Auto Insurance in Illinois: Coverage, Costs, and Compliance
Navigating through life’s most difficult choices!
Do you own a car? Who doesn’t? In today’s world, where technological advancements are gaining popularity, everyone owns a car. It has become a necessity for individuals for various purposes. It can be taking their family together outside, shopping in case of any emergency, traveling, and much more.
What if your car gets damaged unintentionally or by accident? What if a natural calamity takes place? This is where auto insurance comes into play. Whether you bought a new car or got injured in an accident having one, auto insurance is crucial to save you from driving off the lot. No matter the industry or your personal vehicle, having your insurance can work wonders.
Getting your insurance can be daunting, and you’ll find dozens of companies competing for your business. Therefore, it is up to you to choose the best auto insurance coverage as per your requirements.
In this post, we’ll cover all the aspects, including the types, policies, and auto insurance quotes for your car. From comparing rates to saving money, let us dig deeper and find the best possible solutions.
Here we go!
Types of Car Insurance in Illinois
Having affordable car insurance can offer you peace of mind in the long run. Knowing you have coverage if you suddenly meet with an accident can help you drive comfortably and safely. Moreover, if you have a perfect driving record, it would be best to prepare yourself. Below are different insurance coverage types to look for:
Liability Coverage
This liability is compulsory in many states. In this, the drivers are legally bound to purchase at least the minimum amount of liability coverage set by state law. Liability coverage has two components:
· Bodily Injury Liability includes paying for costs related to another person’s injuries if you caused the accident.
· Property Damage Liability coverage can help pay for damage you cause to another person's property while driving.
Collision Coverage
If you meet with an accident with another vehicle or hit an object like a fence, this coverage will help repair your car.
Comprehensive Coverage
The comprehensive policy offers a wide range of coverage options in order to ensure your safety. Basically, this coverage helps by providing complete protection. It covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and own damage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
There can be a situation when you get hit by someone who does not have insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay your medical bills or repair your vehicle in some states. Whereas if an underinsured driver hits you, your insurance is insufficient to meet your medical bills. In this situation, underinsured motorist coverage will help you.
Cost of Car Insurance in Illinois 2023
The place where you live can also impact your insurance coverage costs. Also, the younger you are, the more car insurance you have to pay (especially teen drivers). Gender can also affect your coverage premiums in Illinois. Men might have to pay more than women as they may be risky behind the wheel.
Insurance Coverage | National Average | Insurance Cost in Illinois |
Full Coverage Car Insurance | $1,738 | $1,485 |
State-required minimum liability insurance | $480 | $442 |
Car Insurance Costs By Age and Gender
Males | Females | |
Age | Average Monthly Full Coverage Premium in Illinois | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium in Illinois |
Age 16* | $366 | $4,394 |
Age 18 | $570 | $6,843 |
Age 20 | $423 | $5,070 |
Age 25 | $199 | $2,392 |
Age 30 | $163 | $1,959 |
Age 40 | $152 | $1,825 |
Age 50 | $141 | $1,689 |
Age 60 | $137 | $1,639 |
Age 70 | $153 | $1,836 |
Note* Age and gender rates are calculated based on the males and females profiles aged between 16-70, with a base of 40 years. A car driver can be a homeowner or renter based on the age. You’ll find state regulations in a few states. Therefore, some states do not consider gender to determine the calculated premiums. Some of them include:
· Hawaii
· Massachusetts
· California
· Michigan
· North Carolina
· Pennsylvania
Cost Considerations for Young Drivers in Illinois
Age | Average Annual Premium for Drivers on their Parents' Policy in Illinois | Average Annual Premium for Drivers on their Own Policy in Illinois |
Age 16 | $4,148 | N/A* |
Age 17 | $3,782 | N/A* |
Age 18 | $3,496 | $6,216 |
Age 19 | $3,315 | $5,274 |
Age 20 | $2,938 | $4,602 |
Note* 16 and 17 years old drivers are always on their parent’s or legal guardian’s policy.
It’s not only about the cost of car insurance, you should consider the quality as well. Also, remember that customer service from an insurer is also the most important aspect. So, make it a priority to find the best possible insurance for your needs.
SR-22: Is It an Insurance Policy?
· What is SR-22 in Illinois?
· Is it an auto insurance policy?
The SR-22 is a financial responsibility certificate that reveals that the high-risk driver will have minimum state-required auto coverage. This further depicts that you must have an SR-22 along with your auto insurance coverage.
You can get SR-22 from a reputed insurer. Don’t get confused; not every insurance company will provide you with this certificate, as some organizations aren’t authorized to do so. If your state orders you to have this certificate, contact your auto insurance service provider for SR-22.
Renewal: You should renew your SR-22 certificate 45 days prior to its expiry date. Moreover, try to comply with the state’s driving and insurance laws. Your insurer must notify the Illinois state if you don’t renew your certificate 15 days before it expires.
The Importance of Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Illinois
Finding cheap auto insurance in Illinois is of utmost importance. A few reasons can be:
· First, Illinois has some highest insurance costs in the country. You need to be careful otherwise you could have to pay a lot more than required.
· Second, the state requires all drivers to carry a specific amount of coverage. If not, you could be fined or get your driving license suspended.
Comparing Auto Insurance Costs: Finding The Best Deals
What’s the best way to find an appropriate insurance policy? It’s comparing multiple auto insurance quotes. Doing this will help you overcome the obstacle of finding affordable policies and meet your needs. Below are some tips to help you out.
· Check Your Details: Ensure you have all your current auto insurance coverage information before getting fresh quotes. It includes coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums.
· Get Quotes: Compare as much as you can to find the best deals on your auto insurance coverage.
· Compare: Price is important. Besides this, you should also take the company’s financial stability, claims process, and customer service into account. Remember, the cheapest option may end up costing you more in the long run.
· Adjust Coverage: You can adjust your coverage as per your needs, like lowering your premiums by increasing deductibles or dropping unwanted coverage like roadside assistance. But don’t sacrifice the important coverage options just to save a few thousand.
· Ask About Discounts: Explore different ways to lower your rates, like safe driver discounts, student discounts, anti-theft device discounts, etc. Every bit can help!
Wrap Up
There you are! Finding a perfect company that offers ultimate premiums or auto insurance coverage quotes is a win-win situation. If you are looking for cheap auto insurance in Illinois, plan in advance and follow this guide.
So, what are you waiting for? Ride your vehicle with complete coverage and confidence. Insure first, drive later!