When you live in Chicago you have a lot of expenses. There's no way around it. As the third largest city and one of the largest tourist hubs in the United States, it's inevitable that the cost of living is going to be high-and that in today's pinched economy you're going to start to feel the strain. While there isn't much you can do about most of your expenses, there is one you can change. Cheaper auto insurance is out there waiting for you. All you have to do is know how to find it.
There are three things you need to know to find the cheaper auto insurance premiums you're looking for. First and foremost, your driving history is going to have a HUGE impact on the cost of your insurance coverage. If you're the type of driver that has accidents every six to nine months (or more), you're going to be considered high risk and end up paying hundreds more in insurance premiums every year than you really want to-if you can find auto insurance at all.
On the other hand, nothing stays on your record longer than five years. That means if you can go five years without causing an accident (if you just happened to be an innocent bystander pulled into the fray by another driver who wasn't paying enough attention your insurance provider will probably forgive you) or getting a ticket from local law enforcement you're going to be at the top of the list when they start handing out cheaper auto insurance-even in Chicago.
The second word you need to know is deductibles. Your deductibles are also going to have a major effect on your insurance premiums, so it pays to make sure they're in the right ballpark. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of deductibles, it's the amount of money you pay your insurance company every time you've been in an accident-your share of the repairs, if you will. Your insurance provider picks up the remainder of the cost. Higher deductibles=cheaper auto insurance. It's as simple as that.
Finally, you need to talk to your insurance provider about their discounts. Discounts are the golden ticket to cheaper auto insurance, and you'd be amazed what they're handing out discounts for these days! You may be eligible for discounts for your:
1. Age
2. Career
3. Place of Employment
4. Annual Mileage
5. Type of Car
6. Vehicular Security Features
7. Vehicular Safety Features
8. Credit Score
9. Grades (High School or College)
10. And more.
The list of potential discounts goes on and on, and it varies from company to company. It's up to you to talk to your insurance agent and find out what you qualify for.
Cheaper auto insurance isn't a myth for Chicago residents. You just have to know where to look!
