Best Chicago, IL Auto Insurance in 2024

You have lots of things to do as a responsible adult. Keep the house clean, feed the kids (and the dog, maybe), work a full-time job, eat a healthy diet, exercise, keep a social life, and somehow get eight hours of sleep every night.

We get it. If being a full-time adult isn’t as easy as you thought, then shouldn’t finding car insurance in Chicago, Illinois be easier?

Listen: we’re not here for the tricks and gimmicks. We just want to help you find car insurance quickly and easily.

We won’t ask for your phone number 685 times and we won’t connect you with a million car insurance agents who will keep you in their system until the end of time. We’re not going to call you, either.

Instead of hopelessly searching for hours on end on the internet, all you have to do is spend 15 minutes or less with us as we take you through our trusted guide.

We’ve partnered with some of the best car insurance experts out there to bring you the most accurate information about car insurance in Chicago, Illinois. These experts include the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Once you’re finished reading our guide, you’ll have all the information you’ll need about car insurance in Chicago, Illinois.

From car insurance rates to car accident statistics, we’ve got it all.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as we dive right in.

Are you ready to start comparing car insurance rates right now? Use our free tool by entering your zip code in the box above.

The Cost of Car Insurance in Chicago

We’re not here to mess around. We know that many drivers go with a car insurance company because of an inexpensive rate, so that’s why car insurance rates are what we want to talk about first.

But how do you answer that very question? How much does car insurance cost?

We can’t solve that question with one simple answer. Car insurance rates are influenced by many different factors.

To see what those factors are, keep reading.

Male vs. Female vs. Age

Did you know that gender, age, and marital status can affect your car insurance premium?

That’s right — these are just a few things that can influence how much you pay for car insurance in Chicago, Illinois, per year.

What does the data show for the city of Chicago?

According to an article by Data USA, the median age in Chicago, Illinois is 34.6 years of age.

This tells us car insurance companies won’t heavily increase your rate, because the average age is almost 10 years higher than 25 years of age.

Let’s take a closer look at how factors like your age and gender could affect the rates carriers assess for your policy in Chicago, Illinois.

As you can see from the table above, drivers who are 60-years-old usually have the cheapest car insurance rate. This could be attributed to the fact that they are more likely to have the most driving experience and are the least likely age group to be involved in an accident.

Besides your age, gender is another huge factor that insurers take into account when assessing the rates you will be expected to pay.

On average, men spend about $4,535.54 per year on their car insurance policy while women spend $4,277.54 per year for the same policy. This means men pay about $250 more per year for car insurance than women do.

But now let’s put all of these statistics together in the table below: marital status, age, and gender.

From the data above, we can tell that single, 17-year-old males usually have the most expensive car insurance rate.

We can see that married people tend to pay less for car insurance than single people do. This is because car insurance companies believe people who are married are usually more responsible individuals. They are more likely to pay their bills every month and on time.

If you’re discouraged by these statistics, don’t be. If you have a teen living in your house, just know that their rate will go down the older they get if they keep a clean driving record.

Read More: How to Teach Your Teen to Drive

Cheapest ZIP Codes in Chicago

Did you know that your place of residence can also affect your car insurance rate?

Some areas in your city might be more prone to crime or natural disasters, and this is why ZIP codes are important when figuring out your car insurance rate.

Can you find your ZIP code in the table below?

As you may have noticed, there’s a $1,500 difference from the cheapest rate on this list to the most expensive rate.

This data shows that it might be worth it to consider living in a cheaper area of Chicago.

What’s the best car insurance company in Chicago?

When comparing car insurance rates from multiple companies, it’s important to know that not all car insurance companies are created equal.

In other words, while one company might adjust a rate based on the client’s driving record, another company might care more about a client’s credit score or place of residency.

On the other hand, one company might have a more expensive rate because they are a more trusted company or they have a good reputation. Another company might have a lower rate because they are just getting started and need a way to pay the bills.

It’s also good to know that gender, marital status, and age aren’t the only factors that affect a car insurance rate.

To understand car insurance rates, you need to look at the company as a whole.

So what is the best car insurance company in Chicago? Keep reading to find out more.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by Company

The table below indicates the car insurance companies that charge the cheapest coverage rates in Chicago, Illinois.

