The state of Illinois has several laws regarding auto insurance. Drivers must understand these laws so that they are not at risk and do not face the penalties that can come with a lack of insurance coverage. Drivers should review the laws annually to be sure that their insurance policies meet the bare minimums that the State of Illinois requires. With all of the options in the state, it should be easy for drivers to meet their insurance needs.

Driving Statistics in Illinois

Auto Accidents

Unfortunately, auto accidents are a big part of life in the state. They account for many deaths and injuries each year. In larger areas of Illinois, like Chicago, auto accidents seem unavoidable. The good news is that auto accident rates in the State of Illinois are slowly coming down. In 2008, there were 1,043 deaths by motor vehicle accidents. This number had come down by 43 from the previous year. Officials state that the seatbelt laws that came into effect in 2003 have helped these numbers to change. More recent studies state that these numbers continue to fall and this gives a greater outlook on the safety of the state.

Seatbelt Usage

Seatbelt use is also a big concern in the State of Illinois. Illinois rates number 16th in the state with 83% of drivers using seatbelts. The law states that all drivers and passengers must have their seatbelts on at all times when the vehicle is in movement. Children under the age of 8 must be in a child restraint. Those who fail to wear their seatbelt will be fined $25 plus court costs. Parents who do not put their children in child restraints face $75 for the first offense and $200 for the second offense.

Road Conditions

The road conditions in Illinois are pretty fair. State road crews continue to work on improving road conditions and visibility. Trouble spots have been under construction to improve their safety. The larger areas of Illinois are often more dangerous as more drivers are on the road at any given moment of the day. The two number one causes of auto accidents in the state are careless drivers and drivers who are under the influence. As with many of the Northern states, Illinois often has dangerous road conditions in the winter months.

Auto Theft

Auto theft in Illinois is on the decline. Illinois ranks #8 in the top ten list of the most auto thefts per state. In the year 2000, there were 56,143 auto thefts. In 2010, this number was reduced to 28,796. State officials are warning vehicle owners to keep their vehicles locked at all times and to avoid leaving valuables out in plain site.

The Top Three Stolem Cars in Illinois

1. The Honda Civic

2. The Dodge Caravan

3. The Toyota Camry

Understanding the Insurance Laws

Illinois has its own liability insurance laws. Drivers must have a minimum of $20,000 in Illinois auto insurance coverage for the death or injury of one person, $40,000 for the death or injury of more than one person, and $15,000 in property damage coverage. Drivers are randomly pulled for insurance survey questionnaires. Drivers must return the survey with their insurance information. This is then scanned and checked with the insurance agent for accuracy. Drivers who fail to return the card or give false information, will have their license plates suspended. Drivers who are stopped by the police can be given a $500 fee for being uninsured. A $1,000 fee will be given if the driver has a suspended plate from a previous insurance citation. Once the driver has had their plates suspended, they must pay $100 for reinstatement for their first offense. Those who are repeat offenders must pay the $100 fee, serve a four month plate suspension, and provide proof of Illinois car insurance before their plates become reinstated. These are penalties that most drivers want to avoid.

Shopping for Car Insurance

There are many insurance options in the State of Illinois. Most national insurance companies operate in the state and there are also many local insurance companies that can assist drivers with their insurance needs. Local companies can often give good information on the Illinois car insurance ratings as well. Local insurance agents can help drivers get the best Illinois cheap car insurance rates.

These insurance companies operate in Illinois:

Progressive

State Farm

Mapfre

Travelers

Farmers

Geico

Most of these insurance companies allow for free Illinois auto insurance quotes online so that drivers can compare the different insurance premiums to get the best insurance deals. This allows the driver to check different rates at one time to find the best insurance company. Drivers should also check the Illinois auto insurance ratings to be sure that the company is a good insurance company and one that will provide for their insurance needs. Another important aspect of finding an insurance company is to check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure that the company has not had any fraudulent claims against them. Drivers can also read reviews of insurance companies to make sure that they find a company that has good customer ratings. Following these steps can help drivers find the best Illinois cheap car insurance policies in the state.

Average Premiums in Illinois

The State of Illinois has lower auto insurance rates than the national average. In 2010, the average monthly premiums were around $120 while the national average was $146. These numbers increase for drivers who are inexperienced or have points against their driver's license. Drivers who maintain good driving records and are experienced in driving will get the best Illinois cheap car insurance rates.

This information should be helpful for drivers in understanding the laws and regulations for the state. It is important that drivers fully understand the laws so that they can avoid problems with penalties, fees, and the loss of their driving privileges. Illinois drivers can find much more information on the Illinois department of insurance website. This site gives further information on the laws and has many tools for drivers and their insurance needs. This can give drivers valuable information to help them make the best decisions on their insurance.

http://insurance.illinois.gov/