Getting Low-Cost Crystal Lake Auto Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say there are many Crystal Lake consumers feeling the pinch from expensive auto insurance.

Having so many online and local companies to choose from, it's difficult to locate the right car insurance company.

It's important to compare prices every six months since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the lowest price on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to find better coverage at a better price.

This information will help educate you on the best way to quote coverages and some money-saving tips. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to cut costs considerably using these techniques. Nevertheless, Illinois vehicle owners do need to know the methods companies use to sell insurance online because it can help you find the best coverage.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but discounts can save money and there are some available that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied when you purchase, but less common discounts must be inquired about before being credited.

  • Theft Prevention Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Homeowners Discount - Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance because owning a home shows financial diligence.
  • Early Signing - A few companies offer discounts for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may save at least 10% off all policies.
  • Claim Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay much less compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it doesn't quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your premiums.

Crystal Lake auto insurance quote

The auto insurance bait and switch

Companies like Allstate and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. All the ads make an identical promise of big savings if you switch your coverage to them. But how can every company say the same thing?

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 40, has no driving citations, and has great credit. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and therefore will save a lot of money.

Consumers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be charged higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "people who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much money. That's the way insurance companies can confidently advertise the savings.

That is why you should compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more about Illinois auto insurance

Additional auto insurance information is located on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance through this link. Illinois drivers can read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, file complaints about a company, and read industry bulletins.

Also read more on BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this Crystal Lake agent directory.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

When you buy insurance online, do not buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Low-cost auto insurance is available on the web as well as from independent agents in Crystal Lake, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. There are still a few companies who don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how you can reduce auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may discover the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company. Regional companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas as compared to the big name companies such as .