4 Things to Know When Buying Auto Insurance Online

Reader’s Question:

A friend got her auto insurance policy over the Internet and I have to admit its way cheaper than what I’m paying for. Am I losing out here for not shopping for coverage online?

Paris

Naperville, IL

The great thing about the Internet is not that it exclusively has the best deals, but that it makes it much easier and faster for people to get the best deals available. If you are interested in getting a more competitive auto insurance policy online, here are some tips to help you out:

1. Use Insurance Comparison Websites – The website you’re on right now is a good example of one. Get a free online auto insurance quote and compare offers coming from a wide-selection of auto insurers available in your area. This is a great way to find the best offers quickly and easily.

2. Consult Independent Rating Agency Sites – You want to check out the websites of A.M. Best, J.D. Powers, and other independent rating agencies. In a nutshell, they will tell you which companies are the best, and which are just the rest. You will find this information useful when looking for a quality auto insurer to go with.

3. Visit Your State’s Department of Insurance Homepage – Just Google the one for your state. This website will contain important auto insurance information like state minimum coverage requirements and the likes. This is something that you should check out before buying a policy.

4. Go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Site – Get crucial insights with how certain insurers or companies in your area do business. The BBB can help you know about shady business practices and about the companies that treat their customers well.

There are tons of other websites offering helpful information about auto insurance, but the four mentioned above should get you off on a good start.

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.

Business Vehicle Insurance In Illinois

Reader’s Question:

I’m part-owner of a business and we are in need of a vehicle insurance that will be used for our business transportation. Is there a different type of auto insurance that we should get for our business here in Naperville, Illinois?

Darby

Naperville, IL

Anyone who has a business and needs vehicle insurance for their business transportation may think if it would be a different type of insurance than that of insurance for a personal auto. In general, business vehicle insurance is not really different. Both kinds of vehicle insurance policies would have basic coverage for collision, comprehensive, personal injury or medical coverage and liability.

If you plan to use just one automobile for your business needs and also for personal use in Illinois, all of the aforementioned basic coverage would be required. The only real difference is that of the automobile is listed as being owned by your business rather than your name. In this case, the business name should be listed as the principal insured party on the vehicle insurance policy. This way, if you’re unlucky to be in a car crash while driving the automobile, it would be easier for all involved to sort out who owns it if the time comes for you to file the insurance claim.

Out-Of-State DUI Conviction For Illinois Driver

Reader’s Question:

I live in Naperville, Illinois and I was just convicted for DUI in another state. My driving privileges have been removed from that state. Does my DUI conviction from another state mean that my Illinois driver’s license would be suspended?

Jerome
Naperville, IL

If you’re a resident of Naperville, Illinois, upon the receipt of the report of your DUI conviction from another state, the Illinois Secretary of State would automatically revoke your driver’s license. To avoid a license revocation, any reduction or amendment must be to an offense that would be recognized separately (that is, Reckless Driving) under the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code.

Since your out-of-state DUI case resulted in a conviction, it would usually take several weeks for the report of the conviction to reach the Illinois Secretary of State. But upon the receipt, the Secretary of State would immediately serve a Notice of Revocation upon you by mail. The revocation would be effective normally within a few days of mailing. If you no longer live in the same address listed on your driver’s license, you must change your address directly with the Secretary of State’s Drivers Services Department forthwith as official notices from the Secretary are not forwarded and your failure to actually receive the notice does not affect the validity or effective date of the revocation of your license.

Tags: driver’s license, DUI, DUI lawyer

Illinois SR22 Auto Insurance

Reader’s Question:

I have a DUI conviction here in  Illinois and my license has been revoked. I’m getting ready to get my license back and I was advised by a friend that I need to file SR22 auto insurance. Is this some type of insurance policy?

Oscar

Naperville, IL

Since your driver’s license has been revoked because of your DUI conviction in Naperville, Illinois, you need to file an SR22 auto insurance to get your license reinstated. SR22 is not an auto insurance policy, but rather it is a type of rider that is added to an Illinois insurance policy. It is a form from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that shows that a driver has auto insurance. This is a document required as proof of financial responsibility under Illinois state law for persons convicted for DUI. This is simply a form which must be filed by the insurance company stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a certain individual.

You can check with your insurance company first if they do offer SR22 auto insurance. That way, you can simply add SR22 to your insurance policy. If not, you need to contact an insurance agent to buy liability insurance to get SR22 from another insurance company. Ask the agent for SR22 form once you have committed to purchasing a policy. You need to take the form to the Illinois DMV and this can be done personally.

Illinois DUI – How Much Does Ignition Interlock Cost?

Reader’s Question:

My daughter is in trial right now because of a DUI charge here in Illinois. Aside from the grueling fact that she might be paying a hefty fine, I was told that she would have to install an ignition interlock device in her car if she will be convicted. What is this machine and how much does it cost?

Steve

Naperville, IL

An ignition interlock device measures blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver by blowing into it and if alcohol is detected, it prohibits the car from starting. It would also test drivers periodically while the car is running.

The ignition interlock law in Illinois for DUI convicts is being called the most stringent in the country. It was mandated in September 2007 for people with one drunk driving conviction in the state. So even first-time DUI offenders are required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. The Secretary of State’s office will monitor all breath test results from the ignition interlock devices.

Under the new Illinois ignition interlock law, the ignition interlock device would be rented and cost $150 to install. The monthly fee would be $100, just another reason to not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This monthly cost would cover monitoring by the Secretary of State’s office and the ignition interlock manufacturer.