Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For 2026

Mercury offers the cheapest car insurance in Illinois, with average annual rates of $516 for minimum coverage.

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Updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Bob Phillips
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Mercury and GEICO currently offer the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for most drivers, with minimum liability policies averaging between $522 and $639 annually. However, your exact rate depends heavily on your driving record and whether you live in downtown Chicago or a rural area downstate.

Finding the most affordable coverage requires comparing quotes across the state’s top carriers. Factors like your age, credit-based insurance score, and chosen liability limits will drastically shift which provider actually offers you the lowest premium.

Key Takeaways

  • Mercury & Country Financial provide the cheapest car insurance policies in Illinois, on average.

  • The average cost of car insurance in Illinois ranges between $144-$197 per month.

  • Discounts are a good way to reduce your car insurance premium.

What’s Changed In 2026?

  • High auto theft rates in the Chicago metropolitan area are currently pushing comprehensive coverage prices higher.
  • Usage-based insurance programs are expanding statewide, giving Illinois drivers alternative ways to secure lower premiums.
  • Chicago-area insurers have adjusted rates upward in high-claim ZIP codes, particularly on the South and West Sides.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Illinois, 2026

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Minimum Coverage – Mercury

Minimum coverage in car insurance represents the most fundamental level of protection, aligning with the legal mandates set by the state of Illinois.

Mercury offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Illinois, with average monthly premiums of $43.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Country Financial $45 $540
Geico $50 $600
Mercury $43 $516
State Farm $52 $624
Travelers $47 $564

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Full Coverage – Mercury

Full coverage car insurance encompasses a more extensive range of protection compared to minimum coverage, making it a comprehensive choice for many drivers. This type of policy typically integrates both comprehensive and collision insurance, creating a robust safety net.

Mercury has the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Illinois. You can get coverage for around $101 a month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American Family $109 $1,308
Country Financial $113 $1,356
Erie $119 $1,428
Mercury $101 $1,212
Travelers $106 $1,272

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Drivers With Poor Credit – GEICO

Credit score plays a pivotal role in the calculation of car insurance rates, serving as a key indicator for insurers in assessing the risk profile of a driver. The underlying premise is that individuals with lower credit scores are statistically more likely to file insurance claims.

If you have poor credit, you can find the cheapest car insurance with GEICO. Premiums are around $103 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Country Financial $111 $1,332
Erie $116 $1,392
GEICO $103 $1,236
Mercury $108 $1,296
Travelers $113 $1,356

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Seniors – GEICO

Car insurance for seniors in Illinois can be found at an affordable rate of $136 per month with GEICO.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Allstate $196 $2,352
Auto-Owners $152 $1,824
GEICO $136 $1,632
Progressive $167 $2,004
State Farm $148 $1,776

Seniors in Illinois have the potential to secure competitive rates for their car insurance, thanks to the various factors that work in their favor. Age can indeed be a significant factor in determining insurance premiums, with the assumption being that as drivers age, their reflexes and driving abilities might decline. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and many seniors maintain excellent driving records well into their later years.

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Teenagers – American Family

Teenage car insurance rates in Illinois are typically the highest out of any age group, this is because teenagers have a high rate of accidents, which translates into high premiums

American Family has the cheapest rates for teens, with an average monthly premium of $188.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American Family $188 $2,256
Country Financial $194 $2,328
GEICO $199 $2,388
Progressive $206 $2,472
State Farm $211 $2,532

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Good Drivers – American Family

Good drivers, characterized by their clean driving records, are typically rewarded with lower car insurance rates. Insurance companies assess risk based on a driver’s history, and those without any violations or accidents naturally fall into the low-risk category.

American Family provides the cheapest auto insurance policy in Illinois for drivers with a clean record, at an average annual rate of $1,104.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American Family $92 $1,104
Country Financial $95 $1,140
GEICO $97 $1,164
Mercury $99 $1,188
State Farm $101 $1,212

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket – American Family

American Family has average premiums of $157, making it the cheapest option for drivers with a speeding ticket.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American Family $157 $1,884
Country Financial $162 $1,944
Mercury $168 $2,016
Progressive $174 $2,088
The Hanover $180 $2,160

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident – American Family

American Family has average premiums of $156, making it the cheapest option for drivers with an at-fault accident.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American Family $156 $1,872
Country Financial $161 $1,932
Farmers $165 $1,980
Progressive $169 $2,028
The Hanover $173  $2,076

Cheapest Car Insurance In Illinois For Drivers After A DUI – State Farm

State Farm has average premiums of $145, making it the cheapest option for drivers with a DUI on their record.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Country Financial $148 $1,776
GEICO $161 $1,932
Progressive $169 $2,028
State Farm $145 $1,740
Travelers $158 $1,896

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Illinois – By Age

An 18-year-old driver in Illinois can expect to pay around $4,728 per year for their insurance, while a 35-year-old driver will only pay around $2,616.

