Car Insurance in Northbrook, IL

Anyone can get into an accident, especially in the winter when Northbrook roads can be slick with ice and sleet. A good car insurance policy can save you from facing significant financial losses, whether you are in a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 94 or a fender bender on Dundee Road.

Independent agents make it easy to find the best policy. These agents can obtain customized car insurance quotes from a few competing providers so you can choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the best price. Find an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Northbrook, IL?

The good news for Northbrook vehicle owners looking for an affordable policy is that the average cost of car insurance in Illinois is lower than the national rate.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Illinois average annual car insurance cost: $1,079

Of course, an average can only give you a general idea of what your actual costs may be. Rates can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies base them on several considerations such as:  

• The make, model, year, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, gender, occupation, marital status, and driving record
• Details about other licensed drivers in your household
• The collision and auto theft rates in the vicinity of your home
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• Which, if any, coverage options you include in your policy

You can frequently earn significant car insurance discounts if you are:

• Bundling your coverage with another policy like home insurance or renters insurance
• Insuring multiple vehicles
• A safe driver
• A student with good grades
• A member of the military

Every insurance company has its own way of calculating rates. That is why it pays to compare prices from multiple providers before selecting a policy.

Is Car Insurance Required in Northbrook?

In Illinois, you must cover your vehicle with car insurance before legally taking it out on the road. All auto policies in this state need to include liability insurance and uninsured motorist insurance.

Your car insurance policy must meet or exceed the following minimum coverage requirements:

• Liability coverage: This covers injuries and property damage that you may cause to other people if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must include, at a minimum:
  • Bodily injury liability insurance per person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury liability insurance per accident: $50,000
  • Property damage liability insurance per accident: $20,000
• Uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage: This covers your losses if you are involved in a collision caused by an uninsured driver. Your policy must include, at a minimum:
  • UIM bodily injury insurance per person: $25,000
  • UIM bodily injury insurance per accident: $50,000
  • UIM property damage insurance: No minimum requirement

If you cause a collision that involves serious injuries, your costs can easily exceed the limits of a minimum-coverage policy. If that happens, you will need to pay the overages yourself. Many Northbrook residents purchase car insurance with higher liability limits than the state requires.

If you have a lot to lose and want even more liability coverage than your car insurance carrier can provide, you can also purchase umbrella insurance. This is a very affordable way to boost all of your personal liability coverage.

What Else Does Northbrook Car Insurance Cover?

In addition to the coverage required by law, insurance companies give you the choice of several options. You can add some or all of the following to your car insurance policy:  

• Physical damage insurance: This covers damage to your vehicle. If you are leasing your car, the dealership will require you to have it. If you are financing it,  your lender will require you to have this coverage until your vehicle is paid in full.
  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: This is similar to uninsured motorist insurance, but it is not required. It can cover overages if you are in a collision caused by an underinsured driver.
• Medical payments insurance: This can help cover the cost of medical treatment if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can also cover funeral expenses if the crash is fatal.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or handle your lease buyout if your car is totaled in a covered event and you still owe more than it is worth.
• Towing and roadside assistance insurance: This pays for assistance if your vehicle breaks down and you need help or a tow.
• Loss of use/rental reimbursement insurance: This pays for a rental vehicle while having your car repaired for damage caused in a covered event.

By reviewing the costs for each type of coverage, you can decide which choices are a good value for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Illinois?

It is illegal to drive without insurance in Illinois. A first offense is considered a petty offense, but a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor, and it has some pretty significant consequences.

Penalties for driving without insurance include:

• For a first offense:
  • A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000
  • The suspension of your driver’s license and plates for up to three months
  • A $100 reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back
• For a second offense and subsequent offenses:
  • A fine of $1,000
  • An additional $2,500 if you were involved in an accident
  • The suspension of your driver’s license and plates for four months
  • A $100 reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back

Additionally, most insurance companies will increase car insurance rates for drivers who have been convicted of driving uninsured vehicles.

Despite these penalties, the rate of uninsured drivers in this state is slightly higher than the national average.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Illinois drivers who are uninsured: 13.7%

All car insurance policies in Illinois include uninsured motorist coverage, so you do not need to worry about facing difficulties collecting the compensation you are entitled to if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver.

What Is the Auto Theft Rate in Northbrook, IL?

The auto theft rate in Illinois is lower than the national average, and in Northbrook, the rate is even lower. This is not to say the risk is nonexistent. In a recent year, residents of this Chicago suburb reported 20 auto thefts:

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Illinois auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.54
• Northbrook, IL auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.60

Although your risk of vehicle theft is low, you should be aware that you cannot be compensated for a stolen car unless your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive (or “other than collision”) insurance, which is optional.

Comprehensive insurance covers far more than just property crimes. It can also reimburse you for loss and damage to your car due to various other non-collision hazards like floods and windstorms.

If you are financing or leasing your car, chances are good you have comprehensive insurance already. If not, be sure to ask how much it will cost to add this valuable coverage to your policy so you can decide whether it is a good value for you.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Northbrook, Illinois?

Some of the qualities that make an insurance company a top choice include reliable coverage, affordable rates, and responsive customer service.

Independent insurance agents in Northbrook have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Illinois. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by insurers you can count on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Northbrook Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?

You can turn to a local independent agent for help when you are looking for the best auto insurance policy to meet your coverage and budgetary needs. These agents are free to work with several different insurance providers, so they can shop around to find you the best and most affordable coverage.

It won’t cost you anything to get information from an independent insurance agent. Find an agent near you to start comparing customized quotes. You will soon discover how easy it can be to find the right car insurance policy.