Have the Right Paperwork to Avoid SR-22 Risks

Driving safely is about more than being careful behind the wheel. It also means that you have to have the proper qualifications to operate a vehicle.

Every state has rigorous licensing, registration and insurance requirements. Failing to get the correct qualifications may cause your state to label you as a high-risk driver. A high-risk classification may require an SR-22 certificate for your auto insurance. Drivers don’t want to get SR-22 files, as these may negatively impact the driver’s insurance coverage.

Why States Require SR-22s for Lack of Qualifications

If you don’t have the right qualifications, it may signal that you cannot drive in a trustworthy manner. Less trustworthy drivers may pose higher operating risks. These risks may lead the state to require you to prove you have active auto insurance. A strong auto insurance policy might reduce risks that high-risk drivers pose on the road.

To prove that you have auto insurance, your state may require you to get an SR-22 certificate. These certificates come from your auto insurer, and verify that you have coverage. SR-22 certificates might remain on your driving record for a couple of years, depending on your state.

Avoiding SR-22s Is Always Best

If your state requires you to get an SR-22, this often signals to your auto insurer that you are a high-risk driver. As a result, it may discontinue your coverage or increase your policy prices.

States may impose SR-22 requirements for qualification violations like driving without insurance or failing to carry proper licensing. It is imperative that all drivers maintain their driving qualifications at all times.

Have an active, un-expired driver’s license with you at all times. Update or renew your license on time. Make adjustments to your license information or classifications any time you experience a change in driving circumstances. Do not drive with a suspended or expired license.
Carry up-to-date registration and plates on your vehicle. Each state requires registration renewal through different processes. Familiarize yourself with your states laws, and do not miss a renewal deadline.
Always carry effective auto insurance. Driving without the proper insurance can frequently lead to SR-22 requirements. Most states require auto insurance coverage for most drivers. Make sure your policy meets all state requirements.

Before you hit the road, have the right qualifications to drive. It may help the authorities determine you are a safe driver.

Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 today for help getting a fast, free Chicago auto insurance policy quote.

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What Is Proof of Loss?

You need to file a home insurance claim. A part of the process in doing so is often to complete a proof of loss statement. What’s that? And, how do you know how to complete it?

The good news is your home insurance agent will help you through this process. Whenever there is a need to file an insurance claim, rely on your agent to help. This speeds it up. It also ensures you do not provide inaccurate information that could damage your claim.

Defining Proof of Loss

The proof of loss statement is a document you often must complete when filing a claim. Most insurance claims require it. However, it is nearly always a requirement when filing a home insurance claim. In short, it is a statement that outlines what amount of money you wish to request. This is a legally binding document. That means you must be truthful in it. You must also take steps to ensure the amount you request is accurate.

A proof of loss statement requires your signature. This signature is your sworn oath about the money you wish the insurer to pay you for the claim loss. The home insurer will use this document to determine if it can pay you the amount requested. This is not your actual claim. You will need to fill out additional information about why you are filing the claim.

With a proof of loss statement, you state how much you wish the policy to pay you. In some cases, you will need to justify this amount. For example, in a roofing claim, the estimate from a local roofer will help to prove that this is the amount necessary to cover the claim. If you lost a piece of jewelry, a receipt can help you verify the actual worth of the item.

Take the time to work with your insurer to complete the proof of loss. Be sure it is as accurate as possible. This information will play a role in how much the insurer pays you for the claim. However, it is only the first step. The insurer will still verify that this is the right amount. The home insurance policy also defines how much coverage you will receive. Your home insurance agent will help you through this process to ensure accuracy and speedy claim service.

Ready for home insurance? Look no further. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 for a Chicago home insurance quote.

The Scoop on Potholes and How to Avoid Them

It is awfully difficult to traverse city roads without encountering a pothole. Sometimes, potholes can linger for years.

Potholes form as a result of uneven roads that cause the back ends of trucks to smack against the road. Potholes also form due to freezing and thawing that leads to cracking. When moisture reaches such cracks, they form potholes. Often, drivers see potholes and swerve into another lane without looking. This reaction might cause an accident and raise auto insurance rates.

Why Potholes are Such a Problem

Potholes are certainly unsightly. They often mar otherwise clean roads that are in solid condition.

