Work With Trusted & Experienced
Illinois Public Adjusters That Work For You!
100% Contingency Based. We Don't Get Paid Unless YOU Get Paid!*
*Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
Don’t Settle For Less!
Get The HIGHEST & Most FAIR Settlement Amount ... That You Are Legally Entitled To ... From Your Insurance Claim!
Get a free on-site inspection & insurance policy evaluation from one of our expert public claims adjusters!
Work with highly trained & vetted Illinois public adjusters who are state-licensed, bonded, and trained to handle all residential or commercial insurance claims, big or small!
Public Claims Adjusters Network (PCAN) member public claims adjusters in Illinois offer technical and detailed expertise that has satisfied countless homeowners, business owners, condominium associations, property management companies, and HOAs.
Our network members have years of experience dealing with insurance companies. Many of our network’s public adjusters also have previous backgrounds in construction and/or insurance, giving them a significant advantage in quickly securing the highest claim settlement compensation for their clients.
They know what to look for, what repairs actually cost, and what the insurance company’s adjusters tend to ignore (and hope you don’t know about!).
Consultations are always:
- Friendly
- Free
- No-Obligation
- 100% contingency-based In Nearly Every State
… meaning your public adjuster doesn’t get paid, unless you get paid!*
PCAN public adjusters take pride in providing superior customer service, and clear & friendly communication. Please fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our network’s licensed & verified Illinois public insurance claims adjusters today!
*Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency Fee Not Permitted By Law In Lousianna. By law, services in Kansas are only available for commercial claims.
Request A Free Consultation!
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*Some Services May Not Be Available In All Areas. Contingency fees are not permitted by law in Louisiana. Public Claims Adjusters Network (PCAN) is not a Public Adjusting Agency. PCAN is a private network of stringently vetted, state-licensed, bonded, and PCAN Verified public adjusters with members Nationwide. Your contact request will be matched to one of our verified member public adjusters serving the Illinois community, to ensure the highest quality of service & care.
Higher Claim Payouts When Using A Public Adjuster According To Landmark OPPAGA Study!
Contingency Based. We don’t get paid, unless you get paid!
*Contingency fees not permitted by law in Louisiana.
Why Hire A Public Insurance Adjuster In Illinois?
Illinois Public Adjusters Help Get You The HIGHEST & Most Fair Settlement Amount (That You Are Legally Entitled To) From Your Homeowners, Roofing, Condo & HOA, & Business Insurance Claims!
Get a Free On-Site Inspection & Insurance Policy Evaluation From One Of Our Expert Illinois Public Claims Adjuster Members Today!
- Save You Time & Help Speed Up The Claim Process
- Help Alleviate Stress & Walk You Through The Whole Process
- Negotiate With The Insurance Company & Make Sure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible*
- Prepare & File All The Necessary Documents, And Handle All The Necessary Follow-up's
*Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
What Our Network Of Licensed Illinois Public Insurance Adjusters Bring To The Table
Illinois Insurance Policy Claims Specialists
PCAN member public claims adjusters have years of experience in claims & reviewing coverages. As such, they understand the numerous types of policies and endorsements you may experience when dealing with your claim in Illinois. Their expertise allows them to find & utalize the various coverages your policy may have, and in many cases, inform you of coverage & clauses you may not even know about.
Advocates For Illinois Homeonwers Insurance Policy Holders
PCAN member public claims adjusters advocate for your rights as the policy holder. They ensure that the clients’ rights are being protected throughout the claims process, and make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to based on your policy. Public adjusters are there with you every step of the way!
Experts In Seen & Unseen Damages
PCAN member public insurance claims adjusters in Illinois have years of experience identifying damage, and in most cases, come from professional construction, roofing, and insurance backgrounds. As such, they are able to find & isolate damages that you may not even know to look for, or know would/should be covered by your policy! They also incorporate the latest assessment techniques & technology when conducting their property inspections.