From this table above, we can see that Liberty Mutual generally has the cheapest car insurance rate — it is even less expensive than USAA.

If you take nothing else away from this section, make sure you compare rates for your demographic; don’t just look at the cheapest rate.

Best Car Insurance for Commute Rates

How far you drive every day can also affect your rate.

According to the Federal Highway Administration’s 2014 Licensed Drivers By State report, Illinois drivers drove an average of 12,528 miles in the state that year.

Check out the table below to find out which car insurance companies have the cheapest rates for people who commute long distances.

If you regularly drive long distances, it might benefit you to check out rates with Liberty Mutual.

Best Car Insurance for Coverage Level Rates

Your coverage level could also affect the cost of your car insurance premium.

But what does that mean?

If you buy more car insurance than what is required by the state, your provider might cut you a break on the cost of a full coverage policy.

Check out the table below to see what we mean.

Look at American Family’s rates, for example. For just a few hundred dollars more per year, you could go from having low coverage to high coverage.

If you have low coverage, you might have minimum liability coverage. If you have high coverage, you might have a comprehensive policy.

Long story short, if you can afford to spend a few hundred dollars more on your car insurance policy per year, you could save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Best Car Insurance for Credit History Rates

How does your credit history affect your car insurance rate?

Some car insurance companies can and will increase your car insurance premium if you have a poor credit history.

Look at the table below to see how credit history can influence a car insurance premium.

As you probably guessed, if you have poor credit, your rate will be significantly higher than someone who has great credit.

Allstate charges up to $3,000 or more per year to somone who has bad credit.

At the end of the day, know that credit history can affect more than just an interest rate or a loan term.

Best Car Insurance for Driving Record Rates

It shouldn’t be a shock that your driving record is often the most important factor a car insurance company looks at when putting a rate together.

The table below reveals exactly how much your rates could change based on your driving record.

Getting one DUI can increase your car insurance rate by thousands of dollars.

Some providers might charge you more or less than others, but no matter how you look at it, you’re definitely going to wind up paying more money for your car insurance per year if you break the law by getting a DUI or a speeding ticket.

If you’re convicted of a DUI or you get into a car accident, check out Liberty Mutual or Nationwide, as they only increase your rate by a few hundred dollars per year.

Car Insurance Factors in Chicago

Multiple factors can affect your car insurance rate. Until you’ve learned about every single one of them, it’s not a good idea to switch providers.

Stay tuned as we discuss more factors that can influence your car insurance rate.

Metro Report – Growth and Prosperity

Let’s take a look at the growth and prosperity rate of Chicago, Illinois, according to the Brookings Metro Report.

Prosperity:

• Productivity: + 2 percent (15th of 100)
• Standard of Living: + 3 percent (11th of 100)
• Average Annual Wage: + 1 percent (46th of 100)

Growth:

• Jobs: + 0.8 percent (72nd of 100)
• Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP): + 2.8 percent (38th of 100)
• Jobs at Young Firms: + 0.9 percent (74th of 100)

From 2016 to 2017, Chicago saw improvement in both categories of growth and prosperity.

Median Household Income

According to the Data USA, the median household income in Chicago, Illinois, is $55,295.

Chicago’s median household income is less than the median annual income of $60,336 across the entire United States. This is in comparison to a median income of $53,006 in 2016, which represents a 4.32 percent annual growth.

What does this mean in practical terms for auto insurance premiums?

The average cost of auto insurance in Chicago is $4,533.26. This means that approximately 8.1 percent of the average worker’s income is going straight to car insurance premiums.

Homeownership in Chicago

Owning a home can also help you save money on your car insurance policy. While you might think that the two subjects have nothing to do with each other, insurance providers believe that people who own their own homes are usually more responsible and are more likely to be low-risk clients.

In 2017, 44.9 percent of the housing units in Chicago, Illinois, were occupied by their owners. This percentage grew from the previous year’s rate of 43.7 percent.

This percentage of owner-occupation is lower than the national average of 63.9 percent.

In 2017, the median property value in Chicago, Illinois, grew to $255,900 from the previous year’s value of $243,900.

Education in Chicago

Chicago has several great universities and colleges. In 2016, universities in Chicago awarded 64,031 degrees.

The student population of Chicago, Illinois, is skewed toward women, with 95,638 male students and 129,670 female students.

Based on the 2016 stats acquired by Data USA, the largest universities in Chicago in terms of degrees conferred were the University of Illinois at Chicago, DePaul University, and DeVry University-Illinois.

The number of graduates, as well as the percentage of total degrees the largest Chicago educational institutions conferred in 2016, are as follows:

•  University of Illinois at Chicago — Graduates: 7,525. Degrees Conferred: 11.8 percent
•  DePaul University — Graduates: 6,428. Degrees Conferred: 10 percent
•  DeVry University-Illinois — Graduates: 6,038. Degrees Conferred: 9.43 percent

The most popular majors in Chicago, Illinois are:

• General Business Administration and Management — Degrees Awarded: 5,252, Percentage of Total Degrees Awarded: 8.2 percent
• Liberal Arts and Sciences — Degrees Awarded: 2,467, Percentage of Total Degrees Awarded: 3.85 percent
• Accounting — Degrees Awarded: 1,671, Percentage of Total Degrees Awarded: 2.61 percent

Other popular majors include general psychology and general biological sciences.

The median tuition costs in Chicago are $26,840 for private four-year colleges, and for public four-year colleges, the median tuition cost is $7,450 for in-state students and $14,907 for out-of-state students.

Wage by Race and Ethnicity in Common Jobs

How do race and ethnicity affect the wage rate in Chicago?

Look at the table below to see the wage rates for the different races listed, as well as the percentage of income that these races spend on their yearly car insurance policy.

It’s pretty crazy to see so many different salary rates for the same job across different ethnicities.

The data from the table above shows that some races spend up to 40 percent or more of their annual income on car insurance every year.

In 2017 the highest paid race/ethnicity of Illinois workers was Asian. These workers were paid 1.19 times more than white workers, who made the second-highest salary of any race/ethnicity.

Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

While some might not believe there really is a gender pay gap in the U.S., the data doesn’t lie.

Data USA said that in 2017, full-time male employees in Illinois made 1.37 times more than female employees.

Check out the numbers below.

• Average Male Salary: $72,886
• Average Female Salary: $53,388

This data shows that there is almost a $20,000 wage gap between genders. Even if male and female employees hold the exact same job title, the statistics reveal that male workers will still bring home a higher personal income.

The average annual cost of car insurance in Chicago, Illinois, is $4,533.

This means that men spend an average of 6.2 percent of their annual salary on car insurance and women spend an average of 8.4 percent of their annual salary for the same exact policy.

Poverty by Age and Gender

Let’s also look at key trends concerning age and gender on poverty rates.

At higher than the national average (13.4 percent), there is 20.6 percent of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Chicago, Illinois, (550,000 out of 2.67 million people) living below the poverty line.

The largest demographic living in poverty are females 25-34, followed by females 18-24 and then females 35-44.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished.

If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Poverty by Race and Ethnicity

What does Data USA have to say about poverty in Chicago?

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Chicago, Illinois, is black, followed by white and Hispanic.

Roughly 259,625 African Americans live in poverty in Chicago while there are 177,208 white people and 168,182 Hispanics also living in poverty in the city.

Employment by Occupations

From 2016 to 2017, employment in Chicago, Illinois, grew at a rate of 0.413 percent.

The most common job groups, by the number of people living in Chicago, Illinois, are office and administrative support occupations (157,795 people), management occupations (140,354 people), and sales and related occupations (135,431 people).

Compared to other places, Chicago has an unusually high number of residents working as legal occupations (1.68 times higher than expected), fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (1.45 times),  arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (1.44 times).

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Driving in Chicago

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to Chicago or if you’ve lived in the city your whole life: it’s always important to know the fastest routes through your city so that you can avoid traffic jams as well as maximize your gas savings potential.

Keep reading as we talk about the best driving routes in Chicago.

Roads in Chicago

From highways to old back roads and everything in between, we’ve got all your driving needs in Chicago, Illinois.

Buckle up — let’s get started.

Major Highways

Illinois has 24 active routes running through the state, comprising a total of 2,203.42 miles of roadway. These active interstates include:

• I-24
• I-39
• I-55
• I-57
• I-64
• I-70
• I-72
• I-74
• I-80
• I-88
• I-90
• I-94
• I-155
• I-255
• I-355
• I-270
• I-172
• I-474
• I-180
• I-280
• I-190
• I-290
• I-390
• I-490
• I-294
• I-494

According to TravelMidwest.com, travelers in the Chicago area, especially travelers new to the area, sometimes do not know the correspondence between expressway names and interstate highway numbers and have difficulty understanding why expressway directions are indicated the way they are.