Yet the most glaring problem posed by potholes is the damage they inflict on vehicles. Potholes have the potential to severely damage a vehicle’s wheels, tires and suspension. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help drivers reduce the impact of potholes.

How Drivers can Avoid Potholes

The best way to avoid potholes is to use common sense.

Drive at a reasonable speed that is always at or below the posted speed limit. Such a safe speed will provide you with ample time to react if you spot a pothole. Do not tailgate.
Do not swerve into an adjacent lane to avoid the pothole. Changing lanes could cause an accident worse than any damage resulting from direct contact with the pothole.
If you have enough time to gauge traffic in an adjacent lane, do so. If you believe there is enough space to change lanes before hitting the pothole, go ahead and move over.

Minimize the Damage

In most instances, you will not have enough time to avoid potholes. Be especially aware at night when potholes are that much more difficult to see.

You may be able to reduce the damage of the impact by reducing your rate of speed. Take your foot off the brake after making contact with the pothole. This strategy helps your automobile absorb the impact. Be sure to approach the potholes with your vehicle’s wheels pointed straight ahead. Striking a pothole at an angle can worsen the damage.

It will also help to keep your vehicle in good working order. A well-maintained car stands better chance of emerging from a pothole without damage. Keep your vehicle’s tires inflated to the proper level. Make sure the steering and suspension are in tip-top shape. These preparations will help you avoid an accident that spikes your car insurance rate.

Do you need auto insurance? Let us help. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 for a fast, free Chicago auto insurance quote.

Avoiding Reckless Driving Charges and SR-22 Requirements

Reckless driving demonstrates risk to the authorities and insurance companies. Reckless driving may harm drivers, their vehicles, personal property and others on the road.

A state may require reckless drivers to get a SR-22 certificate. A SR-22 certificate is not an insurance policy. It is a certificate that verifies for the state that a driver has an active auto insurance policy.

SR-22s remain on a driving record and auto insurance policies for a couple of years. Drivers have to maintain active auto insurance for the entire SR-22 period.

If an insurance policy lapses, the SR-22 becomes void. If drivers continue to receive reckless driving charges, the SR-22 period may start over. Drivers may even face harsher driving penalties.

Drivers should do everything they can to avoid a reckless driving charge. Take a look at some of the ways to reduce this risk, and also cut the chances of getting an SR-22.

1. Brush Up On Unfamiliar Laws

Many of us cannot fully understand the myriad of state driving laws. We may not understand certain signs, right of way laws or speed requirements. Accidentally breaking one of these laws may lead to a reckless driving charge.

All drivers should periodically refresh their basic knowledge of state driving laws. Reviewing the state driving handbook or passing a defensive driving course may help them learn to be safer on the road.

2. Put Down the Mobile Devices

Multiple states penalize distracted drivers for reckless driving. A common distraction is mobile device use. Texting while driving may lead to accidents, speeding and potentially deadly harm to others. Never use mobile devices while driving.

Another common cause of distracted driving is impaired driving. Never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.

3. Have Vision and Hearing Tests

Many states require vision or hearing tests for drivers to obtain a license. If drivers don’t pass these tests, they could pose driving risks. Proper vision and hearing help make sure a driver can react and avoid potential hazards. Drivers should never hit the road without wearing glasses, contacts or hearing devices required of them.

Finally, drivers should take the time to check their insurance coverage. If they don’t carry auto coverage that meet’s their state’s requirements, they could face driving charges. This may include the requirement to get an SR-22. Never hit the road without a policy that can adequately cover vehicular risks.

Need SR-22 coverage? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644. We can help you get an accurate Chicago car insurance quote right now.

Auto Insurance for Your Teenage Driver

Your family has finally arrived at the time in your lives where you have a teenage driver in the home. Your teen has passed the tests, logged their practice hours and is now ready to drive solo. While you may be ready to panic at the thought, comprehensive auto insurance coverage can set your mind at ease.

But, it can be stressful finding coverage that fits your teen’s unique needs and your family’s budget.

Auto insurance for teens is usually more expensive. This is because teens represent a very big risk for insurance providers. New drivers don’t have the same experience as seasoned drivers. High odds exist that your teen could have an auto accident in their first few years of driving. Therefore, it pays to invest in a high level of protection to keep them safe and avoid putting your family assets at risk.

