Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
However, seniors in Illinois can still find affordable car insurance. Our guide provides tips on securing the cheapest rates for seniors in Illinois and helps save on auto insurance premiums.
- A 65-year-old driver in Illinois pays an average of $1,400 annually for full coverage car insurance.
- In Illinois, a 70-year-old driver’s car insurance rates are 7% more for full coverage than for a 65-year-old driver.
- Compared to a 65-year-old driver, a 75-year-old driver in Illinois pays 15% more a full-coverage car insurance.
- To get the best car insurance rates in Illinois, shop for quotes every six months or when your policy is up for renewal.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Illinois
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in Illinois for drivers at various ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA), $83 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA), $75 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA), $83 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA), $89 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Illinois
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Illinois from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Illinois?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
According to the CDC, drivers aged over 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to those aged 35-54. NHTSA data also shows that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, marking a 26% increase since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
According to an analysis by CarInsurance.com, rates start to climb for most senior drivers in their mid-60s and continue to increase from then on.
In Illinois, the average cost for a full coverage policy is $1,400 for a 65-year-old and $1,493 for a 70-year-old.
70-year-old drivers pay 7% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-old drivers pays 15% more for a full coverage policy
The table below highlights the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Illinois based on age and different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $418 | $468 | $1,400 |
| 70 | $454 | $508 | $1,493 |
| 75 | $509 | $571 | $1,640 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll Deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Illinois
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance premiums regardless of age. Insurers value statistics, and the data show that drivers who have tickets are more likely to be involved in accidents that might lead to claims.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, Illinois, drivers can expect their rates to go up 41% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors with a speeding ticket or minor moving violation should expect to pay more for coverage. According to our analysis, the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets are mentioned below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA) | $1,117 | $93 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,549 | $129 |
| State Farm | $1,566 | $131 |
| Travelers | $1,638 | $137 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,827 | $152 |
| Progressive | $1,958 | $163 |
| Geico | $2,355 | $196 |
| Allstate | $3,446 | $287 |
| USAA* | $2,022 | $169 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Illinois
A DUI is a serious driving violation; your insurance rates will soar once it hits your driving record. In most cases, your insurance premium will double if you have a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com in some states, the increase can be as much as 77% after your first DUI. If you manage to rack up a second DUI, the increase could be as much as 158%.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, these are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Illinois:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,566 | $131 |
| Progressive | $1,669 | $139 |
| Travelers | $1,801 | $150 |
| Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA) | $1,966 | $164 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,243 | $187 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,512 | $209 |
| Geico | $3,121 | $260 |
| Allstate | $4,140 | $345 |
| USAA* | $3,383 | $282 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Illinois
Similar to a ticket or DUI, an accident on your record will lead to higher insurance rates. Although the exact increase depends on the insurer, data show drivers can expect a 61% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
Typically, the premium increase remains for three to five years, making it essential to find an affordable insurer. According to our data, the following companies provide the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Illinois after an accident.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA) | $1,169 | $97 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,661 | $138 |
| Travelers | $1,662 | $139 |
| State Farm | $1,695 | $141 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,895 | $158 |
| Geico | $2,103 | $175 |
| Progressive | $2,245 | $187 |
| Allstate | $4,832 | $403 |
| USAA* | $2,293 | $191 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Illinois?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 3% on their car insurance in Illinois. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Illinois.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Illinois
Seniors can take advantage of these car insurance discounts to reduce their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 5% |
| Days advanced purchase | 11% |
| Days per week driven | 3% |
| Defensive driver | 3% |
| Education | 3% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 5% |
| Electronic signature | 10% |
| Homeowner | 6% |
| Lower annual mileage | 6% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 8% |
| Marital status | 7% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 3% |
| Payment type | 9% |
| Primary use | 7% |
| Profession | 9% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 11% |
| Years insured | 19% |
| Years licensed | 26% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Illinois
Senior drivers pay higher premiums than young adult drivers (excluding teens, of course). To find an affordable policy, assess your needs and determine the right amount of coverage.
When comparing insurance options, consider the cost, customer service and discounts offered. Search for the best auto insurance companies with affordable rates and user-friendly websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Illinois
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Illinois?
Based on our data, $316 offers the lowest state minimum auto insurance rates for seniors in Illinois, at $316 yearly. Erie Insurance and Country Financial also provide affordable rates on state minimum coverage for seniors in Illinois.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Illinois?
According to CarInsurance.com, Erie Insurance offers the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Illinois at $383 per year. Geico and Country Financial also offer inexpensive rates.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Illinois?
State Farm doesn’t offer a specific senior discount in Illinois, but it provides several discounts that seniors can use to reduce their insurance rates. These include discounts for completing a defensive driving course, safe driving, being a long-term customer, bundling policies and vehicle advanced safety features.
Bottom line
Auto Club Group – ACG (AAA) offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Illinois for a full coverage policy, based on a CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed March 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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