I’m a concerned vehicle owner from Illinois. How can I avoid fraud in getting free auto insurance quotes and coverage?

Dan

Chicago, IL

Dan, it’s funny you should ask that. I just read this article about a guy who was recently put to jail because of auto insurance fraud. He used some people’s personal information to purchase insurance on their behalf (they had no idea what was going on, by the way). After this, thousands of dollars were deducted from the victims’ bank accounts, and he received a large sum from insurance companies for commission. The scamming agent was charged with identity theft and grand theft. I also knew someone from Illinois who bought auto insurance coverage for rock bottom rates only to find out later that it was not valid.

The safest thing you can do, of course, is to go with an auto insurance company which has been proven to be reliable. Listen to the experience of your family and friends. Also, don’t pay for any referral fee. This is not standard practice. Licensed agents from good auto insurance companies won’t ask you to do this. Just as we do in every other service we pay for, make sure that you are doing business with people who are licensed. As easy as you can get free auto insurance quotes, you may obtain a list of these companies and their representatives. Check out the financial services commission website.

My premiums have been increasing even though I have a clean driving record in Illinois. If I get a free auto insurance quote from another insurer, will they help in lowering my rates without downgrading my coverage?

Linda

Chicago, IL

There are guaranteed ways to lower your auto insurance premiums in Illinois without downgrading your coverage. If you have different carriers for homeowners and auto insurance, then you might want to merge the two in one company so as to get multiple policy discounts. You may also want to inform your insurance broker if you have been using your vehicle less often because you may be eligible for a decrease in your rates due to lower mileage. If you drive an automobile that has safety features like airbags, automatic locking seatbelts, electronic breakforce distribution system, emergency brake assist system or anti-lock braking system, then you may avail of lower auto insurance rates. Additionally, you may qualify for as much as 10% lowered rates on your Comprehensive Insurance if your automobile has an anti-theft system like a tracking device. If you have a college degree or are holding employment that only requires a sedentary desk job, then be sure to inform your agent about this since you may just get valuable discounts on your insurance premiums. If you have just been recently married or are looking to tie the knot very soon, then you and your partner may obtain auto insurance from one auto insurance carrier so as to get cheaper rate assessments. Finally, an informed consumer almost always gets the best products and services.

Visit the websites of legitimate auto insurance companies in the State of Illinois and obtain a free auto insurance quote from each. Not only will you get cheaper rates by doing comparison shopping, but you will also know what these companies offer to provide the best to their clients.