Best Car Insurance in Illinois for 2026

Chicago, Illinois, is the starting point of the famed Route 66. But the iconic route isn't the only thing that makes Illinois worth a road trip. Between scenic drives and roadside attractions, the Land of Lincoln has much to offer. It also has lower car insurance premiums than many other states if you know where to look.

Key takeaways

The best car insurance carriers in Illinois by FinanceBuzz star rating are USAA, GEICO, and Progressive.
Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $126 monthly for full coverage in Illinois.
Young drivers in Illinois will pay an annual average of $4,210 for full coverage.

Best car insurance companies in Illinois

Illinois drivers have access to many well-known national insurance carriers, such as Allstate, Liberty Mutual, GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive, which offer a wide range of coverage options and discounts. However, smaller regional and specialty insurers, such as Mercury, Erie, Auto-Owners, and Direct Auto, can sometimes provide more competitive rates depending on your driving history, location, and coverage needs. The chart below provides a snapshot of average premiums from a selection of insurers available in Illinois, but it does not represent every carrier operating in the state, and actual rates may vary significantly based on individual factors. Because insurance premiums are highly personalized, the best way to find the right policy at the most affordable price is to compare quotes from multiple insurers and explore bundling opportunities, such as combining auto and home insurance, to maximize potential savings.

Provider	FinanceBuzz Star Ratings	Average monthly full coverage	Average monthly minimum liability coverage
USAA	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$129	$70
Erie	4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$121	$65
State Farm	4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$79	$43
GEICO	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$120	$63
Auto-Owners	4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$73	$40
Mercury	4.2 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$127	$73
Progressive	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$112	$59

USAA

USAA is an auto insurer that consistently offers average premiums that are lower than the national average, which is $186 for full coverage. USAA also provides benefits tailored to the unique needs of military families. It has a strong reputation for customer service, however has fewer general discounts than some competitors.

Pros

Highest FinanceBuzz star rating available, along with GEICO and Progressive
Exclusive military-focused discounts and benefits

Cons

Only available to military members and their families
May be cheaper options available in Illinois

Get a quote now | USAA review

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GEICO

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Average Rate:

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Average Rate:

$ $$ /mo

Drivers who switch their auto insurance and save with State Farm save $764 on average!

Erie

Erie is a regional insurer known for its affordable rates and strong claims experience. The company offers several unique benefits, including accident forgiveness and diminishing deductibles, but its digital tools lag behind some larger competitors. Among its many policies and features, Erie offers roadside coverage for only $5 per vehicle per year when you buy comprehensive or collision coverage and it boasts a high FinanceBuzz star rating.

Pros

Multiple agencies throughout Illinois
Offers many traditional and specialty options, including glass repair and personal item coverage

Cons

No telematics-based safe driving discount program
Claims cannot be filed through the mobile app

Get a quote now | Erie review

State Farm

State Farm is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., known typically for its affordability. State Farm may be best for students, families, and drivers who value working with a local agent. The company usually offers lower-than-average premiums for many driver profiles and a wide range of discounts, though it lacks some coverage options offered by competitors.

Pros

Extensive network of local agents
Offers many discount options, including new vehicle and multi-policy

Cons

Does not offer some policies like gap insurance
Fewer optional coverage add-ons than some competitors

Get a quote now | State Farm review

GEICO

GEICO is known for its affordable rates, extensive discount offerings, and easy-to-use digital tools. GEICO may be best for drivers looking a wide range of coverage options. Drivers who prefer in-person service may find its smaller agent network limiting, however it did earn the highest available FinanceBuzz star rating, along with Progressive and USAA.

Pros

Lower-than-average premiums for many driver types
Available in all 50 states

Cons

Fewer local agents than many competitors
Some discounts can be difficult to qualify for

Get a quote now | GEICO review

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners is a regional insurer available in 26 states that stands out for its low rates and personalized service through a network of local agents. Auto-Owners tends to be one of the more affordable insurers for many driver profiles, while also offering a wider range of coverage options than many competitors. However, drivers who prefer managing their policy entirely online may find its agent-focused approach less convenient.

