Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Illinois

Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for a bad driving record?

Drivers with a poor record in Illinois will find the lowest rates from Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA), Travelers and Progressive. Among these, Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) provides the lowest annual premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. at $1,576 annually.

If you have accidents, DUIs or traffic tickets on your driving record, you'll likely pay higher insurance rates. Most traffic violations can impact your rates for three to five years, while a DUI can raise your rates for up to 10 years and may remain on your record for life.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for high-risk driver
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$1,576
Travelers	$1,119	$1,681
Progressive	$1,412	$2,031
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$2,069
GEICO	$1,178	$2,355
State Farm	$1,633	$2,626
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$2,870
Allstate	$2,742	$3,952
USAA	$1,745	$2,648

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How much is high-risk car insurance in Illinois?

In Illinois, the average cost of high-risk car insurance is $2,409 per year. However, you may secure coverage from Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) for as low as $1,576 annually. Even with a problematic driving record or poor credit score, affordable policies are available.

Several factors can classify you as a high-risk driver, but some raise your premiums more than others. For example, receiving multiple speeding tickets or getting one for speeding in a school zone will boost your rates more than a single basic speeding ticket.

Keep reading as we break down the factors that make you a high-risk driver and what you can expect to pay for car insurance.

Average annual car insurance rate for At-fault bodily injury accident in Illinois, IL is $2,429

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Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after violation
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$1,258
Travelers	$1,119	$1,673
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$1,825
State Farm	$1,633	$1,881
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$2,015
GEICO	$1,178	$2,039
Progressive	$1,412	$2,238
Allstate	$2,742	$5,071

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Average annual rate

PEOPLE ASK:

Who is considered a high-risk driver in Illinois?

Each insurance company has its own rules for deciding who is a high-risk driver. But usually, things like a DUI, several tickets or accidents, or serious violations like reckless driving will put you in the high-risk category.

What company offers the cheapest car insurance in Illinois after a DUI?

While many insurers offer coverage after a DUI, Progressive has the lowest rate at $1,728 a year.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major traffic violation that will hurt your driving record. It can increase auto insurance rates for almost a decade in addition to fines and other penalties. Multiple DUIs will increase your premiums even more, but improving your driving habits can help you get better rates over time.

The table below shows the average car insurance rates for a clean record vs. a DUI in Illinois.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for a DUI
Progressive	$1,412	$1,728
State Farm	$1,633	$1,741
Travelers	$1,119	$1,759
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$2,090
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$2,382
GEICO	$1,178	$2,657
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$2,738
Allstate	$2,742	$4,343
USAA	$1,745	$3,727

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Cheapest car insurance in Illinois with multiple tickets

For drivers with multiple tickets, Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) offers the lowest premiums, averaging $1,223 per year or $102 per month.

A single ticket can raise your car insurance premiums, but multiple tickets will push them even higher. Repeatedly violating speed limits and other traffic laws signals risky behavior, increasing the likelihood that insurers will have to pay claims.

This table shows drivers in Illinois how much having multiple tickets can raise their insurance premiums.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium with a speeding ticket
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$1,223
Travelers	$1,119	$1,607
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$1,648
State Farm	$1,633	$1,741
Progressive	$1,412	$1,981
GEICO	$1,178	$2,119
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$2,292
Allstate	$2,742	$3,630
USAA	$1,745	$2,227

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Key insight

Two minor tickets can sometimes cost you more on insurance in the end than one major violation.

Which company offers the cheapest insurance for reckless driving in Illinois?

Erie Insurance offers the most affordable rates for drivers with reckless driving convictions, averaging $1,648 per year.

Engaging in driving behaviors that put others at risk can lead to a reckless driving charge. A conviction for reckless driving results in higher car insurance rates.

The table below compares car insurance premiums for drivers with a clean record and those with a reckless driving conviction.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for reckless driving
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$1,648
State Farm	$1,633	$1,741
Travelers	$1,119	$1,759
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$2,090
Progressive	$1,412	$2,116
GEICO	$1,178	$2,657
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$2,738
Allstate	$2,742	$4,343
USAA	$1,745	$2,491

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Key insight

A reckless driving conviction can limit your car insurance options and significantly raise rates, so shopping around is critical.

Company has the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Illinois?

