Best Car Insurance in Illinois 2025: Top Providers & Guide

Illinois Car Insurance Overview

Illinois has a large and competitive car insurance market, which historically has meant relatively affordable premiums for many drivers. In fact, one analysis found Illinois car insurance costs about 37% lower than the national average. However, recent rate hikes have driven costs up, with full coverage policies averaging around $2,442 per year in Illinois as of 2025. Rates in Illinois can still vary widely depending on your location and personal profile, but overall the state remains a place where drivers can find good value by shopping around.

State Requirements: Illinois law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance to drive legally. Illinois is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. The mandatory minimum liability coverage is 25/50/20 – that is, at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage liability. Illinois also mandates uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury with the same 25/50 limits, to protect you if an uninsured driver injures you. (Uninsured motorist property damage coverage is offered in Illinois, but drivers can opt out of that additional protection.) If you’re financing a car, your lender will typically require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage as well, since Illinois’s required liability coverage won’t pay for damage to your own vehicle.

Common Challenges: Driving conditions in Illinois range from dense urban traffic in Chicago to rural country roads. Where you live in the state can impact your premiums significantly. Urban drivers (e.g. in Chicago and its suburbs) often face higher rates due to heavier congestion, more accidents, and greater vehicle theft risk, whereas more rural areas tend to see lower insurance costs. Harsh Midwest weather can also contribute to accidents (think icy winter roads), which is one reason insurers encourage optional coverage like collision and comprehensive. Additionally, although Illinois requires insurance, about 12–13% of drivers statewide are estimated to be uninsured, so having that uninsured motorist coverage is important to avoid footing the bill if an uninsured driver hits you. Driving without insurance in Illinois can lead to fines of $500 or more and license suspension, so maintaining at least the minimum coverage is critical.

Top Car Insurance Companies in Illinois

Illinois is home to both major national insurers and strong regional companies. Below we compare some of the top car insurance providers in Illinois – including State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, and others – looking at their pricing, customer service, coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction. All these insurers meet Illinois’s legal requirements, but they differ in strengths that may make one a better fit for your needs.

State Farm

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in Illinois by a wide margin, insuring nearly 29% of Illinois drivers. This makes sense given State Farm is headquartered in Bloomington, IL, with a huge network of local agents across the state. State Farm is often praised for its personalized customer service through those agents and its solid claims handling. In terms of pricing, State Farm’s rates in Illinois are very competitive for many demographics. One 2025 analysis found State Farm offered some of the lowest full coverage rates in the state – about $992 per year on average for full coverage, which is well below the statewide average. Minimum liability policies from State Farm averaged around $407/year in that analysis.

State Farm provides all the standard coverages (liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, etc.), plus options like medical payments and rental car reimbursement. For drivers who want to save, State Farm has a range of discounts: multi-policy bundling (for combining auto with homeowners or renters insurance), multi-car discounts, good student discounts for teen drivers, defensive driving course discounts, and a popular telematics program called Drive Safe & Save that uses a mobile app or device to reward safe driving behavior. In customer satisfaction, State Farm performs well – J.D. Power surveys indicate State Farm’s customer satisfaction score in the region is above average (around 837/1000 in one ranking, higher than many competitors). Overall, State Farm is often considered a best overall choice for Illinois drivers seeking a balance of strong local service, reliable coverage, and reasonable rates.

GEICO

GEICO is well-known for its low prices and extensive discounts, and it’s a major player in Illinois (around 7–8% market share in the state). GEICO operates primarily through its website and mobile app, offering a direct-to-consumer model with no local agent offices – which many tech-savvy customers appreciate for convenience. GEICO’s big appeal is often cost: for many drivers, GEICO quotes come in below the competition, especially for those with clean records. However, GEICO’s rates in Illinois are not always the absolute cheapest; for instance, one source shows GEICO’s average full coverage premium in IL at about $1,257 per year, which is a bit higher than State Farm’s average, and its minimum coverage average around $645/year. Even so, these rates are still competitive and often beat the state average for similar coverage.

