Updated: November 18, 2024
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The best car insurance in Illinois varies by your needs. Auto-Owners is the top highly-rated provider in MoneyGeek's rankings. It is also the best provider for families with teen drivers. Mercury takes the lead for minimum coverage.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Illinois if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.
BestCar InsuranceIllinoisBest Car Insurance in Illinois
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Illinois based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Illinois.
The leading car insurance company in Illinois, according to MoneyGeek's comprehensive analysis, is Auto-Owners, with the highest score of 89 out of 100. In contrast, the lowest score is 65, indicating a 24-point range within the baseline scoring. Note that scores can vary for different driver profiles despite this general assessment.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek scores highlight the importance of customer satisfaction and affordability while also giving considerable weight to claims experience and offered coverages. These metrics indicate an insurer's overall performance, guiding consumers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 89 | $779 |
| American Family | 87 | $723 |
| Erie | 86 | $1,066 |
| Westfield | 85 | $1,027 |
| Travelers | 80 | $891 |
| GEICO | 79 | $921 |
| Country Financial | 78 | $943 |
| Mercury | 75 | $1,258 |
| State Farm | 73 | $1,378 |
| Progressive | 71 | $1,280 |
| Grange Insurance | 71 | $1,273 |
| Allstate | 69 | $1,382 |
| AAA | 69 | $1,320 |
| Hanover | 65 | $1,816 |
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for those seeking the best full coverage car insurance. The following providers have emerged as frontrunners in the rankings:
Auto-Owners stands out with its remarkable balance of affordability, customer satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options. The company's commendable affordability and excellent claims handling process contributes significantly to its high MoneyGeek score, making it a leading choice for consumers.
It's important to note that in Illinois, a diverse range of companies offer different cost and service experiences. If you are looking to economize, MoneyGeek has also analyzed providers offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Illinois.
Ranks No. 2 in claims handling.
Excels in affordability, ranking No. 2, with an average premium of $779 for full coverage.
Ranks No. 2 for key coverages.
Offers rare coverages such as diminished value and accident forgiveness.
Provides common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Does not excel in customer satisfaction, scoring 32 out of 35.
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage.
With outstanding satisfaction (32 out of 35) and high affordability (29 out of 30) scores boosting its place in the rankings, Auto-Owners leads with its high MoneyGeek Score. The company provides common car insurance coverages: roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement. It also offers gap insurance and accident forgiveness, making it a great option despite lacking some coverages like OEM coverage.
Tailor your insurance experience with Auto-Owners, starting with the coverage package, which offers an ease-of-life upgrade to your policy. For those unexpected minor damages that lower your car's value, diminished value coverage ensures you're covered. Lastly, deductible modification can waive your collision deductible, which is a significant financial relief in case of an at-fault accident. Opting for these coverages can enhance your financial protection and peace of mind on the road.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Illinois for those seeking exceptional customer service from a car insurance provider.
Erie stands out in Illinois with the highest customer satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are pivotal components of the MoneyGeek score. Although Erie offers great service at a slightly higher cost than Westfield, customers investing in Erie's insurance can expect a more consistent service experience.
In Illinois, companies can stand out from other car insurance providers by having top-notch customer service and strong claims handling. Good customer service indicates a company's responsiveness and commitment to serving policyholders efficiently. Equally important is a solid claims experience, which reflects the ease and fairness with which a company deals with claims. This combination ensures that drivers have a reliable and supportive insurer in times of need.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Provides rental car and/or travel reimbursement and gap insurance.
Ranks No. 3 in customer satisfaction, scoring 43 out of 45.
With a high MoneyGeek score primarily driven by excellent satisfaction and claims handling, Erie is a strong contender in the market. The company offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, but it lacks roadside assistance — a common coverage — which is a slight drawback. It also provides new car replacement and accident forgiveness, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive protection.
Erie offers better car replacement and glass deductible modification, two key rare coverages that are highly applicable to many drivers. These, alongside personal property insurance, offer tremendous value. Better car replacement ensures drivers can upgrade in case of a total loss, and glass deductible modification offers added peace of mind for glass repairs without the burden of a deductible. Personal property insurance covers items in your vehicle, extending the care beyond just the car itself. The company's satisfaction score impresses at 43 (out of 45), followed by a claims handling score of 30 (out of 30) and a coverage score of 8 (out of 20), all contributing factors to its standing.
MoneyGeek found that Mercury is the best option in Illinois for drivers seeking the most value for car insurance with minimum coverage.
