How can I get the best high-risk auto insurance in Illinois?

To get the best high-risk auto insurance in Illinois, you should compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies. The best high-risk auto insurance companies in Illinois are Erie, Country Financial, and Westfield because they offer the most competitive rates for high-risk drivers. You should also practice safe driving habits moving forward, so you can get even lower rates in the future.

Best High-Risk Auto Insurance Companies in Illinois

Note: Rates are an approximation based on the cheapest three companies in Illinois for a high-risk driver. Actual rates will vary.

High-risk auto insurance in Illinois costs an average of $1,513 per year and is typically for drivers with major violations, such as a DUI, on their driving record. High-risk drivers face higher rates because they are likely to cost insurers more than an average driver.

Exactly how much high-risk drivers in Illinois pay for auto insurance depends in part on why they are classified as high-risk. For instance, a driver with a DUI will pay more for auto insurance than a driver who received a speeding ticket for going 20 mph above the speed limit.

How Your Driving History Affects Your Premiums in Illinois

Note: Rates are an approximation based on a driver in Illinois with minimum coverage. Actual rates will vary.

Tips for Finding Affordable High-Risk Car Insurance in Illinois

• Comparison-shop. The best way to get affordable car insurance is to compare rates from at least three insurance companies. In Illinois, the average high-risk driver could pay anywhere from $709 to $3,399 for a policy, depending on their choice of insurer. That means drivers could save around $2,690 simply by comparing quotes. At a minimum, it's a good idea to comparison-shop for insurance three and five years after a traffic violation, so you can get a lower rate when the violation falls off your record.
• Avoid filing claims. Claims can dramatically increase your premium. In Illinois, a collision claim raises rates by $353, on average. Before filing a claim, calculate whether the cost of the damage exceeds your deductible plus the average premium surcharge.
• Switch to a practical car or go car-free. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others. Your car's make, model, year, safety features, and price tag all impact how much you'll pay. Consider a practical vehicle that's more affordable to insure if you're already high-risk. If the premium is still more than you can afford, you could switch to non-owner car insurance and go car-free for a while.
• Drive safely. The easiest way to avoid traffic violations is to obey traffic laws and drive safely. You can't undo the past, but you can make good choices now. Focus on keeping a clean driving record and consider a driver safety course to potentially lower your premiums right away.

Last-Resort Options for High-Risk Drivers in Illinois

If you've been denied coverage from traditional insurers, look into Illinois' assigned risk program. With assigned risk insurance, drivers who cannot get accepted normally are assigned to insurance companies that collectively pool together to take the risk of insuring them. It's a last resort, and you'll have to prove that you've tried and failed to get insurance multiple times to qualify.

In the end, the need for high-risk car insurance is a temporary situation. Serious violations like DUIs are on your record for life in Illinois, but most violations fall off your record within three to five years. No matter how long it takes, your high-risk status will eventually change with time if you can prove you're a safe and responsible driver again.