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The Cheapest Car Insurance in Illinois for January 2026

  • American Family offers the cheapest rates for full coverage insurance in Illinois at $61 per month.
  • Mercury provides the cheapest liability coverage at $25 per month in Illinois.
  • At $140 per month, Springfield is the cheapest city for car insurance in Illinois IL 
Illinois Landmark Illinois Landmark
Mercury

$25/mo

Westfield

$27/mo

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$32/mo

Sara Sam
Written by Sara Sam
Edited by Renee Martin

Why Thousands of Illinois Drivers Trust Way.com

The car insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes. These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Illinois

The car owners in Illinois pays on an average of $871 for six months for car insurance, which is less than the national average. Mercury offers cheap and the best rates in Illinois.

Cheapest Liability Car Insurance in Illinois (2026)

For drivers looking to meet Illinois minimum car insurance requirements, liability-only insurance is the most budget-friendly choice. Cheap liability car insurance in Illinois is widely available from providers like Mercury at $25/month. If you opt for AAA you will have to pay at least $43/month for your car insurance premium, which is the highest in Illinois.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in IL

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Mercury $149 $25
Westfield $160 $27
Auto-Owners Insurance Co $190 $32
American Family $202 $34
Erie $249 $42
Travelers $273 $46
Auto-Owners $279 $47

Are minimum liability insurance limits enough for Illinois?

Minimum liability insurance provides basic coverage but often falls short in covering major accidents, leaving drivers vulnerable. Upgrading to full coverage car insurance in Illinois or increasing coverage limits can offer better financial protection. Compare car insurance quotes in Illinois to find affordable options that suit your needs.

Insurance writer and senior content specialist

Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance in Illinois

Full coverage combines liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance, offering broader protection than liability coverage, which only covers damages or injuries you cause to others. As per our analysis American Family offers the cheapest car insurance for full coverage in Illinois at $61 per month. On the other hand Hanover offers the most expensive rate at $156 per month.

Full coverage quotes in IL

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
American Family $356 $61
Auto-Owners Insurance Co $446 $74
Westfield $505 $86
Travelers $647 $109
Country Financial $689 $116
Erie $802 $135
USAA $956 $161
Way Tip

How to get your cheap full coverage insurance?

  • Combine your car insurance with home or renters insurance for exclusive savings.
  • Low-mileage drivers can score better rates by opting for pay-per-mile plans.
  • Stick with one car insurance company for annual renewal discounts and exclusive member perks.

Avoid Hidden Costs on Your Illinois Car Insurance Bill

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Find your Way to saving $971 a year on Car insurance in Illinois!

Best Car Insurance Companies in Illinois: Compared & Ranked

American Family stands out as the best car insurance provider in Illinois, thanks to its affordable premiums, extensive discounts, and strong customer satisfaction ratings from sources like J.D. Power and AM Best. With a robust range of coverage options, Country Financial is a top pick for drivers seeking value and reliability.

American Family

American Family offers a six-month premium of $279, which amounts to approximately $47 per month. This provides a competitive and affordable option for those looking for budget-friendly car insurance. 

Country Financial

The average premium of Country Financial is $303, which is higher than American Family's by $24. Their higher monthly premium is, due to their strict policies on traffic violations.

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

Auto-Owners Insurance Co's premium is $315, which is significantly more expensive than Country Financial's by $12. Their monthly premium is higher due to their strict policies on DUI infractions.

Best Car Insurance Companies in IL

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
American Family $279 $47
Country Financial $303 $50
Auto-Owners Insurance Co $315 $54
Travelers $327 $54
Mercury $368 $63
Westfield $582 $98
Erie $766 $130
Our Review Process

How Way Uncovers the Best Car Insurance Deals?

  • The car insurance rates in this guide are based on extensive research by Way’s data team.
  • The average car insurance costs of each company in Illinois.
  • A mix of public and internal data was used to analyze millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.
  • Quotes in this guide are typically based on a full coverage policy unless noted otherwise.
  • The author has expertise from 5+ years in the insurance industry

Cheap Car Insurance for Teen & Young Drivers in IL

Teens and young drivers in Illinois often face high car insurance rates, especially those aged 16 to 19. This is because inexperienced drivers pose a higher risk. The average cost for teens in Illinois is $1421 for 6 months, which is less than the national average.

Westfield is the best options for cheap car insurance for young drivers in Illinois.

Best Car Insurance Discounts for Young Drivers in Illinois

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Westfield $190 $32
American Family $220 $37
Mercury $220 $37
Auto-Owners Insurance Co $238 $40
Farmers $386 $64
Country Financial $1081 $182
Travelers $1129 $190
Teen Car Insurance Rates in IL by Age
Insurance rates information icon

Top companies in IL for Teens

Company Name Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Erie $313 $317
GEICO $473 $478
Travelers $580 $586
USAA $744 $752
Allstate $749 $757
Progressive $775 $783
State Farm $947 $957
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Insurance rates information icon
Way Tip

What Teen Drivers can do to Drive Smarter

  • Install company-approved safety devices and enjoy lower premiums.
  • Monitor your driving habits with trackers for potential discounts.
  • Opt for temporary coverage adjustments during school breaks.

Smart drivers in Illinois save big on car insurance!

Illinois Car Insurance Price Trends & Rate Forecasts

Car insurance rates in Illinois have fluctuated due to factors such as state regulations, inflation, and changing driving habits.

