State Farm, COUNTRY Financial, Allstate, Travelers and GEICO are the strongest starting points for most Illinois households, with Progressive a good benchmark for auto and USAA the pick for military families. Illinois is an at-fault state, so the other driver’s insurer pays when they cause a crash, and uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory.
This guide is for Illinois drivers and homeowners, from Chicago condos and two-flats to suburban split-levels and farm properties downstate. Illinois is home to some of the country’s best-known insurers, but a familiar name is not a reason to skip comparison shopping. We narrowed the field using AM Best financial strength ratings, complaint information and the complaint process run by the Illinois Department of Insurance, claims reputation, and whether the company actively writes home and auto policies in Illinois.
The state’s risk profile is distinct. Severe spring and summer storms bring hail, damaging wind and tornadoes, Chicago-area basements are prone to water backup during heavy rain, and dozens of counties sit above old underground coal mines. For a national comparison, see our guide to the best insurance companies in America.
Best Insurance Companies in Illinois at a Glance
| Company | Best for | AM Best rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Agent support in every corner of the state | A+ (Superior) | AM Best lowered the group from A++ to A+ in November 2025, outlook stable. |
| COUNTRY Financial | Downstate and rural households | A+ (Superior) | Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois; AM Best affirmed its property/casualty and life ratings in August 2026. |
| Allstate | Bundles and optional add-ons | A+ (Superior) | Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois; rating affirmed in 2025. |
| Travelers | Home, auto and umbrella through independent agents | A++ (Superior) | Strong choice for higher-value suburban homes. |
| GEICO | Price-focused auto shoppers | A++ (Superior) | Rating affirmed by AM Best in April 2026. |
| Progressive | Online quotes, drivers with tickets | A+ (Superior) | Useful benchmark for nearly every auto shopper. |
| USAA | Military members and veterans | A++ (Superior) | Membership is limited to the military community and eligible family. |
Best Home Insurance in Illinois
Wind and hail are among the biggest threats to an Illinois home. A single storm can damage roofs, siding, gutters and cars across an entire suburb, and repeated hail claims can raise your price or limit your options at renewal. That makes the wind and hail deductible on your declarations page one of the most important numbers to check. Some policies use a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount, which can mean a much larger out-of-pocket cost than you expect.
For most homes, State Farm, COUNTRY Financial, Allstate and Travelers are worth quoting side by side. COUNTRY is especially relevant outside the Chicago area, while independent agents can add Travelers and regional carriers to the mix. Chicago owners of older brick two-flats and bungalows should pay close attention to water backup coverage, because sewer backup is a common basement claim and it is usually an add-on rather than standard coverage. Our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers water damage explains where the lines are drawn.
Condo owners in Chicago high-rises and townhome communities should read their association’s master policy before buying a unit-owner policy. The gap between what the building covers and what you must insure yourself, such as interior finishes, upgrades and loss assessments, varies widely from one association to the next. Renters should not skip coverage either: a renters policy protects belongings and adds personal liability for a small premium, and it can be bundled with auto for a discount.
Roof age matters a great deal in a hail state. Before you shop, find out when the roof was replaced and what material it uses, because many carriers ask, and some settle older roofs on an actual cash value basis instead of full replacement cost. Ask each company how it pays roof claims so you can compare like with like.
Mine subsidence coverage
Illinois has a statewide mine subsidence program backed by the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. In 34 counties where most underground mining took place, including Madison, St. Clair, Sangamon, Peoria, LaSalle and Williamson, mine subsidence coverage is automatically included in residential property policies unless you decline it in writing. In the remaining counties it is optional, and you can add it through your agent. If you are buying a home anywhere near former coal country, keep this coverage in place.
When the regular market says no
Illinois has a FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) that offers basic property and homeowners insurance to residents who cannot get coverage elsewhere. A new state law, Public Act 104-0645, takes effect on January 1, 2027. It requires insurers that cancel or non-renew a policy with fire and extended coverage, other than for nonpayment or arson, to tell the homeowner about FAIR Plan eligibility, and it requires applications to go through an Illinois-licensed agent registered with the plan.
Best Car Insurance in Illinois
Illinois law sets these minimum auto coverages, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance:
- Bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $20,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Illinois is an at-fault state that follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault, and your recovery is reduced by your share of the blame. If you are found 20% responsible, for example, the other driver’s insurer may pay only 80% of your damages. That is why collision coverage and higher liability limits matter: a dispute over fault can leave part of the bill with you. See how much car insurance you need for practical limits.
Chicago drivers usually see different prices than drivers in Peoria or Carbondale, so always compare quotes for your exact ZIP code. GEICO and Progressive are good first quotes if you are comfortable managing a policy online. State Farm, COUNTRY and Allstate are worth quoting together if you want a local agent and plan to bundle with a home or renters policy. Our list of insurance discounts most people miss can cut the final price further.
Best Life Insurance Options in Illinois
Two Illinois-based names are strong options for life coverage. COUNTRY Life Insurance Company carries an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, affirmed in August 2026, and State Farm Life was also rated A+ (Superior) after AM Best’s November 2025 action. New York Life, rated A++ (Superior), is another option for buyers who want whole life from a large mutual company.
Before choosing, read our list of the best life insurance companies. If you are over 60, see life insurance for seniors.
How to Choose an Insurer in Illinois
- Check financial strength. Favor carriers rated A- or better by AM Best, and note recent rating changes.
- Look up complaint data. Use the NAIC complaint index for the exact company named on your quote, not only the brand.
- Verify your agent. Confirm the agent or producer is licensed with the Illinois Department of Insurance before paying.
- Read the wind and hail deductible and ask for the dollar figure if it is a percentage.
- Confirm mine subsidence and water backup coverage on your declarations page.
- Know how to complain. Complaints to the Department must be in writing, through its online help center, by email, fax or mail. Its consumer assistance line is (866) 445-5364. The insurer has 21 days to respond, and the Department says to allow four to six weeks for the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance required in Illinois?
Illinois requires bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability of $20,000, and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Is Illinois a no-fault state?
No. Illinois is an at-fault state that uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I need mine subsidence insurance in Illinois?
In 34 counties, mine subsidence coverage is automatically included in residential property policies unless you decline it in writing. In other counties it is optional and can be added through your agent.
How do I file an insurance complaint in Illinois?
Contact the insurer first and keep records. If that fails, submit a written complaint to the Illinois Department of Insurance through its online help center, by email, fax or mail. The consumer assistance line is (866) 445-5364.
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This article is for general information only and is not insurance or legal advice. Ratings and availability change; confirm with the insurer and your state insurance department.