Expert Claims Negotiators
Settlement negotiation is critically important when it comes to the claims process. Public adjusters in Illinois know how the insurance companies think, and come to the negotiation table fully prepared to defend & enforce your rights. PCAN member public insurance claims adjusters have the expertise and experience in claims negotiations to ensure that you get what you are actually entitled to under your policy ... not what the insurance company tells you that you are, based on their own interests. When the insurance company plays hardball or puts up a fight, your public adjuster won't be afraid to get in that ring and fight them for what's rightfully yours!
Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.
The Homeowners Insurance Claims Recovery Process In Illinois
Illinois state-licensed public claims adjusters are fluent in “Insurance Policy Jargon”, and will guide you through the entire property insurance claims process, while they fight to make sure you get the highest & most fair compensation possible for your claim!
View 7-Step Claims Recovery Process Map
Step #1
Make Sure Your Family Is Safe
When disaster strikes, the priority is to make sure your family is safe. Always have an emergency bag!
Step #2
Contact A PCAN Public Adjuster In Illinois
Contact one of the PCAN verified and state-licensed public insurance claims adjusters to schedule an appointment for them to come out & meet with you to inspect the damage.
Step #3
Thorough Review Of Your Policy
Your public insurance adjuster will conduct a comprehensive review of your policy, note any coverage restrictions, coinsurance requirements, limitations, and review additional options that may be available to you.
Step #4
Create A Claims Strategy That Works For Your Specific Goals & Needs
Your public insurance claims adjuster will discuss what is most important to you when it comes to your claim, then create & tailor the right claims strategy to take care of your family.
Step #5
We Take Care Of All Insurance Related Paperwork, Negotiations, & Follow Up.
Once you have agreed on a strategy, your public insurance claims adjuster will:
- Meet with insurance company adjusters & personnel at the loss/damage location.
- Agree to the scope of damages & make sure that they are including all the damages in the scope, as well as clearly deciding on what should be repaired vs. replaced.
- Prepare a detailed reconstruction estimate.
- Prepare a detailed inventory of personal property.
Step #6
Negotiations & Final Settlement
Your public insurance adjuster will work to make sure you receive the highest settlement possible under your specific insurance policy.
Step #7
Restoration | Reconstruction | Relocation
Your public claims adjuster will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you can achieve your specific goals. Whether that’s full or partial restoration, rebuilding your property, or a full-relocation.
(Click To Expand Infographic)
Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Illinois Public Adjusting
What Are Illinois Public Adjusters, & What Do They Do?
Illinois Public adjusters are licensed insurance professionals who work independently to advocate for policy holders throughout the insurance claims process. According to the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) they are experts act as advocates for property owners to ensure that their interests are protected in working with insurance companies..
The function of public adjusters has become more important over the last few years, particularly since insurance claims become more complicated. A landmark study by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) found that policyholders who used public adjusters received settlements up to 800% more than those who dealt with claims on their own.
Public adjusters provide comprehensive services throughout the claims process. They conduct detailed damage assessments, and prepare and file necessary documentation, and manage all communications with insurance companies. This kind of professional assistance significantly cuts down the amount of time and anxiety associated with filing claims and allows policyholders owners to focus on recovering.
Operating mostly on a contingency fee basis which typically range between 10 and 20 percent of the final settlement, public adjusters are incentivized to secure the highest possible amount of amount of compensation for their clients. The fee structure differs depending on the complexity of the claim as well as state regulations and the resources required.
They have extensive expertise of insurance policies, and building codes, as well as construction costs. They use this knowledge to:
- Accelerate the claims process
- Document and evaluate damages thoroughly
- Navigate complex policies
- Directly negotiate with insurance companies
- Make sure you are in compliance with filing deadlines and other policy requirements
Research has clearly shown that professional representation during the process of settling claims usually results in more comprehensive settlements and faster claim resolution times. Public adjusters’ understanding of insurance regulations and industry practices can help avoid common mistakes that could hinder or delay settlements.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
Will My Settlement Be Larger If I Hire A Illinois Public Adjusting Company?
Research and analysis show that hiring a public insurance adjuster can significantly increase policyholder claim settlements. According to a landmark study conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), policyholders who used public adjusters received settlements that were up to 800% higher than those who handled claims independently.
