Car Insurance For Teens In Illinois

Though State Farm ranks highest in our research, other car insurance companies in Illinois offer good options for teen drivers. USAA is recommended for military families, Allstate for those who drive less, State Farm for affordability, and GEICO for roadside assistance.

This article will guide you through the top insurance companies for Illinois teens, ensuring you find the best coverage at a price that fits your budget. Teens without the right insurance could face higher costs and inadequate protection. With over 15 years in the insurance industry as a licensed agent, I’ve seen how essential it is to make an informed choice for your young driver.

Average Teenage Car Insurance Rates In Illinois – By City

Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive For Teens?

The reason car insurance is pricey for teens is largely due to their inexperience behind the wheel and the higher chance of accidents. Teen drivers are statistically more accident-prone compared to older drivers, so insurance companies charge higher premiums to manage the increased risk.

Key Reasons For High Costs

1. Lack of Experience: Teens have limited time behind the wheel, making them more prone to mistakes that could lead to accidents.
2. Higher Accident Rates: Statistics reveal that teens, particularly males, have higher accident rates than any other age group, often due to risky behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and not using seat belts.
3. Greater Severity of Accidents: The severity of accidents involving teens can be greater because they lack experience in managing hazardous driving situations.
4. Immaturity: Teens are still maturing in their decision-making skills, which can lead to poor driving choices and higher insurance costs.
5. Expensive Claims: The high cost of repairing new vehicles or covering medical expenses after an accident results in higher premiums for policyholders.
6. Limited Credit History: Since teens usually have minimal or no credit history, which insurers consider when determining rates, they may face higher premiums.

What Affects Car Insurance Costs For Teens?

Different factors impact car insurance costs for teens, leading to higher premiums than those charged to older drivers. These factors include:

Age and Driving Experience:

• Teens with less driving experience are at higher risk for accidents, leading to increased insurance premiums.

Driving Record:

• Insurance costs are higher with a history of accidents or violations, while a clean driving record can help reduce rates.

Type of Vehicle:

• Sports and high-performance cars are typically more expensive to insure.
• Cars with advanced safety features might earn discounts.

Location:

• Higher insurance premiums are often found in urban areas with dense traffic and higher crime rates.

Coverage Levels:

• Full coverage is more costly than basic liability insurance.
• Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium but results in higher out-of-pocket costs when claims occur.

Credit History:

• While less important for teens, limited or poor credit history can contribute to higher insurance rates.

Gender:

• Young males often face higher premiums due to their increased likelihood of accidents.

Discounts and Programs:

• Good student and safe driving discounts can help lower insurance costs.

Policy Bundling:

• Adding a teen to a family policy is usually more cost-effective than a separate policy.

Car Insurance Discounts For Teens

Here are several standard car insurance discounts that teens can use to cut down on their insurance costs:

1. Good Student Discount

Teens who achieve a B average or 3.0 GPA can qualify for this discount. Insurers believe that students who do well in school are likely to be careful drivers.

2. Driver’s Education Discount

Completing a driver’s ed course can lead to discounts on insurance premiums. These courses teach safe driving, which can lower accident risks.

3. Safe Driving Discount

Some insurers offer discounts to teens with a clean driving record, with no accidents or violations.

4. Safe Driver Programs

Programs like State Farm’s Steer Clear® or GEICO’s DriveEasy reward teens for safe driving, often requiring participation in a monitored course or app.

5. Low Mileage Discount

Teens who don’t drive frequently may be eligible for a low mileage discount, which is ideal for those who only drive occasionally.

6. Student Away Discount

If your teen is attending school over 100 miles from home and doesn’t regularly use a car, some insurers offer discounts since the car is less likely to be driven.

7. Bundling Policies

Adding your teen to an existing family policy or bundling with other insurance types, like homeowners, can result in a discount.

8. AccidentFree Discount

Teens who maintain a clean driving record without accidents over a certain period may qualify for this discount.

9. Early Renewal Discount

Insurance companies sometimes offer discounts for renewing or signing up for a new policy before the current one expires.

10. UsageBased Programs

Programs like Progressive’s Snapshot® or Allstate’s Drivewise® monitor driving behavior and offer discounts based on safe driving.

11. Good Driver Discount

Young drivers who have kept a clean driving record for a few years may qualify for this discount.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens – By State