Getting Cheap Elburn Auto Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced auto insurance policy? Trust us when we tell you there are many people just like you.

Consumers have many to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates at least once a year because prices are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best rates on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to find cheap auto insurance.

Buying car insurance in Elburn is easy if you know what you're doing. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce your rates substantially using these methods. But Illinois drivers do need to know the way companies compete online.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance companies don't list every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

  • Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
  • Driver Safety - Successfully completing a course in driver safety could possibly earn you a 5% discount if you qualify.
  • Resident Student - Children living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • Multiple Vehicles - Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Low Mileage - Fewer annual miles could qualify for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Federal Government Employee - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with certain companies.
  • Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get better auto insurance rates.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Some only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

Illinois auto insurance

You have some control over your rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

  • Careful drivers pay lower rates - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Even a single ticket can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Careful drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who get flagrant violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
  • Little extras can really add up - There are a ton of extra coverages you can purchase on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for roadside assistance, better glass coverage and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
  • Older drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Illinois are known to be less responsible when behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Older insureds tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • Rate your vehicle for proper use - Driving more miles in a year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates than those used for commuting. Double check that your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • Adjust deductibles and save - Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply could be a windshield shattered by a rock, damage from fire, and windstorm damage. Your deductibles are the amount of money you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your auto insurance will be.
  • Choose a safe vehicle and save - Vehicles with high crash test scores are cheaper to insure. Safer cars reduce injuries and lower injury rates means lower claim amounts and thus lower rates.
  • Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job - Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations like real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of stressful work requirements and long work days. Conversely, professions such as actors, engineers and performers receive lower rates.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Companies like State Farm and Allstate continually stream ads on TV and radio. All the ads say the same thing that you'll save big after switching to their company. How does each company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who fall outside these standards will be charged higher rates which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's the way companies can advertise the savings. That is why drivers should get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Find out more about auto insurance

More detailed Illinois auto insurance information can be read at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Illinois consumers can file complaints about a company, discover disciplinary actions, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Elburn insurance agents.

auto insurance in Elburn

Do the work, save more money

You just read a lot of tips how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even find the lowest rates come from the least-expected company. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than their larger competitors like .

Discount auto insurance can be bought online and also from your neighborhood Elburn agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an insured dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.