The following is a cross-reference between interstate numbers and expressway names in the Chicago area:

• I-190: Kennedy Expressway
• I-290: Eisenhower Expressway
• I-294: Tri-State Tollway
• I-355: Veterans Memorial Tollway
• I-55: Stevenson Expressway
• I-57: (unnamed)
• I-80: Kingery Expressway, Tri-State Tollway, (unnamed)
• I-88: Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
• I-90: Chicago Skyway, Dan Ryan Expressway, Kennedy Expressway, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
• I-94: Kingery Expressway, Bishop Ford Memorial Freeway, Dan Ryan Expressway, Kennedy Expressway, Edens Expressway, Edens Expressway Spur, Tri-State Tollway

It’s important to know which roads are toll roads in Chicago.

The city of Chicago has several toll roads. Drivers can use an I-PASS to save them time and money while traveling through toll booths.

I-PASS is a prepaid electronic toll collection system that allows you to automatically pay tolls as you drive.

It keeps you moving through the open road tolling lanes along the Illinois Tollway — eliminating idle time, excessive braking, and the need to stop at toll plazas.

Every toll lane on the Illinois Tollway accepts I-PASS. You can also use it on the Chicago Skyway and the Indiana Toll Road.

You can also use it in any of the 17 states that accept E-ZPass.

Vehicles (including their trailers) that exceed four tires and two axles, and that are traveling on E-ZPass roads, must exchange their I-PASS transponder for the compatible E-ZPass “blue” transponder available at every Tollway Customer Service Center and at select Road Ranger outlets.

To see how you can purchase an I-Pass and view the costs of tolls in your area of Chicago, please visit IllinoisTollway.com.

Popular Road Trips/Sites

Without a doubt, there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do and places to see in the Windy City. In this next section, we want to point out some of those things to you.

The following information is brought to you by Trip Advisor.

• The Art Institute of Chicago: See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row. Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular modern wing.
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise: Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on a 60-minute cruise on the historic Chicago River. On this architecture cruise, head down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past Willis Tower.
• Breakfast in the Sky: Start your day with a breathtaking view of Chicago and a hearty breakfast on a glass-enclosed balcony 103 stories up. Ascend to the Skydeck of Willis Tower, the tallest building in the western hemisphere, and take your seat at a breakfast table 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground.
• Kingston Mines: Kingston Mines is a blues music nightclub with two rooms, two stages, and two bands and live music all night, 365 nights/year. We’re the home of Doc’s Rib Joint with ribs, wings, and more right in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park, on Chicago’s North Side.
• Wrigley Field: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour.

Road Conditions

The table below shows road conditions costs and percentages in Chicago, Illinois.

The table above shows that vehicle operating costs in Chicago were over $600 per driver.

For more information regarding road construction and traffic updates, please visit the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Does your city use speeding or red light cameras?

Chicago has more red light cameras, and revenue from them, than any other large city in America.

Chicago currently has 309 red light cameras in the city, according to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. At the peak of the program in 2010, there were 394.

Vehicles in Chicago

In this next section, we’ll talk about vehicle ownership statistics, the most popular vehicles owned in Chicago, speed traps, crime rates and more.

First, let’s talk about the most popular vehicle that is owned in Chicago.

Most Popular Vehicle Owned

According to an article by Your Mechanic, the most popular vehicle owned in Chicago is the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Officialdata.org says Chevrolet has manufactured models of Monte Carlo for 12 years. They average 19.3 combined miles per gallon, with the latest 2007 Monte Carlo above average at 22 combined MPG.

Government regulators estimate the fuel cost of the 2007 Monte Carlo to be $1,800 per year. This estimate is based on 15,000 miles driven — 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving — and regular gasoline.

Compared to other vehicles, you spend $1,750 more money over five years compared to an average vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted two recalls, zero investigations of reports of a defective product, and recorded 38 safety complaints filed against this vehicle.

How Many Cars Per Household

According to a recent article by Data USA, the average number of cars owned per household in Chicago is one.

