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How much does car insurance cost in Chicago?
Chicagoans pay, on average, $1,085 for a six-month car insurance policy, or about $185 per month. According to our 2023 data, Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company for Chicago drivers, offering policies at $660 for six months — well below the city's going rate for coverage.
Drivers in Chicago also pay more than the state average for Illinois ($750 every six months), as well as the national average of $742. With higher-than-average rates, it may not be a surprise that 36% of our customers in Chicago think they're paying too much for their car insurance. Maybe you're one of them, or perhaps you want to learn more about what goes into calculating an auto rate — either way, we're here to help. Keep reading to discover fair rates in Chicago based on rating factors like credit score, age and location within the city.
| Car Insurance in Chicago vs. Illinois | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Chicago Average | $1,085 |
| Illinois Average | $750 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Chicago
Auto-Owners is the cheapest company for a car insurance policy in Chicago, with average rates of $110 per month or $660 for a six-month policy.
Chicago's second-cheapest option is GEICO, which costs $130 per month ($778 for a six-month term).
Finishing strong on our list of cheap Chicago insurers is State Farm. On average, a State Farm policy in Chicago costs $789 per six-month policy or $132 on a monthly basis.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Chicago:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Chicago is $1,085 per six-month policy — $181 per month.
- The cheapest company in Chicago is Auto-Owners ($660).
- Chicago ranks as the fifth most expensive city for car insurance in Illinois.
- 36% of Zebra customers in Chicago used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current insurer.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Chicago car insurance rates by company
According to our data for 2023, the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage in Chicago is Auto-Owners at $110 per month or $660 per six-month policy, while the second cheapest is GEICO at $130 per month or $778 for a six-month policy.
Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $660 |
| GEICO | $778 |
| State Farm | $789 |
| USAA | $837 |
| Country | $997 |
| Progressive | $1,066 |
| Nationwide | $1,113 |
| Allstate | $1,961 |
Shop around for the best rates
The best way to find the cheapest coverage is to compare. Let The Zebra do the legwork for you! Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best cheap auto insurance in Chicago.
Average car insurance in Chicago by rating factor
Rating factors are individual details about you that affect your car insurance rate. Generally, auto insurance companies use the same rating factors, but some will weigh them a little differently. For example, one company might place a higher priority on your claims history whereas another might value your credit score more. This is why it's important to shop around since no two companies are exactly alike.
It's also important to remember that the insurance company you've had since you began driving might not be the best for you as you get older. We suggest getting new quotes every six months to a year to make sure you're still getting great rates as your insurance needs change throughout life.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) can greatly affect how much you'll pay for car insurance. You may be a very safe driver with zero claims but could still pay more for your coverage in Chicago just because the cost of doing business has increased for insurance companies.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Chicago
A key rating factor in the insurance world is age. This is important when insurers are evaluating risk, and historical data reveals that the rate of accidents for teen drivers is significantly higher than other age groups. Therefore, teens typically face the highest premiums. In Chicago, the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is $4,260 per year! This is 145% more than 20-something drivers and can come as a real shock to new drivers and their parents alike.
Remember that insurance companies are all about risk; due to the increased risk of teen accidents, it makes sense that these drivers pay a higher rate to offset the costs of claims payouts. The good news is that the high costs don't last too long — in a few years, with a good driving record and more experience behind the wheel, those prices will even out and be much more reasonable.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Country | $2,318 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,361 |
| GEICO | $2,416 |
| USAA | $2,850 |
| State Farm | $2,938 |
| Nationwide | $4,034 |
| Progressive | $4,102 |
| Allstate | $5,268 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Chicago drivers between 20 and 40 are Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO.
Most Chicago drivers are between the ages of 20 and 40, according to our data. On average, this group pays $1,265 every six months, but by going with these companies they can potentially save 31%!
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Chicago
A large part of your car insurance rate depends on the level of coverage you choose. In Chicago, 24% of drivers carry only the state minimum required coverage, which could leave those folks at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident. While minimum coverage is definitely cheaper, it may not be the best option in the long run.
Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together) will increase your rates, and they usually require a deductible. The nice thing about a deductible is that it gives you a little more wiggle room to save money — the higher deductible you choose, the lower your rate will be.
You might also consider adding roadside assistance for another layer to your peace of mind behind the wheel. It will increase your rate but can be a priceless asset if you get into a tricky situation with your car and need assistance. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in many places, but Illinois is one of the states that actually require it. This is a good thing in that it adds extra protection from drivers who are uninsured, or underinsured.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
47% of Chicago drivers own their vehicles. Usually, if you're leasing or financing your vehicle, you will be required to carry a certain amount of auto insurance coverage. But if you're one of the 47% who owns, you might consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. Before you make a decision, we suggest getting the actual cash value of your car from a reputable source, like Kelley Blue Book. If your car is worth $4,000 or less, then you most likely don't need collision insurance. This can save you money on your rate, but it also means that in the event of a collision incident, you'll pay out-of-pocket for repairs.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $235 |
| Auto-Owners | $255 |
| State Farm | $295 |
| USAA | $311 |
| Progressive | $352 |
| Country | $379 |
| Nationwide | $474 |
| Allstate | $508 |
Chicago car insurance rates by credit score
It may not seem like there is a connection between credit score and your driving habits, but historical data actually shows that drivers with lower credit scores may pose more risk on the road. They tend to have more lapses in insurance coverage and are more likely to file claims. This is why most states, including Illinois, use credit scores as a rating factor. Typically, the lower your credit score, the higher your car insurance premium will be.