Mercury stands out in Illinois for its remarkable balance of affordability and customer satisfaction. The greatest contributors to its high MoneyGeek score are its perfect affordability score and strong claims handling. With an annual cost of $273, Mercury offers the minimum insurance required by law in Illinois at an affordable rate.
In Illinois, it's common to find insurers providing low-cost minimum coverage car insurance. However, opting for the bare minimum can be financially risky. Minimum coverage may not completely protect against all expenses in the event of an accident, potentially leading to out-of-pocket expenses in excess of the policy limits. It's important that you consider your individual needs and the potential risks before selecting a policy based solely on price.
Offers discounts like bundling, safe driving, multiple car, automatic payment and senior driver discounts.
Ranks No. 1 for cost, with an average annual premium of $273 for minimum coverage.
Ranks No. 2 for general customer satisfaction.
Mercury garners an impressive MoneyGeek score, due to perfect affordability and a strong satisfaction rating. It has an average annual premium of just $273. Mercury has a wide range of discounts like anti-theft system, paperless billing, automatic payment and senior driver. It also provides all four common savings options: bundling, good student, multiple car and safe driving discounts. The bundling discount is particularly useful for those looking to consolidate services, allowing customers to combine their home and auto policies for savings. Additionally, safe drivers can enjoy lower rates through the safe driving discount, rewarding those who maintain a clean driving record.
Mercury's strength is reemphasized by its perfect affordability score of 40 (out of 40) and a satisfaction score of 22 (out of 25). It also scored well in other aspects: claims handling is a 13 (out of 20), decent coverage options marked by a score of 5 (out of 10) and stability with a score of 4 (out of 5. Such high marks solidify its leading position, brought about by its competitive pricing and customer satisfaction. These scores reflect Mercury's commitment to exceptional value and reliable service.
Driver age significantly affects car insurance rates in Illinois due to costs, coverages and discounts for different age brackets. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the premier choice for teens, young adults and seniors, with scores for each age bracket: 98 out of 100, 87 out of 100 and 90 out of 100, respectively. Its annual rates are $1,336 for teens, $1,031 for young adults and $751 for seniors. It provides comprehensive coverage at competitive prices, making it the best option across all age-specific categories.
Best for Teens: Auto-Owners
Best for Seniors: Auto-Owners
Best for Young Adults: Auto-Owners
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for car insurance for teens, offering an impressive combination of value and customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners excels with top scores in claims handling and coverage options, making it a leading choice for families seeking dependable insurance for young drivers. Notably, its annual premium of $1,336 for a teen policy stands out, offering substantial savings for families. In obtaining cheap car insurance for a teen in Illinois, it is far more economical to include them in a family policy than to pursue an individual policy.
Insurance rates for teens are typically higher due to their inexperience behind the wheel, which corresponds to a greater risk of accidents. This trend is consistent in Illinois and other states, where younger, less experienced drivers are statistically more likely to file a claim, thereby increasing premiums. However, with an insurer like Auto-Owners, families in Illinois can mitigate these costs while still having comprehensive coverage for their teen drivers.
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 1 for cost, with an average annual premium of $1,336 for full coverage.
Does not excel in customer satisfaction, ranking No. 3.
Missing driver's education discount.
Auto-Owners excels with a MoneyGeek score of 98 out of 100, boasting high marks in satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30), which significantly contribute to its top-tier rating. It offers special discounts for young drivers — good student and distant student — allowing families to save on car insurance for teens.
Auto-Owners caters to its diverse clientele with rare coverages like diminished value coverage, ensuring that clients are compensated for value lost in accidents. Accident forgiveness is another key coverage, sparing drivers from rate hikes after their first at-fault accident. These thoughtfully crafted coverages demonstrate Auto-Owners’ commitment to providing customers with comprehensive protection and peace of mind, distinguishing its service in the insurance marketplace.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for seniors seeking car insurance. With a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and affordability, here are the top providers:
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with high marks in customer satisfaction and claims handling, key factors for seniors who value dependable service and efficient claims resolution. This focus on customer experience contributes significantly to its MoneyGeek score. Although you might expect to pay more to secure high-quality car insurance as a senior in Illinois, the annual cost for Auto-Owners reflects a balance between cost and quality at $751 annually.
Cheap car insurance for a senior in Illinois is available. In fact, rates for seniors may not always be higher than those for middle-aged adults. Note that MoneyGeek's data is based on rates for seniors in their 60s, although it is understood that seniors in their later years, such as the 70s and 80s, may experience higher premiums. The rate increase is due to the associated risks of driving in older age.
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $751 for full coverage.
