How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Car Insurance in South Holland

I can't think of anyone who cherishes buying car insurance, especially when the cost is way too high. Numerous battle for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the absolute lowest price

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we took the time to find some of the more common and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military can result in better rates.
Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of paying each month you can actually save on your bill.
Homeowners Savings - Simply owning a home can help you save on car insurance because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Sign Early and Save - Select companies give a discount for switching to them before your current expiration date. It can save you around 10%.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like you could get a free car insurance policy, it just doesn't work that way.

To see a list of insurance companies with the best car insurance discounts in South Holland, click here to view.

Finding Car Insurance in South Holland, IL

Most companies such as State Farm, Allstate and GEICO allow you to get prices for coverage directly from their websites. The process is fairly straightforward as you simply type in your coverage preferences into the quote form. Once you submit the form, their rating system will obtain credit information and your driving record and returns a price. Quoting online makes comparing rates easy, but having to visit several different sites and fill out multiple forms can be a bit tiresome and repetitive. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible in order to find a lower rate.

There is a better way!

The preferred way to get multiple rate quotes utilizes a single form that gets prices from several different companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates form submissions, and makes comparison shopping a little more enjoyable. After your information is entered, it is rated and you are able to buy any of the price quotes you receive. If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, it's easy to complete the application and purchase coverage. The entire process takes 15 minutes at the most and may save quite a bit of money.

If you want to find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and complete the simple form. If you currently have coverage, we recommend that you enter the insurance coverages as shown on your current policy. This makes sure you are getting comparison quotes based on the exact same insurance coverage.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Understanding what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

Special features that cut premiums - Owning a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft devices such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent car theft.
How many coverages with the same company - The majority of insurers provide better rates to policyholders who buy several policies from them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even with this discount, it's in your best interest to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Lower deductibles cost more - Deductibles for physical damage define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and windstorm damage. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
How's your driving record? - Good drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Even one speeding ticket can increase rates twenty percent or more. If you have severe violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.

It's not one size fits all

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no best way to insure your cars. Everyone's situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you may require specific advice.

Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?

If you're not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Consumers can't get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all make an identical promise that you can save if you move to them.

How do they all make the same claim? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer could be over the age of 50, owns a home, and has excellent credit. A customer who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who do not match the "perfect" profile will be quoted a higher premium and ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads say "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can make those claims. This emphasizes why drivers must get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know which company will have the lowest rates.

Best coverage at the best price

While you're price shopping online, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later they didn't purchase enough coverage. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Affordable car insurance is possible from both online companies and with local South Holland insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best rate selection. Some companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

Additional detailed information can be found at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Consumers can view a list of available companies, read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, and file complaints about a company.