Illinois home insurance

Chicago neighborhood with city skyline in the distance

Common questions about Illinois
home insurance

Illinois homeowners face many challenges throughout the year. Harsh winters can bring frozen pipes, ice dams, and snow. In the summer, thunderstorms and hail can unexpectedly damage property. Liberty Mutual understands the needs of Illinois homeowners and offers customized homeowners insurance coverage to fit your specific situation.

What types of homeowners insurance coverages are recommended in Illinois?

The following insurance coverage comes standard with any homeowners policy:

Personal property coverage
Personal Liability and Medical Payment to Others
Dwelling (Property damage to your home)
Wind/hail²
Hurricane damage²
Additional Living Expenses/Loss of Rent

Note that most tornado damage is generally covered under these standard coverage policies.

The following insurance coverages are recommended for homeowners in Illinois:

Flood insurance: Homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by floods, which Illinois is particularly prone to due to its numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Keep in mind that even if you are not in a flood zone, flooding frequently occurs outside of flood risk areas.
Liberty Mutual offers flood insurance in partnership with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While flood insurance needs to be purchased separately and is often optional, it may be required to secure a home loan if you live in a high-risk flood area.
Personal property replacement cost: If your belongings are lost or damaged in a covered loss such as from theft or a fire, this coverage will cover the cost of brand-new replacement items.

The following optional homeowners insurance coverages should be considered by all homeowners in Illinois:

Blanket Jewelry
Escape of Water
Personal Electronics Coverage

See our complete list of homeowners insurance coverage

Is homeowners insurance required by law in Illinois?

No, homeowners insurance isn't required by law in Illinois, but your mortgage company will most likely require it in order to get a loan.

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Illinois?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Illinois is $2,060 per year according to NerdWallet.³ That's 8% higher than the national average. However, this rate may be higher or lower for you depending on the value and age of your home, the coverage you select, your claims history, and a wide variety of other factors.