Car insurance rates differ between states and cities due to each area’s unique risk factors that insurance providers take into consideration when setting policy costs. Chicago drivers tend to pay more for coverage than drivers in rural towns; premiums within cities can differ based on vehicle make, model and year as well as driver age and other rating factors.

NerdWallet’s Illinois team conducted extensive analysis on average auto insurance rates by rating factor. These include coverage level, driving history and credit score; our analysis also looked at national averages of these factors – such as whether Chicago drivers tend to pay more because of higher risks associated with driving in large cities versus small towns.

Illinois drivers can save money by decreasing their coverage levels to the minimum required by state law, but this compromises financial protection in case of an accident. To mitigate this potential drawback, drivers can consider increasing their deductible; although this will increase monthly rates but decrease overall annual rates.

Another strategy for lowering Illinois car insurance rates is ensuring drivers possess excellent credit. Drivers who possess excellent scores typically save 14 percent when compared with drivers with poor ratings on average.

Drivers with clean driving records typically benefit from lower car insurance premiums in their state. On average, an at-fault accident can increase rates by 27% above state average while DUI can raise them up to 86% more on average.

Car insurance rates in any given state depend heavily on the make and model of vehicle a driver chooses to drive. Luxury models, for instance, often cost more to insure due to higher repair and replacement costs; drivers could save money by opting for less costly options instead.

There are other ways of lowering car insurance premiums in Illinois, such as getting multiple quotes from multiple providers and comparing what discounts each one provides. Illinois drivers can utilize additional resources like NerdWallet’s Car Insurance Calculator to find the cheapest rate available to them based on their individual situation. By taking time and research options available to them, Illinois motorists may save themselves significant sums in auto premium costs over time. People denied car insurance on the voluntary market due to prior collision or DUI incidents may seek coverage through their state’s high-risk pool. Illinois state laws mandate all vehicle owners carry minimum bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. For more information on Illinois car insurance requirements, visit NerdWallet’s guide on its laws.