How to Know You're Wasting Money for Auto Insurance in Forest Park

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Trust us, there are lots of people in the same boat.

You have so many to pick from, and although it's nice to be able to choose, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to price shop coverage every six months because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best price a couple years back you can probably find a better price now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the fastest and easiest way to get good coverage at a lower rate.

This article will help educate you on how to effectively get price quotes. If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. But Illinois consumers do need to know the way companies market on the web and apply this information to your search.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" that factor into your rates.

Cautious drivers pay less - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Even one ticket may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers who get severe violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Don't sacrifice liability coverage - The liability section of your policy provides coverage in the event that you are found liable for damages caused by your negligence. It provides for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
An active claims history can cost you - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance companies in Illinois award lower rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Auto insurance is intended for the large, substantial claims.
Pleasure use saves money - The more you drive in a year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based on how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.
Pay less if you're married - Having a spouse actually saves money on your policy. Marriage usually means you are more mature than a single person and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.
Save money with special equipment - Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can thwart car theft.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Certain discounts will be applied at the time of quoting, but a few need to be asked about before you will receive the discount.

Discount for Good Grades - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
Organization Discounts - Being a member of a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
Homeowners Discount - Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class in high school.
No Claims - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially compared to accident-prone drivers.
Resident Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.
Low Mileage - Keeping the miles down can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears it's possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Illinois, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like State Farm and Allstate regularly use television and radio advertisements. All the ads make an identical promise that you'll save big if you move your policy. How does each company claim to save you money?

All companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk might be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards will be charged more money and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That's the way companies can advertise the way they do.

That is why you should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Much more information about auto insurance in Illinois can be found on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance located here. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, find out which companies have the most complaints, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other informative sites include NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of insurance agents in Forest Park Illinois.

Final considerations

We covered some good ideas how you can save on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may be surprised to find that the lowest rates come from a small local company. Some small companies may only write in your state and offer lower rates compared to the large companies like .

Budget-conscious auto insurance is definitely available both online in addition to many Forest Park insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some auto insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.