Public adjusters in Albany Park, Illinois serve as licensed professionals who represent only policyholders during the claims process. The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) states that these state-licensed professionals offer comprehensive claims management services, which include detailed documents for property damage, policy interpretation, as well as settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
The value of representation by a professional becomes particularly evident in the final settlement figures, as professionally managed claims usually result in more thorough damage assessments, and more accurate estimates of losses.
Public adjusters streamline the claims process by:
- Handling all documentation and correspondence with insurance companies
- Conducting detailed assessments of property damage
- Preparing comprehensive claim submissions
- Directly negotiating with insurance carriers
- Speeding up the settlement timeline
- Ensuring compliance with the policy specifications and deadlines
The majority of public adjusters work on a basis of contingency fees, which typically range from 10% to 20% of the final settlement amount. The structure of the fee aligns adjuster’s interests with the policyholder’s, as their compensation depends on securing a favorable settlement.
A Public adjuster’s expertise often is invaluable in complicated claims, where technical knowledge of building codes, construction costs, & insurance policy provisions can significantly impact settlement outcomes.
Their professional oversight helps ensure that no damaged claims are left unnoticed and ensures that claims are properly assessed in accordance with current market conditions.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
How Much Do Illinois Public Adjusters Charge?
Public adjusters typically operate on a contingency fee basis, charging between 10% to 20% of the final insurance claim settlement. According to the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), these fees vary based on claim complexity, state regulations, and required resources. The contingency fee structure ensures that public adjusters’ interests align directly with those of their clients, as their compensation depends on securing favorable settlements.
Before engagement, policyholders should carefully review fee arrangements and contract terms, ensuring clear understanding of the service agreement. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), public adjusters must maintain state licenses and adhere to strict professional standards, providing an additional layer of consumer protection. Their role becomes particularly valuable in complex claims where specialized knowledge can significantly impact settlement outcomes.
A landmark study by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) demonstrated that policyholders who engaged public adjusters received settlements up to 800% higher than those who handled claims independently. This significant difference underscores the value these professionals bring to the claims process.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
When Is It Too Late To Hire A Illinois Public Adjuster?
Navigating the insurance claims process requires careful timing and professional expertise. Understanding when to engage a Illinois public adjuster can significantly impact claim outcomes and settlement amounts. According to the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), policyholders can benefit from hiring a public adjuster at any point during an active claim, though earlier engagement typically yields better results.
Key timing considerations include:
Statute of Limitations:
- Each state maintains different deadlines for filing insurance claims
- Claims must be initiated within these legal timeframes
- Public adjusters can assist with existing claims, even if initially filed independently
Documentation Requirements:
- Public adjusters help organize and prepare comprehensive claim documentation
- They can recover or reconstruct missing documentation
- Professional documentation improves claim validity and settlement potential
Claim Status:
- Active claims benefit from professional representation
- Denied claims may be reopened with proper documentation
- Disputed settlements can be renegotiated
Public adjusters provide valuable services throughout the claims process Including:
- Expedited claim processing through professional management
- Expert negotiation with insurance carriers
- Complete documentation preparation and submission
- Regular communication with insurance companies
- Stress reduction through professional claim handling
- Maximum settlement potential through experienced representation
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
When Should You Hire A Public Claims Adjuster In Illinois?
Complex insurance claims often require experienced professionals to navigate effectively. Public insurance adjusters, state-licensed professionals who solely work for policyholders, can significantly impact the outcome of claims as well as settlement outcomes.
Several scenarios require the use of a public adjuster:
- Extensive property damage
- Claims involving multiple coverage types
- Disputed claims or partial claim denials
- Complex requirements for documentation
- Situations that are time-sensitive which require immediate attention
Public adjusters streamline the claims process by:
- Conducting thorough damage assessments
- Preparing and filing the required documentation
- Communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements on behalf of policyholders
- Ensure compliance with policy conditions and deadlines
Public adjusters particularly benefit policyholders by:
- Reducing stress by utilizing professional claim management
- Speeding up the settlement process
- Giving an objective assessment of damage
- Ensuring comprehensive documentation
- Leveraging industry expertise for fair settlements
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
Can I File My Insurance Claim Myself In Illinois?
