Tightwads Guide to Saving on Blue Island Auto Insurance

No one enjoys paying for auto insurance, in particular when the price is too high.

Having so many companies to choose from, it can be hard to pick the cheapest car insurance company.

It's important to price shop coverage periodically because prices are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best deal on your last policy you can probably find a lower rate today. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the proper way to lower your annual insurance bill.

Illinois auto insurance quotes

Blue Island Auto Insurance Comparisons

There are several ways of comparing price quotes from different Blue Island insurance companies. The best method to find competitive insurance rates involves getting comparison quotes online. This can be done in a couple of different ways.

  • The recommended way consumers can make multiple comparisons is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This method keeps you from doing separate quote forms for each company you want a rate for. Just one form will get you rate comparisons from many national carriers.
  • A more difficult way to compare rate quotes requires you to visit the website for each individual company and complete a new quote form. For examples sake, let's say you want to compare , and . To get each rate you have to take the time to go to each site and enter your policy data, which is why most consumers use the first method.

    To view a list of companies in Blue Island, click here.
  • The least efficient method to get comparison rates is driving around to local Blue Island insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you prefer the professional advice that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, get the lowest quotes online and still use a local agent. We'll cover that shortly.

Whichever way you use, be sure to compare apples-to-apples coverage information on every quote. If the quotes have unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be impossible to make a fair comparison in Blue Island. Just a small difference in limits may result in large price differences. Keep in mind that comparing more company's prices gives you a better chance of getting the best offered rates.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies do not advertise all their discounts very well, so here is a list both well-publicized and the more hidden auto insurance savings.

  • Bundle and Save - When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
  • Good Student - A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
  • Discount for New Cars - Insuring a new car can be considerably cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Memberships - Participating in a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.
  • No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts as compared to bad drivers.

It's important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you're out of luck.

To see a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Illinois, follow this link.

How to know if you need help

When choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance needs to address that. These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Illinois?
  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
  • Am I getting all the discounts available?
  • Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Additional Illinois consumer information

Additional detailed information is available at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Illinois consumers can view agent and company licensing information, file complaints about a company, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Additional helpful sites include Wikipedia and this Blue Island agent directory.