The cheapest Illinois insurer for bad credit is Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA), with rates averaging $1,614 annually or $135 monthly. Fortunately, drivers with bad credit can still find affordable auto insurance.

Although unrelated to your performance behind the wheel, your credit score also impacts car insurance rates and can put you in the high-risk category. To an insurance company, high-risk means more likely to file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing., and statistically, drivers with a low credit score fit that description.

Check out the table below to see how your credit score affects Illinois car insurance.

Company	Annual premium for good credit	Annual premium for bad credit
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$1,614
Travelers	$1,119	$1,745
Progressive	$1,412	$2,398
GEICO	$1,178	$2,461
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$3,437
Allstate	$2,742	$4,137
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$4,291
State Farm	$1,633	$7,048
USAA	$1,745	$2,989

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What company has the cheapest car insurance in Illinois after an accident?

Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) has the lowest rates after an accident at $1,258 a year. Travelers also has affordable rates at $1,626 a year.

Drivers with accidents on their driving records see higher rates than drivers who avoid crashes. While car insurance increases after one accident, multiple accidents significantly increase rates.

This table compares rates for drivers with a clean driving record, one at-fault accident, and multiple accidents.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for one at-fault accident	Annual premium for multiple accident
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$979	$1,258	$1,533
Travelers	$1,119	$1,626	$2,092
Auto-Owners	$1,426	$1,825	$2,172
State Farm	$1,633	$1,881	$1,881
Erie Insurance	$1,489	$2,015	$2,871
GEICO	$1,178	$2,039	$3,159
Progressive	$1,412	$2,238	$3,190
Allstate	$2,742	$5,071	$7,040
USAA	$1,745	$2,662	$4,131

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Key insight

Accident forgiveness programs can prevent rate increases, but eligibility varies by insurer, and often only minor accidents qualify.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Illinois?

Bloomington has the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois at $2,079 per year. But the most expensive city is Chicago with rates of $3,064 per year.

Your location in Illinois also matters. For example, if you live in an area with heavy traffic or a high vehicle theft rate, rates will reflect the increased chance of claims.

City	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for high-risk driver
Bloomington	$1,331	$2,079
Mount Carmel	$1,455	$2,217
Crystal Lake	$1,419	$2,240
Decatur	$1,482	$2,325
Aurora	$1,476	$2,328
Arlington Heights	$1,484	$2,351
Elgin	$1,502	$2,380
Crest Hill	$1,554	$2,449
Joliet	$1,574	$2,488
Des Plaines	$1,696	$2,698
Chicago	$1,930	$3,064

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How can high-risk drivers lower their car insurance rates in Illinois?

Finding affordable car insurance in Illinois is possible, even with a bad driving record. Ways to lower car insurance rates include:

Where you live in Illinois also affects car insurance rates. For example, if you live in a high-traffic or high-theft area, rates will increase because your vehicle is more likely to be damaged or stolen.

Carefully consider filing claims. Paying for minor damage out of pocket may be cheaper than filing an insurance claim and increasing rates for years.
Avoid costly infractions. Drive carefully to avoid adding traffic infractions to your record. Tickets only affect insurance rates for a few years, which will decrease if more tickets aren't added.
Improve your credit score. Raising your credit score lowers car insurance rates. Make on-time payments and consider credit usage to improve your rating.
Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer a discount for doing so, and some states remove driver's license points for successfully completing the class.
Shop around for coverage. Every car insurance company weighs factors differently and offers different rates. Compare quotes to find the cheapest rates.

PEOPLE ASK:

How long are you considered a high-risk driver in Illinois?

Three years is common, but how long you are considered a high-risk driver in California depends on the insurance company's guidelines. The state determines how long a violation stays on your record, but the insurance company determines how long you're charged for that violation.

What are Illinois's insurance requirements for high-risk drivers?

If you're a high-risk driver in Illinois, you may need to file an SR-22. Your insurer submits this form to confirm you carry the state's minimum required coverage. The court will specify how long you must maintain the SR-22.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance; it's simply a form. You don't need special coverage, but your premiums may be higher since you're classified as high risk. Additionally, not all insurance companies offer policies for high risk drivers or handle SR-22 filings.

Methodology

170+

insurance companies analyzed

34,000+

ZIP codes examined

$53M

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on: