Palatine police said just before 3 p.m., officers responded to a crash at Quentin Road and Hillside Street. Chopper 7 was over the scene.
The crash involved one car, which had struck a utility post and a home, police said.
Police said the driver, identified only as female, was pronounced dead on the scene. Her age was not immediately known.
No one else was inside the vehicle, and no other injuries were reported, police said.
The Major Case Assistance Team's Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction unit is investigating the crash with Palatine police.
Quentin Road is closed in both directions between Kenilworth Avenue and Glencoe Road as the investigation continues.
Police did not immediately provide further information about the crash.