The countrywide average auto premium is about $1,258/year (NAIC, 2022). Illinois sits near the national average for auto insurance cost.
Est. State Avg (illustrative)
$1,580
Minimum Coverage
$25K/$50K/$20K
Uninsured Driver Rate
16.3%
Uninsured driver rate: Insurance Research Council (IRC) 2022 estimates (published 2023), via the Insurance Information Institute. National average: 14.0%.
No free public authority publishes a reliable city-by-city average premium, so we don’t invent one. What is verifiable: the countrywide average auto premium was about $1,258/year in 2022 (NAIC), and by the NAIC’s 2021 average-expenditure data, illinois sits near the national average for auto insurance cost. Your own rate depends far more on your ZIP code, age, driving record, vehicle, and coverage level than on any statewide figure — always compare quotes from several insurers.
Illinois requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/20 (Bodily Injury per person / Bodily Injury per accident / Property Damage):
Illinois is a tort state with a bifurcated market: Chicago and its suburbs drive significantly higher rates than the rest of the state, accounting for most of the statewide cost elevation. The city's congestion, theft rates, and litigious environment all contribute. Illinois has an uninsured motorist rate of approximately 16.3%, and Chicago's rate is higher still — making UM/UIM coverage especially important for Cook County and surrounding area drivers.
Outside of the Chicago metro, Illinois is actually a fairly affordable insurance market. Downstate communities in central and southern Illinois often pay rates competitive with Midwestern neighbors like Indiana and Iowa. The competitive market among regional and national carriers provides meaningful options for drivers who take time to compare quotes. Illinois requires uninsured motorist coverage, and the state's statutory framework gives claimants relatively robust protections when pursuing at-fault drivers.
Compare quotes from at least 5 insurers — rates can vary by $500–$1,500 for the same coverage
Bundle auto with homeowners or renters insurance for 10–20% savings
Ask about all available discounts: safe driver, good student, military, professional association
Consider a higher deductible ($1,000 vs $500) to lower your premium by 15–20%
Use telematics/usage-based programs if you're a safe, low-mileage driver
Maintain a clean driving record — even one ticket can increase rates 20–40%
Check your credit score — most states allow credit-based insurance scoring
No free authority publishes a precise Illinois average, so treat any single number as a ballpark. For national context, the countrywide average auto premium was about $1,258/year in 2022 (NAIC), and illinois sits near the national average for auto insurance cost. Your own rate depends far more on your ZIP code, age, driving record, vehicle, and coverage level than on any statewide figure — compare quotes from several insurers.
Illinois requires at least $25K/$50K/$20K in liability coverage to drive legally. These minimums are often not enough to cover a serious accident, so many drivers carry higher limits — a common recommendation is 100/300/100.
An estimated 16.3% of drivers in Illinois are uninsured. Because of that, adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is worth considering — it protects you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.
Compare quotes from at least five insurers, bundle auto with home or renters, raise your deductible, and claim every discount you qualify for (safe driver, good student, low mileage). For the same coverage, premiums in Illinois can differ by $500–$1,500 between carriers.
Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed June 2026
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This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.