With approximately 135,000 miles of streets and highways to explore, the possibilities are endless for Illinois drivers. Wherever the road may lead you, make sure you have the right car insurance to protect you along the way.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Illinois?
The Ilinois minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Illinois, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $20,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage. The minimum amount for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Car Insurance Requirements in Illinois
There are certain types of car insurance that are not optional in Illinois. These include liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.
Liability Insurance
Like all states, drivers are required to carry liability insurance that provides victims with payments for injuries and property damage caused by accidents for which you are at fault. Laws here in the North Star State require a minimum of $10,000 for property damage liability, as well as $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury. These limits are a start, but may not be enough to provide complete liability protection. At Myers Insurance Group, we help drivers determine how much liability coverage is necessary to protect assets and income against liability claims.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist protection helps pay for any medical expenses outside the limits of your personal injury protection when you are injured by an uninsured motorist. Similarly, purchasing underinsured motorist protection provides coverage for your medical expenses outside the limits of your PIP when you are injured by an at-fault motorist with inadequate liability coverage.
Additional Car Insurance Protection
In addition to the mandatory insurance protection required for motorists in Illinois, you can also purchase additional coverage to protect you from personal losses. At Myers Insurance Group, we recommend adding collision insurance to your policy to reimburse you for the repairs or losses to your own vehicle when you are at fault in an accident. We also recommend the inclusion of comprehensive protection, which provides payment for losses stemming from a non-accident related event. Together, these two types of coverage help ensure your losses are minimized if a rock shatters your sunroof, you hit an animal in the road, or a thief breaks into your car overnight.
Other types of coverage are also available and may prove beneficial if you find yourself stranded or without transportation. For example, roadside assistance can provide peace of mind when you run out of gas or experience a flat tire. You can also elect rental car coverage, which helps provide you with temporary transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
Saving Money on Car Insurance in Illinois
At Myers Insurance Group, we believe that quality car insurance coverage should never cost a bundle. As an independent agency, we work hard to compare rates and coverage from several of the state’s leading insurers. Our goal is to help our customers save as much money as possible without sacrificing coverage.
Many of the insurers we work with provide a wide range of discounts, including:
- Low mileage discounts
- Vehicle safety discounts
- Claims-free discounts
- Safe motorist education discounts
- Bundling discounts (when you combine multiple types of coverage with the same insurer)
- And more
If you are a driver in the greater Savoy area, let us help you find an affordable car insurance policy that fits your needs. Contact us today to request your free quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
