TL;DR: Illinois drivers can save on car insurance through a variety of discounts based on driving habits, vehicle features, personal affiliations, and payment choices. By bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, and utilizing safety features, you can significantly reduce your premium.
Car insurance in Illinois doesn’t have to be expensive. By taking advantage of various discounts, you can lower your premium while ensuring you’re properly covered. Whether you’re a good driver, own a vehicle with advanced safety features, or belong to certain groups, there are many ways to save.
Insure on the Spot offers a range of discounts to help Illinois drivers get the best deal, and our agents are always ready to help you find the best coverage at the lowest price. Contact us at 773-202-5060 for a free quote today!
What Driving Habits Can Earn Me Car Insurance Discounts?
The way you drive plays a significant role in determining your car insurance premium. Insurers reward safe driving behavior with lower rates, so it’s important to maintain a clean driving record and adopt habits that reduce risk.
- Accident-Free or Safe Driver Discount: If you’ve been accident-free for 3 to 5 years, you may qualify for a discount of up to 30%. Illinois doesn’t mandate good driver discounts, but major insurers like State Farm and Geico typically offer these rewards for a clean driving record.
- Defensive Driving Course Discount: Completing an approved defensive driving course can lower your premium, especially for seniors (55+) and younger drivers. In Illinois, this discount typically ranges from 5% to 10% and is available for drivers who take an approved safety course.
- Low-Mileage Discount: If you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year, you might qualify for a low-mileage discount of up to 20%. Insurers recognize that less time on the road equates to a lower risk of accidents.
- Usage-Based Insurance: Telematics programs, like Progressive’s Snapshot or Allstate’s Drivewise, track your driving behavior and adjust your rate based on your habits. Safe driving could earn you up to a 30% discount.
Can My Vehicle’s Safety or Anti-Theft Features Get Me an Insurance Discount?
Yes, vehicles with advanced safety and anti-theft features may qualify for discounts. Insurers reward vehicles that are less likely to be involved in accidents or stolen.
- Safety Features Discount: Cars with features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), airbags, and stability control are considered lower-risk and may qualify for discounts. You could save up to 25% on personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, depending on your vehicle’s safety features.
- Anti-Theft Device Discount: If your car is equipped with anti-theft devices like alarms or GPS tracking, you may save on comprehensive coverage (the part of your policy that covers theft). Discounts range from 5% to 15%, which can be especially valuable for drivers in high-theft areas like Chicago.
- High Safety Ratings: Vehicles with high crash-test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA may cost less to insure. This could indirectly lower your premium due to the reduced risk of injury or damage in an accident.
How Can My Insurance Policy Choices Lower My Car Insurance Premium?
How you structure your insurance policy can have a big impact on your premium. Here are some strategies to save:
- Multi-Policy Discount: Bundling your auto insurance with other policies, like home or renters insurance, is one of the most effective ways to save. In Illinois, bundling can earn you a discount of up to 25% on your auto premium.
- Multi-Car Discount: If you insure more than one vehicle under the same policy, you can save up to 25%. This is a common discount for households with multiple cars.
- Paying in Full: If you pay your entire premium upfront (rather than in monthly installments), you could save 5% to 10%. This also helps you avoid installment fees.
- Automatic Payments and Paperless Billing: Many insurers offer discounts of 1% to 5% if you set up automatic payments or opt for paperless billing, making it an easy way to save.
Can My Personal Profile or Affiliations Qualify Me for Car Insurance Discounts?
Your lifestyle and affiliations can help lower your premium. Insurers offer discounts based on your job, education, and membership in certain organizations.
- Good Student Discount: Full-time students under 25 who maintain a B average or higher can save 5% to 20%. This is a great discount for parents in Illinois who are adding a young driver to their policy.
- Military Discount: Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for discounts of 5% to 15%. Illinois drivers in the military should ask about these savings.
- Professional Affiliation Discounts: Certain occupations, such as teachers, first responders, and government employees, can qualify for discounts. In Illinois, these discounts are available to members of specific unions or associations as well.
- Senior Driver Discount: Drivers over 55 can receive a discount for completing a defensive driving course, which is often around 5% to 10%. This can be especially helpful for older drivers in Illinois.
Does My Credit Score or Being a Homeowner Affect My Car Insurance in Illinois?
Yes, your credit score and homeownership status can impact your car insurance premium in Illinois.
- Credit-Based Insurance Score: In Illinois, insurers use your credit history to help determine your premium. A good credit score can lead to lower rates, while poor credit may increase your premium. This is because insurers associate good credit with a lower likelihood of filing claims.
- Homeownership: Owning a home can sometimes result in a lower premium, as insurers consider homeowners more financially stable and less risky. Even if you don’t insure your home with the same company, owning property can give you an edge.
How Can I Make Sure I’m Getting All Available Discounts on My Policy?
Maximizing your savings requires a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Here’s how you can ensure you’re getting all the discounts you qualify for:
- Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers: Different insurers offer different combinations of discounts. Shop around to see which company offers the best deal for your situation.
- Ask About Less-Obvious Discounts: Discounts like group affiliation or early signing discounts aren’t always advertised. Be sure to ask your agent about any available discounts you might qualify for.
- Keep Your Policy Information Updated: Major life changes, like getting married or buying a house, can affect your premium. Notify your insurer about these changes to ensure you’re getting the best rate.
- Maintain Continuous Coverage: A lapse in coverage could increase your premium, so make sure to keep your insurance active at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Insurance Discounts
Q: What is the most common car insurance discount?
A: The most common discounts are multi-policy (bundling), multi-car, and safe driver discounts. Nearly every insurer offers these, and they can lead to significant savings.
Q: How do I qualify for a safe driver discount?
A: To qualify, maintain a clean driving record for 3–5 years without accidents or traffic violations. Insurers will apply the discount automatically when you renew.
Q: Which insurance company offers the most discounts?
A: Farmers, Geico, and State Farm offer a wide range of discounts. However, the best deal for you will depend on which discounts apply to your profile.
Q: What group memberships qualify for car insurance discounts?
A: Military service members, teachers, first responders, and members of certain unions or alumni associations may qualify for affinity discounts.
Q: Can I get cheaper car insurance if I have EBT or I’m low-income?
A: Illinois does not have a low-income car insurance program, but you can still qualify for standard discounts. Consider shopping around for affordable options or using usage-based insurance.
Q: Are there car insurance discounts for federal employees?
A: Yes, federal employees can often qualify for discounts from insurers like Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Travelers.
Q: Do car insurance discounts vary by state or location?
A: While most discounts are available nationwide, some may vary by location due to factors like crime rates and local regulations. In Illinois, insurers adjust rates based on geography, so living in a lower-risk area can help you save.
Get a Quote Today!
For a personalized quote or to learn more about the discounts you qualify for, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. Let us help you save on your car insurance while ensuring you have the coverage you need to stay protected.