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.

Auto Insurance After DUI in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

I got charged with DUI here in Aurora, Illinois and if I get cleared, will my car insurance rates still increase? If so, how can I avoid an increased rate on my car insurance?

Heriberto

Aurora, IL

Even if you get cleared for your DUI charge in Aurora, Illinois, your car insurance company could still increase your rates, just because you were arrested for DUI. It is actually their right to increase your car insurance rates for the DUI arrest, but it is also your right not to notify them unless you are actually convicted for DUI. To avoid increased car insurance rates, you have to retain a good DUI lawyer after your DUI arrest if you are able to afford one.

You should ask your DUI lawyer as soon as possible on how to avoid increased car insurance rates after a DUI conviction. The DUI lawyer could advise you on what to say to your insurance company and when you have to say it. You also have to understand that you would experience some level of increased car insurance rates unless your DUI case is dismissed. You also have to ask your DUI lawyer about DUI support groups in your area. You could not only gain some comfort by talking with others, but you could also get peer advice for finding good car insurance and coping with financial pressures caused by your DUI charge.