What helps GEICO keep rates low is its wide array of discounts. Illinois drivers can take advantage of multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts (e.g. bundling auto and renters insurance), safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and special savings for military members or federal employees. GEICO also offers a DriveEasy telematics program (via its app) that can earn safe drivers additional discounts. Coverage options from GEICO are solid but fairly standard – one notable option is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) for newer cars, which is like an extended warranty. Customer service with GEICO is primarily online or via call centers; J.D. Power scores GEICO’s service as about average (831/1000 in satisfaction). GEICO may not have the face-to-face service of an agent, but it makes up for it with 24/7 customer support and an easy claims process online. For Illinois drivers prioritizing affordability and convenience, GEICO is often one of the first companies to get a quote from.

Progressive

Progressive is another top-five insurer in Illinois, holding roughly 9% of the market. Progressive is known for its innovative approach to insurance and often competes on price, especially for certain driver profiles. In Illinois, Progressive’s pricing can be a mixed bag – it may offer very low rates for some drivers (particularly those with past tickets or accidents, where Progressive often remains more forgiving than other companies), but for others it might be mid-range. Progressive’s signature program is Snapshot, a telematics device/app that tracks your driving; safe driving habits recorded by Snapshot can yield substantial discounts, which is a big draw if you’re a careful driver. Progressive also tends to be more flexible with high-risk drivers – for example, they are known to file SR-22 insurance forms for Illinois drivers who need them (such as after a DUI or serious violation).

Coverage options with Progressive are among the most extensive. In addition to standard coverages, Progressive offers extras like accident forgiveness, gap insurance for financed cars, custom equipment coverage for aftermarket upgrades, and rideshare coverage if you drive for Uber or Lyft. They also have a unique option called “Name Your Price” tool when quoting, which lets you input a target budget and see coverage options to fit that price. When it comes to claims and service, Progressive provides 24/7 claims reporting and an network of recommended repair shops. Customer satisfaction scores for Progressive in Illinois are generally around average, comparable to GEICO and Allstate in the low-800s (on J.D. Power’s 1,000-point scale). One area Progressive often shines is its online experience – the website and mobile app are highly rated for ease of use. Overall, Progressive is a strong choice for Illinois drivers who want customizable coverage and are open to using tech (like Snapshot) to save, or for those who might have a few blemishes on their driving record and want a company that will still offer competitive rates.

Allstate

Allstate, based in Northbrook, Illinois, is the second-largest insurer in the state by market share (around 11–12%) and has a long history serving Illinois drivers. As a hometown company, Allstate has many local agents and a familiar slogan “You’re in good hands” – emphasizing its focus on customer support and comprehensive coverage. Allstate’s strength is often in its full suite of coverage options and add-ons. They offer features like Accident Forgiveness (to prevent your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident), a Safe Driving Bonus check for maintaining a clean record, new car replacement coverage, and rideshare insurance for ride-hailing drivers. Allstate also heavily promotes its Drivewise program – a telematics app that can earn you discounts for safe driving and even give periodic cashback rewards for good driving habits.

When it comes to price, Allstate tends to be on the higher end. Illinois drivers often find Allstate’s premiums to be higher than comparable coverage from other big companies. For example, one analysis showed Allstate’s average full coverage cost in Illinois at nearly $1,998 per year, significantly above competitors like State Farm or even GEICO. Minimum coverage from Allstate averaged around $875/year in that same study. Allstate’s rates can sometimes be mitigated by its discounts—such as multi-policy (bundling auto with home insurance can save a substantial amount), multi-car, good student, anti-theft device discounts, and so on—but it often still comes out pricier. Customers who choose Allstate in Illinois often do so for the customer service and unique features rather than lowest price. In terms of satisfaction, Allstate scores were slightly below the industry average (around 822/1000 in J.D. Power’s auto insurance satisfaction for the region), indicating decent but not top-tier satisfaction. However, Allstate’s claim satisfaction tends to be strong, and having a dedicated local agent can make the insurance experience more personal. Overall, Allstate is a good option if you value comprehensive coverage options and a local agent relationship, and are willing to pay a bit more for those perks.