Your age plays a significant role in determining your car insurance rate. Young drivers typically pay the highest premiums, with rates dropping as you get older.

Age Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
16 $442 $5,304
17 $421 $5,052
18 $394 $4,728
19 $368 $4,416
21 $320 $3,840
25 $266 $3,192
35 $218 $2,616
45 $208 $2,496
55 $203 $2,436
65 $213 $2,556
75 $250 $3,000

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Illinois – By City

Drivers in Chicago typically pay around $2,072 per year, while drivers in Springfield may find rates around $1,644.

The city that your home is in greatly affects your car insurance premiums. Cities usually have higher risks of theft and accidents.

City Average Monthly Rate Average Annual Cost
Bartlett $192 $2,304
Romeoville $135 $1,620
Chicago $173 $2,076
Decatur $131 $1,572
Joliet $150 $1,800
Peoria $134 $1,608
Rockford $147 $1,764
Springfield $137 $1,644
Wicker Park $192 $2,304

Minimum Car Insurance Requirement In Illinois

Illinois drivers must have minimum car insurance with liability coverage set at 25/50/20. The minimum amount of coverage required by law is as follows:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident.
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident

Car Insurance Discounts In Illinois

While searching for car insurance, it’s wise to explore providers that present the most beneficial discounts tailored to your circumstances. Additionally, consulting with your insurance agent can reveal potential discounts that you might not be currently utilizing.

Below is further insight into the common types of discounts provided by top car insurance companies:

  • Multi-policy: Bundle two or more insurance policies with the same company.
  • Multi-vehicle: Insuring multiple cars under the same policy or combining auto insurance policies earns you this discount.
  • Military: This generally applies to both veterans and active-duty military members.
  • Senior: This often applies to policyholders who are 55 or older.
  • Homeowners: If you own a home, you may qualify for this discount.
  • Good student: This discount is usually for college and high school students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses.
  • Good driver: You can save money by maintaining a clean driving record (with no at-fault accidents, DUI, or traffic tickets in the last three years).
  • Defensive driving: Those who take a qualifying defensive driving course get a discount.
  • Driver training: Get a discount by taking a driver education training course.
  • New car: Drivers who purchase new cars, typically no more than three model years old, get a discount.
  • Safe car: This applies if your vehicle has safety features like anti-theft technology.
  • Paperless: Receive a discount by opting to receive your documents through email.
  • Pay-in-full: Save on your car insurance premium by paying in full up front.

Compare Rates To Other U.S. States

State Average Annual Premium
Alabama $1,846
Alaska $1,386
Arizona $1,954
Arkansas $1,962
California $2,580
Colorado $2,172
Connecticut $1,984
Delaware $2,217
Florida $2,670
Georgia $2,056
Hawaii $1,415
Idaho $1,397
Illinois $1,782
Indiana $1,547
Iowa $1,588
Kansas $1,867
Kentucky $2,205
Louisiana $3,171
Maine $1,469
Maryland $2,025
Massachusetts $1,527
Michigan $2,335
Minnesota $1,760
Mississippi $2,011
Missouri $2,011
Montana $2,071
Nebraska $1,721
Nevada $2,353
New Hampshire $1,408
New Jersey $2,007
New Mexico $1,817
New York $2,098
North Carolina $1,502
North Dakota $1,734
Ohio $1,530
Oklahoma $2,129
Oregon $1,773
Pennsylvania $1,960
Rhode Island $2,255
South Carolina $2,007
South Dakota $2,474
Tennessee $1,692
Texas $1,990
Utah $1,864
Vermont $1,299
Virginia $1,631
Washington $1,819
West Virginia $1,853
Wisconsin $1,609
Wyoming $1,778

FAQs

How much is car insurance a month in Illinois?

The monthly cost of car insurance in Illinois varies widely but typically ranges from $144 to $197. Factors influencing the price include your driving record, type of coverage, and the make and model of your vehicle.

Which car insurance is better in Illinois?

The “best” insurance in Illinois depends on individual needs. Mercury & Country Financial are both popular for their affordability and customer service,

Our Methodology

Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis that encompasses multiple facets such as customer service ratings, product options, pricing, and a thorough evaluation of various online review sites and user experience, I've crafted an in-depth view of the landscape of car insurance providers in Illinois.

This is an informed perspective, honed by over 15 years of personal involvement in the industry as a licensed casualty insurance agent in Illinois, countless interactions with representatives from various companies, and insights gleaned from firsthand experience buying car insurance in Illinois.

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Quotes Assessed

35+

Hours Of Research

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Years Of Industry Expertise

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About Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips is a former California-licensed insurance agent (license #0C27547) with over 15 years helping clients plan their finances. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College, a BA from the State University of New York, and Series 6, 7, 26, 63, and 65 securities licenses, and has held life, health, disability, and property/casualty insurance licenses.

He has written hundreds of insurance and investment articles and published two financial books. You can verify Bob’s license history (#0C27547) at the California Department of Insurance.

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