Best Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois 2024
GEICO stands out as the best car insurance provider for college students in Illinois.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
I invested hours analyzing quotes from different insurance providers to determine the best car insurance for college students in Illinois. GEICO stood out for its affordable rates and excellent full coverage options.
Illinois college students in need of minimum coverage or exceptional customer service should consider State Farm, which performed well in these areas. Progressive was identified as the top choice for drivers with past accidents or violations.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Illinois 2024
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Students seeking minimum coverage should consider companies that have a reputation for supporting their policyholders. State Farm stands out for its personalized approach and affordable rates for young drivers.
State Farm is known for its efficient claims process and personalized customer service. Illinois college students should expect to spend about $1,512 on a minimum coverage policy from State Farm.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Exceptional customer service team
- Cost-effective rates for most college student groups
- High rate of policy renewals
- Tailored policy management with a broad local insurance presence ✓
- Limited policy customization options compared to larger providers
- Does not offer gap insurance coverage ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Opting for a minimum coverage policy can cut costs but might leave you at risk if an accident occurs. These low-cost plans only cover the state-required minimum insurance, which could result in out-of-pocket expenses for anything beyond that coverage.
Minimum coverage policies are a practical option for college students, providing the required insurance to drive legally and maintaining low costs.
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For college students purchasing auto insurance for the first time, cost is usually a top priority. GEICO offers young drivers both reliable coverage and an affordable rate of approximately $1,524 per year.
GEICO has been a top auto insurance provider for many years, continuing to offer some of the best rates and customer service in the industry. The company has also strengthened its digital capabilities with an intuitive mobile app and website that allow for easy account management and updates.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Best rates in the industry for college students
- Offers multiple discounts for students
- Mobile app and website focused on customer convenience
- Above-average satisfaction among customers ✓
- Limited local agent presence
- Missing gap and rideshare insurance coverage ✘
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Since full coverage insurance costs more than minimum coverage, it’s important to select a provider like GEICO that offers competitive rates. Illinois college students generally pay approximately $2,104 per year for full coverage with GEICO.
GEICO isn’t just known for its affordable coverage; it also leads in technological advancements. Policyholders benefit from a website designed for easy and rapid updates to account information.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Provides accident forgiveness for policyholders
- Offers discounts through a usage-based program
- Affordable full coverage options for college students
- Customer satisfaction is above average ✓
- Lacks add-ons for new car replacement and rideshare insurance
- Bundle discounts aren’t as competitive as other providers
- Limited local agent presence ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Students who commute or drive frequently for work should consider full coverage insurance over minimum coverage. Full coverage plans offer additional safeguards, including liability, comprehensive, and collision protection.
While full coverage policies deliver enhanced protection, they also incur higher costs. It’s essential to weigh the additional insurance benefits against the increased monthly premiums.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Even though Progressive Insurance wasn’t the most affordable for standard coverage, it was the best choice for Illinois college students with driving violations. Whether due to a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided cost-effective insurance.
Most college students with driving violations spend approximately $1,572 each year on auto insurance coverage.
Progressive includes additional coverage options, like rideshare coverage, which is beneficial for college students working part-time with DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers rideshare add-on coverage
- Pays for vet expenses if your pet is injured in an accident and you carry collision insurance
- Affordable pricing for drivers with traffic violations ✓
- Customer service is about average
- Loyalty ratings from customers are below average ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Monthly insurance premiums can rise significantly after a driving violation, no matter the driver’s age. College students, who are already considered high-risk, may face an even larger increase after an accident or ticket.
One way to soften the effects of a driving violation is to partner with a company like Progressive, which is known for insuring drivers with a history of tickets or accidents.
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅If you’re a college student with questions about your auto insurance, you’re not alone. While many insurers offer apps and websites for support, Auto-Owners Insurance offers direct access to a live agent. This personal touch can make the slightly higher premium worthwhile.