This number is lower than the national average of two cars owned per household.

Households Without a Car

Even though most drivers in the city own at least one car, there are some Chicago residents who don’t own a car at all.

Check out this table below to see statistics about how many residents don’t own a car in Chicago.

From 2015-2016, the number of households without a car increased by 1 percent, from 26.5 percent to 27.5 percent.

However, the number of vehicles per household increased from 2015 to 2016 from 1.11 to 1.12.

Speed Traps in Chicago

Have you ever been just driving along, following the speed of traffic and minding your own business, when out from the middle of nowhere pops red and blue lights signaling for you to pull over?

If you answered yes to this question, you’ve been a victim of a speed trap.

Luckily for the residents of Chicago, Illinois, the city didn’t make it onto the list of The 10 Worst Illinois Speed Trap Cities.

Whether you’re driving through a well-known or hidden speed trap, it’s important to always follow the posted speed limit signs.

Vehicle Theft in Chicago

How safe is your vehicle in the city of Chicago?

According to the FBI, there were 10,132 reported vehicle thefts in the city of Chicago in 2018.

The safest neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois, per Neighborhood Scout, are as follows:

1. N Ozanam Ave / N Avondale Ave
2. W Devon Ave / N Central Ave
3. N Caldwell Ave / N Lehigh Ave
4. W Foster Ave / N Harlem Ave
5. N Lake Shore Dr / W Diversey Ave
6. N Canfield Ave / W Talcott Ave
7. W Howard St / N Oketo Ave
8. Sauganash
9. Irving Park Rd / N Cumberland Ave
10. W North Ave / N Larrabee St

Neighborhood Scout also revealed that your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are approximately 10.96 per 1,000 residents. This is considerably higher than the statewide figure, which puts residents at a 4.39 per 1,000 chance of being a victim of violent crime.

Chicago is only safer than 8 percent of cities across the country. The city ranks number eight in Neighborhood Scout’s crime index, with 100 being the absolute safest.

The table below shows the incidents of violent crime in Chicago, Illinois.

According to the table above, there were 653 murders in the city of Chicago in 2017.

Here are Chicago’s annual crimes for 2017.

Because Chicago has a higher-than-average number of crimes per year, it might be worth it to find a home in a safer area if you are planning on moving to the city anytime soon.

Traffic

Whether you’ve lived in the city of Chicago your whole life or you’re just visiting on vacation, it’s good to know the best ways around the city. This will help you to avoid traffic jams and save on gas money.

Traffic Congestion in Illinois

According to Inrix’s traffic scorecard, Chicago is the third-most traffic-congested city in the U.S.

The table above also tells us that Chicago traffic costs the average driver over $1,000 per year.

Transportation

We already know that Chicago drivers spend outrageous amounts of time sitting in traffic, but how much time do they spend during their average commute?

Data USA says that by using averages, employees in Chicago, Illinois, have a longer commute time (33.1 minutes) than the normal U.S. worker (25.5 minutes). Additionally, 3.27 percent of the workforce in Chicago have “super commutes” in excess of 90 minutes.

What types of transportation do Chicago drivers use the most?

In 2017, the most common method of travel for workers in Chicago, Illinois, was to drive alone (48.6 percent), followed by those who use the public transit system (28.3 percent) and those who carpooled (7.58 percent).

Busiest Highways

What are the busiest highways in Chicago?

According to Illinois Vehicle, the stretches of interstate shown below are the most heavily traveled named interstates in the Chicagoland area.

• I-90/I-94 – From Dan Ryan Expressway/Chicago Skyway junction, Exit 59C North to Pershing Road Exit 55A (South of City) – 330k
• I-90/I-94 – From Claybourn to West Division Street (North of City) – 305k
• I-290 – From South Pulaski Road to South Sacramento Boulevard – 220k
• I-294 – From O’Hare Way to Irving Park Road – 212k
• I-80 – From IL83 to US41 – 189k

How safe are Illinois streets and roads?

We’ve already discussed crime rates in and around Chicago, but how safe are the city’s streets and roads?

In other words, what causes traffic fatalities?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2018 study reported safety conditions and fatality rates for Chicago that year.

To begin, let’s take a look at the total number of fatalities in the Chicago area of Cook County.

As you can see, there were 264 traffic fatalities in Cook County in 2018.

