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The Best Home Insurance in Illinois for 2024
Erie and Openly are among the best home insurance companies in Illinois.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Illinois is $2,060 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. For comparison, the national average is $1,915 per year.
NerdWallet analyzed data from numerous insurance companies to help you find the best home insurance in Illinois in the following categories:
The rates in our analysis are estimates based on many factors, so your rate may differ.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
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Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
In Illinois, the average annual premium for Erie is $1,420, which is well below the state average of $2,060.
Erie customers can reduce their rates even further by bundling their home and auto insurance, which can fetch a discount of 16% or more. Discounts are also available for homes with certain safety and security features such as smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.
Even with these lower rates, Erie still provides coverage as standard that many insurers don’t, such asguaranteed replacement cost for the structure of your home. With this coverage, the company will pay to rebuild your home completely after a disaster, even if the amount exceeds your dwelling limit.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Far fewer consumer complaints than expected.
Includes more generous dwelling and personal property coverage than most insurers.
Many additional coverage options to choose from.
Cons
No online quotes.
Includes coverage that costs extra from most other companies.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Superior coverage sold through independent agents in select states.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Far fewer consumer complaints than expected.
Includes more generous dwelling and personal property coverage than most insurers.
Many additional coverage options to choose from.
Cons
No online quotes.
Includes coverage that costs extra from most other companies.
The Andover Companies’ home insurance policies generally come with broader coverage for your belongings and more coverage for the structure of your home than a standard homeowners policy provides. (Note that most but not all homes qualify for this coverage.)
Most Andover policies also include a generous amount of ordinance or law coverage, which pays to upgrade your home to current building codes during repairs after a covered claim.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include guaranteed replacement cost for your home's structure.
Broad coverage for personal belongings.
No restricted dog breeds.
Cons
No online quotes.
Will pay the full cost to rebuild your home after a covered disaster, up to $5 million.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Premium coverage for high-end homes with no dog breed restrictions.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include guaranteed replacement cost for your home's structure.
Broad coverage for personal belongings.
No restricted dog breeds.
Cons
No online quotes.
Will pay the full cost to rebuild your home after a covered disaster, up to $5 million.
Openly’s default homeowners policy goes significantly beyond those of many other insurers. Most notably, it offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home. That means if your house is destroyed by a covered disaster, Openly will pay whatever it takes to rebuild it the way it was before, up to $5 million.
Plus, if your things are stolen or destroyed, Openly will pay enough for you to buy brand-new replacements, rather than paying less for older items that have lost value over time. It also covers your belongings on an “open perils” basis, paying for damage from anything except scenarios your policy excludes. Most home insurance policies cover damage only from causes specifically named in your policy.
As noted above, Erie also offers generous coverage. Like The Andover Companies and Openly, it includes guaranteed replacement coverage for the structure of your home.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Variety of coverage options.
Discounts available for qualifying smart-home devices.
Fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
May restrict liability coverage for certain dog breeds.
Few consumer complaints, various coverage options and discounts for smart-home devices.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Comprehensive coverage for homeowners in 19 states, mostly in the West and Midwest.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Variety of coverage options.
Discounts available for qualifying smart-home devices.
Fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
May restrict liability coverage for certain dog breeds.
Few consumer complaints, various coverage options and discounts for smart-home devices.
Founded in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size. Its user-friendly website offers features such as bill payments, claim reporting, online quotes and general insurance information.
Homeowners may be able to save on their premiums by installing smart-home devices, bundling multiple policies or setting up automatic payments.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Many discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Many useful coverage choices and ways to save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Many discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Many useful coverage choices and ways to save on your policy.
Nationwide offers a robust consumer experience for its customers, including a website that makes it easy to manage policies, file and track claims, and set up automatic billing. It also has a highly-rated app for Android and iOS that allows customers to file and track claims, review policy documents, and set up autopay.
In addition, Nationwide’s customers have several ways to get assistance, such as reaching out to their agent or calling the company’s customer service hotline. Outside of business hours, they can use the Nationwide website to get proof of insurance, pay bills and schedule callbacks. A chatbot is also available to answer basic questions.
Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Illinois
NerdWallet analyzed dozens of home insurance companies to find the best home insurance in Illinois. Here are all of the insurers that received a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5 or higher:
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,775
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Illinois?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Illinois is $2,060. That’s 8% more than the national average of $1,915.
In most U.S. states, including Illinois, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Illinois, those with poor credit pay an average of $4,100 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s nearly double the price that those with good credit pay.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Illinois by city
How much you pay for home insurance in Illinois depends on where you live. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Chicago is $2,665 per year, or about $222 per month. In Aurora, homeowners insurance costs about $1,775 per year or $148 per month, on average.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,775
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
When evaluating your options for home insurance in Illinois, make sure you’re adequately covered for these common natural disasters.
Floods
Homeowners insurance generally doesn’t cover flood damage, so if your home is at risk, you may need to buy a separate flood insurance policy.
Most people get this coverage through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program, though private flood insurance may also be available in your area.
To check your home’s flood risk, plug your address into the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps or check RiskFactor.com, an online tool from the nonprofit First Street Foundation.
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers damage from a tornado, along with any additional living expenses you might have if the storm leaves your home unlivable.
Winter storms
If a heavy blizzard knocks a tree onto your roof or frigid weather causes a pipe to burst, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover the damage. Snow and ice are among the “perils,” or causes of damage, that a standard homeowners policy covers.
Got a complaint about your insurance company? Confused about your rights as a policyholder? The Illinois Department of Insurance may be able to assist. On the agency’s website, you can look up insurance companies, file a complaint or chat with a virtual assistant in English or Spanish. For personalized help, you can call the agency’s customer hotline at 866-445-5364.
The agency also provides information on your rights as a homeowner in Illinois. For example, your insurance company must give you at least 30 days’ notice if it’s canceling your homeowners policy for any reason other than nonpayment. If at least three companies refuse to cover your home, you may be eligible for a policy from the Illinois FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort.
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that homeowners insurance in Illinois is more expensive than the national average. This article has been corrected.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeowners insurance required in Illinois?
Homeowners insurance isn’t legally required in Illinois, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have it. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Can an Illinois homeowners insurance company deny your claim?
In Illinois and any other state, an insurance company may deny a homeowners claim for a variety of reasons. For instance, the damage may have been caused by something the policy doesn’t cover. (Most homeowners policies specifically exclude coverage for things like flood or earthquake damage.) Your claim may also be denied if you’ve failed to pay your premiums or you can’t provide enough evidence of the damage.
Who regulates homeowners insurance companies in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Insurance oversees the state’s insurance market, including homeowners insurance companies. The agency is responsible for evaluating consumer complaints about insurance carriers and making sure companies operating in the state are financially solvent.
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Chicago?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Chicago is $2,665 a year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. Your own premium may differ depending on the size of your home and the amount of coverage you need. To save on your premium, ask your insurer if you qualify for any home insurance discounts.
Can insurers in Illinois deny coverage based on the breed of my dog?
A 2023 law states that homeowners insurers in Illinois can't deny you coverage or charge you a higher rate based on your dog's breed. However, they can take these actions if your dog has a history of aggression.
Is homeowners insurance required in Illinois?
Homeowners insurance isn’t legally required in Illinois, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have it. For more information, read
Can an Illinois homeowners insurance company deny your claim?
In Illinois and any other state, an insurance company may deny a homeowners claim for a variety of reasons. For instance, the damage may have been caused by something the policy doesn’t cover. (Most homeowners policies specifically exclude coverage for things like flood or
damage.) Your claim may also be denied if you’ve failed to pay your premiums or you can’t provide enough evidence of the damage.
Who regulates homeowners insurance companies in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Insurance oversees the state’s insurance market, including homeowners insurance companies. The agency is responsible for evaluating consumer complaints about insurance carriers and making sure companies operating in the state are financially solvent.
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Chicago?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Chicago is $2,665 a year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. Your own premium may differ depending on the size of your home and the amount of coverage you need. To save on your premium, ask your insurer if you qualify for any
Can insurers in Illinois deny coverage based on the breed of my dog?
A 2023 law states that homeowners insurers in Illinois can't deny you coverage or charge you a higher rate based on your dog's breed. However, they can take these actions if your dog has a history of aggression.
Methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.