While policyholders have the right to make insurance claims on their own, research from industry experts suggest that this method may not produce the best results.
The main challenges with self-filing include:
- Complex documentation requirements and policy interpretation
- Time-intensive communication with insurance representatives
- Risk of overlooking covered damages or benefits
- Potential undervaluation of claims by insurance companies
- Limited-to-zero negotiation experience with insurers
licensed public adjusters offer significant advantages in the process of settling claims:
-
- Professional Documentation and Assessment – Public adjusters thoroughly document damages, prepare comprehensive claims files, and manage all paperwork required, making sure no detail is left unnoticed.
- Time and Stress Management – These professionals manage all communications with insurance companies, allowing homeowners to focus on recovery while expediting the process of filing claims.
- Expert Negotiation – With a vast understanding of insurance policies and regulations, public adjusters engage directly with insurance companies in order to secure fair settlements.
- Cost-Effective Service – Public adjusters typically work on a contingency-fee basis, which typically ranges between 10-20% of the final settlement amount, ensuring the best interests of the policyholder.
The National Association of State Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recognizes public adjusters as licensed professionals who represent the interests of policyholders throughout the process of settling claims. Their expertise can be valuable in complicated claims or when significant damages are involved.
Statistics from the industry consistently indicate that expert representation by state-licensed public insurance adjusters leads to better outcomes for policyholders, with faster processing, and more complete settlement packages.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
In Illinois, Can My Contractor Represent Me Against My Insurance Company?
Although contractors frequently offer negotiations with insurers this strategy can have significant limitations and potential risks. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), contractors are not legally authorized and lack know-how to act as official representatives in insurance claim negotiations.
This restriction could greatly affect the outcomes of a claim and may limit any rights granted to the policyholder.
The state insurance departments oversee licensed public adjusters, who go through extremely specialized training, undergo Federal background checks, & require special licensing from the state in order to work. They also have the legal authority to represent the policyholder to protect & protect their right … legal authority that contractors do not have … which makes them the legal and comprehensive alternative to representation by contractors.
Public Adjusters are experts in interpreting insurance policies, assessing and documenting damage, and negotiating with insurance companies in order to secure fair claim compensation.
Public adjusters provide several distinct advantages, including:
- Professional claim documentation and filing
- Professional negotiation with insurance companies
- Comprehensive damage assessment
- Expedited claim processing
- Stress reduction by a complete claim management
The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) insists on the fact that public insurance adjusters must hold professional licenses and adhere to strict ethical standards, providing an additional layer of consumer protection that is not offered by the representation of contractors.
For complex claims for complex claims, public adjusters are experts in interpreting policies, document requirements and negotiation strategies frequently is invaluable, and can help avoid costly mistakes and claims denials that could arise from the use of contractors in negotiations.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees are not permitted within Louisiana.
I Already Settled My Claim, But It Wasn’t Enough Money To Cover The Damages. Is It Too Late To Get More?
When insurance settlements fail to compensate for damages to property, the policyholder has a variety of legal options to seek additional compensation, even after the initial claim settlement.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), NAIC recommends that policyholders be sure to carefully review the terms of their settlement and related documentation before accepting the final settlement.
The timing and circumstances for pursuing additional compensation are critical aspects, as most insurance policies have specific deadlines for claims disputes or appeals, typically ranging from one to two years after settlement date.
Licensed public insurance claims adjusters are essential in re-evaluating settled claims and identifying overlooked damages. Public adjusters perform thorough assessments of property damages, document any additional damage, and deal with insurance companies in the interest of policyholders.
Important steps to pursue additional compensation include:
- Document newly discovered damages
- Review of policy terms and settlement agreements
- Gather additional evidence and estimations
- Retain professional representation from a state-licensed public adjusters
The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) insists that public adjusters can often identify overlooked damages and policy provisions that allow for an additional amount of compensation. Their experience in the interpretation of policies and claim valuation is especially valuable when challenging settled claims.
Policyholders should act promptly upon discovering insufficient settlement amounts, since delay could hinder their ability to recover additional compensation. When utilizing a public adjuster’s services, the claim review and negotiation process typically progresses more efficiently than policyholder-directed efforts.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. The use of contingency fees is not permitted in Louisiana.
