If you drive a car, then you need auto insurance. Just about every state in the union requires some level of auto insurance for drivers. There are a number of factors that affect how much you pay for Chicago auto insurance, and there are some things you can do to help ensure your premiums are as low as possible.
Keep a clean driving record
A big factor in how much you pay for auto insurance is your driving history. If you have a lot of accidents and traffic tickets, you are likely to pay more for coverage. Keeping your driving record clean is one of the best ways to lower your insurance premiums, so you should drive safely and follow traffic laws.
Don’t get more insurance than you need
The minimum insurance required in most states is liability insurance, which covers other drivers if you are at fault in an accident. Other common coverage includes collision, which covers your car in an accident that is your fault, and comprehensive, which covers your car for non-accident damage. If you have a cheap car, it may not be worth it to carry anything more than liability insurance. You have to weigh the costs of coverage vs. the value of the car.
Carry a higher deductible
The lower your deductible, which is the amount you pay on a claim before coverage kicks in, the higher your Chicago auto insurance premiums will be. If you increase your deductible — say, from $500 to $1,000 — it will lower your premium. However, it also means you will pay more out of pocket on a claim. You must weigh the pros and cons of such a strategy.
