Car insurance in Illinois, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents, after all; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Illinois car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Prairie State" should have; it's something they
have.
Illinois auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Illinois, you need auto insurance in Illinois. Here's what kind and how much, according to Illinois state law:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Browse Illinois auto insurance rates online
If you need Illinois auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Illinois, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.
I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from Illinois car insurance providers at websites like
InsWeb,
Insurance.com,
InsuranceUSA and
InsuranceFinder, or from companies like
Progressive and
Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.
Solicit Illinois car insurance quotes from national providers
Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Illinois and all provide competitive Illinois auto insurance rates.
I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Illinois are
AIG,
Allstate,
Chubb,
Farmers,
GEICO,
The Hartford,
Liberty Mutual and
State Farm. National associations like
AAA and
AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Illinois.
Get car insurance in Illinois from local and regional companies
In Illinois, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.
I recommend: For automotive insurance in Illinois, try Illinois-based companies like
First Chicago Insurance,
Founders Insurance Company and
Hawk Agency. Also consider local programs, like the
Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Illinois.
Use an independent agent to find Illinois car insurance bargains
Buying car insurance in Illinois via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.
I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Illinois, use the “agency search” feature at the
Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois or search the member directory at the
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
Choose Illinois auto insurance companies that you can trust
Before doing business with Illinois car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.
I recommend: If you subscribe to
Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Illinois. Another good resource is the
Illinois Division of Insurance, which compiles
statistics on complaints about auto insurance companies in Illinois.
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