In fact, Chicago drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 90% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). 33% of drivers in Chicago have a "Good" credit score, and Auto-Owners is the cheapest option for Chicago for those in this tier.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,040 |
| USAA | $1,466 |
| Country | $1,510 |
| Nationwide | $1,543 |
| State Farm | $1,713 |
| Progressive | $1,781 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,980 |
| Allstate | $2,594 |
Zebra Tip: If your credit score improved, it's time to shop for insurance!
In Chicago, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $994 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. Jumping from one credit level to the next may not even take that many points, depending on where you fall in the spectrum. If you've been working to improve your score (like paying off a loan) then it's a great time to get new auto insurance quotes and see if your hard work can save you money!
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
The majority of insurance claims are at-fault and collision-type accidents, and in Chicago, the average car insurance rate increased by $49 to $83 per month for an at-fault accident in 2023. If you're looking for the cheapest insurer after an at-fault accident, Auto-Owners is your best bet in Chicago.
The best way to keep rates low is to be a safe driver, regardless of where you live. This may not always be in your control but do your best to avoid accidents and tickets. Things like speeding tickets or reckless driving charges will result in premium increases and can stay on your record for three to five years. DUI or DWI charges could potentially impact your record for an even longer period of time.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $865 |
| State Farm | $1,010 |
| GEICO | $1,211 |
| USAA | $1,221 |
| Country | $1,486 |
| Progressive | $1,557 |
| Nationwide | $1,786 |
| Allstate | $2,921 |
Chicago car insurance rates by violation
Below you can see how much different violations and claims can increase your rate in Chicago.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Chicago, IL
Why is car insurance in Chicago so expensive?
Chicago, the 5th most expensive city for car insurance in the state of Illinois, is pricey for a variety of reasons. Let's take a closer look at some of the causes of expensive car insurance in Chicago — regardless of your driving profile.
One important factor is the cost of living, as well as the cost of doing business. Generally, in places where the cost of living is high for residents, that means it's also high for businesses to operate. Car insurance companies have to cover their costs and this is then passed along to you, the customer, through increased premiums.
Where you live, specifically, in Chicago will affect your car insurance rate. Certain areas of any city are more prone to theft, uninsured motorists and crime in general — this makes it more expensive to insure a vehicle. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates will be less expensive because they are less risky. Check out these zip codes to determine whether or not you're in a more expensive area.
Expensive Chicago ZIP codes: 60624, 60623, 60636, 60639, 60644
Cheap Chicago ZIP codes: 60611, 60656, 60601, 60701, 60610
The damage caused by tornadoes, hurricanes and other similar weather-related damage can seriously impact insurance companies, and has even been known to put them out of business. Chicago gets its fair share of extreme weather, mostly in the form of snow, wind or flooding. Insurers raise rates in areas at risk of weather damage to account for this. Comprehensive coverage handles weather-related claims, so if you're concerned about potential weather damage this is worth considering as part of your auto insurance policy.
As a city grows, so does its number of drivers. Chicago is not short on people, and as you'd expect, the more cars on the road the more accidents are going to happen. Accident-related claims are usually passed on to other customers through increased costs, even for infrequent or very safe drivers. According to our data, about 33% of drivers in Chicago are not currently insured — UMPD is required in Illinois, which will help protect you if you're in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or lacks adequate coverage.
Zebra Tip: Uninsured property damage coverage
In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). In Chicago, about 33% of drivers are uninsured. UMPD is required in Illinois, which is good for peace of mind on the road. This coverage will provide assistance to you if you or your vehicle are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.
Bundling insurance policies in Chicago
Although it feels like car insurance rates are always creeping higher, there are still ways you can help keep yours more affordable. One of the simplest ways is bundling, and many companies offer some kind of a discount for this — you might be able to save 10% or more on your combined premiums. If you're shopping for a new policy consider combining your home or renters with your car insurance policy. It doesn't require much time or work on your part and a few minutes might be well worth the savings!
Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Chicago, IL
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $581 |
| State Farm | $646 |
| GEICO | $740 |
| USAA | $811 |
| Country | $852 |
| Nationwide | $865 |
| Progressive | $987 |
| Allstate | $1,674 |
There are some factors that go into your car insurance rate which are simply out of your control, but there are things you can do to get the most affordable rate possible. The best way to find cheap car insurance is to shop around! Try to get auto insurance quotes from multiple companies so you can find the best fit for your coverage needs as well as your budget. As mentioned earlier, it's a great idea to get new quotes every six months to a year — or at the very least when you experience a life change such as a milestone birthday, improving your credit or moving to a new area. It can be a little uncomfortable to shop for a new insurance company but don't let that stop you from saving money and feeling prepared when you're behind the wheel.
Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!
Frequently asked questions
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