Find the Right Car Insurance Policy for Your Teen Driver

Purchasing an auto insurance policy for your teen can be pricey if you aren’t sure where to begin. Before you start your search, ask yourself if you want to add your teen to your own policy or if you’ll buy them separate coverage.

Adding Your Teen to Your Policy

Adding your teen to your existing policy is often the most affordable option for your family. On average, you can save over $3,000 per year when you combine coverage for everyone in the family. When you add your new driver to an existing policy you will also likely qualify for discounts. Those discounts can help ease the cost of a teen driver taking to the open road.

Do your research before investing in car insurance coverage for your teen. We can help you to look for different discounts that may be available including good student discounts, safe driving courses and driving contracts.

Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage for Teen Drivers

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens aged 16 to 19 in the US. Drivers who fall into that age group are 3 times as likely than drivers aged 20 or older to have a fatal crash. With such an increased accident risk, it makes sense that insurance costs for teens are much higher than other drivers. With a comprehensive car insurance policy, you can help protect your teens in the event of an accident and give your family peace of mind.

We’ve got you covered. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 for a free Chicago auto insurance quote. One of our agents can help you determine the best way to insure your teens.

You’ve Gotten a Moving Violation, Now What?

No one wants the police to stop them while driving. Drivers, regardless of their record, need to take each driving violation seriously.

By taking steps to address the charge, you can save yourself a lot of potential trouble. Consider these steps to make driving after a ticket less of a hassle.

1. Understand the Charges and Cooperate

When the police stop you, you are welcome to ask questions and inquire about the citation. However, never become argumentative or combative with police.

It seems cliché but a little understanding goes a long way. First, argumentative suspects may elicit additional charges besides just the moving violation. Furthermore, they are likely to elicit very little sympathy from the officer. The officer may be able to use a driver’s conduct against them should they have to appear in traffic court.

2. Contact Your Proper Authorities

After you’ve received a charge, infrequent offenders may have to pay a fine or appear in traffic court. However, as moving violations often go on a driver’s record, they often have a chance to appeal the citation. If you decide to appeal your citation to the courts, contact your lawyer to begin the proceedings. You will likely have to gather evidence and present your case before the court to have the charge waived.

Regardless of whether you decide to appeal, you still have to face the penalties. Pay all of your fines, and appear at all your court hearings.

3. Understand Penalties

A ticket or driving violation isn’t exactly the most fun experience in the world. For infrequent offenders, the consequences are likely relatively minimal. However, frequent traffic offenders may face much tougher penalties. Depending on your driving record and offense history, you may face tougher penalties. The most severe penalties may include the loss of driving privileges, and even potential jail time.

4. Protect Your Car Insurance

A moving violation often signifies that you take unsafe risks while driving. Auto insurance companies routinely consider applicants’ driving records when they issue coverage. Therefore, the existence of moving violations on your record may lead an insurer to consider you a high-risk driver. Insurers may penalize high risk drivers in the following ways:

Classifying the driver as non-standard operator, forcing the driver to look for new coverage. Often, non-standard coverage comes at a higher cost.
Increasing the premiums of the driver’s existing auto insurance.
Cancelling the driver’s existing coverage. They may have to seek a new policy that better addresses their risks.

Furthermore, driving charges may not allow drivers to qualify for discounts or cost reductions. Therefore, it is best for all drivers to avoid moving violations as best they can. Paying careful attention to the rules of the road is often all you need to remain safe.

We’ve got you covered. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 for a free Chicago auto insurance quote.

Why You Might Need Non-Standard Auto Insurance

When looking for auto insurance, your insurer may classify you as a non-standard policyholder. What is this term? What makes you a non-standard driver?

Non-standard auto insurance applies to certain drivers who are riskier to insure. Different companies classify different drivers as non-standard. Some companies may not insure them at all.

If you find out that you’re a non-standard driver, talk to one of our auto insurance agents. They can help you determine why you fall into this category, and determine the best way to insure you. With the right attention, you can hit the road knowing that you have the right coverage.

What is Non-Standard Insurance?

There is no concrete definition for non-standard auto coverage. Most companies classify non-standard policyholders as those who are the riskiest to insure.

Because these drivers come with higher risks, companies account for those risks when insuring them. Companies likely cannot insure non-standard drivers at the standard market rates for insurance. Non-standard drivers may pay more for their coverage because of their unique risks.

