Illinois Car Insurance
Choosing the right Illinois car insurance company can be a critical decision. Car insurance protects you from such financial losses as car repairs, medical bills and legal services that result when you are involved in an accident.
That's why, since 1993, InsureMe has been helping Illinois car insurance buyers get the best coverage for the best possible price. With just a little information, we can put you in touch with some of the top Illinois car insurance companies who will compete for your business.
Whether you're looking for new car insurance or just comparison shopping against your current Illinois car insurance policy, InsureMe can help!
Required Illinois Insurance Coverages
Illinois law requires all car owners to acquire minimum amounts of Illinois car insurance in order to operate a vehicle within the state. Required coverages encompassed within state law include:
- Liability-Pays for injuries you cause to another person, or property damage you cause through negligent driving. Includes bodily injury coverage of $20,000 per person per accident and $40,000 per accident, as well as property damage of at least $15,000 per accident.
- Uninsured Motorist-Covers your own bodily injury when involved in a hit-and-run accident, or when hit by a driver who is at fault but holds no insurance. $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident coverage is required by law.
- Underinsured Motorist-Pays the difference between your uninsured motorist coverage and the at-fault driver's liability coverage. Required only when you purchase higher limits of uninsured motorist coverage.
It is always a good idea to consider buying higher limits of Illinois car insurance than those mandated by state law. State minimums may not be sufficient to cover the complete value of your car, provide adequate finances for medical bills incurred as the result of an accident, or protect you fully from lawsuits.
Other Coverage
One other type of Illinois car insurance coverage which may be required by your lender if you decide to finance your car is physical damage. This pays for damage to your car, minus your deductible, in case of an accident, and includes both collision and comprehensive. The collision portion pays for damage incurred if you're involved in an accident with another car or fixed object, whereas comprehensive pays for damages due to other causes, such as hail, fire or theft. Talk to a knowledgeable Illinois car insurance agent to determine if you need physical damage coverage for your car.
Helpful Shopping Tips
Shopping for Illinois car insurance can be a time-consuming process. But knowing what to look for and what to ask can make that search a much more efficient one.
Following are some tips to help you:
- Find a reliable agent. Look for an agent who is licensed, reliable and helpful.
- Shop carefully. Comparison shop between different agents and policies, obtaining several quotes.
- Fill out your application completely and accurately. Misrepresentations and omissions are considered fraud, and can be prosecuted under Illinois state law.
- Understand what you are buying. Ask for details and explanations of anything you don't understand. Do not sign anything until you understand the policy completely.
- Do not accept high-pressure tactics. Report harassment by insurance companies or agents to the Illinois Division of Insurance.
- Do not be misled by advertising. You are the only one who can determine if a particular insurance policy is the right one for you.
Lowering Your Car Insurance Costs
Acquiring Illinois car insurance coverage can be an expensive proposition. Getting the best coverage at the best price involves knowing and understanding the factors that drive insurance prices upward, and taking steps to ensure these factors do not affect your own premium.
Some of the ways to keep your Illinois car insurance premium low include inquiring about discounts, setting your deductible as high as possible, maintaining a good driving record, buying more than one type of policy with the same insurance company, choosing the vehicle you purchase carefully, and maintaining the best credit history possible.
Get More Information
If you would like more information about Illinois car insurance, contact the Illinois Division of Insurance's Consumer Assistance Hotline toll free at 866-445-5364, or visit their Web site at www.ins.state.il.us.
Now that you have the information you need to make the best Illinois car insurance purchasing decision possible, why not let us do the rest? Just fill out InsureMe's "Get a free quote" box now, and we'll send you up to five Illinois car insurance quotes with absolutely no obligation.
Get informed, do your research, and get affordable Illinois car insurance now!
