Best Auto Insurance Company In Illinois: Who's Number One?

Illinois drivers are facing a surge in car insurance rates, which has been attributed to expensive repairs and extreme weather events leading to higher claims. The average cost of car insurance in Illinois is $2,316 for full coverage and $682 for minimum coverage. However, rates vary depending on individual circumstances, with some insurers offering more affordable plans than others.

When looking for the best auto insurance company in Illinois, it's important to consider factors such as cost, customer service, coverage options, and financial stability. Some of the top-rated companies in the state include Geico, Erie, Auto-Owners, and Travelers, known for their competitive rates, high customer satisfaction scores, and comprehensive coverage options.

It's worth noting that the best company for you may depend on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, if you're a young driver, you might want to look for a company that offers good student discounts, while someone with a military background might prioritize a company like USAA, which caters specifically to military personnel.

Best for Discount Opportunities: Geico

If you're looking for the best discount opportunities for auto insurance in Illinois, Geico is a strong contender. Geico has been in the insurance business since 1936 and has built a reputation for offering affordable rates and solid financial backing. It consistently ranks among the top insurance providers across the country and is known for its extensive list of discounts.

Geico auto coverage is available across all 50 states and offers a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. The company provides 16 types of discounts, including good driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and more. For example, if you've been accident-free for five years, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 22% on most coverages. Geico also offers discounts for vehicles with certain safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems, and daytime running lights.

In addition to its extensive list of discounts, Geico also provides special rates for members of partner organizations. These include Alumni Associations, Fraternities and Sororities, and Professional Organizations. Geico has over 800 partner groups, so there's a good chance you can take advantage of this extra discount.

Geico also offers discounts for specific groups, such as federal employees, active-duty military personnel, and retired individuals. If you're a federal employee, you could qualify for the Eagle Discount of up to 12% on your total auto insurance premium. Geico also gives back to those who serve in the military, with discounts of up to 15% on certain car insurance coverages.

Furthermore, Geico provides discounts for good students, with full-time students who maintain a good academic record being eligible for up to a 15% discount on certain coverages.

With its wide range of discounts, Geico is an excellent choice for those seeking affordable auto insurance in Illinois and wanting to maximize their savings.

Best for Local Agents: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners Insurance is a great option for Illinois drivers seeking car insurance through local agents. The company offers customizable auto coverage through a statewide network of local, independent agents.

To obtain an Auto-Owners insurance policy, you must work with an agent in your area as online policy purchasing is not available. Auto-Owners offers standard auto insurance coverage types plus several endorsements, including diminished value coverage and gap insurance.

Auto-Owners offers below-average rates for Illinois drivers, plus potential discounts for paid-in-full, multi-policy, students and more. The company also provides local, independent agents available for in-person service.

However, Auto-Owners' digital tools are not as advanced as some competitors, and online quoting and claims filing are not available. The company also doesn't provide SR-22s.

Auto-Owners stands out for its coverage of various vehicles, in addition to a low complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The company has a top rating for financial stability from AM Best and offers home and auto bundling.

Best for Customizable Coverage: Travelers

Travelers Insurance is a great option for customizable auto insurance coverage in Illinois. With 1628 insurance agencies in the state, it's easy to connect with a local agent to tailor your business coverage.

Travelers offers a range of endorsements for policyholders, including new car replacement and ridesharing coverage. They also offer two accident forgiveness options, one of which may gain you credit toward your deductible.

Travelers is a good choice for hybrid or electric vehicle drivers, as they offer a discount for these green vehicles. You can also save money with their early quote discount and if you own your home.

In addition to reasonable average rates, Travelers offers a variety of other discounts, including multi-policy, safe driver, and good student discounts.

Travelers has been in the insurance business for over 160 years, and they have strong customer satisfaction ratings. They offer robust coverage options and local agents to help you manage your policy.

With Travelers, you can feel confident that you, your loved ones, and your wallet are protected.

Best for Customer Service: Erie

Erie Insurance is a great choice for car insurance in Illinois, especially if you're looking for excellent customer service. Here's why:

Customer Satisfaction

Erie Insurance has high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, an independent rating agency that evaluates companies based on customer feedback. This means that Erie's policyholders are generally happy with the service they receive, which is a good indicator of the quality of their customer support.

Claims Handling

Erie also ranks highly in claims handling, which is crucial when choosing a car insurance provider. Claims handling refers to how efficiently and fairly a company deals with insurance claims. A high score in this area means that Erie has a smooth and reliable process for handling accidents, repairs, and other incidents that require insurance coverage.

Affordability

While Erie Insurance may not be the absolute cheapest option in Illinois, it does offer affordable premiums. The exact cost of your insurance will depend on various factors, including your age, driving record, and the type of car you own. However, Erie is known for providing reasonable rates, and you may be able to get an even better deal by bundling policies or taking advantage of other discounts.

Coverage Options

Erie offers a range of coverage options to suit your needs. In addition to the standard liability coverage, they provide rental car and/or travel reimbursement, gap insurance, and new car replacement. They also offer unique coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification, giving you enhanced protection and peace of mind.

Financial Stability

Erie Insurance has a strong financial backing, which means they have the resources to pay out claims reliably. This is an important factor when choosing an insurance provider, as you want to ensure they will be able to cover any incidents that may occur during the term of your policy.

Availability

It's important to note that Erie Insurance is only available in a limited number of states, including Illinois. If you plan to move out of state, you may need to switch insurance providers, which can be an added hassle.

Digital Experience

While Erie excels in many areas, their digital capabilities could use some improvement. Currently, they do not offer the option to file claims online, and their app and website functionalities are limited. However, they do provide quotes online, making it convenient for potential customers to get an idea of their rates.

In conclusion, Erie Insurance is a top choice for car insurance in Illinois, especially if customer service and claims handling are your top priorities. Their combination of affordable premiums, comprehensive coverage options, and financial stability makes them a reliable and trusted option for Illinois drivers.

Best for Rideshare Coverage: Mercury

Mercury Insurance is a great option for rideshare coverage in Illinois. Mercury is one of the few insurance companies in the state that offers rideshare insurance, and it can be purchased for less than a dollar a day.

Mercury stands out for its low rates, unique discounts, and local agents. The company already offers some of the lowest insurance rates available, and you can save even more with discounts for low-mileage driving, safety features, and bundling. Mercury has a wide range of insurance products, including personal auto insurance, mechanical protection, homeowners insurance, and umbrella insurance.

Mercury was not scored in the North Central region of the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, and its results in the 2023 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study were poor. However, Mercury's dedicated agents are on a mission to help you save money. They will work with you to customize a protection plan that meets your specific needs at a great rate. With agents stationed throughout Illinois, you can easily find a local agent who will provide excellent service.

Mercury Insurance was founded in 1962 by George Joseph, who believed that high-quality insurance products and best-in-class customer service should be affordable to consumers. The company has since expanded from California to 11 states, offering comprehensive coverage options. Mercury Insurance's corporate headquarters is located in Los Angeles, and the company has over $6.7 billion in total assets, more than 4,400 employees, and 9,400 independent agents.

If you're looking for rideshare coverage in Illinois, Mercury Insurance is an excellent choice, offering affordable rates and reliable protection on the road.

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