Why hire a Public Insurance Claims Adjuster In Illinois if the insurance company already sent an adjuster?
The decision to hire a state-licensed public claims adjuster, even if an insurance company has appointed its own adjuster greatly affect the outcome of an insurance claim.
Although insurance company adjusters work for their employer’s interests … public claims adjusters serve as dedicated advocates for policyholders. The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) emphasizes that these state-licensed & regulated professionals work independently, ensuring fair settlements of claims and complete policy interpretation.
Public adjusters streamline the claims process by managing documentation and performing complete damage assessments, and coordinating all communications with insurance companies. This professional intervention typically accelerates claim resolution and decreases homeowners administrative burdens.
The benefit of public adjusters also extends beyond monetary benefits. These professionals provide expert advice through the entire claims process, explaining complex policy terms and ensuring every damage is properly documented and assessed.
They make precise damage estimates, gather the necessary evidence, and engage directly with insurance carriers to maximize settlement outcomes.
Insurance claims are complex and time-consuming which makes professional representation valuable during significant losses. Public adjusters’ expertise in policy interpretation and negotiation usually results in more extensive settlements that cover both obvious and hidden damages.
Disclaimer: *Some Services Not Available In All Areas. Contingency fees not allowed in Louisiana.
Can My Insurance Company Cancel My Contract If I Use a Public Adjuster In Illinois?
No. Insurance companies cannot legally cancel policies solely because policyholders hire public adjusters to represent their interests during the claims process, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Policy cancellations are strictly governed by contractual terms and state regulations, typically limited to specific circumstances such as non-payment of premiums or material misrepresentation.
The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) emphasizes that hiring a licensed public insurance claims adjusters is a protected right of policyholders. These professionals serve as advocates during insurance claims, handling documentation, negotiations, and communications with insurance carriers to expedite settlements.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) confirms that policyholders maintain the right to professional representation during claims processes, and insurers must honor this right while adhering to fair claims handling practices.
Disclaimer: Some Services Not Available In All Areas.
A homeowners insurance terms glossary provides insight to policyholders of critical terms and definitions commonly used to clarify various aspects of coverage and claims.
Key concepts include such terms as Actual Cash Value Vs. Replacement Value, a method for determining compensation based on replacement costs minus recoverable depreciation, and ALE (Additional Living Expenses), which cover necessary living costs when a home is uninhabitable.
For example, understanding your home insurance policy declaration page, common homeowners deductibles for various kinds of property damage, the general policy exclusions standard in many home insurance policies, can bring much-needed awareness & clarity to policyholders of potential insurance terms that may affect their claim outcomes. For example, knowing which key documents (such as photographs and receipts) are essential for substantiating claims.
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Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.
Discover How Illinois Public Claims Adjusters Can Get You More From These Types Of Property Damage Insurance Claims
Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.
Find A PCAN Public Adjuster In Illinois Near You In One Of These Cities:
Click To Expand & View List Of Cities Served
- Public Adjusters Albany Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Aurora, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Belmont Cragin, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Berwyn, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Bloomington, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Bolingbrook, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Champaign, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Chicago Lawn, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Chicago, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Cicero, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Decatur, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Des Plaines, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Edgewater, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Elgin, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Evanston, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Glenview, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Hoffman Estates, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Joliet, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Lake View, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Lincoln Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Logan Square, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Mount Prospect, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Naperville, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Near North Side, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Normal, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Oak Lawn, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Oak Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Orland Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Palatine, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Peoria, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Portage Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Rockford, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Rogers Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Schaumburg, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Skokie, Illinois
- Public Adjusters South Lawndale, Illinois
- Public Adjusters South Shore, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Springfield, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Tinley Park, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Uptown, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Waukegan, Illinois
- Public Adjusters West Ridge, Illinois
- Public Adjusters West Town, Illinois
- Public Adjusters Wheaton, Illinois
Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.
