Car insurance costs in Illinois depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond your control, like vehicle model or location. But you can use an Illinois Car Insurance Calculator to explore these influences on your rate and find ways to lower it; find out which factors have the biggest effect and determine how best to save.
One of the most essential factors is your driving record. Illinois car insurance rates tend to increase for drivers who have had multiple traffic violations or at-fault accidents in their history, such as speeding tickets or DUI convictions. While any single incident will influence your rate – speeding tickets usually increase it by 25% while DUI can add another 828% – the good news is that as you build up a more spotless record, your rates should decrease over time.
Other than your driving record, other factors that influence Illinois car insurance premiums include:
Marital status: Married drivers often pay less for auto coverage due to insurers considering them a low-risk driver and offering them better rates.
Age: Young drivers tend to be at greater risk for car accidents than older ones. With less experience behind the wheel and being more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding, these young drivers make insurance for them more costly than it would otherwise be.
Credit Score: Poor credit is another key factor influencing car insurance rates across Illinois and nationwide, since insurance companies use it to assess how risky you represent as a driver. Achieve high scores to secure lower car insurance quotes in Illinois.
Coverage Amount: When purchasing car insurance in Illinois, the coverage amount you purchase has an enormous effect on your rate. Although liability only coverage is legally required in the state, many motorists opt for more comprehensive policies as an extra layer of protection in case an accident happens. While full coverage plans tend to cost more, they provide added peace of mind.
Illinois drivers looking to save on car insurance costs by opting for higher deductibles can lower their out-of-pocket expenses in an accident; but be mindful that choosing this route may increase out-of-pocket expenses should something arise that requires further payment from you. You should consider the potential pros and cons before making your decision.
Keep in mind that failure to carry the minimum required car insurance in Illinois could result in fines or suspension of your driver’s license, so make sure that you carry at least the state minimum coverage and use an Illinois Car Insurance Calculator to estimate how much money should go towards paying your policy premiums.