O’Fallon is a fast-growing Southern Illinois community, just 20 minutes from St. Louis. While it has many residential streets, it’s also near major highways such as Route 50 and Interstate 64, giving way to some busy intersections during peak periods. Driving is a daily necessity for most O’Fallon residents, and car insurance is essential if you own a vehicle in the neighborhood. Looking for affordable and reliable car insurance? Read on to learn about our American Auto Insurance options.
Key Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates in O’Fallon
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Here are some of key factors that may affect your car insurance rates:
- Driving Record:Â Your driving history can affect your car insurance rates, especially if you have a track record of accidents, speeding tickets, or other charges, which may substantially increase your premiums.
- Vehicle Type:Â The type of vehicle you drive can also impact your insurance premiums depending on its value, repair cost, and safety ratings. For example, the premium for a simple secondhand sedan may be cheaper than a brand-new luxury SUV.
- Location:Â If you reside in an area with heavy traffic and busy intersections, your insurance premiums may increase due to a higher risk of accidents.
- Mileage: Your premium may be higher if you commute daily or often drive long distances.
- Credit Score:Â Some insurers may consider your credit score, which will work out in your favor if it’s high.
- Coverage and Deductible:Â A comprehensive insurance plan may cost more than a basic one. However, an insurance plan with a higher deductible can lead to lower monthly premiums.
Most Affordable Car Insurance Options at American Auto Insurance
Here are some of the more affordable options for saving on car insurance in O’Fallon.
Liability-Only Coverage
 This type of insurance meets Illinois’ minimum requirements of 25/50/20 coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. The liability-only coverage protects you against damages to other cars in accidents but doesn’t cover your vehicle. This option may be ideal if you’re driving an older car.
Basic Full Coverage
The basic full plan provides liability and collision coverage. This includes any damages caused by accidents that involve other cars or stationary objects. It also covers other damages apart from collision, such as weather-related issues, vandalism, fire damage, or theft. This coverage is perfect if you’ve just purchased a new vehicle.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While Illinois has a minimum requirement for car insurance, some drivers may still be uninsured or not have sufficient coverage. This insurance covers you for accidents caused by these drivers.
Nonowner Car Insurance
While not everyone needs this, nonowner car insurance covers you if you get into an accident while driving a vehicle you don’t own.
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 insurance is a policy that drivers with a traffic violation history or license suspension must have. While it’s not an official insurance policy, an SR-22 ensures you maintain the minimum coverage to keep your driving privileges.
Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs
Car insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips on how you can reduce costs:
- Bundle your policies:Â If you need to purchase other insurance, such as property protection, you can bundle it with your car coverage to receive discounts.
- Increase your deductible:Â A higher deductible helps to lower your monthly premium payments. However, make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to make a claim.
- Drive safely:Â Driving safely and maintaining a clean record can help keep your premiums low and qualify you for safe driver discounts.
- Pay on time:Â Avoid extra fees by setting up autopayments. You can also pay for your insurance in full to avoid installment fees.
Customize Your Auto Insurance Policy: What Are Your Options?
Aside from picking a basic insurance plan, you can also customize your policy according to your needs:
- Pick your deductible:Â Choose a deductible that fits your budget and can cover unexpected car accident expenses.
- Include roadside assistance:Â All our insurance policies include roadside assistance, which is helpful in emergencies. It provides access to our toll-free emergency hotline, towing, flat-tire assistance, locksmith assistance, battery jump-starts, and more.
- Rental coverage:Â This add-on helps to cover part of your car rental should your vehicle be in the shop due to an accident.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Car Insurance
Here are some common mistakes you can avoid when purchasing car insurance.
Buying Only Basic Coverage: While basic coverage can be much cheaper, it may not sufficiently cover you for major accidents. Consider your driving habits and risks before choosing.
- Getting Insurance From the First Provider You See:Â While getting insurance from the first provider you find online may be convenient, it can also be expensive. Compare plans from various insurers and choose the one that offers the best value.
- Not Looking for Discounts:Â Doing some research can help you discover discounts you could use to reduce your premiums. Contact us to find out about possible savings.
- Ignoring the Fine Print:Â It’s a lot of text to read, but the fine print covers what is and isn’t covered. Our American Auto Insurance team will review your policy to help you fully understand your coverage.
- Not Updating Your Information:Â Always update information, such as your occupation and address, to get the most accurate pricing for your policies. This can also help reduce any future issues caused by wrong information.
Secure Affordable Coverage for Peace of Mind With American Auto Insurance
Getting car insurance can be easy and inexpensive if you know exactly what you need. We provide you with affordable car insurance options in O’Fallon, Illinois. Call us at 773-286-3500 to learn more about your options or get a quote today.
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