More About Illinois
Illinois | |
---|---|
Nickname(s): Land of Lincoln, Prairie State, The Inland Empire State | |
Motto(s): State Sovereignty, National Union | |
Anthem: “Illinois“ | |
Location of Illinois within the United States | |
Country | United States |
Before statehood | Illinois Territory |
Admitted to the Union | December 3, 1818 (21st) |
Capital | Springfield |
Largest city | Chicago |
Largest county or equivalent | Cook |
Largest metro and urban areas | Chicagoland |
Government | |
• Governor | J. B. Pritzker (D) |
• Lieutenant Governor | Juliana Stratton (D) |
Legislature | General Assembly |
• Upper house | Illinois Senate |
• Lower house | Illinois House of Representatives |
Judiciary | Supreme Court of Illinois |
U.S. senators | Dick Durbin (D) Tammy Duckworth (D) |
U.S. House delegation | 14 Democrats 3 Republicans (list) |
Area | |
• Total | 57,915 sq mi (149,997 km) |
• Land | 55,593 sq mi (143,969 km) |
• Water | 2,320 sq mi (5,981 km) 3.99% |
• Rank | 25th |
Dimensions | |
• Length | 390 mi (628 km) |
• Width | 210 mi (338 km) |
Elevation | 600 ft (180 m) |
Highest elevation | 1,235 ft (376.4 m) |
Lowest elevation (Confluence of Mississippi River and Ohio River) | 280 ft (85 m) |
Population (2024) | |
• Total | |
• Rank | 6th |
• Density | 232/sq mi (89.4/km) |
• Rank | 12th |
• Median household income | $80,300 (2023) |
• Income rank | 17th |
Demonyms | Illinoisan |
Language | |
• Official language | English |
• Spoken language | English (80.8%) Spanish (14.9%) Other (5.1%) |
Time zone | UTC−06:00 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−05:00 (CDT) |
USPS abbreviation | IL |
ISO 3166 code | US-IL |
Traditional abbreviation | Ill. |
Latitude | 36° 58′ N to 42° 30′ N |
Longitude | 87° 30′ W to 91° 31′ W |
Website | illinois |
Illinois ( IL-in-OY) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash and Ohio rivers to its south. Of the fifty U.S. states, Illinois has the fifth-largest gross domestic product (GDP), the sixth-largest population, and the 25th-most land area. Its capital city is Springfield in the center of the state, and the state’s largest city is Chicago in the northeast.
Present-day Illinois was inhabited by Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. The French were the first Europeans to arrive, settling near the Mississippi and Illinois River in the 17th century Illinois Country, as part of their sprawling colony of New France. A century later, the revolutionary war Illinois campaign prefigured American involvement in the region. Following U.S. independence in 1783, which made the Mississippi River the national boundary, American settlers began arriving from Kentucky via the Ohio River. Illinois was soon part of the United States’ oldest territory, the Northwest Territory, and in 1818 it achieved statehood. The Erie Canal brought increased commercial activity in the Great Lakes, and the invention of the self-scouring steel plow by Illinoisan John Deere turned the state’s rich prairie into some of the world’s most productive and valuable farmland, attracting immigrant farmers from Germany, Sweden and elsewhere. In the mid-19th century, the Illinois and Michigan Canal and a sprawling railroad network facilitated trade, commerce, and settlement, making the state a transportation hub for the nation. By 1900, the growth of industrial jobs in the northern cities and coal mining in the central and southern areas attracted immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. Illinois became one of America’s most industrialized states and remains a major manufacturing center. The Great Migration from the South established a large Black community, particularly in Chicago, which became a leading cultural, economic, and population center; its metropolitan area, informally referred to as Chicagoland, holds about 65% of the state’s 12.8 million residents.
Two World Heritage Sites are in Illinois, the ancient Cahokia Mounds, and part of the Wright architecture site. A wide variety of protected areas seek to conserve Illinois’ natural and cultural resources. Major centers of learning include the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, and Northwestern University. Three U.S. presidents have been elected while residents of Illinois: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama; additionally, Ronald Reagan was born and raised in the state. Illinois honors Lincoln with its official state slogan Land of Lincoln. The state is the site of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield and the future home of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Our Expert Public Adjusters Work Exclusively For You To Ensure You Get The Highest Settlement Possible From Your Property Insurance Claim After A Disaster.