Cheap SR22 Car Insurance & Quotes in Springfield, IL

How to Find the Cheapest Auto Insurance in Springfield, IL 

Auto insurance is a necessary part of car ownership, but you don’t have to overpay. The best way to find Springfield, IL, cheap auto insurance quotes is to shop around. With just a little research and some smart shopping, you can find a policy that fits your budget while still providing the level of coverage you need. The team at American Auto Insurance has put together this quick guide on how you can find cheap auto insurance in Springfield, IL. 

Average Auto Insurance Costs in Springfield, IL

Where you live and drive has a significant impact on the cost of auto insurance. In Springfield, according to Bankrate.com, the average monthly cost for a full coverage policy is $181, with an annual cost of $2,169. This is about 14% lower than the average cost of auto insurance for the state.

Factors That Impact Your Springfield Car Insurance Rates

The amount you pay, even in Springfield, will vary depending on several factors. Some of the factors are related to you personally, such as

• Age: Younger drivers with less experience behind the wheel will typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers with more experience.
• Driving record: Your driving record impacts your rates. A history of accidents, moving violations, and tickets will increase your premiums.
• Credit history: Someone with excellent credit will pay less for insurance because they are considered a lower risk. Drivers with lower credit scores typically pay more.
• Marital status: Some insurance companies offer discounts for married couples.
• Gender: In some states, gender is considered when determining rates. Young men are often considered riskier drivers, so they may pay more.

Other factors are related to your vehicle, including:

• Vehicle: The make, model, and age of the vehicle are all considered. Safety features and how expensive it is to repair are also factored in.
• Claims: Your personal auto claims history, and claims of others in your area, affect premiums.

Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements and Legal Minimums

Each state has different auto insurance regulations. The amount and type of insurance you are required to have in the state of Illinois is determined by state law.

Mandatory Coverage Types in Springfield

Every driver in Illinois is required to have liability coverage. This insurance pays for damages that are the result of an accident that you are responsible for causing. It will also pay for damages that are caused by a member of your family (or a person who uses your vehicle) as long as they have your permission.  There are two types of liability coverage.

• Bodily injury: This pays the cost of bodily injury to people in your vehicle, another vehicle, and pedestrians. In Illinois you must have $25,000 per person, per accident.
• Property damage: This covers the cost of damage to other cars and property, such as buildings, utility poles, fences, trees, and more. The Illinois minimum is $20,000 per accident.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: This protects you in a hit-and-run, or if an at-fault driver doesn’t have liability insurance. Minimum required coverage is $25,000 for each person and $50,000 for each accident.
• Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage: Covers the difference between your uninsured motorist coverage and the liability limits of another driver who is at fault for an accident.

Optional Coverage Worth Considering

In addition to the required coverage in the state of Illinois, you can opt for additional coverage to mitigate the costs in the event of an accident. Some of these optional coverages include:

• Collision: This covers the cost to repair your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive: This covers the cost to repair physical damage to your vehicle that’s not caused by a collision, such as vandalism, fire, theft, and contact with animals.
• Accidental death benefit: This pays a death benefit if an insured person dies as the result of an accident.
• Gap insurance: This covers the difference between your vehicle’s cash value and what you owe on the loan.
• Rental reimbursement: This covers the daily price of a rental vehicle when yours is being repaired as a result of an accident.
• Medical payments: This covers the cost of necessary medical expenses for those covered under a policy, regardless of who is at fault.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Illinois

If you are caught driving without insurance in Illinois, you’ll face a fine of $500 to $1,000 for your first offense. Your license may be suspended for up to three months, and you’ll have to pay a $100 fee to have your license plate and driving privileges reinstated at the end of the suspension.

Repeat offenses bring higher fines. These can be as high as $2,500. Longer suspension times are also possible. Driving without insurance can also increase your insurance rates, since you may have to carry SR-22 status. An SR-22 is a certified financial responsibility filed with the state to prove that you meet the state minimums.

Top Strategies to Lower Your Springfield Auto Insurance Costs

Paying more than you need to for auto insurance is easily avoided. You can lower your premiums by asking American Auto Insurance about discounts. Discounts are available for safe drivers, bundling policies, and paying your insurance premiums in full instead of making payments over time.

You can also lower your premiums by increasing your deductible. Take the highest deductible you can comfortably afford paying out of pocket if you have a claim.

Maintaining a good driving record by avoiding violations will help keep your premiums lower, along with purchasing a vehicle that is cheaper to insure. Check with American Auto Insurance about what types of vehicles have lower insurance rates.

Contact American Auto Insurance for Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes

Ready to find out how much you can save on your auto insurance? Call American Auto Insurance today at (773) 286-3500. We are the insurance company in Springfield, IL, to turn to for cheap auto insurance. We can help you find affordable insurance, whether you’re a new driver, an experienced driver, or if you’ve had some accidents or violations along the way.