Next up, take a look at the fatalities in Cook County crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers with BAC levels of .08 or above.

There were 82 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2018 in Cook County.

Next, we’ll show you traffic fatalities that involved speeding, roadways departures, intersections, and crashes that only involved one vehicle.

In 2018, there were 141 single-vehicle fatal crashes in Chicago, 134 fatal crashes involving speeding, 88 fatal crashes involving a roadway departure, and 101 fatal crashes involving an intersection.

This next table shows fatal crashes involving a passenger car occupant, pedestrian, and pedal-cyclist.

According to the table above, passenger car occupant fatalities and pedestrian fatalities are much more common in Chicago than pedal-cyclist fatalities.

Before we get into America’s best drivers report, let’s talk about interstates in Chicago with the most fatal crashes.

As you can see, most fatal accidents happen on minor arterial roads.

An arterial road is just a high-capacity urban road. Depending on how much traffic is filtering through a specific area, the road could be categorized as a highway or a minor arterial road.

Besides road type fatalities, it is also important to be aware of the high incidence of railroad and highway crashes as they contribute to road dangers in Chicago, Illinois.

The U.S. Department of Transportation accumulated data indicating the fatalities and injuries in Chicago due to highway and railroad crashes in recent years, as listed in the table below.

The table above shows us that while many railroads don’t have any fatality rates, some have as many as two to four.

Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report

Have you ever wondered how drivers in your area compare to other drivers in the U.S.?

According to data collected from Allstate’s Best Drivers in America Report, Chicago is the 133rd-safest city to drive in the country as of 2019.

In Chicago, Illinois, the likelihood of a claim being made as compared to the national average is 19 percent. Residents of Chicago typically have 8.3 average years between claims.

Eight years is a long time to go without having any accidents, so Chicago’s average of 8.3 years between claims is a very good number.

Whether it’s to slow down because of a sudden traffic jam or to avoid an accident, Chicago’s hard-braking events per 1,000 miles is 28.8; this number isn’t particularly high, but drivers should always be aware of their surroundings while driving.

Ridesharing

What kind of ridesharing services are available in Chicago?

According to RideGuru, the following ridesharing services are available in Chicago:

• Arro: Hail and pay for a traditional Taxi through the Arro app.
• Blacklane: When you order a Blacklane car, a luxury vehicle with seating for one-five people will pick you up.
• Carmel: When you order a Carmel car you have the choice of riding in a Sedan, Minivan, Stretch Limousine, SUV, and SUV super-stretch limo.
• Curb: Hail and pay for a traditional Taxi through the Curb app. Curb offers Taxi drivers a way to get more business during slower times. Curb was formerly known as TaxiMagic.
• Jayride: Jayride specializes in airport transfers, meaning you can only use Jayride when scheduling a ride to and from an airport. When you book through Jayride, a vehicle seating one-20 people will pick you up.
• Limos.com
• Lyft
• Talixo: The traditional taxi cab. Taxis may be hailed on the street or called directly for pickup.
• Uber
• Via: When you order a Via car you will be required to walk a few blocks to your pick up location and will share the car with other passengers headed in the same direction.
• Zum: When you order a Zum car for your children, a standard four-door vehicle will arrive to pick up your kids. All vehicles driven by Zum drivers must be newer than 2009 and drivers must pass a rigorous background check.

E-star Repair Shops

Are you in need of some vehicle repairs?

E-star is an Esurance-sponsored program that helps drivers find the best repair shops in their area.

Check out the top 10 repair shops in Chicago, Illinois, according to E-star.

Weather

What is the weather usually like in Chicago? The table below indicates U.S. Climate Data’s stats for typical temperatures in Chicago.

Speaking of weather, if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, your insurance rate could be significantly affected.

The following information is brought to you by city-data.com.

Chicago has experienced 19 total natural disasters, which is higher than the nationwide average of 13. A total of 15 of natural disasters in Chicago were declared by the President as major disasters, while the remaining four were declared to be emergencies.

The causes of these natural disasters were as follows:

• Floods: 13
• Storms: 12
• Tornadoes: 3
• Snowstorms: 2
• Winter Storms: 2
• Blizzard: 1
• Hurricane: 1
• Snow: 1
• Wind: 1

Note that some of these natural disasters might be assigned to more than one category.

