Mercury, American Family and Auto-Owners offer the most affordable car insurance options in Chicago. Rates can vary depending on your driving history and the type of coverage you choose. The table below breaks down costs and the most affordable companies for different categories.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago, IL
Updated: December 22, 2024
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Key Takeaways
The cheapest car insurance companies in the Windy City are Mercury, Hanover, Westfield, American Family and Auto-Owners.
The lowest monthly rates for car insurance in Chicago are $32 for state minimum coverage and $77 for full coverage.
On average, Chicagoans pay $55 per month for state minimum coverage and $124 for full coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance companies using data collected from the Illinois Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. Learn more.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates and Companies in Chicago
| Mercury | Minimum Coverage | $32 |
| American Family | Full Coverage | $77 |
| Progressive | Teens | $213 |
| Westfield | Young Adults | $44 |
| Mercury | Senior Drivers | $34 |
| Country Financial | Drivers With Bad Credit | $48 |
| Hanover | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $36 |
| Mercury | Drivers With a DUI | $49 |
| American Family | Drivers With an Accident | $49 |
| Mercury | Military Affiliated Drivers | $32 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in Chicago
To find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago, compare rates from various providers. Costs can vary based on age, driving record, type of car and coverage needs. Remember, the cheapest car insurance company in Illinois might not be the most affordable provider in Chicago. Comparing car insurance quotes helps you get affordable coverage for your needs.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
Mercury offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Chicago at $32 per month, followed by Hanover at $36 per month. Check the table below to see different providers offering affordable rates for minimum coverage in the Windy City.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Chicago
American Family offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Chicago at $918 per year. Check the table below to see different providers offering the best rates for full car insurance coverage in the Windy City.
| American Family | $77 | $48 |
| Hanover | $88 | $36 |
| Travelers | $91 | $34 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $97 | $27 |
| GEICO | $105 | $19 |
| Mercury | $114 | $11 |
| Country Financial | $122 | $2 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago by Age
In Chicago, your age can impact your car insurance costs. Younger drivers often pay more because they're new on the road. Over time, these prices usually go down, but after age 70, they might go up again. Below, find the most affordable insurance companies for different age groups: teens, young adults and seniors.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago for Teens
For Chicago teens, the cheapest car insurance is available from Allstate and Auto-Owners. Check the table below for the lowest rates for teens in the city.
| Allstate | $218 | $22 | $361 | $24 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $219 | $21 | $256 | $129 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago for Young Adults
Westfield offers the most affordable car insurance for young adults in Chicago at $532 annually, which is 31% cheaper than the city average. Following closely are American Family, Hanover and Mercury with competitive rates.
| Westfield | $44 | $20 |
| American Family | $45 | $20 |
| Hanover | $46 | $19 |
| Mercury | $47 | $18 |
| Travelers | $53 | $11 |
| Country Financial | $55 | $9 |
| GEICO | $56 | $8 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $57 | $8 |
| Progressive | $61 | $3 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago for Seniors
Mercury offers the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Chicago at an annual rate of $403. Check the table below for options from other providers and find the best rates for senior drivers.
| Mercury | $34 | $20 |
| Hanover | $35 | $19 |
| American Family | $42 | $12 |
| Westfield | $42 | $12 |
| Country Financial | $45 | $9 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $47 | $7 |
| GEICO | $49 | $5 |
| Travelers | $50 | $4 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago for Drivers With Bad Credit
A low credit-based insurance score can mean higher premiums compared to those with good scores. Country Financial and Mercury both offer cheap car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Chicago with annual rates of $572 and $573, respectively. Review the table below for more options from other providers.
| Country Financial | $48 | $43 |
| Mercury | $48 | $43 |
| Hanover | $51 | $40 |
| Westfield | $70 | $21 |
| American Family | $73 | $18 |
| Travelers | $75 | $16 |
| Progressive | $78 | $13 |
HOW TO LOWER YOUR RATE WITH BAD CREDIT
Drivers with poor credit can lower car insurance costs by accessing discounts, bundling different insurance policies and comparing personalized quotes from various companies. Improving your credit over time can also help you get a lower rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago After a Driving Offense
Car insurance providers assess risk by examining your driving record, a key factor in determining your premiums. Violations like speeding tickets, accidents or DUIs can significantly raise your rates. Even the cheapest car insurance for drivers with violations is more expensive than for those with clean records. We've broken down affordable providers so you can find cheap car insurance after an accident and for other driving offenses.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago After a DUI
Drivers with a DUI in the Windy City can still find affordable car insurance. Mercury offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $588 annually. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best rates for drivers with a DUI.
