Car Insurance in Illinois (IL)
The average car insurance premium in Illinois is $1,800 per year ($150/month), making it the #19 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $100 (5%) below the national average of $1,900. At-fault state. Chicago metro has very high rates due to congestion, theft, and uninsured drivers. Within Illinois, rates range from $1,500/yr in Peoria to $2,350/yr in Chicago.
Car Insurance Rates by City in Illinois
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 6 major cities in Illinois, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Highest | $2,350 | $196 | +$550 | +$450 |
| Aurora | $1,950 | $163 | +$150 | +$50 |
| Rockford | $1,750 | $146 | -$50 | -$150 |
| Naperville | $1,650 | $138 | -$150 | -$250 |
| Springfield Lowest | $1,500 | $125 | -$300 | -$400 |
| Peoria Lowest | $1,500 | $125 | -$300 | -$400 |
How Illinois Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Illinois with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where Illinois stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (IL) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1,780 | $148 | $890 | $2,310 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $1,750 | $146 | $875 | $2,275 |
| Delaware (DE) | $1,850 | $154 | $925 | $2,405 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Illinois
How much is car insurance in Illinois?
The average car insurance premium in Illinois is $1,800 per year, or about $150 per month. This is $100 below the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $900/year, while full coverage averages $2,340/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is Illinois a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
Illinois is an at-fault insurance state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their liability coverage. At-fault states generally have lower premiums than no-fault states because they don't require mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, other factors like uninsured driver rates, urban density, and weather conditions also affect rates.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Illinois?
The cheapest option in Illinois is minimum liability coverage, which averages $900 per year ($75/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Peoria has the lowest average at $1,500/year.
Which city in Illinois has the highest car insurance rates?
Chicago has the highest average car insurance premium in Illinois at $2,350 per year ($196/month). This is $550 more than the state average. Urban areas like Chicago typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in Illinois?
To lower your car insurance in Illinois: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in Illinois, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.