Teenager Auto Insurance Coverage in Chicago Illinois

Reader’s Question:

Would it be better to get my teenager his on car insurance here in Chicago, Illinois?

Mathilda

Chicago, IL

It will be a very good idea to add your teenager as soon as he or she gets their learner’s permit or driver’s license there in Chicago. In fact, get them added as soon as they start driving the said vehicle, supervised or otherwise. Admittedly this will cause your auto insurance premiums to become higher, due to teenagers being seen by car insurance providers as having a bigger potential to become involved in car accidents, compared to parents or someone who has more experience on the road.

If you’re thinking of getting your teenagers their own insurance policy it might not be a wise decision since it will cost you or your teenagers much more to get insurance under their own than to have them added as an occasional or named driver under your existing policy. Don’t even consider having no coverage for them at all! (you might be surprised at how many people do) since your taking an awfully big risk losing your assets to pay for damages if they cause an accident. Not to mention that its illegal in the state of Illinois to drive without proper car insurance or any equal form of financial capability.

If it proves to expensive to add them, ask about good student discounts if your teenager is getting good grades and enrolling them in defensive driving lessons can also lead to extra discounts on your insurance bills.

Auto Insurance Prices in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

Where do insurance companies base their rate quotes? I reside here in Peoria, Illinois and has been doing some research on car insurance to help my wife get good car insurance prices.

Mathew

Peoria, IL

Your car insurance rates are based on a number of factors and not all car insurance providers use the same system or process to determine your auto insurance premiums. Some of these factors are controllable and some you will just have to live with if you want to get car insurance coverage. Generally, car insurance rates are based on the following factors: Age, Gender, Driving record, where you live and the kind of car you own.

The younger the driver (teenagers to early 20s) the more inexperienced he/she is considered by the insurance company thereby presenting a higher risk as a driver than a more established drivers. Those above 55 years, however, may also be seen as a high risk driver due to the physical limitations (slower reflexes, poorer eyesight etc.,) imposed by advancing age.

Males are, statistically, more prone to get into car accidents than women. Your location, where you live, work and drive each day, as well as the popularity of your type of vehicle among thieves, also affects your rates since insurance providers will be taking into account the crime and theft rates of vehicles in that area. The factor that you have most control of would be your driving history there in Peoria, Illinois. Prior involvement in car accidents, accumulating traffic violations and getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) has a very big impact on how much you pay for insurance.

Tags: auto insurance

How To Save On Young Driver Car Insurance in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

Were trying to help our son build a good credit history and since car insurance here in Illinois costs too much for a young driver, we elected to put him as a named driver on our policy. What else can we do to save on car insurance?

Warren

Naperville, IL

Putting your son under your own car insurance policy there in Naperville, Illinois is definitely a good idea. And in the meantime, until he graduates and gets his first job, (and eventually decide he needs to get car insurance on his own) here are a few other ways on how your son can start to build a good driving history which is key into getting good car insurance deals in the future.

Do Defensive Driving

A good foundation on safe and responsible driving habits will serve your son well for many, many driving years to come. Start early and find accredited defensive driving classes or schools in your area, you can even make it a family project, not only will this help your son learn the skills of safer driving but it can also qualify you for discounts towards your car insurance policy.

Good Grades Go Far

The better he maintains his academic performance, the better chances of your son being able to get competitive rates for first time policy holders in the future. Most auto insurers will also provide a good student discount if your son is able to maintain an average of at least a B or higher.

Follow The Rules

Your son should be aware of the gravity of any moving violations, drunk driving or car accidents could cause on his record and to his ability to get good car insurance in the future. Admittedly, first time policy holders rates are expensive but why make it higher due to some reckless driving incidences?rules are there to keep everyone, including your son, safe.