USAA

USAA is often considered one of the best insurance companies in the nation for customer satisfaction and claims, and this holds true in Illinois as well. USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, but if you qualify, it’s likely to be a top contender for both price and service. USAA consistently earns the highest customer satisfaction scores in insurance studies – for instance, USAA’s satisfaction score is an excellent 878/1000, which actually tops the charts in Illinois (though USAA isn’t included in official J.D. Power rankings since eligibility is restricted). Illinois drivers insured with USAA often praise its efficient claims process and helpful customer service.

In terms of cost, USAA is usually very affordable. According to data, USAA’s average full coverage premium in IL is about $1,177 per year, and minimum coverage around $487/year, both of which are below the state’s average costs. USAA offers all the standard coverage one would need, plus optional extras like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. While USAA doesn’t have local agents, they provide extensive support via phone and online, and have a reputation for fair, prompt claims payments. They also offer a number of discounts, including for garaging your car on a military base, good student discounts, defensive driving, and bundling auto with USAA home or renters insurance. If you’re an Illinois driver in the military community, USAA is often the best overall choice given its combination of low rates and top-notch service. The only drawback is its restricted membership – for those not eligible, you’ll have to choose another insurer, but those who are eligible will find USAA hard to beat.

Country Financial (Illinois Farm Bureau Insurance)

COUNTRY Financial is a regional insurer founded in Illinois (affiliated with the Illinois Farm Bureau) that has a strong presence across the state. Many Illinois drivers may know Country Financial for its local offices in towns and smaller communities. It ranks as the 5th largest auto insurer in Illinois (about 6.8% market share), which is impressive for a regional company. Country Financial is often highlighted for its personal customer service and competitive rates. In fact, Country’s rates are among the lowest for many drivers – one analysis found that a full coverage policy from Country Financial costs Illinois drivers around $875 per year on average, which is over $450 cheaper than the statewide average for similar coverage. Country tends to offer especially good prices for drivers with clean records and those who bundle auto with other policies (they sell home, life, etc., and bundling gives sizable discounts).

Coverage-wise, Country Financial provides all the essentials and some extras. They offer unique add-ons like The Keeper® (their version of new car replacement coverage for vehicles under a certain age) and a robust roadside assistance program. As a smaller company, Country may not have every high-tech perk, but they do have a driving app (called DriverIQ in some states) for discounts and a reputation for low complaint ratios, meaning customers are generally satisfied. If you prefer working with a local agent who knows your community, Country Financial delivers on that personal touch. They may particularly appeal to families, safe drivers, and those in smaller Illinois cities or rural areas. Overall, Country Financial is a great regional option for Illinois – it combines small-company service with big savings, and consistently earns high marks in customer loyalty in the state.

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance is another regional carrier that Illinois drivers should know about. Based in Pennsylvania, Erie operates in Illinois and a dozen other states, often earning a loyal customer base thanks to its excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage. Erie’s presence in Illinois is growing (they have independent agents in many Illinois cities), and they often receive top honors in customer satisfaction. In a recent study, Erie was rated the best in Illinois for customer service among non-military insurers. Erie’s J.D. Power satisfaction score is around 844/1000, one of the higher scores in the region (topping larger companies like GEICO, Allstate, Progressive).

When it comes to cost, Erie is very competitive and often quite cheap. For full coverage, Erie’s average premium in Illinois is roughly $1,010 per year, and about $459/year for minimum coverage – on par with (or even a bit lower than) State Farm’s averages. Erie tends to offer rate lock programs (Erie’s famous “Rate Protection” allows you to lock in your rate until you change cars, drivers, or address) and some of the best coverage bundles. A standard Erie auto policy automatically includes extras that other insurers charge for – like roadside assistance, locksmith coverage, and even personal item coverage if belongings in your car are damaged. Erie also offers accident forgiveness and diminishing deductibles for loyal customers.

