Best Car Insurance in Illinois for April 2024

One of the most important things you can do as a driver in Illinois is secure auto insurance that will protect you in the event of a claim. But where do you begin looking? Here, we've combed through Illinois auto insurers to find the best and to help you decide which one is right for you.

• Best overall: Farmers
• Best budget pick: Farmers
• Best for typical drivers: Farmers
• Best for customer satisfaction: USAA
• Best for minimum coverage: Farmers
• Best for military veterans: Farmers
• Best for teen drivers: Country Preferred
• Best for drivers with one speeding ticket: Farmers

Best overall: Farmers

Farmers rose to the top in nearly every category we evaluated. That doesn't mean that Farmers is always the least expensive car insurance option, but for reasons we'll explain, it is always an option worth considering.

We chose Farmers as best overall because it stands out over so many other companies across the board.

Best budget pick: Farmers

The average statewide auto insurance rate is $2,498. Farmers average rate is $1,323, or 47% less. That's not to say that you'll never find a lower rate. For example, bundling policies through another insurer may end up costing less. Even though overall auto insurance premiums are lowest with Farmers, none of the rates we've gathered here factor in discounts. Be sure to shop around before making a final decision.

Best for typical drivers: Farmers

Given the number of categories in which Farmers shines, it's earned its spot as best for typical drivers. Not only are standard rates highly competitive, but Farmers is one of the most forgiving insurers in the state for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.

Best for customer satisfaction: USAA

While Farmers rocks most categories, USAA blows competitors out of the water when it comes to customer satisfaction. The J.D. Power 2023 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction survey shows USAA receiving 878 out of a possible 1,000 points.

USAA serves only military members and their families. Country Preferred, Farmers, Geico, Standard Fire, and Progressive are strong options for non-military members.

Best for minimum coverage: Farmers

By law, Illinois drivers must be able to provide proof of insurance, but paying for full coverage is not always possible for drivers working hard to meet other financial obligations. Another area in which Farmers shines is writing minimum coverage policies. While Farmers wins this budget-minded category with an average rate of $352, here are two other companies worth shopping:

• Geico, offering an average rate of $399
• Country Preferred, with an average annual rate of $402

Best for military veterans: Farmers

It's natural to assume that USAA would easily be best for military veterans. However, many Illinois insurers compete to serve those who've served our country. Farmers takes this category due to its low rates and A rating with AM Best for financial strength. Military veterans may also want to check with Geico, a company that offers veterans 15% off its already low prices.

But don't stop there. Veterans who already have insurance through USAA (or are willing to take out another policy with USAA) may find that the military insurer is best for them. It's possible that bundling policies and taking advantage of other discounts could make USAA the best financial choice. In addition, with an AM Best financial rating of A++, policyholders know their insurance company will be there when they need it.

Best for teen drivers: Country Preferred

Teen drivers don't have the same experience behind the wheel as older drivers, which is one of the reasons rates for young drivers can be exceedingly high. One company that tries to keep a lid on teen policies is Country Preferred. While the average annual premium statewide runs $5,421, the average Country Preferred policy for young drivers is $2,548.

If your household includes a teen driver, here are a few tips to help land a policy that works for you:

• Add them to your household policy, rather than buying them their own.
• If your teen is a good student, away in college, or has taken a driver's education course, let your insurer know. While you're speaking with an agent, ask about any other potential discounts that could help you keep costs down.
• Add an app or car telematics device to your teen's car. Some auto insurance companies offer a discount to drivers they can track for a few months. They're looking for assurance that your teen is a safe driver. Insurers do so by tracking factors like speed, mileage, and braking time.

Best for drivers with one speeding ticket: Farmers

In addition to paying a fine, drivers who receive a speeding ticket are typically hit with higher (sometimes much higher) auto insurance rates until the ticket falls off their driving record. In Illinois, that's four to five years. Among the most forgiving insurers in Illinois is Farmers.

How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?

The average cost of auto insurance in Illinois is $2,498. That's 17% lower than the national average of $3,017.

Average car insurance cost

Here, we break down the average monthly and annual premiums for a variety of common driver personas in Illinois:

Illinois auto insurance laws

Driving without insurance in Illinois is charged as a petty offense, and in most cases, it can carry serious consequences.

• A first conviction subjects the driver to a three-month driver's license suspension and a minimum mandatory $500 fine. However, this fine may reach as high as $1,000, plus court costs. The driver will also pay a $100 fee to reinstate their license.
• If the same driver is convicted of driving without insurance while their license is suspended, an additional six-month license suspension will be added.
• A subsequent conviction subjects the driver to a minimum mandatory fine of $1,000 plus court costs. The driver must pay a $100 reinstatement fee to terminate the suspension.
• If an uninsured driver operates a motor vehicle that causes bodily harm to another person, they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

What is the minimum car insurance required in Illinois?

The minimum liability insurance requirements in Illinois are as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $20,000 property damage per accident
• $25,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (U/UIM) bodily injury per person
• $50,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (U/UIM) bodily injury per accident

Other things to consider when looking for car insurance in Illinois

While it may feel unnecessary for a state to require U/UIM bodily injury, it is important coverage to have available. U/UIM bodily injury covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if you're hit by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

How to find the best car insurance in Illinois

These tips can help you land the best coverage at a price you can afford:

• Shop around: You'll find that most auto insurance companies calculate risks in different ways, leading to a wide variety of rates. If you find that one company charges more than you can afford, move on to another. If you find shopping for insurance intimidating, consider contacting an independent insurance agent. An independent agent works with multiple insurance companies and can help you find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
• Take advantage of discounts: Car insurance discounts can save you hundreds of dollars annually. For example, you may land a discount for taking a driver's education course, buying a new vehicle, or being an experienced driver.

Choose a higher deductible: A deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim before your insurance company kicks in to pay the remainder. Agreeing to a higher deductible is one way to trim your annual premium. If you're concerned about how you would pay the deductible, consider building an emergency fund. Putting money aside means not worrying about where you'll find the money to pay your deductible.