Pros

Rates are typically below national averages for many drivers
Large network of local agents for personalized service

Cons

No online quote process
Does not offer a telematics-based safe driving program

Get a quote now | Auto-Owners review

Mercury

Mercury Auto Insurance is a regional insurer only available in 11 states, including Illinois, that offers competitive rates and unique features like mechanical protection coverage and pay-per-mile insurance. Mercury's average full coverage premiums tend to be lower than the national average for many driver profiles, making it a potentially affordable option. However, the company received poor marks for claims satisfaction and customer experience, which may be a concern for drivers who prioritize service quality.

Pros

Rates are often below national averages
Discounts available for bundling and safe driving

Cons

Customer service and claims experience may be inconsistent
Lower FinanceBuzz star rating than other carriers

Get a quote now | Mercury review

Progressive

Progressive is known for its wide range of coverage options and user-friendly tools like its Name Your Price feature. FinanceBuzz awarded Progressive the highest available star rating, along with USAA and GEICO. Progressive may be best for drivers seeking discounts, those with less-than-perfect driving records, and people who need coverage for specialty vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, or RVs. While its rates are generally competitive, costs can be higher for some drivers, particularly younger motorists.

Pros

Wide variety of discounts available
More likely to insure drivers with DUIs or other driving violations

Cons

Rates can be higher for young drivers and those with poor credit
Not always the cheapest option compared to competitors

Get a quote now | Progressive review

Illinois auto insurance requirements

In Illinois, drivers must carry car insurance with minimum coverages of:

$25,000 for the injury or death of one person in a crash
$50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a crash
$20,000 in property damage liability

How to choose a car insurance provider in Illinois

When you're looking for a new car insurance provider, keep the following in mind to help you find the best deal:

Check pricing and discounts: Request quotes from multiple companies. Compare pricing and discounts and ensure the policy amounts and coverage options are similar for an accurate comparison.
Check financial stability: Before signing up with an insurance company, check its financial stability on a website like Standard & Poors or AM Best. It's also wise to check with the Illinois Department of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed to do business in Illinois.
Ask for reviews: Check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say. Ask friends and family for recommendations and avoid companies that were difficult to work with after an accident.

How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?

The average cost of car insurance in Illinois is $1,516 annually for full coverage and $627 for the state minimum coverage. Unsurprisingly, drivers in Chicago pay the most for car insurance, an average of $1,995 a year for full coverage. Springfield drivers pay the least, at an average of $1,441 a year.

Illinois car insurance rates by city

The amount you pay for car insurance can vary based on the crime rates where you live. According to NeighborhoodScout, Naperville is safer than 83% of neighborhoods in the U.S., and it has the second-lowest average full coverage car insurance in Illinois at just $1,469 per year.

According to the same site, Chicago, which has the state's most expensive car insurance rates, is only safer than 9% of U.S. neighborhoods.

City	Avg. annual full coverage premium
Chicago	$1,995
Elgin	$1,581
Aurora	$1,520
Rockford	$1,485
Naperville	$1,469
Springfield	$1,441

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.Learn more about how FinanceBuzz evaluates car insurance carriers based on factors like pricing, customer experience, financial stability, and overall value.

FAQs

What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Illinois?

The minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Illinois are $25,000 for the injury or death of one person in a crash and $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person. Drivers must also maintain $20,000 in property damage liability coverage.

How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?

Car insurance in Illinois costs an average of $1,516 per year for full coverage and $627 annually for minimum coverage.

Which car insurance companies cover Illinois?

Several national car insurance providers cover Illinois, including State Farm, GEICO, USAA, Nationwide, Allstate, Travelers, and regional carriers like Erie and Mercury.