Because Erie sells policies through local independent agents, you get a personal touch similar to State Farm or Country Financial. Many customers highlight that Erie handles claims fairly and quickly, which adds to peace of mind. The main catch with Erie is that it’s not as universally available or well-known as the big national brands – but in Illinois it’s definitely an option worth checking. For drivers who value top-notch service and solid coverage at a good price, Erie Insurance often ranks as one of the best car insurance companies in Illinois.

Other Notable Illinois Insurers

In addition to the above, Illinois drivers have plenty of other choices. American Family Insurance, based in nearby Wisconsin, is popular in Illinois for those looking to bundle home and auto (it offers a range of discounts and has a decent local agent network in IL). Farmers Insurance (not related to Farm Bureau) also has a footprint in Illinois, offering extensive coverage options and known for its accident forgiveness and loss of use coverages; Farmers’ rates in Illinois are middling, but can be good if you qualify for their discounts (like multi-policy or safe driver). Liberty Mutual and its subsidiary Safeco operate in Illinois too – Liberty often advertises customizable policies (“Only Pay for What You Need”), which can benefit some drivers, though their rates may not always be the lowest. Travelers Insurance is another company in Illinois worth mentioning: Travelers often comes up as one of the cheapest options for many Illinois drivers in rate comparisons, and it offers good coverage add-ons (like accident forgiveness and new car replacement) and a strong financial backing. Smaller Illinois-based insurers such as Pekin Insurance (headquartered in Pekin, IL) can offer some of the lowest rates in the state – in fact, Pekin Insurance has been found to offer minimum coverage for as little as $56 per month (about $668 a year), roughly half the Illinois average, with surprisingly robust coverage options and low complaints. If you’re near St. Louis, you might also encounter Shelter Insurance (common in southern Illinois), and if you prefer motor clubs, AAA offers its own auto insurance policies in Illinois as well.

The bottom line is Illinois’s insurance market has no shortage of choices. Major national brands provide stability and broad features, while regional insurers often deliver specialized service and potentially lower rates. It’s wise to compare quotes from multiple companies – one driver might find the best deal with a big name like GEICO, while another with a different profile could get a better quote from a regional like Pekin or Country Financial. In the next sections, we’ll go over how to evaluate these options by understanding what affects your rate and what to consider when choosing a policy.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Illinois

Every driver’s insurance rate is calculated individually, but there are common factors that affect car insurance premiums in Illinois. Being aware of these can help you understand quotes and find ways to save:

Driving Record: Your accident and ticket history plays a major role. A clean record with no accidents or violations will qualify you for the best rates, while any at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs will significantly increase your premium. Illinois insurers will often look back 3-5 years (or more for serious infractions) in your driving history.
Age and Experience: Young drivers, especially teenagers, face very high rates due to its risk. In Illinois, a 18-year-old driver might pay several times what a 35-year-old pays. Rates typically decrease as you reach your mid-20s and have more experience, then remain relatively low through your adult years. Seniors may see premiums creep up again after about age 70. Being an inexperienced driver (even as an adult who just got a license) can also lead to higher costs.
Location (ZIP Code): Where you live in Illinois impacts your rate. Urban ZIP codes like those in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, etc., tend to have higher rates because of greater frequency of claims (accidents, theft, vandalism). Rural or small-town Illinois ZIP codes generally see lower rates. Even within the Chicago area, some suburbs will be cheaper than the city. Insurers factor in local crime rates, traffic density, and accident stats by ZIP code.
Vehicle Type: What you drive affects your premium. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, so luxury models or high-end SUVs will cost more to insure (especially for collision/comprehensive). A minivan or moderate sedan will usually be cheaper than a sports car. Safety features on newer cars (like collision avoidance, anti-lock brakes, airbags) can earn discounts, but the car’s value and repair costs still weigh heavily. Also, if you drive a lot of miles per year (e.g. long highway commute through Illinois farmlands or daily Chicago traffic), that higher usage can raise your rate.
Coverage and Deductibles: The more coverage you buy, the higher the premium. A full coverage policy (liability + collision + comprehensive) will cost more than a state-minimum liability policy. Higher liability limits will also increase your premium (though often it’s a good value to get more than the minimum 25/50/20 coverage). Choosing a higher deductible on comp and collision (like $1,000 instead of $250) can lower your premium because you’re agreeing to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. Conversely, low deductibles mean a higher rate.
Personal Demographics: Insurance companies in Illinois are allowed to use certain personal factors in pricing. These include gender, marital status, and credit history. Statistically, young males have more accidents, so they often pay more than young females. Married drivers tend to have slightly lower rates than single drivers, as they’re seen as lower-risk. Importantly, Illinois does permit the use of credit-based insurance scores – drivers with good credit generally get better rates, while poor credit can increase your premium (sometimes significantly). This practice is legal in Illinois (unlike in some states that ban credit as a factor). Insurers also consider your years of driving experience, so someone who got their license at 16 and has 10+ years of driving history will often see lower rates by their late 20s compared to a newly licensed 28-year-old.
Claims History: Separate from your driving record, insurers also check if you’ve made prior insurance claims. If you have a history of multiple claims (even not-at-fault claims), insurers may view you as more likely to have future claims and adjust rates upward.
Coverage Extras: Adding optional coverages like rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, or gap insurance will increase your premium a bit. Usage-based programs (telematics) can either lower or, if you exhibit risky driving on them, potentially raise rates at renewal.