The company not only delivers excellent customer service but also provides several discount options to lower expenses. College students can expect an annual cost of about $1,740 for coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Known for delivering great customer service
- Emphasizes personal connections with local agents
- Flexible plans with various discount options
- Features accident forgiveness and decreasing deductibles ✓
- Restricted to 26 states
- No online tools for policy management
- Quotes are only available through agents ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅While it’s often thought that high-quality customer service means higher costs, this isn’t necessarily true, especially with car insurance providers in Illinois. Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm both receive high marks for customer satisfaction and offer affordable plans for college students.
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Low-mileage policies and discounts can greatly reduce car insurance rates for college students. State Farm stands out for its affordability, with policies usually costing around $1,512 annually.
State Farm stands out for its excellent customer service and financial reliability, making it a solid choice for college students looking for their first auto insurance policy.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Low-mileage drivers can benefit from a generous usage-based discount program.
- Praised for its excellent customer service.
- Enjoys high rates of policyholder renewals and retention.
- Strong financial ratings from AM Best and other independent agencies. ✓
- Missing additional coverage for rideshare drivers and gap insurance.
- May be pricier for drivers with less-than-stellar credit. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan to drive often while at school, you don’t need to spend more on insurance than necessary. You’ll still be required to have the state minimum coverage, but you can find discounts and affordable policies that match your low-mileage usage.
Insurance companies often offer discounts on low-mileage policies for drivers who keep their annual mileage under a set threshold. This threshold typically ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 miles per year, depending on the provider.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Illinois – By City
| City | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $2,880 | $240 |
| Aurora | $2,305 | $192 |
| Naperville | $2,220 | $185 |
| Joliet | $2,388 | $199 |
| Rockford | $2,172 | $181 |
| Springfield | $2,112 | $176 |
Average Rates For 18 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $311 |
| State Farm | $185 |
| Allstate | $240 |
| Auto-Owners | $146 |
| Progressive | $270 |
Average Car Insurance Rates For 19 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $170 |
| State Farm | $158 |
| Travelers | $166 |
| Auto-Owners | $130 |
| Allstate | $201 |
Average Rates For 20 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $140 |
| GEICO | $159 |
| Travelers | $145 |
| Progressive | $165 |
| Auto-Owners | $120 |
Average Auto Insurance Rates For 21 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $115 |
| State Farm | $123 |
| Travelers | $126 |
| GEICO | $130 |
| Progressive | $128 |
Average Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $126 |
| Auto-Owners | $115 |
| Progressive | $131 |
| GEICO | $127 |
| Allstate | $145 |
Average Rates For 23 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $115 |
| State Farm | $102 |
| Progressive | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $96 |
| Allstate | $130 |
Average Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $93 |
| Travelers | $105 |
| GEICO | $98 |
| Progressive | $100 |
| Allstate | $116 |
Average Rates For 25 Year Old College Students In Illinois
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $118 |
| Travelers | $89 |
| GEICO | $98 |
| State Farm | $85 |
| Progressive | $91 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| Auto-Owners | $115 | $106 |
| State Farm | $123 | $101 |
| Travelers | $126 | $120 |
| GEICO | $130 | $130 |
| Progressive | $128 | $130 |
Common Auto Insurance Claims In Illinois
In Illinois, auto insurance claims generally fall into four common types:
- Collision Claims (5.8 per 100 years of vehicle life)
- Property Damage Claims (3.36 per 100 years of vehicle life)
- Comprehensive Claims (2.81 per 100 years of vehicle life)
- Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 per 100 years of vehicle life)
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Illinois
Unfortunately, college students often face much higher car insurance rates than drivers in their mid to late 20s. If staying on a parent or guardian’s policy isn’t an option, you’ll need to look for ways to cut down your monthly premium.
These strategies will offer guidance on how to make car insurance more budget-friendly.
Used vs. New
It’s common for parents to buy new cars for their children as graduation gifts. Even though newer vehicles can be more fuel-efficient, they often cost more to insure. Insurance premiums are higher for new cars because of their higher repair and replacement costs.
Affiliation Discounts
For many students, engaging in campus clubs and organizations enhances their university experience. These groups can also provide extra advantages, like special discounts. Depending on your car insurance provider, being involved in a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni group could help decrease your monthly premium.
