Adjuster

Car Insurance representative assigned to evaluate loss and determine damages.

Appraisal

Method of resolving a value dispute in a first-party claim.

Arbitration

Alternative to court-based litigation; an impartial third party determines damages.

Binder

Agreement putting auto insurance in force before the actual auto insurance contract is prepared.

Bodily injury coverage

Pays when you’re legally responsible for another person’s crash-related injuries.

Citations for driving while uninsured

It is against the law to drive without car insurance in Illinois. If you are stopped for another reason, and you don’t have a valid insurance I.D. card to show the police officer, you may receive a citation.


If you are insured and can later provide a copy of your card to the court, that is usually the end of it. But if you were not insured at the time you were stopped, you can be convicted of driving uninsured.


This carries a minimum fine of $500 and also requires a mandatory $100 fee to reinstate your registration.

Collision coverage

Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by an accident with another car or fixed object (tree).

Comprehensive coverage

Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events such as theft, vandalism, hail, fire, or falling objects.

Coverage

Vehicle Insurance protection.

Coverage limits

Maximum amount the insurer will pay for any one claim.

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Declarations

The “dec” page personalizes the policy. It’s where you’ll find your name, address, driver identification information, vehicle description, serial number, lien holder (if applicable), dollar limits and deductibles on selected coverage, beginning and ending dates when insurance is in force, policy identification number, and a list of endorsements amending the policy form.

Deductible

Amount you agree to pay out of pocket before the auto insurance company begins paying.

Endorsement

Optional coverage that alters the auto insurance contract, customizing it to the policyholder’s needs.

Exclusion

Provision in the policy that eliminates car insurance coverage for certain risks.

First-party coverage

Policyholder seeks damages through his/her auto insurance policy.

Full coverage auto insurance

Car Insurance policy that includes bodily injury, property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision coverage.

High-risk driver

Car Insurance companies may view any driver with tickets, convictions or accidents for driving under the influence (DUI) as a high-risk driver.


Contrary to the popular myth, men are not higher risk drivers than women. Young and inexperienced drivers may also be classified as high-risk.

Auto insurance card

A card from your auto insurance company showing that you have car insurance.


This card must be shown on request to any law enforcement officer, so keep it in your car.

Liability auto insurance

Car insurance policy that includes bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage will be cheap and affordable.

Medical payments

Pays medical expenses when you, resident family members, or your passengers are injured and/or die in an auto accident.

Minimum limits

Lowest amount of liability auto insurance required by the state.

Motor vehicle record (MVR)

Document confirming an individual’s license status, convictions, and accidents.

Nonstandard insurers

Nonstandard car companies insure motorists with cheap quote rates for less-than-perfect driving records, as well as specialty or high-risk vehicles.

Physical damage coverage

Comprehensive and collision coverage on your vehicle.

Policyholder

The person who owns the auto insurance policy.

Premium

Price of car insurance for specific coverage during a specific period of time.

Proof of loss

Policyholder’s written statement describing the loss and amount of damage.

Property damage coverage

Pays when you’re legally responsible for damages to another person’s vehicle or property.

SR22 filing

The State of Illinois requires you to have SR22 Financial Responsibility Insurance before your driver’s license or vehicle plates can be reinstated following a suspension or revocation due to a violation of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Law.

Subrogation clause

Clause giving the auto insurance company the right to seek damages from a third party who is responsible for the loss the insurer paid the policyholder.

Territory

Location where vehicle is garaged.

Total loss

The cost to fix a vehicle would be more than it’s worth.

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM)

Pays your injury-related damages when the at-fault driver has lower liability limits than your UIM limits.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM)

Pays your injury-related damages when the crash is caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD)

Pays when an uninsured driver damages your vehicle.

Underwriting

The process of evaluating, selecting, and pricing car insurance for new applicants and existing policyholders.

Voided policy

Auto insurance coverage is cancelled back to the policy inception date because the insured committed a specific act that violated the terms of the policy (misrepresentation, etc.).

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This is a comprehensive guide to solve most common questions. Feel free to jump around from section to section. Simply click on one of the questions below to find an answer.

What Exactly is a SR22 Form?

SR22 financial responsibility certificate that is filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.

If I Cannot Print My Documents, What Should I Do?

Call 773-286-3500 and we will instantly fax or mail the documents to you.

Who Has To Be Listed On My Policy?

Anyone listed on the title or loan of the vehicle(s) and all household member 15 and older.

Why Does The Owner Of The Car Need To Be Listed?

The owner or co-signor is financially responsible for any accident or damage to persons or property caused by the vehicle.

What Drivers Need To Be Listed On My Policy?

In general, the following people should to be listed on your car insurance policy: Licensed family members living in your household Unrelated licensed drivers living in your household. Anyone driving your vehicle regularly that is not insured on another policy.

What Is An Exclusion Form?

An exclusion form says that one or more people in your household or the owner/co-signer of the car will not be driving your vehicle.

What Is A Non-Business Form, Do I Need To Sign It?

A non-business form simply states that you do not use your vehicle for any type of delivery, business, commercial, or artisan-type occupations; That is is not titled or leased to a business, corporation, or partnership; Nor is it used to pick up or deliver goods. If you’re a business owner, self-employed, or a tradesperson you’ll be required to sign this form if you’re applying for a personal auto policy.


Where Can I Find My Lien Holder Address?

Lien holder information is on your previous insurance documents.

How Do I Report A Claim?

To file a claim, you must contact your insurance provider directly. Or you can call 773-286-3500 for assistance.

If I Am Missing Information, Can I Complete My Application Later?

Yes. Just save your Quote Application by clicking the ‘Save and Exit’ link and you will be prompted to enter your Quote Number and Password to continue completing your application.

How Much Time Does It Take To Receive A Price?

It takes about 2 minutes to complete the application.

Do You Need My E-mail Address?

Yes. Your e-mail address doubles as your username so you can get back securely to your quote later. If you do not have an e-mail address, you can get one free through sites such as Google, MSN, or Yahoo. Your information is kept confidential and will never be sold or distributed.

Do You Offer Savings?

We have Good Driver Discounts and Prior Proof of Insurance Discounts.

When Do You Charge My Account?

Instantly!

What Payment Options Do you Accept?

We accept all payment types including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Western Union, Check and Cash.

Where Do I Find The VIN?

You can find your VIN# on Insurance Documents, like your Vehicle Registration, on the dashboard of your vehicle just below the windshield, or on the driver’s side doorpost.

How Are Car Insurance Quotes Determined?

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Marital Status
  • Type of Vehicle
  • Driving Record

What Information Is Necessary To Start A Policy?

Driver’s License and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for each vehicle.

Can I Get Car Insurance Without A Driver's License?

You sure can. We've written about this exact topic extensively.

How Many Prices Will I See?

The lowest price available, INSTANTLY!

How Quick Will I Get Proof Of Insurance Documents?

INSTANTLY!

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Auto Insurance & SR-22