How do you protect your vehicle in the case of a natural disaster?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3eh4wIuNks&t=2s

Comprehensive coverage will protect your vehicle in the case of a natural disaster. If your vehicle is damaged because of a flood, hurricane, tornado, or any other natural disaster, you don’t have to worry because your insurance company will pay to either repair your vehicle or replace it.

This type of coverage could cost you a few hundred dollars more per year but could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Public Transit

The nation’s second-largest public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority, operates Chicago’s eight “L” train lines and 129 bus routes.

Not all of the system’s train lines are elevated. They connect the city via above-ground, street-level, and subway trains, and serve 145 rail stations all over town.

Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown, and the Red Line, which services the North and South Sides via downtown.

Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. Several lines offer Night Owl service, running until 2 a.m. or later. Get more information about extended hours of service.

Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for travel by both “L” train and bus.

Tip: Download the Ventra app to track arrival/departure times for CTA buses and “L” trains, and to reload your balance on the go. Find CTA fares, card retailers, maps, schedules, and train trackers.

Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats and Shoreline Water Taxi by Shoreline Sightseeing offers fast, affordable, and fun connections between Chicago’s top tourist destinations, and are the perfect combination of sightseeing and transportation.

Destinations include Chinatown, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue, Union Station, and Navy Pier. Find Chicago Water Taxi and Shoreline Water Taxi fares and route maps.

Alternative Transportation

Chicago is the latest major city to open the door to shareable electric scooters, bringing a total of 2,500 e-scooters to city streets. The city’s pilot program for dockless e-scooters launched June 15, 2019, tallying 11,000 rides in its first weekend alone.

The 10 companies participating in the pilot program are Bird, Lime, Lyft, Jump, Spin, Sherpa, Bolt, Grüv, Wheels, and VeoRide. To unlock an e-scooter, riders must use the specific scooter vendor’s smartphone app.

Ride prices vary between vendors, but typically cost $1 for access to a scooter and 15 cents per minute to ride.

At the end of each day, vendors collect their e-scooters and redistribute them in the morning. Operating hours for e-scooters run from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking in Metro Areas

Here’s a list of popular places to park in the Chicago metro area.

• 414 E Grand Ave. (545 N McClurg Ct.) – Garage is a five-minute walk to Navy Pier and parking rates start at $12.
• 630 N Rush St. – Garage is a two-minute walk to Michigan Ave and the parking rate starts at $14.
• 241 S. Franklin St. – Willis Tower Garage is a one-minute walk to Willis Tower and parking rates start at $18.
• Grant Park North Garage is a two-minute walk to Millennium Park and parking rates start at $13.
• 2316 N Lincoln Ave. is a three-minute walk to Lincoln Park and parking rates start at $9.
• 20 E 21st. – Under El where parking is a four-minute walk to Chinatown and parking rates start at $7.

For more information about where to park in the Chicago area, visit The Ultimate Guide to Parking in Chicago.

Spot Hero also has great ways to find and book a parking spot ahead of time in Chicago.

Do you need to charge your electric car while it’s parked?

According to ChargeHub, You’ll find 324 Level Two charging stations and 65 fast-charging stations (Level Three, DCFC) within 10 miles. With this quantity of charging stations and many more to come, Chicago is in the Top 10 EV-friendly cities.

Air Quality in Chicago

Let’s take a look at Chicago’s air quality in the table below over the last three years. The information below is brought to you by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The data from the table above reveals that Chicago has a minimal number of days when the air is considered to be unhealthy.

Military/Veterans

If you are in the military or you are a veteran, you could be eligible for a military discount on your car insurance policy.

Before we get into military discounts, let’s discuss veteran statistics in the Chicago area.

Veterans by Service Period

According to Data USA, Chicago has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, with approximately 24,123 of military personnel residing in Chicago having served in that conflict.

The second Gulf War was the second-most common service period, with 12,295 residents having served in the conflict. Military personnel who served in the first Gulf War were the third-most common service period, with 7,920 residents having served in that conflict.

The veteran populace in Chicago, Illinois, who served in the Vietnam war is 1.96 times greater than the number of residents who served in any other conflict.

Military Bases Within One Hour

There are only two military bases located in the state of Illinois, but only one is located in Chicago.

