Cheap Car Insurance in Illinois

The people of Illinois have a reputation for friendliness towards visitors and new residents. Nicknamed the Prairie State for being mostly flat, there are still plenty of adventures in places like Anderson Gardens or, for the more rugged, an outdoor quest to Starved Rock State Park or Shawnee National Forest.

Foodies and others so inclined will be on the hunt for some famous Chicago deep-dish pizza or maybe a Chicago-style hot dog, while others can sample a pumpkin dish made from locally sourced gourds. History buffs will want to visit Lincoln’s Tomb or stop and read a memorial to Wild Bill Hickok in Grove.

There are plenty of lakes in the Land of Lincoln and one of the most iconic music festivals in the three-day long Lollapalloza. If you are heading out to explore Illinois or attend a famous music festival, be sure you have car insurance, because it is required.

Illinois drivers enjoy less expensive auto insurance prices on average than many drivers across the nation. The state’s minimum required liability comes in at $552 annually, which compares favorably to the national average of $622. For full coverage, Illinois drivers pay on average $1,806 annually, which compares to $2,014 for the national average.

Insurance is less expensive in Illinois due to a lower number of accidents, lower repair costs and more insured motorists on the roads. So, you can thank your neighbors for driving safely.

What Is the Average Premium for Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance in IL?

Full coverage in Illinois comes in at $150 monthly on average. Full coverage includes liability, collision and comprehensive. Those who are purchasing a vehicle through a lender are usually required to have full coverage.

This is because there is no other insurance coverage that will fix (or replace) your car after a wreck, even if you are at fault. GAP coverage will pay the difference between what is owed on your loan and the value of the car and New Car insurance will replace your vehicle with a similar make and model, but these add-ons are for new cars.

Full coverage is the cheapest option to repair or replace a vehicle, no matter the age and value. Both collision and comprehensive have a deductible and you can purchase either one separately if you wish.

Collision is at it sounds: Your insurance company will repair or replace your vehicle after a collision, even if you are at fault. What you need to know about comprehensive coverage is that it covers things that happen when you are not behind the wheel, such as storm damage or theft. The exception to this is if you hit an animal. That damage is covered under a comprehensive policy.

How Much Does Liability Insurance or Minimum Required Auto Coverage Cost in IL?

The most basic required insurance is liability, which consists of bodily injury/death and property damage. The average cost is $46 monthly. As Illinois is an at-fault state, your liability is intended to pay for injuries and damages you cause. It will never pay for your own injuries and damages and anything that is not covered due to your policy limits will come out of your own pocket.

For example, if you cause an accident and someone is grievously injured, your bodily injury liability will kick in to help pay for their costs – up to your policy limits. Anything over that amount can subject you to a lawsuit for the rest, meaning your assets can be seized. Liability insurance is a cheaper car insurance option, but it comes with risks.

How do Insurance Rates Compare Across Illinois’ Major Cities

Where you live is a major factor insurer’s use to determine your rates. Those who drive in congested cities may face a higher premium than those who drive on rural roads. Is vehicle crime high in your area? That can impact your rates, as well. Here are some Illinois cities to compare:

Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Illinois. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.

What are Some Car Insurance Discounts in Illinois?

You cannot control some of the factors that influence your rate, such as gender and age, but you can find lower prices by applying discounts. The good news is most insurers offer a variety of them. Here are a few popular insurance discounts.

These are just a few examples of auto coverage discounts in Illinois. Ask your neighborhood agent for details anytime you renew or your circumstances change.

Illinois is an at-fault state. Your required liability insurance is intended to help pay for damages and injuries you cause on the roads. It is not intended to pay for your own damages and injuries.

What are Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Requirements in Illinois?

Mandatory car insurance requirements in Illinois include:

• Bodily Injury Coverage per Person: $25,000
• Bodily Injury Coverage per Accident: $50,000
• Property Damage Per Accident: $25,000
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: $25,000/$50,000 per person/accident

In addition to bodily injury and property damage liability, Illinois also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM) in the above amounts. You may also be required to purchase underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) if you purchase higher than required limits of UM. Your Acceptance agent can help you make sure you have the right amount of coverage.

What Happens if You are Caught Driving Without Insurance in Il?

You’ll be spending some money and time trying to sort it out. Your insurance company is required to report to the state if your coverage lapses.

• If you are pulled over or, worse, get in a wreck and you do not have coverage, you can expect fines of between $500 to $1,000.
• Your license may be suspended, and you’ll have to come up with a $100 fee to have it reinstated.
• Driving without insurance is one of the reasons why SR-22 insurance is needed. If you are required to file an SR-22 certificate, it identifies you as a high-risk driver, meaning your rates could increase.

What Factors Does Illinois Law Allow in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

If you are curious about how an insurance company comes up with your cost, it depends on a variety of individual factors. Agencies employ underwriters who run many different characteristics through an algorithm to come up with a proposed policy cost. Some of these factors you have no control over and some you have a great deal of control over.

Some common factors insurers look at include:

• Driving record
• Claims history
• Credit Score
• Location
• Type of Vehicle
• Age
• Gender

There are many more, which is what makes your policy specific to you. At Acceptance, our friendly, local agents have years of experience helping you make the most of your positive factors while finding ways to save money on others, such as a spotty driving record.

Am I Required to Report an Accident in Illinois to Authorities?

Drivers in Illinois must file a report if a crash includes a death or bodily injury or more than $1,500 in property damage. If any driver is uninsured, the crash must be reported if property damage is equal to or greater than $500. It is no longer necessary to file a written report in Illinois after a crash, however in the event of a single-vehicle accident with no injuries, drivers can report the crash online, rather than alert authorities. Also, keep in mind you may need a police report in the event of a crash to prove who caused the accident.

In some parts of Illinois, weather can play a part in road safety, with heavy snow, blizzards and extreme low temperatures causing havoc.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Illinois?

In 2023, there were 1,170 fatal crashes with 1,270 people killed in Illinois. A total of 204 pedestrians were killed, along with 160 motorcyclists.

How Many Drivers are Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists in Illinois?

In 2019, Illinois ranked at 24 out of 50 states for uninsured motorists. Landing solidly in the middle is good, but it illustrates why state decision makers feel every driver should carry protection in the form of uninsured motorist coverage.