| Mercury | $49 | $42 |
| American Family | $50 | $41 |
| Progressive | $59 | $33 |
| Hanover | $61 | $31 |
| State Farm | $74 | $18 |
| Travelers | $77 | $14 |
| Country Financial | $80 | $12 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago After an Accident
American Family offers the most affordable minimum coverage car insurance for drivers in Chicago with an at-fault accident record at $583 annually. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the most affordable rates.
| American Family | $49 | $30 |
| Hanover | $57 | $22 |
| Westfield | $59 | $20 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $60 | $19 |
| Country Financial | $65 | $13 |
| Travelers | $69 | $10 |
| Mercury | $71 | $8 |
| GEICO | $72 | $7 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago After a Ticket
Hanover offers the most affordable car insurance for Chicago drivers with a speeding record, with an annual rate of $433. Westfield follows closely with a rate of $542 per year. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best car insurance company with the most affordable rates.
| Hanover | $36 | $31 |
| Westfield | $45 | $22 |
| American Family | $50 | $17 |
| Mercury | $51 | $17 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $51 | $17 |
| Country Financial | $54 | $13 |
| GEICO | $59 | $9 |
| Erie | $62 | $5 |
| Travelers | $65 | $2 |
| Progressive | $67 | $0 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago for Military Drivers
Military drivers, including active-duty members and veterans, often find special discounts and competitive rates on car insurance in the Windy City. The cheapest car insurance providers for military drivers offer great savings. Mercury provides minimum coverage for $387 annually, while Hanover offers it for $433.
| Mercury | $32 | $22 |
| Hanover | $36 | $18 |
| Westfield | $38 | $16 |
| American Family | $41 | $13 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $45 | $10 |
| GEICO | $45 | $9 |
| Travelers | $47 | $8 |
| USAA | $47 | $7 |
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Chicago?
In Chicago, full coverage car insurance averages $1492 annually. State minimum coverage is less, costing about $659 per year. Keep in mind, these averages are for a 40-year-old with a clean record and good credit; your rate may be different.
Chicago Auto Insurance Cost by Driver Profile
Review this table for average auto insurance costs by driver type. It helps you gauge if your current rate is competitive and affordable.
| Teen Drivers | No Data | $385 |
| Young Adults | $65 | $153 |
| Senior Drivers | $54 | $119 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $91 | $216 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $67 | $155 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $91 | $202 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $79 | $180 |
| Military Affiliated Drivers | $54 | $123 |
How Expensive Is Car Insurance Chicago?
Car insurance in Chicago costs about 34% more for state minimum coverage and 36% more for full coverage compared to the rest of Illinois.
| Chicago Avg Rate | $55 | $124 |
| Illinois Avg Rate | $41 | $91 |
| vs Illinois Avg Rate | $-14 | $-33 |
Car Insurance Requirements in Chicago
In Illinois, all drivers must carry car insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage limits. This includes specific amounts for bodily injury and property damage liabilities.
Illinois sets forth the following minimum coverage requirements:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
- $20,000 for property damage liability per accident.
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident.
Auto insurance policies offer financial protection against costs from accidents. Liability coverage helps pay for damage or injuries you cause to others if you're at fault.
For example, if you're responsible for an accident that injures another person, your minimum bodily injury liability per person coverage would cover up to $25,000 of that individual's medical expenses. It's important to note that this is the maximum amount your insurance would pay per person, not per accident.
Drivers in need of SR-22 insurance in Chicago must maintain at least these minimum coverage amounts to legally drive.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago: Bottom Line
Your car insurance cost in Chicago can change based on things like your age, driving record, and car type. Mercury often has the most affordable state minimum coverage, while American Family is known for budget-friendly full coverage. To make sure you save money, always compare quotes from different companies.
Cheap Chicago Car Insurance: FAQ
MoneyGeek helps you find affordable car insurance in Chicago. We answer common questions about the cheapest options, guiding you to the best minimum coverage for your needs.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Chicago, Illinois?
The cheapest car insurance company in Chicago, Illinois, is typically Mercury, with average rates of $32 per month for minimum coverage. American Family offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Chicago at $77 per month. However, rates vary based on age, driving history and coverage needs, so it’s best to compare quotes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Chicago, Illinois?
The average cost of car insurance in Chicago, Illinois, is around $1,492 per year for full coverage, while minimum coverage averages approximately $659 per year. These rates can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Is car insurance in Chicago, Illinois, expensive?
Yes, car insurance in Chicago, Illinois tends to be more expensive than the state average. Factors like higher traffic congestion, accident rates and crime rates contribute to the increased premiums. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find more affordable options.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance in Chicago, IL
To help Chicago drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed Chicago auto insurance rates based on data and information from the Illinois Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
Chicago Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in Chicago with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
Certain factors — such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation — were adjusted to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.
Coverage Levels in Chicago
MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.
The minimum coverage requirements in Illinois are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
- Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible
About 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.