Car insurance may be required in all 50 U.S. states, but not every coverage option offered by insurers is compulsory. When you’re shopping for car insurance in Illinois, you need to get what the state requires, but you also need to think about the optional coverages that will be most helpful to you.
Option 1: Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Not every driver has car insurance in Illinois, and while that might not be legal, it’s a reality that can hurt you and your wallet when you’re in an accident with one of these uninsured drivers. Instead of relying on the idea that every other driver is a law-abiding citizen, consider getting uninsured motorist coverage to help you cover the cost of damages caused by an uninsured driver.
Option 2: Comprehensive Coverage
It’s not every morning that you wake up and find a winter storm has caused a tree to fall on your car, but it only takes one such morning for you to see the value in having comprehensive coverage. Without it, you would have to pay for the repairs on the car or, if the vehicle is totaled, eat the loss of the car and find a way to buy a new one. And it’s not just falling trees that comprehensive covers; it can also cover damages from vandalism, fire and more.
Option 3: Collision Coverage
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, the United States sees more than $230 billion in annual damages due to car crashes. Without optional collision coverage on your car, the costs of damage to your property during one of these crashes must be paid out of your pocket.
Getting the car insurance required by your state is a great start, but it isn’t the only insurance you should get. Measure your risks and your ability to afford to face them uninsured before you decide to pass on optional insurance coverage.
