Car Insurance in Illinois
Illinois drivers must carry at least 25/50/20 in liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party’s injuries and damages.
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Illinois at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$1,153/yr
≈ $96/mo
vs U.S. average
-10%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
25/50/20
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
Illinois drivers must carry at least 25/50/20 in liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party’s injuries and damages.
Illinois rates vary widely between Chicago and the rest of the state, so comparing several carriers is the best way to find an affordable policy that meets the requirements.
Illinois minimum car insurance requirements
Illinois requires $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage liability, along with uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50. Drivers who finance or lease typically also need collision and comprehensive coverage.
Illinois also requires uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50.
How much does car insurance cost in Illinois?
The average driver in Illinois pays $1,153 per year for auto insurance — that's 10% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
Illinois vs the national average
10% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How Illinois premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in Illinois have risen 23% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: Illinois vs national average
Illinois is up 23% from $941 in 2019 to $1,153 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A Illinois policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in Illinois
Driving uninsured in Illinois can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Illinois
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in Illinois, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 28, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Illinois car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in Illinois
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