Student Discounts
Student discounts for good grades are well-known, but college students can also benefit from various other discounts, such as:
- Safe driving discount
- Away-from-home college student discount
- Driver’s education completion discount
Security And Safety Improvements
This tip is applicable to all drivers, not just college students, unlike some of the other strategies. Insurance providers frequently offer reduced premiums if you enhance your vehicle’s safety and security with devices or upgrades.
For example, equipping your car with anti-theft systems, such as a car alarm, might lower your insurance premium by up to 5%.
Temporary Car Insurance
While temporary coverage isn’t available from all car insurance providers, it can be an ideal solution for college students who don’t plan to drive frequently.
Temporary auto insurance policies in Illinois usually cover a six-month period, with the flexibility to cancel when the term ends. This helps college students avoid paying for unneeded coverage while in school and is perfect for those studying abroad for a semester.
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
Even though insurance guidelines are usually clear, the need for your own policy as a college student depends on several factors. We’ll explore when you can stay on your family’s plan and when you might need to secure your own coverage.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
The main reason a college student would need their own car insurance is if they move to a new address. Once they have a permanent address that’s different from their parents’, they are required to get a new policy.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
Unlike health insurance, which has an age cap for children on their parent’s plan, car insurance doesn’t impose such a limit. Children who live at home or use their parents’ address while at college can stay on their family’s auto insurance policy.
Try Usage-Based Car Insurance
Usage-based car insurance works much like telematics by tracking a driver’s behavior, but it also offers an additional feature that college students find especially appealing.
By driving less throughout the year, you can receive discounts and lower premiums with usage-based car insurance. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a great way to find affordable coverage if your vehicle stays parked in the dorm lot or at home for much of the school year.
How To Get Discounts
Car insurance tends to be costly for college students, especially if you have a history of tickets or accidents. Carrier-provided discounts can help reduce the cost of your coverage.
Every car insurance company has its own array of discounts for policyholders. Here are a few you should explore before selecting a plan:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
Finding creative ways to save on car insurance is important for college students. Using telematics is one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly premium.
Telematics are tools that insurance companies use to monitor your driving. The safer you drive, the better your rates, and the higher your chances of getting discounts for safe driving.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Illinois
Buying your first auto insurance policy as a college student can be daunting. However, platforms like Insuranceopedia ease the process and make it more enjoyable.
Although these sites help you compare rates from multiple insurance companies, having the right information available is essential. Below is a step-by-step overview to help you purchase your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Collect all relevant information like your vehicle details, driver’s licenses, policyholder info, and driving history in advance.
Step 2: Determine the level of insurance you’ll need under Illinois law.
Step 3: Decide if you want to buy insurance online or through a local agent.
Step 4: Compare at least three insurance quotes from different companies.
Step 5: Buy your new insurance policy and let your old provider know about the switch.
Our Methodology
To discover the lowest car insurance rates for college students in Illinois, we analyzed data from various car insurance review sites, including those that used rate information from public filings via Quadrant Information Services. Our team, with 25 years of collective insurance experience, also assessed each provider. Please note that while the rates provided in this guide are accurate, premiums can change from day to day and may vary depending on the driver.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in Illinois?
While GEICO offers the most cost-effective coverage for college students, Progressive and State Farm are also worth looking into based on your driving history and coverage requirements in Illinois.
Do college students need car insurance in Illinois?
Illinois law requires all drivers to have car insurance. College students can either stay covered under their parents’ policy while residing at home or obtain their own insurance when they move out.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Illinois?
For younger drivers in Illinois, car insurance is typically more costly. College students often have better rates than 16-year-olds but still pay significantly more than 25-year-olds.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
If you’re planning to add a college student to your family insurance plan, you should consult with your insurance provider before the student heads off to college. Most carriers will require the student’s new zip code and confirmation that their main address is still the family home. There could be additional requirements for students studying out-of-state.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
While you’re still living with your parents, you can benefit from staying on their car insurance policy. However, once you move out and get a new permanent address, you will no longer be able to stay on their auto policy.
