The costs associated with the fallout of a car accident can often be substantially high. This is especially true if at least one of the cars involved sustained significant damage and if any drivers or passengers suffered severe injuries. Therefore, it is essential to purchase auto insurance in order to avoid paying for these damages out of pocket. In many states, auto insurance is required by law, although the specific requirements regarding coverage may vary depending on the state you live in.
Auto Insurance Coverage In Chicago, Illinois
According to The National Law Review, there were 118,304 motor vehicle accidents in Chicago in 2018. Of those collisions, 18.5 percent (21,881) resulted in at least one injury. Additionally, in Cook County – where the city of Chicago is located – the number of fatal crashes in 2019 increased by 9.3 percent relative to the year before (294 vs. 269). Per QuoteWizard, a LendingTree-owned company, the average cost of auto insurance in Chicago is $1,126.59 a year for men and $1,069.54 annually for women.
Not all car insurance policies include the same coverage options. However, here are five essential coverages most policies have.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for damages to all third-party individuals, including loss of income and medical bills. It may also help pay for your legal fees should the other driver involved in the accident sue you. This type of coverage is generally mandatory in most states.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers damages your vehicle sustains due to events that you cannot directly control. This coverage will pay for damages caused by weather-related events, theft, vandalism, and crashes involving animals. Comprehensive coverage does not typically cover damage caused by common road objects (e.g. potholes) or the cost of towing your car to a mechanic following a flat tire or breakdown.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damages to both your vehicle and other vehicles involved in your accident, no matter who is at fault. It will also cover any damages to your automobile resulting from a collision with an object such as a tree or pole. If you decide to lease or finance your car, your lender will likely require you to carry collision coverage.
Gap Coverage
This coverage is designed to help you close the gap between the total amount you owe on your car and the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) following a crash. Gap coverage is typically an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy.
Uninsured Motorist
As its name suggests, this type of coverage helps you pay for damages resulting from an accident involving a driver who is not insured. These include vehicle damages and medical costs for this driver and any accompanying passengers.
Reach Out To An Experienced Illinois Auto Insurance Agency
Speak to the experienced agents at Pro Insurance Group for more information about Chicago, IL auto insurance. We can help you choose a policy with coverages that fit your unique needs and premiums and deductibles that meet your budget. Call Pro Insurance Group today at (833) 619-0770 or contact us online to request a quote.