Ranks No. 7 for customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners stands out in the insurance market primarily for its exceptional satisfaction (32 out of 35) and solid affordability (29 out of 30) scores, which significantly contribute to its high MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100. The company offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement coverages. With an average annual premium of $751, Auto-Owners does not offer a senior discount, yet it still provides excellent value for many customers.
Despite any missing coverages or discounts, Auto-Owners shines through the remarkable satisfaction it delivers — as reflected in its near-perfect satisfaction score. With competitive pricing, a claims handling score of 16 (out of 20) and a coverage score of 8 (out of 10), the company illustrates its reliable and comprehensive service approach, ensuring policyholders receive quality insurance that meets their needs.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for car insurance for young adults, offering a standout combination of high satisfaction and affordability.
Auto-Owners is noted for its exceptionally high satisfaction score, which is a significant component of the MoneyGeek rating system. This, along with its competitive affordability score, makes it an excellent choice for young adult drivers in Illinois. The annual cost for a policy with Auto-Owners is $1,031, which is a compelling figure for those seeking cheap car insurance for a young adult in Illinois.
Car insurance for young adults tends to be more expensive due to the higher risk insurers associate with less experienced drivers. Statistics indicate that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, leading to higher premiums. Nonetheless, by carefully evaluating options with the best ratings, young adults in Illinois can find policies tailored to their specific needs and financial constraints.
Ranks well in claims handling, ranking No. 2.
Ranks No. 2 in affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,031 for full coverage.
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
Does not excel in customer satisfaction, with a score of 32 out of 100.
Auto-Owners stands out with a high MoneyGeek score largely due to substantial satisfaction (32 out of 35) and strong claims handling (16 out of 20). Although it doesn't offer driver's education discount, it does provide other discounts for young drivers in school: good student and distant student. In addition, this company has common coverages such as rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, which adds to the benefits it provides consumers.
Auto-Owners' high satisfaction score highlights its commitment to exceptional service. It excels in affordability with a score of 27 (out of 30), making it a cost-effective choice for many drivers. Auto-Owners' high scores demonstrate a reliable and cost-efficient option for car insurance, ensuring peace of mind and value for customers in various aspects of their auto insurance needs.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for drivers with offenses on their record, offering an impressive balance of satisfaction and affordability. Here are the top two providers based on MoneyGeek's criteria:
Auto-Owners excels with its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, reflecting a strong commitment to customer service. MoneyGeek's evaluation includes a blend of driver profiles with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. Auto-Owners stands out for its quality service and for offering a competitive annual premium of $1,110 for drivers with offenses. Note, though, that this rate is slightly higher compared to the rates for individuals without infractions.
When getting cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in Illinois, expect to pay more than those with clean driving records. Insurers calculate premiums based on risk. A history of tickets, at-fault accidents or DUIs signals a higher likelihood of future claims, which leads to increased rates. Although this is a common industry practice, shopping around can still yield cost-effective coverage options.
Ranks well ranks for claims handling, ranking No. 2.
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Doesn't excel in customer satisfaction.
Lacks new/better car replacement coverage.
Auto-Owners boasts an impressive MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100, thanks largely to high marks in satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (27 out of 30). Despite not offering specific coverages like new car/better car replacement, its strong performance across key categories sufficiently compensates for any missing features. With an average annual premium of $1,110, Auto-Owners stands out as an affordable choice for those with a less-than-perfect driving record.
Auto-Owners, upholding a high standard in customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness, garners its top ranking by excelling in critical areas of service and value. It is committed to meeting customer needs and ensuring reasonable pricing. These strengths contribute significantly to a driver's overall experience and sense of security, making Auto-Owners a top option for individuals seeking dependable and economically sensible insurance.
MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in Illinois for drivers with new cars seeking car insurance.
Travelers stands out not only for its high MoneyGeek score but also because it was filtered out as one of the insurers that offer new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, which are essential for new car owners. Without these coverages, you're only compensated for the value of your car minus depreciation, potentially leading to out-of-pocket expenses when replacing your vehicle. The biggest contributors to Travelers' MoneyGeek score include satisfaction, affordability and claims handling. At an annual cost of $932, choosing an insurer like Travelers can save you money in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Ranks N. 1 for cost, with a $932 average annual premium for full coverage.
Offers new car replacement coverage.
Does not excel in customer satisfaction.
Travelers achieves a high MoneyGeek score, with affordability and claims scores being key factors. Offering new car replacement coverage as an optional extra that helps replace a totaled car, Travelers provides additional peace of mind for drivers with newer vehicles. Its average annual premium stands at $932.
