Car insurance in Illinois hovers pretty close to the national average, but that is still more than most drivers want to pay. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save on your car insurance by learning about the discounts available and effective ways to negotiate with insurance companies. This article has the tips you need to bring down your insurance premiums without sacrificing your coverage.
Shop ’til You Drop
Many drivers assume that all insurance companies charge about the same rates, but that is simply not the case. It pays, and sometimes it pays big, to shop around for the best premiums. Illinois offers dozens of insurance companies to choose from, so you have a plethora of choices in coverage and prices. To save some time, you can use an online service that does rate comparisons for you. Some insurance agents will also provide this service at no charge, which results in plenty of savings for you. If the best rates are with a company you’ve never heard of, check them out with rating companies like Standard & Poor’s to ensure you get what you pay for.
Shop Wisely for Vehicles
In the market for a new car? Your savings on insurance premiums begins at the dealer. Do your homework before heading to the lot to find out which cars are cheaper to insure. Companies will charge very different rates for a fire engine red Ferrari than they will for a dark blue sedan. Safety features and anti-theft devices also make a big difference in insurance rates. When you walk into a car lot with this information in hand, you are sure to walk out with a vehicle that you can afford to insure properly.
Be a Good Customer
Insurance companies like good customers, and they tend to reward them for their loyalty and business. Most insurance companies handle other types of insurance policies in addition to car insurance. By purchasing policies for your boat or home with the same company, you can save a bundle on your premiums. Even multiple car discounts can be significant, costing you as much to insure two cars as it usually costs to insure one. Some insurance companies also work with employers to provide discounted insurance to employees. Ask your employer if they have a particular insurance company they work with in this regard.
Finding less costly auto insurance in Illinois is easy if you know where to look. By following these steps, you can find insurance that provides sufficient coverage for the right price.