Each Illinois insurer weighs these factors differently. For example, some companies might penalize a low credit score more heavily than others, and some might be more lenient about a speeding ticket. That’s why you may get very different quotes from different insurers for the same driver. The key takeaway is that your rate is highly personalized. Understanding these factors can guide you to improve your profile (e.g. maintain good credit, drive safely, consider a safer car) and help you ask the right questions when comparing quotes.

Tips for Choosing Car Insurance in Illinois

Choosing the best car insurance in Illinois involves more than just picking the lowest price. You’ll want a policy that adequately protects you, a company you can rely on, and a rate that fits your budget. Here are some practical tips for Illinois drivers shopping for car insurance:

Buy Enough Coverage (and Then Some): Don’t skimp on coverage, especially with Illinois’s big city traffic and harsh weather in mind. The state minimum 25/50/20 liability limits are just that – minimum. Consider higher liability limits (such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100) for better protection; medical bills or multi-vehicle pileups in a bad I-94 accident can easily exceed minimum limits. If you have a newer or valuable car, get collision and comprehensive coverage so your own vehicle is covered for accidents, theft, or storm damage. It costs more, but one serious incident can justify the expense. Essentially, evaluate your financial exposure: if an accident happened, what coverage would you wish you had?
Compare Multiple Quotes: Prices can vary dramatically from one insurer to another for the exact same driver and coverage. In Illinois, insurers have the freedom to use factors like credit and gender in pricing, and each company’s formula is different. For example, Company A might offer a better rate for a driver in Peoria with excellent credit, while Company B might be cheaper if that driver had a speeding ticket – you won’t know until you compare. Use online quote tools or work with an independent agent who can get quotes from several companies. Make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples coverage (same liability limits, deductibles, etc.). Given the competitive IL market, shopping around is one of the best ways to save money. Even after you have a policy, it’s smart to re-shop your insurance every couple of years or when you have a major life change (move, new car, marriage, etc.) – you might find a better deal as companies adjust their rates.
Check for Discounts: Every insurer offers an array of discounts, so take advantage of them. Common ones in Illinois include multi-car (if your household insures two or more vehicles on the same policy), multi-policy (bundling auto with home or renters insurance – very popular with State Farm, Allstate, American Family, etc.), good student discounts for young drivers (typically B average or better in school), defensive driving or driver’s education course discounts, and safe driver discounts (sometimes automatic, or via programs like GEICO’s DriveEasy or Allstate’s Drivewise). There are also organizational discounts – for example, some insurers have partnerships with University of Illinois alumni, large employers like Caterpillar or State of Illinois employees, or military/veteran discounts. When getting quotes, be sure to ask or fill out all the fields for discounts. A collection of small discounts together can add up to big savings on your premium.
Consider Regional Insurers: Don’t overlook Illinois-based or regional companies. As discussed, companies like COUNTRY Financial, Pekin Insurance, or regional carriers like Erie often offer lower rates or more personalized service than some national brands. They may not have the flashy ads, but they’re licensed and regulated just the same, and many have strong financial stability and claims service. For instance, if you live in a smaller Illinois city or town, a local agent from a regional insurer might really understand the area and offer tailored advice. When comparing, get at least one quote from a regional insurer or a mutual insurance company in Illinois – you might be pleasantly surprised by the rate and service.
