Finding a car insurance company in Illinois isn’t difficult, even for those considered high risk to insure, the difficulty often lies in making the choice between the many top Illinois car insurance companies offering coverage. There are many choices, each offering different rates and discounts. How do you know which Illinois car insurance company to purchase a policy from? There are a number of things to consider prior to choosing the Illinois car insurance company where you get the best coverage for your money.
The state of Illinois has a random insurance screening process to catch uninsured drivers. When you register your vehicle or renew plates, all you are required to do is provide your signature attesting that you have auto insurance. The DMV computers randomly generate a questionnaire requiring special verification. Failure to provide this information will result in the suspension of your vehicles plates.
Illinois State law requires that all vehicles have minimum liability insurance coverage of $20,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident, $40,000 for two or more persons, $15,000 in property damage. It also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident before legally being allowed to be driven on Illinois State roads. This minimum coverage, however, may not protect you in the event of an accident and you are required by law to pay any expenses above this if you are responsible for an accident.
Optional Coverage You Can Get From Your Illinois Car Insurance Company
Banks and other lenders will probably require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage for your automobile as a stipulation of your loan. Leasing companies will also require the same.
- Comprehensive Coverage protects your vehicle from fire, weather-related damages, theft and vandalism.
- Collision coverage pays for damage and replacement if you hit a stationary object such as a building, light post or tree.
- GAP insurance will pay the difference between what you owe on an automobile and its actual worth. This is a smart investment for anyone who has just purchased a brand new car. Although you still owe the full cost of it, it depreciates 20% the second it is driven off the lot. This means if it is totaled in an accident and the insurance company pays you what your vehicle is worth, you still owe the difference to your lending company.
- You can purchase additional insurance to cover any non-factory standard items in your vehicle, including stereo equipment and customizations.
Factors That Can Make Your Illinois Auto Insurance Company Charge You Higher Premiums
- Statistics show that unmarried men under the age of 25 have more accidents and moving violations. Your age, gender and marital status will affect your premiums.
- The more insurance you buy the higher your coverage. You can lower your premium by raising your deductible. Just make sure you don’t raise it so high that you will not be able to afford it if you are in an accident.
- Other family members, their age and driving records will affect your premium. Having a teen driver on your policy will increase your rates. However, it will be cheaper than purchasing a separate policy for the teenager.
- Drivers with a good driving record will pay less in premiums than those with points on their license, a history of accidents or moving violations.
- If you live in an urban area with a high crime rate you will pay more on your comprehensive insurance than someone will that lives in a rural area.
- Your credit report will have some bearing on your premiums. The lower your credit score, the higher you premiums are going to be.
- The car you drive will also determine what you will pay for auto insurance. Some vehicles just cost more to repair than others, while other cars are favorites of automobile thieves.
Discounts Available From Illinois Car Insurance Companies
These are only some of the discounts available on car insurance in the state of Illinois. These will vary from insurance company to insurance company. Ask your agent for all the details.
- Car Pool – Members of car pools may be eligible for discounts
- Low Annual Mileage – Vehicles that are driven less than 7,500 miles a year may be eligible for a discount
- Safety Features – Vehicles with safety features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags and automatic seatbelts can lower your policy.
- Multiple Policies – Purchasing your auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance from the same company or carrying several vehicles on the same policy can save you money.
- Safe Driver – Discounts are available for drivers without any accidents or points on their license.
- Good Student – Students who maintain a B average or above in school can get discounts.
- Defensive Driver – Those over the age of 55 who take a defensive driving course are eligible for a defensive driver discount
- Anti-theft Devices – Can lower your comprehensive coverage.
High Risk Illinois Car Insurance Companies: Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP)
The Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP) was created in 1940 to provide automobile insurance to individuals who are unable to obtain coverage because of their risk factors due to the car they drive or because of a poor driving record. In order to qualify for automobile insurance under ILAIP, proof has to be provided that you have been turned down for auto insurance in the previous 60 days or have not been able to find auto insurance at rates not exceeding those of the ILAIP.
If you are a high risk driver looking for a high risk Illinois auto insurance company then relax because all insurers providing insurance in the state of Illinois are required by state law to participate in the plan.
In order to qualify for auto insurance under the ILAIP you must have a valid driver’s license or be able to apply for one, your vehicle must be deemed safe to drive and you must not owe any outstanding premiums for prior coverage from the last three years.
List Of Illinois Auto Insurance Companies
Some of the top auto insurers offering coverage in Illinois include:
- Geico
- Allstate
- State Farm
- Progressive
- AIG
- Unitran
- Esurance
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