A Few Things to Remember When Looking for Auto Insurance
Purchasing vehicle insurance in Illinois can be an expensive prospect, but there are ways to reduce the cost to manageable levels without skimping on overall coverage. There are things any prudent driver can do to lower the premium and save some money, while still getting a good insurance policy. Here are a few things to remember when searching for insurance.
• Shopping around will secure the best rates. There are a number of websites that compare and contrast the rates various auto insurance companies provide. Many of these sites will even offer which types of coverage are required for any particular state, since these can vary from place to place.
• Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. The deductible is what the driver pays in case a claim has to be filed, before the policy will cover the rest. But allowing for a higher deductible will make the monthly price of the premium lower. Raising a $200 deductible to $500 for collision coverage could reduce the premium by up to 30 percent. A driver who can avoid accidents may never even have to pay the deductible at all and save a great deal of money in the process.
• Collision or comprehensive coverage is not necessary for older cars. A vehicle worth less than $1000 is simply not worth the extra cost of collision or comprehensive insurance. The payments may end up costing more than the value of the car it's meant to insure. Go to a local bank to determine the worth of the vehicle in question.
• Low-profile cars mean lower insurance rates. Cars that are known to be in more accidents or to have a higher incidence of theft will have higher insurance rates. Avoid these vehicles in favor of more basic models.
• Try to get a low mileage discount. Sometimes an auto insurance company will offer a discount for drivers who will pledge to drive only a certain number of miles per year.
• Location matters in car insurance. In places where there is a lot of traffic or crime, car-related incidents that require insurance are much higher, so sometimes the rates are higher, as well. Drivers in less populated areas may well find a reduced insurance premium.
• Safety features can save money. Certain auto insurance companies offer discounts for such basic safety features as seatbelts and airbags. Ask to see if this is available.
• Anti-lock brakes can also save money. New York, New Jersey, and Florida all offer state-mandated discounts for anti-lock brakes.
• It doesn't hurt to ask. Discounts and how to get them are different with each car insurance company. From discounts for multiple cars, to age-based reductions, to student discounts, there are a number of ways to save some money. The insurance company will tell anyone what discounts they may be qualified for, just for the asking.
Remembering these things when searching for car insurance are sure to save at least a little money, and perhaps even a lot of money – which is a great thing in the current economic environment.