Travelers' coverage options, including its Premier New Car Replacement®, cater to drivers seeking comprehensive protection for their investment in a new vehicle. Although new car replacement coverage is optional, it can significantly mitigate financial setbacks by providing a brand-new replacement car if your vehicle is totaled in the first five years. This coverage and other reasonably common offerings like accident forgiveness and gap insurance affirms Travelers' commitment to delivering robust insurance solutions tailored to a range of customer needs. These various layers of protection ensure drivers can navigate the roads with enhanced security and confidence.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Illinois for car insurance for military personnel.
Although it is ranked second, USAA is also a good option for those with a military background, as it values a balance of service quality and affordability.
Auto-Owners stands out due to its strong overall performance in several key areas, including high scores in claims handling and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the affordability of its plans contributes significantly to its top MoneyGeek score. With an annual premium of $779, Auto-Owners offers an excellent balance of cost and quality service. For those more focused on cost, the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for military drivers is also worth exploring.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average annual premium of $779 for full coverage.
Offers rare coverages like diminished value and accident forgiveness.
Does not excel in customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners achieves an impressive MoneyGeek score due to high marks in satisfaction (31 out of 35) and affordability (29 out of 30), indicating outstanding customer satisfaction and reasonable pricing. Providing services at an average annual premium of $779, Auto-Owners is an excellent choice for consumers seeking a blend of value and quality.
With Auto-Owners, customers enjoy robust coverage options that cater to a range of needs. Although specifics on rare coverages are not available, its core offerings include common coverages like collision and comprehensive, which protect against a wide variety of incidents from accidents to theft and natural disasters. These foundational coverages ensure that policyholders have the financial assistance they need to repair or replace their vehicles in the face of unforeseen events, thus securing their mobility and peace of mind. Auto-Owners stands out for its exemplary claims handling score (16 out of 20) and solid coverage score (8 out of 10), reflecting its commitment to providing reliable and effective insurance solutions.
Illinois' finest car insurers expertly blend cost-effectiveness, robust financial health and a history of exemplary customer service. MoneyGeek has streamlined the selection process for you, but if you want to do your own research, we suggest following these four steps to secure coverage that meets your specific needs while also delivering peace of mind.
In Illinois, a car insurer's customer service is crucial, as it impacts the support you receive during claims and inquiries. Drivers should investigate insurers using independent sources like JD Power and NAIC for unbiased company records. Erie stands out in Illinois for customer service, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, a satisfaction score of 43 (out of 45) and a claims handling score of 30 (out of 30).
Comparing quotes in Illinois is essential for finding affordable car insurance without compromising on service quality. It's advisable to conduct your own research, as costs can vary based on individual profiles. MoneyGeek's research identifies Mercury as the best for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $273.
The coverage options provided by car insurers are a significant aspect of their service offering. It's important that you research and select insurers that offer coverages that align with your needs. MoneyGeek identified American Family as a provider with a full suite of essential coverages, with a perfect score of 10. It offers rental car/travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance and OEM coverages.
Choosing an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is vital to ensure claim payouts are secure. Auto-Owners, Travelers, State Farm and GEICO each received a perfect stability score of 5 from MoneyGeek, indicating an A++ rating from AM Best and affirming their exceptional financial strength.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Auto-Owners is rated as the provider of the best car insurance in Illinois, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100. The company stands out with high satisfaction and affordability scores of 32 (out of 35) and 29 (out of 30), respectively. Customers can expect an annual premium of approximately $779.
Mercury is recognized as the best for cheap car insurance in Illinois, with an annual premium of $273 for a minimum coverage policy. It has a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100. While minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they offer less protection than full coverage policies. Consumers can find affordable full coverage options by comparing quotes.
In general, drivers in Illinois should pay attention to the minimum liability coverage required by the state law, do sufficient background checks with the candidate insurers, and choose the coverage that fits their own situations. When purchasing a policy, it would be helpful to find a reliable agent who can explain the terms to the drivers. Otherwise, the drivers should spend time reading through the terms and understand the calculations before making the final decision.
If drivers choose to go with the smaller and local insurance companies that August offer more attractive rates than the bigger and nationwide competitors, it is critical for the drivers to assure that the insurers are reliable by checking if they are licensed and financially stable. The Illinois Department of Insurance maintains a website disclosing all the necessary information for licensed insurers.
The factors that affect auto insurance premiums in Illinois are similar to those in other states. The make and model of the car, driving record, past claims, as well as age, gender, and marital status affect insurance premiums. An individual's education, occupation, credit, as well as place of residence, along with the type and amount of coverage, impact the premium.
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Ask an expertAbout Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
