. The average monthly premium for state-minimum car insurance includes an Illinois-mandated 25/50/20 insurance policy.