The average cost of full coverage in the Illinois dipped by $169 in Jan compared to $193 of Dec. In other words, there has been an decrease by $24 when you compare Jan and Dec.

The average cost of liability insurance in the Illinois dipped to $51 in Jan, compared to $53 in Dec. This represents an decrease of $2 when comparing Jan and Dec.


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Car Insurance Quotes in Illinois After an At-Fault Accident

Your driving history significantly impacts your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies assess past at-fault accidents to gauge risk and adjust rates accordingly. Through our research we found that American Family gives you the cheapest car insurance rate after an at-fault accident in Illinois at $40/month. On the other hand AAA is the most expensive option at $72/month for an at-fault accident.

Best insurance companies in IL after an accident

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
American Family $238 $40
Auto-Owners Insurance Co $249 $42
Westfield $255 $43
Mercury $327 $56
Farmers $487 $81
Travelers $600 $101
Erie $743 $125

Why Way.com Recommends American Family Insurance in Illinois?

If you are living in Illinois you should opt for American Family. American Family ranks as number 1 across various factors like customer satisfaction, claims and rates.

How Traffic Violations Affect Car Insurance Rates in Illinois

In Illinois, your Auto insurance premiums can rise significantly due to traffic violations. The extent of the increase depends on factors such as the violation type, local regulations, and the insurer's policies. Minor offenses like speeding might cause a small increase, while more serious violations, such as DUIs, can lead to much higher rates. Additionally, the effect on premiums in Illinois may differ from the national average due to regional risks and rules.

Here’s a breakdown of average car insurance rates in Illinois after common driving violations.

How Driving Violations Affect Car Insurance Quotes in Illinois

Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
None $980 $163
One Med/PIP claim $986 $168
Not-at-fault accident $1040 $173
One comp claim $1063 $181
Two Med/PIP claims $1063 $177
Failure to wear a seat belt $1140 $194
Driving without lights $1152 $192
Way Tip

How to Reset Rates after a Driving Violation

  • Switch to pay-per-mile or telematics-based policies to reduce premiums while demonstrating safer driving habits.
  • Find insurers that lower rates for completing state-approved driving courses.
  • Find providers that offer accident forgiveness, sparing your wallet after one-off violations.

Affordable Car Insurance in Illinois After a DUI or SR-22

Driving under the influence is a serious offense. A DUI history classifies you as a high-risk driver, increasing your annual insurance premium. Premiums after a DUI can vary significantly between insurance providers. According to our findings, one of the cheapest car insurances in Illinois is Mercury at $38 per month. Farmers at $433 per month is the most expensive provider.

DUI Car Insurance Quotes in Illinois: What to Expect

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Mercury $226 $38
American Family $238 $40
Travelers $636 $107
Progressive $766 $129
Erie $915 $154
Country Financial $1063 $179
USAA $1461 $246

SR-22 Car Insurance in Illinois: How to File & Save

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the state for high-risk drivers. It verifies that the driver carries the minimum liability insurance coverage mandated by law. The SR-22 is typically needed after violations like DUI or a serious traffic offense.

Steps to Get an SR-22 in Illinois?

If You're Insured:

Contact your current insurance provider and ask them to file an SR-22. Not all companies offer this service, so you might need to switch providers.

If You're Uninsured:

You'll need to purchase a new insurance policy. Some insurers specialize in helping high-risk drivers and can file the SR-22 for you.

If You Don't Own a Car:

A non-owner car insurance policy is your best option. It covers liability and fulfills the SR-22 requirement at a lower cost since it doesn't insure a specific vehicle.

Stop overpaying for Car Insurance. Saving $971 isn’t pocket change

Car Insurance Rates by City in Illinois (2026 Update)

Your location impacts your car insurance rate. Busy cities mean higher costs due to traffic, while quieter towns often have lower premiums.

Car insurance quotes in Illinois's biggest cities

City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Springfield $832 $140
Peoria $838 $141
Naperville $849 $143
Elgin $855 $144
Aurora $867 $146
Rockford $891 $150
Joliet $939 $158
Chenoa $992 $165
Fairbury $1004 $171
Rock Falls $1010 $168
Forrest $1022 $174
Pontiac $1022 $170

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois? Down icon
Getting the cheapest car insurance in Illinois depends on several factors and can vary based on each applicant’s profile. For instance, American Family offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois at $356 for six months. Car insurance rates varies based on various factors like age, driving history, credit score, and age.
How much is car insurance in Illinois? Down icon
In Illinois, the average cost of car insurance is $308 for liability coverage and $871 for full coverage. These rates are lower than the national average of $336 for liability coverage and less than the national average of $1278 for full coverage.
How much does car insurance cost per month in Illinois? Down icon
The cheapest monthly car insurance rate in Illinois is $61 for full coverage and $140 for liability coverage. However, younger drivers will have to pay higher rates than older drivers. The cheapest rate for teens in Illinois is $32 for a month. The state and the respective zip codes play a key role in the car insurance rates.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Illinois? Down icon
Car insurance in Illinois is expensive due to factors like high traffic congestion, expensive repair costs, and frequent weather-related accidents like floods and hailstorms.
What is the minimum insurance you need to drive a car in Illinois? Down icon
In Illinois, the minimum required car insurance includes $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for multiple people, and $10,000 for property damage.

Find the best coverage & price in Illinois with Way.

Data Sources