Best Ways to Save on Chicago Acura TL Insurance

How many times have you put off comparing quotes for lower-priced Acura TL insurance in Chicago? Locating cheaper insurance for your Acura TL in Illinois can normally be an all-consuming task, but you can learn our car insurance buying tips and make it easy.

There are more efficient ways to compare car insurance rates so you’re going to learn the proper way to quote coverages for your Acura and find the best price possible from both online companies and Chicago agents.

It’s a good idea to compare prices on a regular basis since rates tend to go up over time. If you had the best premium rates on Acura TL insurance in Chicago two years ago there may be better deals available now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the easiest way to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Best companies for Acura TL insurance

The companies shown below are our best choices to provide price comparisons in Chicago, IL. If multiple companies are shown, we suggest you get rates from several of them to get a more complete price comparison.

Data rating is based on married female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Illinois minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, homeowner, claim-free, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Premium costs do not factor in Chicago location which can lower or raise auto insurance rates significantly.

Impact of citations and accidents on Chicago insurance rates

The example below demonstrates how speeding tickets and at-fault claims can raise Acura TL auto insurance costs for different age groups. The costs are based on a single female driver, full coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.

Deductible analysis

One common question asked by Chicago drivers is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The premium rates below can help illustrate the rate difference when you choose different physical damage coverage deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $250 deductible for physical damage and the second price table uses a $1,000 deductible.

Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Illinois minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, homeowner, and claim-free. Information does not factor in Chicago location which can decrease or increase coverage rates noticeably.

Based on this data, using a $250 deductible will cost you roughly $22 more each month or $264 for a full year than selecting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more if you turn in a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you normally average at least 34 months between claims, you would most likely save money if you opt for a higher deductible. Here is a better example of how this decision is made.

Chicago car insurance discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available that many people don’t even know exist. Certain discounts will be applied when you purchase, but occasionally some discounts must be asked about before they will apply.

• Discounts for Multiple Vehicles – Purchasing coverage when you have multiple vehicles with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
• Air Bags and Passive Restraints – Vehicles with factory air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
• Student Driver Training – Teen drivers should successfully take a driver’s education course if offered at their school.
• Club Memberships – Joining a qualifying organization is a simple method to lower premiums on your policy.
• Mature Driver Discount – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can get reduced rates.
• Early Renewal Discounts – Some car insurance companies reward drivers for switching companies prior to your current TL insurance policy expiration. This discount can save up to 10%.

Policy discounts save money, but many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Despite the appearance that having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, car insurance companies aren’t that generous.

Larger car insurance companies and a partial list of their discounts can be read below.

• Esurance discounts include anti-theft, good student, online shopper, Pac-12 alumni, paid-in-full, multi-policy, and defensive driver.
• The Hartford may offer discounts for bundle, air bag, good student, anti-theft, vehicle fuel type, and defensive driver.
• AAA includes discounts for anti-theft, good driver, pay-in-full, AAA membership discount, multi-policy, and multi-car.
• GEICO offers premium reductions for defensive driver, five-year accident-free, anti-theft, multi-vehicle, membership and employees, and multi-policy.
• State Farm policyholders can earn discounts including defensive driving training, good student, anti-theft, passive restraint, Steer Clear safe driver discount, and safe vehicle.

Double check with all companies you are considering how you can save money. Discounts might not be available to policyholders in every state. To see providers who offer cheap Acura TL insurance quotes in Illinois, click this link.

Compare rates but work with a local Chicago insurance agent

Many drivers still like to sit down with an agent and that can be a great decision Experienced insurance agents are very good at helping people manage risk and help file insurance claims. The best thing about comparing rate quotes online is the fact that you can find lower prices and still choose a local agent. Supporting local agencies is still important in Chicago.

After completing this short form, your information gets sent to local insurance agents that can provide free Chicago auto insurance quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to find an agent due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. If you want to compare prices from one company in particular, feel free to search and find their rate quote page and fill out the quote form the provide.

Two different types of car insurance agents

When finding a reliable insurance agent, it can be helpful to understand the types of agencies and how they differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Auto insurance agents in Chicago are classified as either independent (non-exclusive) or exclusive. Either can write policy coverage, but it’s important to know the subtle differences because it can influence the selection process.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

These type of agents do not write with just one company so they can insure your vehicles through lots of different companies and find you the best rates. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies which is easy for the insured. When comparing rates, you will definitely want to include rate quotes from at least one independent agent to maximize your price options. A lot of them also have access to different regional companies that may provide cheaper auto insurance rates.

