Understanding Auto Insurance in Stronghurst and Galesburg, Illinous: Coverage, Myths, and Personal Property Protection

Posted by bicountyinsurance on May 14th, 2023

Auto insurance is like a backup generator for drivers. True, indeed. Like a backup generator, auto insurance keeps consumers powered when the car is down. In the absence of a backup generator, one may be without power until the main power supply is restored. This can be both inconvenient and dangerous. Similarly, driving without auto insurance means a lot of trouble ahead of car owners. 

Following are several consequences one may face in the event of skipping out on auto insurance: 

Legal penalties: One of the most common problems one may face is legal penalties. Driving without adequate auto insurance in Stronghurst and Galesburg, Illinois, might cause fines, rendering license suspension, or even a jail sentence. 

Financial risk: Without auto insurance, drivers may face more financial risks as they might be required to pay for more damages or injuries. These can be extremely expensive and potentially ruinous. 

Limited protection: Drivers without auto insurance will be denied the benefits and protections that insurance can provide, including liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. 

Limited access to Services: Having adequate auto insurance means more access to car-related services, such as roadside assistance and rental car coverage. Without insurance, drivers may be on the hook for paying for these services out of their pocket. 

A few myths debunked surrounding auto insurance:

There are certain myths surrounding auto insurance that can cause confusion and misinformation. Let's debunk some of the most common myths about auto insurance:

l One of the most popular misconceptions about auto insurance is that red cars are more expensive to insure. The color of an automobile has little effect on insurance premiums. When applying for insurance, insurance firms do not inquire about the color of a vehicle. Other criteria influencing insurance premiums include a car's brand, model, year, and safety features.

l Another common misunderstanding is that a person's credit score has no bearing on insurance rates. In actuality, credit scores are one of the elements used by insurance companies to estimate a driver's risk. Maintaining a high credit score by paying bills on time and low credit utilization can reduce insurance premiums.

l It's also an increasingly common illusion that insurance supports the driver rather than the vehicle. Insurance, in actuality, follows the car. If someone lends their car to someone else, their insurance policy will cover damages in the event of an accident. If the borrower has an insurance policy, their insurance will be the primary coverage in the event of an accident.

l Furthermore, many assume that the bare minimum of liability coverage is adequate. The basic coverage may not be sufficient to cover medical expenses, missed earnings, and property damage in the event of an accident. Higher liability coverage levels are recommended to safeguard financially in the event of an accident.

l A further prevalent myth is that comprehensive insurance covers everything. In reality, comprehensive insurance only covers automotive losses not resulting from an accident, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Damages resulting from a collision, such as colliding with a tree or another vehicle, are not covered.

Finally, keep in mind that personal things in a car are not protected by auto insurance in Stronghurst and Galesburg, Illinois. A homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may cover them. In the event of loss or damage, preserving an inventory of personal belongings is critical.