Saving money on Rockford auto insurance is always a challenge for people who are new to shopping for insurance online. You have so many options that it can easily become a big hassle to find lower rates in Rockford.
It’s important to take a look at other company’s rates yearly since rates are usually higher with each renewal. Even if you got the lowest rates on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the proper way to save money, get proper deductibles and limits, all at the lowest rate.
The purpose of this post is to tell you how to get online quotes and some money-saving tips. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to cut costs considerably using this strategy. Nevertheless, Illinois drivers can benefit by having an understanding of the way insurance companies determine prices and use this information to your advantage.
Cheap Rockford Auto Insurance Comparisons
There are several ways to get quotes from local in Rockford, Illinoisauto insurance companies. The simplest method to compare insurance prices involves getting comparison quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished using a couple different methods.
- The first (and easiest) way consumers can analyze rates is to use a rate comparison form click here to open form in new window. This form prevents you from having to do separate quotation requests to each individual auto insurance company. Filling out one form will get you price quotes from several companies. This is by far the quickest method.
- Another way to obtain and compare quotes online is to manually visit each company website to request a price quote. For sake of this example, we’ll assume you want to compare rates from Progressive, Farmers and Geico. You would have to visit each site and enter your policy data, and that’s why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Rockford, click here.
- The least recommended method to get comparison rates is to spend time driving to insurance agents’ offices. Shopping for auto insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you have a need for the professional guidance that only a license agent can provide. Drivers can comparison shop your insurance online but still have the advice of a local agent. We’ll cover that shortly.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to compare identical coverages for each price quote. If your comparisons have different values for each quote it’s impossible to make an equal comparison in Rockford. Having just a slight variation in limits could mean much higher rates. Just remember that quoting more will improve the odds of getting the best price.
Cut your auto insurance rates with these 5 discounts
The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but there could be available discounts that many people don’t even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply at quote time, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked for prior to getting the savings.
- Theft Prevention System – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.
- College Student – Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
- Save over 55 – If you’re over the age of 55, you may receive a discount up to 10%.
- Sign Online – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing on their website.
- Driver’s Ed – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to enroll in driver’s education in school.
As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don’t apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any amount of discount will reduce the amount you have to pay.
To see a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Rockford, click this link.
Aren’t my neighborhood agents an option?
Some people prefer to sit down with an agent. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Rockford.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this simple form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Rockford who will return price quotes for your business. There is no reason to even leave your home since price quotes are sent directly to your email. How’s that for easy! You can find the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Choose the right insurance agency
If you’re trying to find a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Insurance agencies in Rockford are either independent or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection. Many write coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.
Shown below are independent agencies in Rockford that can give you price quote information.
- Dave Urbelis Agency – 5921 Forest Hills Rd – Rockford, IL 61114 – (815) 877-5441
- Country Insurance and Financial – 6180 E State St – Rockford, IL 61108 – (815) 394-5300
- Insurance Agency Inross Inc – 615 N Longwood St – Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 490-0092
- Anthony J Sparacino Agency – 2500 N Main St – Rockford, IL 61103 – (815) 967-4963
- King Insurance – 1551 Sandy Hollow Rd # 205 – Rockford, IL 61109 – (815) 397-2446
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents can only write with one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below is a list of captive insurance agents in Rockford willing to provide price quotes.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance – 3815 N Mulford Rd # 1 – Rockford, IL 61114 – (815) 633-1070
- State Farm Insurance – 3600 E State St – Rockford, IL 61108 – (815) 398-2552
- American Family Insurance – 3217 N Main St – Rockford, IL 61103 – (815) 877-9123
- Farmers Insurance Group – 129 Phelps Ave # 215 – Rockford, IL 61108 – (815) 398-9791
- Allstate Insurance – 2835 Mcfarland Rd # D – Rockford, IL 61107 – (815) 654-9500
To view a complete directory of captive insurance agencies in Rockford, click here to link.
Deciding on a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Here are some questions to ask:
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Upon getting reasonable responses for all questions you ask and locked in a price quote, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.
You are unique and your auto insurance should be too
When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique.
For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.
- What can I do if my company won’t pay a claim?
- What are Illinois no-fault laws?
- Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
- Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
- Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- Why is insurance for a teen driver so high in Rockford?
- Should I buy only the required Illinois minimum liability coverage?
- How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Illinois?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form.
More information can be read on the Illinois Department of Insurance website found here. Illinois consumers can read state legal mandates and laws, download brochures, and discover disciplinary actions.
Car insurance 101
Learning about specific coverages of your auto insurance policy can help you determine appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as hitting a bird, vandalism, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and hitting a deer. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.
Liability insurance
Liability insurance provides protection from damage or injury you incur to other people or property by causing an accident. This insurance protects YOU against claims from other people, and does not provide coverage for your injuries or vehicle damage.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You might see limits of 100/300/100 which means a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Another option is a combined single limit or CSL that pays claims from the same limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability insurance covers claims like medical services, emergency aid and court costs. How much coverage you buy is your choice, but buy higher limits if possible. Illinois requires drivers to carry at least 20,000/40,000/15,000 but you should think about purchasing higher limits.
Medical payments coverage and PIP
Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for expenses for things like nursing services, doctor visits, prosthetic devices and hospital visits. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover both the driver and occupants as well as if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Coverage for collisions
This coverage covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision can pay for claims such as rolling your car, colliding with another moving vehicle, sideswiping another vehicle, scraping a guard rail and colliding with a tree. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider dropping it from older vehicles. It’s also possible to raise the deductible to bring the cost down.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants as well as damage to your vehicle.
Since many Illinois drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (which is 20/40/15), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Usually the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liablity limits.
Summing up your auto insurance search
The cheapest auto insurance is definitely available on the web as well as from independent agents in Rockford, so you should compare both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies don’t offer online price quotes and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
Insureds leave their current company for a variety of reasons including poor customer service, extreme rates for teen drivers, questionable increases in premium or even policy non-renewal. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new insurance company can be less work than you think.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s a bad idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed physical damage coverage and learned later that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.