The Naval Station Great Lakes military base is the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training center in the Navy.

According to Military.com, from its founding in 1911, Great Lakes has maintained its position as the Navy’s largest training facility.

Since World War I through today, it has trained and sent to the Fleet more than two million new Sailors through the Recruit Training Command, and nearly an equal number from its technical schools.

Military Discounts by Providers

The following insurance providers give military discounts:

• Allstate
• Farmers
• Geico
• Liberty Mutual (must be active duty)
• Metlife
• Safeco
• State Farm
• USAA

In the table below, see how USAA rates compare to other insurance provider’s rates.

According to the table above, Liberty Mutual and State Farm have better rates than USAA. However, USAA is the only insurance company that services military members as well as their families.

Unique City Laws

Before we let you go, hang around for these unique Chicago laws and our Chicago insurance FAQ section coming up next.

Hands-Free Law

According to Cyber Drive Illinois, Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting, or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older.

Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous.

Food Truck Law

According to a recent article by Forbes, Chicago bans food trucks, whether operating on public or private property, from operating within 200 feet of any establishment that serves food.

This includes everything from white table cloth restaurants to convenience stores.

Parking Laws

According to SpotAngels, street parking in Chicago is made up of more than 36,000 metered parking spaces, residential parking areas that require permits, overnight street parking spaces, and a number of limited free parking spaces. No matter where in Chicago you’re trying to park, follow these general rules to avoid parking tickets:

• Park at least 20 feet away from a crosswalk, if your vehicle is more than six feet tall. Keep your bumper off of the crosswalk, if your vehicle is less than six feet tall.
• Park at least 20 feet away from stop signs
• Park at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants
• Do not park in bus or bike lanes
• Between December 1-March 31, do not leave your car parked overnight on most main streets
• Street parking is prohibited in more than two inches of snow
• Never park in an alley longer than the time necessary to load or unload your vehicle
• Always display your city sticker on the inside of your vehicle on the lower right-hand side of your windshield if you’re a resident
• Do not park on a sidewalk, parkway, or crosswalk, even if you’re parked in a private driveway
• Don’t park your car somewhere explicitly to advertise that it’s for sale
• Never park your vehicle on the street if you plan on making repairs there
• Don’t park in the direction opposite to traffic flow, even on two-way streets
• No parking under a viaduct or underpass because such parking can restrict traffic flow
• Don’t park more than 12 inches from the curb

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Chicago Car Insurance FAQs

Don’t go anywhere. Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Chicago, Illinois.

What is the cost of living life in Chicago?

According to a study by Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Chicago is above the nationwide average. Sperling rated the cost of living at 106.9.

A figure below 100 indicates that a city is cheaper than the U.S. average, while a number exceeding 100 reveals that the city is more expensive.

The median home price in Chicago, Illinois, is $229,100.

What car insurance is required in Chicago?

According to http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html,” Illinois requires vehicle owners to carry liability insurance for any vehicle registered in the state. If you’re a vehicle owner in Illinois, the minimum coverage you’re required to carry is:

• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident caused by you
• $50,000 total for all injuries or deaths in an accident caused by you, and
• $20,000 for damage to the property of another person in an accident caused by you.

What should I do if I get into a car accident?

Illinois follows a “fault” system when it comes to financial responsibility for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses stemming from a car accident. This means that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for compensating anyone who suffered harm as a result of the crash.

In Illinois, a person who suffers any kind of injury or damage due to an auto accident usually can proceed in one of three ways:

• by filing a claim with his or her own insurance company, assuming that the loss is covered under the policy (in this situation, the insurance company will likely turn around and pursue a subrogation claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company)
• by filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, or
• by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.

Are there any languages I should know?

More than 7.7 million people live in the Chicago area, and about 30 percent of them speak a language other than English at home. For the six-county area, the five most common languages after English are Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Tagalog, and Chinese.

Is it dangerous to live in Chicago?

According to Neighborhood Scout, Chicago is safer than 8 percent of U.S. cities.

Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Chicago are one in 91. There were over 100,000 crimes reported in the city of Chicago in 2017.

Well, that’s all we have for today. Now that you’ve learned all you need to know about car insurance in Chicago, Illinois, it’s time to start comparing rates today. Use our free car insurance comparison tool by entering your zip code in the box below.

Happy shopping.