Want To Reduce Auto Insurance Rates in Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

I definitely need help in reducing my auto insurance rates here in Illinois, anything you can advise me with?

Hamza

Springfield, IL

Car insurance companies will provide you a quote after taking into account all factors that cover it. There are some things that you can do to reduce what you pay for your auto insurance. At times, even the slightest adjustment can give you big savings. The foremost important thing that you can do to reduce your auto insurance rates is to take care of your driving record. Try as much as you can to maintain a good driver status by avoiding accidents, DUI citations, moving violations and speeding tickets. Things like this, especially being charged with DUI, will definitely increase your auto insurance premiums.

Another important thing to take care of is your credit history. This may not always directly affect your auto insurance premiums but you have to pay attention to it nevertheless. Your credit history can be looked at by auto insurance companies to see the kind of person that you are. This may decide whether you would have to pay all at once or you can be given the privilege to pay it on a monthly basis.

Lastly, and often overlooked by most consumers, you can reduce your auto insurance payment if check various insurers. Ask different auto insurance quotes from them and compare them to find the most affordable one that has the best value.

Non-Owners SR22 Insurance in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

I no longer have a vehicle but my insurance agent friend here in Illinois says I might still need to carry an SR22 since I will still be driving a different vehicle. What is it and what should I do?

Gary

Palatine, IL

Hello Gary, under the financial responsibility laws of Illinois, anyone who have been caught driving under the influence (DUI), proven at-fault in a car accident or has accumulated any number of moving violations severe enough to have his or her license suspended and lose car insurance coverage, would be required to file an SR-22 form. An SR-22 is proof of financial capability of a driver to compensate for any damages or injury he or she may cause to another person or property (the required coverage should not fall below the state required minimum limits).

Even if you would not be driving your own vehicle for a while, you will still be required to maintain an SR-22 for at least a couple of years to make sure you’re still carrying adequate liability insurance under a Non-owners SR-22. Please take note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the vehicle your driving is covered for any damages or loss it may incur. This type of insurance only covers liability from injury or damages.

You may want to purchase a Non-owners insurance policy if you would like to protect the vehicle you will be driving there in Palatine, IL. This is different since an SR-22 covers other people from damages or injuries you caused while a Non-owners Insurance policy works the other way around.

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.

Illinois DUI Conviction – How Long Will It Stay On My Record?

Reader’s Question:

How long does a DUI stay on record for the states of Michigan and Illinois? Does it reflect on my criminal record?

Joshua

Cicero, IL

Most traffic violation in Michigan stays on your record for at least 7 years. But, certain convictions and licensing actions remain on your driving record for at least 10 years. The same is true for alcohol violations which remain on your record for a minimum of 10 years. Fatality remains in you driving permanently in Michigan.

According to the Illinois the IL Secretary of State (SOS), moving violations remain on a driver’s record for 4 to 5years from the date of conviction. The information on the ticket will be carried on your driving record for a minimum of 7 years from the date of reinstatement if such ticket forms the basis for suspension or revocation of your license. DUI remain on a driver’s record for a lifetime in Illinois.

See with the various state’s courts to know how long these types of records will remain on your record and whether DUI is criminal or not.