Cheapest Auto Insurance After an Accident

Reader’s Question:

My car insurance rates have increased after my friend crashed my car. Where can I get the cheapest auto insurance after an accident?

Ian

Rockford, IL

Although it may seem unfair, but will have to pay for your friend’s dreadful driving, too. This is also the case when family members borrow your car and get into an unfortunate accident. This is because the insurance that will kick in to pay for the damages your friend or relative may cause will be the auto owner’s insurance, which in this case is yours. Unless you are able to prove that the car was taken without your permission, then you can expect an increase of as much as 50% in your auto insurance premiums.

However, if this is the first ever accident in your auto insurance record, then you can appeal to your insurer. In most cases, auto insurance companies will be willing forgive the first accident and not raise the auto owner’s premiums. You will need to ask about this matter from your local auto insurance broker, though, as companies have varying rating systems. Other auto insurance companies may forego the first time accident, while some insurers may not. Since your rates have increased, you should shop around for the cheapest auto insurance from different companies that cater to clients who may be considered high risk because they have records of traffic accidents before.

What Are Available Auto Insurance Discounts in Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

I think getting auto insurance discounts can help me in cutting the costs of my auto insurance here in Illinois. What types of discounts can I get and how else can I lessen my premiums?

David

Rockford, IL

There are a lot of things that you can do to lessen the costs of your auto insurance in Illinois and you are right, getting discounts is one of them. You can get an auto insurance discount if you install safety devices in your car such as steering lock, alarm system and anti-lock brakes. Likewise, you need to make sure that your car is safe and stored in a locked garage at night and parked in a safe place.

Another type of discount that you can get on your auto insurance is for being a good driver. If you keep a clean driving record and have no claims for a certain amount of time (usually for three years), you will be rewarded for this. You will also get a reward or what is called low mileage discount if you meet a certain number of mileage per year. Then, you have to enroll and complete a defensive driving course as you can also get a discount on your auto insurance for this. This will prove that you can be a safer driver, thus lowering the rates offered to you by auto insurance companies.

Aside from getting auto insurance discounts, you can also lessen your premiums by getting higher deductible on your auto insurance policy. Insurance deductible is the money you are willing to pay in case of an at-fault accident before the policy comes in and pays the rest up to your set limits. Also, auto insurance comparison is a proven way to lessen your premiums. If you collect and compare quotes from several auto insurance companies, you are guaranteed to get the best quote that is most suitable for you.