Car Insurance In Illinois 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

Car insurance costs in Illinois can vary widely, but having the right coverage is very important for every driver. Illinois law requires drivers to carry car insurance, and with busy highways, city traffic, and changing weather conditions, accidents can happen when you least expect them.

Car insurance helps protect you from expensive repair bills, medical costs, and legal trouble if you’re involved in a crash. With my extensive experience in the insurance industry, I can help you understand what affects insurance costs in Illinois and guide you toward coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Does Illinois Require Car Insurance?

Illinois requires drivers to have car insurance. If you own or drive a car in Illinois, you must have active insurance before driving on public roads. This rule helps make sure drivers can pay for damage or injuries if an accident happens.

Drivers must carry proof of insurance and show it if asked by the police or when registering a vehicle. Driving without insurance can lead to fines, loss of driving privileges, or other penalties.

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Illinois?

In Illinois, the amount of car insurance you should get depends on how much protection you want. The state requires minimum liability insurance, which covers injuries and damage you may cause to others. The minimum amounts are $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injuries to more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage.

While the minimum coverage is legal, it may not be enough in a serious accident. Medical bills and car repairs can cost much more than the minimum limits.

You may also want optional coverage like collision and comprehensive, or uninsured motorist coverage. These can help pay for damage to your own car or injuries caused by drivers who do not have insurance. Choosing more coverage usually costs more, but it can give peace of mind.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Illinois?

Car insurance premiums in Illinois can vary based on factors like your age, the type of car you drive, your driving record, and the level of coverage you choose. Higher-coverage policies will cost more than basic liability plans. The price you pay depends a lot on your personal circumstances and insurance choices.

Here’s a breakdown of average annual car insurance costs in Illinois for different driver profiles:

• Low-Income Drivers: Affordable options for low-income drivers are available, with average monthly minimum coverage policies starting at approximately $74 per month.
• Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Drivers in Illinois who have a speeding ticket usually pay higher insurance rates. Even short-term policies, such as one-month coverage, can become more expensive. The average cost of minimum coverage is $60 per month.
• Senior Drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older may pay around $125 monthly for full coverage and about $65 per month for minimum coverage.
• Young Drivers: Young drivers may pay around $241 monthly for full coverage and about $122 per month for minimum coverage.
• Drivers With Old Cars: Drivers in Illinois who own old cars often pay less for insurance because their vehicles usually cost less to repair or replace. The average monthly full coverage cost is $94.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Illinois?

Here are some of the major car insurance companies that operate in Illinois:

• State Farm
• Allstate
• GEICO
• Progressive
• Nationwide
• Farmers Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family Insurance
• USAA
• Travelers Insurance

These insurance companies provide different types of coverage and discounts for drivers in Illinois. It’s a good idea to compare prices and what each policy includes so you can choose the one that works best for you.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Illinois

Here are some simple strategies to lower your car insurance premiums in Illinois:

Compare Quotes From Different Companies: Insurance prices can vary a lot from one company to another. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find the best price for the same coverage.

Keep a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding accidents, speeding tickets, and other violations helps keep your insurance costs down. Safe drivers are seen as lower risk and usually pay less.

Choose a Higher Deductible: A deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance pays. Picking a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, as long as you can afford the cost if an accident happens.

Bundle your Insurance Policies: Many companies offer discounts if you bundle car insurance with home, renters, or life insurance. This can reduce your overall insurance cost.

Limit Unnecessary Coverage on Older Cars: If your car is older and not worth much, you may not need certain coverages. Dropping optional coverage you no longer need can help lower your premium.

Illinois State Driving Laws

Illinois state driving laws are designed to keep everyone safe on the road. They explain how drivers should behave, what is allowed, and what isn’t. Knowing these rules helps you avoid fines and drive with confidence across the state.

Seat Belt And Child Safety Laws

All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children must be secured in proper car seats or booster seats based on their age and size. These rules help prevent serious injuries during accidents.

No Texting Or Handheld Phone Use While Driving

Illinois law bans texting and holding a phone while driving. Drivers may only use hands-free devices. This law reduces distractions and helps drivers stay focused on the road.

Driving Under The Influence Is Illegal

Driving after drinking alcohol or using drugs is against the law. If caught, drivers can face fines, license suspension, or jail time. This law protects everyone from dangerous driving.

Drivers Must Stop And Report Accidents

If you are involved in an accident, you must stop, help anyone who is injured, and exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can result in serious punishment.

Illinois Car Insurance Contact Information

Knowing where to go for car insurance or vehicle problems in Illinois can make things much easier. Here’s a list of important state agencies and what they can help you with.

Illinois Department Of Insurance (DOI)

Phone: 1-866-445-5364

Website: insurance.illinois.gov

Use DOI if you have questions about your auto insurance policy, need help understanding your coverage, or want to file a complaint or dispute against your insurance company.

Illinois Secretary Of State – Driver Services

Phone: 1-800-252-8980

Website: ilsos.gov

Contact the Secretary of State for all matters related to driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, renewing registration, and other vehicle-related paperwork or services.

Illinois Department Of Transportation (IDOT)

Phone: 217-782-7820

Website: idot.illinois.gov

Use IDOT if you want information about Illinois state highways, road conditions, closures, construction, or need to report a road issue like potholes or damaged signs.

Illinois State Police (ISP)

Phone: 1-800-525-5555

Website: isp.illinois.gov

As the statewide law enforcement agency for roads, use ISP for traffic safety, accidents, and enforcement of driving laws on highways and state roads.

Common Illinois Car-Related Crimes And Fatalities

It’s important for Illinois drivers to be aware of the car-related crimes that happen most often on the state’s roads. Below is a clear overview of the common car-related crimes and accident risks you should know about.

Driving Without Insurance

Some drivers in Illinois do not have car insurance. Accidents with uninsured drivers can lead to financial problems, legal issues, and sometimes delayed emergency care.

Reckless Or Aggressive Driving

Behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights endanger everyone on the road and often cause severe accidents.

Driving Without A License Or With A Suspended License

Some people drive without a valid license or while their license is suspended. This is illegal and increases the risk of accidents and legal consequences.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal. These incidents make it harder for victims to get help and often carry criminal penalties.

Street Racing

Illegal racing on public roads is dangerous and can cause fatal crashes. It also carries heavy fines and possible jail time.