Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students in Illinois 2025

In Illinois, the most frequent types of car accidents are rear‑end collisions and angle crashes, both largely attributed to driver error. Unfortunately, many of these incidents—including fatalities—occur near university campuses such as Southern Illinois University, where heavy student traffic and busy roadways increase risks.

With more than 125 colleges and universities across the state, including special‑focus schools and religious institutions, hundreds of thousands of students commute daily. For this reason, it’s essential that Illinois college students protect themselves against potential accidents by securing the right car insurance coverage. Affordable policies not only safeguard finances but also provide peace of mind for students navigating high‑risk areas around campus.

Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Illinois

When selecting car insurance for college students in Illinois, you need to consider your priorities and pick a policy that matches your needs, whether that is low rates or comprehensive coverage.

Use the table below to see our picks for the best auto insurers for students in Illinois.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois

Minimum coverage policies are often an effective way to decrease overall costs, but can leave you vulnerable in an accident. These low-cost plans will only cover the state minimum insurance needed to operate a vehicle, which means paying expenses out of pocket.

Minimum coverage policies are great options for college students as they provide the insurance needed to drive legally while keeping costs low.

As you can see from the table below, GEICO is the cheapest average option at $456 per year.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois

College students who commute to campus or routinely drive for work should consider a full coverage policy over minimum coverage. These plans offer additional protection, often including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

While the full coverage policies offer more protection, they come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of the additional insurance against the extra monthly cost.

Country Financial is the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy for students in Illinois, at an average annual rate of $3,336.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Low-Mileage In Illinois

If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan on driving much throughout the school year, there’s no reason to pay for insurance you don’t need. While you’ll still need to maintain the state minimum auto insurance, most low-mileage policies offer discounted rates if you stay below a certain number of miles yearly.

The limit will vary between insurance companies but is usually around 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.

Use the table below to view the cheapest low-mileage rates for college drivers in Illinois.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Driving Violations In Illinois

Driving violations can significantly increase the amount a driver pays for monthly coverage, regardless of age. College students will likely experience an even more significant rate increase after an accident or ticket due to their already high-risk rating.

One way to mitigate the damage of a driving violation is to work with a company like Country Financial that specializes in insuring motorists with a history of tickets or accidents.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois – By City

Where you live in Illinois can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums.

Use the table below to view average rates for different cities in Illinois.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old college drivers in Illinois, at an average monthly cost of $146.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

Auto-Owners provides the cheapest policy for 19-year-old college students in Illinois, averaging $130 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

The cheapest auto insurance rates for a 20-year-old college driver can be found with Auto-Owners, averaging $120 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

The most affordable college student car insurance policy for a 21-year-old can be found at Auto-Owners, with an average monthly cost of $115.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 22-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

22-year-old student car insurance can be found from $115 per month, with an Auto-Owners auto policy.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

23-year-old college drivers can find affordable insurance from Auto-Owners at an average monthly cost of $96.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 24-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

The cheapest car insurance policy for a 24-year-old college student is $93 per month, which can be found with State Farm.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25-Year-Old College Students In Illinois

State Farm offers the cheapest auto policies for 25-year-old college students in Illinois at $85 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy Vs. Individual Policy

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Illinois

Car insurance premiums in Illinois can be especially high for college students. A 19‑year‑old driver pays an average of $330 per month for a 6‑month policy, with companies like Progressive, Farmers, Allstate, and Nationwide often charging closer to $400. Fortunately, there are several strategies to make coverage more affordable.

Student-Specific Discounts

Academic performance and responsible driving can directly lower premiums. Illinois insurers often provide:

• Good student discounts for maintaining a B average or higher
• Distant student discounts if you attend school away from home and leave your car behind
• Average savings: about $200 per year, depending on the provider

Affiliation Discounts

Membership in organizations can unlock savings:

• Alumni associations
• Honor societies
• Fraternities and sororities
  Providers often list these discounts in membership materials, but you can also ask directly when shopping for coverage.

Choosing Between Used And New Cars

While parents may think a new car is safer and more efficient, insurers often view new vehicles as higher risk for inexperienced drivers. Premiums are higher due to costly repairs and replacement values. A reliable used car is usually cheaper to insure and more budget-friendly for college students.

Vehicle Security And Safety Improvements

Adding safety and security features can reduce risks and lower premiums:

• Car alarms: Savings of up to 5%
• Anti-lock brakes: Discounts vary by provider
• Airbags and LoJack systems: Can reduce personal injury or theft-related portions of coverage

How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Illinois

For Illinois college students, purchasing car insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, comparison platforms like Insuranceopedia make the process easier by letting you review multiple quotes side by side. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Understand Illinois Coverage Requirements

Illinois law requires minimum liability coverage, but you may want to add optional protections depending on your situation. Consider:

• Liability coverage (required)
• Comprehensive coverage (non-collision damage such as theft or weather)
• Collision coverage (repairs after an accident)
• Additional products like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Before requesting quotes, collect the details insurers will need:

• Driver’s license number
• Driving history
• Vehicle details (VIN, make, and model)
• Any prior policyholder information

Step 3: Set Your Budget

Decide how much you can afford in premiums and deductibles. Remember that higher deductibles lower monthly payments but require more savings in case of an accident.

Step 4: Compare Multiple Quotes

Experts recommend reviewing at least three quotes side by side with the same coverage levels. Online platforms allow you to enter your information once and instantly see how different companies stack up, including discounts for students.

Step 5: Purchase Your Policy

Once you’ve chosen the best plan, complete the purchase online, over the phone, or through an agent. If you’re switching providers, notify your old insurer. If you’re staying with the same company but moving from a parent’s policy to your own, they’ll issue a replacement card.

Step 6: Keep Proof Of Coverage

After paying your first premium, you’ll receive your insurance card. Keep it in your vehicle at all times—Illinois law requires proof of insurance when registering your car, during traffic stops, or after an accident.

Note: Driving without proof of coverage can result in registration suspension, fines, and reinstatement fees.

Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, Or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?

For most college students, whether you need your own car insurance or can remain on a parent’s plan depends on your residence and vehicle ownership.

Residence

If your parents’ home remains your permanent address, you can typically stay on their policy—even if you live in a dorm or off-campus housing during the semester. Insurers generally allow this arrangement because your parents’ home is still considered your legal residence.

Moving Out

Once you move into your own home and establish it as your permanent residence, you’ll need to purchase your own policy. This is especially true if your vehicle is titled solely in your name.

Marriage

Marriage doesn’t automatically require you to leave a parent’s policy. If you and your spouse live with your parents and the vehicles are titled in your parents’ names (or jointly with them), you can remain covered under their plan. However, if you or your spouse own vehicles independently, you’ll need to decide whether to stay on the parent’s policy or take out your own.

No Age Limit

There is no age restriction on staying on a parent’s policy. As long as your parents’ home remains your permanent residence, you can continue coverage under their plan.

Illinois Car Insurance Laws to Know

In Illinois, there are car insurance requirements known as 25/50/20, which refer to the following:

1. $25,000 minimum for bodily injury coverage per person
2. $50,000 minimum per accident
3. $20,000 minimum in property damage coverage per accident

Drivers in Illinois must also carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage.

Once you take out a policy in Illinois your insurance provider will send you an insurance card that you must keep in your vehicle. If you don’t have that insurance card you cannot register your vehicle.

Compare College Student Rates To Other U.S. States

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.