Review Customer Satisfaction and Claims Ratings: Price is important, but so is how the company treats you when you have a claim or need help. Research an insurer’s reputation – resources like the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study or consumer reports can shed light. (In the North Central U.S. region, companies like Erie and American Family often rate well, whereas some others might be below average.) Also consider checking the Illinois Department of Insurance complaint database or NAIC Complaint Index to see if a company has more complaints than normal for its size. A company that’s slightly more expensive but has a stellar record for paying claims fairly might be worth it. The FinanceBuzz comparison we cited earlier shows the satisfaction scores: for example, State Farm and GEICO had solid but not top scores, while USAA and Erie led in customer satisfaction. Use that kind of information to balance your decision – the best car insurance is one that will actually come through for you in a pinch.
Think About Your Specific Needs: Your situation can guide your choice. Do you have a teen driver in the family? If so, look for companies with good student discounts and teen driver programs (State Farm and Allstate, for instance, have well-known programs for young drivers). Are you a senior driver in Illinois? Perhaps consider insurers known to be friendly to older drivers – some, like GEICO, even advertise senior-specific savings. If you rarely drive (maybe you work from home and put few miles on your car), look into usage-based insurance or low-mileage discounts; Metromile (a newer pay-per-mile insurer) isn’t in Illinois as of now, but several traditional insurers can adjust rates for low annual mileage or have plug-in devices to charge by miles driven. Car enthusiasts with classic or specialty cars might need an insurer that offers agreed value coverage or specialty policies (Hagerty works in IL for classic cars, for example). The key is to match the insurer to your needs – the “best” company can differ whether you prioritize rock-bottom price, specific coverage features, a local agent relationship, or top-tier service.
Bundle Insurance Policies: If you own a home or rent an apartment, see if you can bundle your auto insurance with your homeowners or renters insurance. In Illinois, many of the top companies (State Farm, Allstate, American Family, Country Financial, etc.) sell multiple lines of insurance and give substantial multi-policy discounts. Not only can bundling save you money, but it also streamlines your insurance bills and contacts. Just be sure that each component of the bundle is still a good deal; occasionally, one part (like the home insurance) might be overpriced even after a discount. But often, bundling is a win-win in terms of cost and convenience.
Consult an Agent or Do Online Research: Illinois has a robust network of insurance agents. If you’re unsure where to start, a local independent agent can gather quotes from several different companies for you and explain the coverage. They might introduce you to a smaller regional insurer that you wouldn’t have found on your own. On the other hand, if you prefer DIY research, use online quote comparison tools. Many websites allow you to fill in your info once and get quotes from multiple insurers. Just be ready for some follow-up calls or emails, and always verify final prices directly with the insurer. Illinois’ Department of Insurance website also offers consumer guides and tips for shopping car insurance, which can be helpful for understanding state-specific rules (for example, Illinois bans insurers from using your zip code alone as a basis for refusing or canceling a policy, to prevent redlining). Arming yourself with knowledge will help you feel confident you’re getting the best insurance value.

By keeping these tips in mind, Illinois drivers can navigate the car insurance landscape more effectively. Remember that the “best” car insurance for you is a combination of adequate coverage, a trustworthy insurer, and a price that fits your budget. The effort you put into researching and comparing will pay off when you have the right protection in place—and maybe a bit of extra money saved in your wallet, too.

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