Best cheap car insurance in Chicago
Finding the right car insurance can feel like a game of tug-of-war between quality and price. However, it is frequently possible to find low-cost car insurance that still provides adequate coverage. For example, there are several options for the best cheap car insurance in Chicago. According to StrongInsurance rate research, Geico and Mercury provide full auto insurance coverage in the Chicago area for average annual prices under $1,200. Secura, State Farm, and Erie are priced similarly to these two.
Full coverage auto insurance in Chicago costs an average of $2,069 per year, or $172 per month. The state's minimum coverage car insurance costs an average of $627 per year.
Best cheap car insurance companies in Chicago
According to our analysis of Quadrant Information Services rates, Geico, Mercury, and Secura had the lowest average annual costs for full coverage. StrongInsurance also assigned a five-point StrongInsurance Score to each reviewed company based on data from online third-party agencies such as J.D. Power, AM Best, S&P, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and Moody's. While customer satisfaction and financial strength are important factors in our ratings, we also take affordability, coverage options, and digital resources for policy and claims management into account. When looking for the best cheap car insurance in Illinois and Chicago, this information can help drivers make quick, informed decisions.
Insurance company | StrongInsurance Score | J.D. Power score (North Central) | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
Geico | 4.7 | 847/1,000 | $1,152 | $312 |
Mercury | 4.2 | Not rated | $1,194 | $335 |
Secura | 4 | Not rated | $1,358 | $374 |
State Farm | 4.7 | 848/1000 | $1,373 | $421 |
Erie | 4.6 | 876/1000 | $1,386 | $696 |
Geico
Geico is a well-known insurer and one of the more financially secure car insurance providers. It offers policyholders robust online and mobile app options and has relatively low annual averages for auto insurance. While Geico has many advantages, some customers complain that it offers fewer add-on coverage options than competitors.
Mercury
Mercury has been in the insurance business for over 60 years and has some of the lowest rates on our list for the Chicago area. It maintains a strong presence of local agents in areas served and offers competitive rates and comprehensive digital tools for policy management. Mercury is currently only active in 11 states and does not sell auto insurance outside of those states.
Secura
Secura is a lesser-known insurance company, but it may be a viable option for some drivers. Secura frequently offers low rates, and the company takes pride in upholding a high social responsibility standard. While the company provides competitive rates on bundled policies, it only sells bundled policies. Secura does not sell auto insurance on its own; instead, it must be purchased in conjunction with a home insurance policy.
State Farm
State Farm has previously received the 2021 StrongInsurance Award for auto, home, and life insurance due to excellent customer service, competitive rates, digital policy management tools, and easily accessible agents. Despite its many advantages, the company does not provide 24-hour customer service.
Erie
Erie has slightly higher average rates than some of the other cities on our list, but it still outperforms the statewide and national averages. Furthermore, this company ranks highly in the 2022 J.D. Power customer satisfaction study. Nonetheless, Erie Insurance is only available in 12 states and offers few options for online or mobile policy and claim management.
How to get and keep the cheapest car insurance in Chicago
Aside from reading reviews, there are a few tips and tricks to help you find and keep cheap car insurance in Chicago.
- Shop around for insurance. When shopping for a new policy, getting quotes from several companies can be beneficial. Average rates are useful, but they can be misleading because so many personal variables go into calculating any given person's rate. You can determine which company will provide the cheapest car insurance for you by obtaining multiple quotes based on your information.
- Drive smart and safe. Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the more direct ways to keep your insurance costs low. The more moving violations you avoid, the lower your rates tend to be. There are exceptions, and it varies by company, but in general, insurers charge lower premiums to drivers who are less likely to be involved in accidents or receive tickets. Furthermore, many insurers provide a discount to drivers who have not filed a claim in the previous two to three years.