Shown below is a partial list of independent insurance agents in Chicago who can help you get competitive price quotes.

• W.A. George Insurance Agency
  155 N Michigan Ave #300 – Chicago, IL 60601 – (312) 729-5265 – View Map
• Riehn Insurance
  4541 N Lincoln Ave – Chicago, IL 60625 – (773) 561-4200 – View Map
• Eagle Insurance Agency
  3517 N Spaulding Ave – Chicago, IL 60618 – (773) 463-7576 – View Map

More Chicago agents

Exclusive Agencies

These agents generally can only insure with one company such as State Farm, Allstate, or Farmers Insurance. Exclusive agents cannot compare rates from other companies so you might not find the best rates. Exclusive insurance agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand legacy instead of buying on price only.

Below is a short list of exclusive insurance agents in Chicago who can help you get price quotes.

• Kathleen McKenzie – State Farm Insurance Agent
  725 W 31st St – Chicago, IL 60616 – (312) 791-1200 – View Map
• Linda Kuczka – State Farm Insurance Agent
  954 W Webster Ave – Chicago, IL 60614 – (773) 975-9111 – View Map
• Liane Williams – State Farm Insurance Agent
  3143 W 71st St – Chicago, IL 60629 – (773) 436-7500 – View Map

More Chicago agents

Selecting an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. These questions are important to ask:

• Does their agency support local causes in Chicago?
• Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
• Is the agent properly licensed in Illinois?
• Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
• Are they giving you every discount you deserve?
• What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?

Different people need different auto insurance coverages

When selecting insurance from an agent or online, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Your financial needs are unique.

These are some specific questions can aid in determining if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

• Is my ex-spouse still covered by my policy?
• Is my Acura TL covered for smoke damage?
• Should I buy additional glass protection?
• Am I better off with higher deductibles on my Acura TL?
• Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
• Am I covered if I hit someone who is not insured?
• Does my personal policy cover me when driving out-of-state?
• Am I covered if I have no license?
• Are my custom wheels covered?

If you’re not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

Auto insurance coverages explained

Understanding the coverages of your policy can be of help when determining the right coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement.

Liability auto insurance

Liability coverage will cover damage that occurs to other people or property by causing an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have limits of 20/40/15 that translate to a $20,000 limit per person for injuries, $40,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $15,000. Occasionally you may see one number which is a combined single limit which combines the three limits into one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability coverage pays for things such as structural damage, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, bail bonds, pain and suffering and repair costs for stationary objects. How much coverage you buy is up to you, but consider buying higher limits if possible. Illinois requires minimum liability limits of 20/40/15 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage gives you protection from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. It can pay for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your Acura TL.

Due to the fact that many Illinois drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (20/40/15 in Illinois), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. So UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Most of the time your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.

Coverage for collisions

Collision insurance pays for damage to your TL resulting from a collision with an object or car. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims such as hitting a parking meter, damaging your car on a curb, backing into a parked car and driving through your garage door. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. It’s also possible to bump up the deductible on your TL to save money on collision insurance.

Medical expense insurance

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance reimburse you for immediate expenses such as doctor visits, surgery, funeral costs and nursing services. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Comprehensive (Other than Collision)

This coverage covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive can pay for things like fire damage, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, hitting a bird, damage from flooding and damage from getting keyed. The maximum amount you’ll receive from a claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.

Compare. Compare. Compare.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don’t be tempted to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are too many instances where an insured dropped physical damage coverage and learned later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your objective should be to find the BEST coverage at the lowest possible cost, but do not skimp to save money.

We just covered a lot of information how to lower your Acura TL insurance car insurance rates in Chicago. It’s most important to understand that the more rate quotes you have, the better likelihood of getting affordable Acura TL insurance quotes. Drivers may even discover the best car insurance rates are with the smaller companies.

Insureds leave their current company for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium, policy non-renewal or even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason, finding the right insurance provider is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

Even more information is located in these articles:

• Determining Your Vehicle’s Value and Repair Cost (Insurance Information Institute)
• Who Has the Cheapest Chicago Auto Insurance for a Nissan Rogue? (FAQ)
• Insurance Losses by Make and Model (iihs.org)
• Self-driving cars won’t replace humans (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)