Different auto insurers consider drivers non-standard for a variety of reasons. A driver might become non-standard because of their driving record, age, vehicle or other factors.

Choose an insurance company that will insure you for any non-standard risks. There are many fairly common reasons that a driver might qualify as non-standard. Your insurance agent can help you choose the correct policy for your needs.

Coverage for New Drivers

When someone begins to drive for the first time, they don’t have the experience of a seasoned driver. For that reason, new drivers are often considered non-standard policyholders.

New drivers usually pose a relatively high cost risk to their insurers. Insurers may recommend that new drivers buy higher levels of insurance coverage in the beginning. This helps to better cover the insured’s cost risks. These factors might make new drivers have to pay higher costs for coverage.

The good news is that new drivers can often reduce their coverage limits over time. Furthermore, as drivers gain more experience, their risk level usually drops. As risks drop, you might be able to reduce your coverage levels, and therefore pay less for coverage.

High-Risk Drivers

Experience driving makes drivers safer and more attentive to their on-road risks. However, some drivers continue to make mistakes. If you continually commit driving infractions, you may tarnish your driving record. Frequent accidents, tickets or other violations will often stay on your driving record for a few years.

Insurance companies have access to most of their policyholders’ driving records. If insurers see your driving record gain citations, they might classify you as a high-risk driver. High-risk drivers often qualify as non-standard drivers. Therefore, you might pay more for insurance the higher risk you pose to insurers.

SR-22 Insurance

Your state may require you to get an SR-22 certificate for a variety of driving infractions. These include DUI/DWI charges, multiple tickets, or frequent accidents. Therefore, SR-22 insurance usually falls under both non-standard and high-risk insurance coverage.

SR-22s are not insurance policies themselves. They are certificates that classify you as a high-risk driver. They verify for your state’s authorities that you carry adequate auto insurance. You may have to carry the SR-22 for a couple of years. You must carry continuous auto insurance coverage while you have the citation.

SR-22s may cause your auto insurance rates to rise. You may even have to change policies because your existing policy may not cover SR-22 risks. Therefore, you might expect to pay more for coverage with an SR-22 policy.

After an SR-22 comes off your record, you might see a chance to reclassify yourself as a standard driver. This could help lower your insurance rates.

Non-Standard Vehicle Coverage

Sometimes, the car you drive can classify you as a non-standard driver.

An old car that you take to car shows often has a lot of value attached to it. The same goes for an extremely expensive, custom-made vehicle like a Lamborghini. Antique, valuable or specialty cars often need unique coverage levels. This is perhaps because of their age, design or operational risks.

Furthermore, high-risk vehicles don’t have to be the most valuable. For example, salvage-title cars are those that were previously damaged and considered a total loss. Though you might have repaired this vehicle, it still has major damage in its past. This makes its operation quite risky.

Whether new, old or repaired, you vehicle might contain risks that make it riskier to insure. For that reason, your auto insurance provider may need to issue a non-standard policy.

Affording Non-standard Coverage

Even if you have to pay more for a non-standard policy, there are ways you can control your costs.

Drivers might be able to save on coverage if they qualify for discounts from their insurer. Multiple insurers offer a variety of discounts like accident-free or safe-driver discounts.

Safe driving and attention to your car could help you become less risky in the eyes of your insurance. They might reduce your rates the longer you go without an infraction.

We’ve got you covered. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 to get a free quote on Chicago auto insurance.

Who are the Highest-Risk Drivers?

Experience, age, vehicles, restrictions and your driving history all collectively determine your risks. Your auto insurance provider will use that risk to determine how to provide coverage for you.

High-risk drivers present the highest cost risks to insurers. An insurance company assumes high chances of issuing a claim when insuring that driver.

When an insurance company issues a claim, it costs the company money. So, insurers often have to charge high-risk policyholders more for their coverage. One way to avoid paying higher prices is to reduce your chances of becoming a high-risk driver.

What are some of the common examples of high-risk drivers, and how do you insure yourself if you become one?

Determining Which Drivers are High-Risk

Most insurance companies determine who is a high risk driver differently. Some might use your credit score as a factor, while others will use your age. Almost all of them will use your driving history as a risk factor.

Nonetheless, there are still various drivers that most insurance companies consider high-risk. If you fall into one of these categories, you might pay more for your insurance coverage.

New or Teen Drivers

Many people lump new and teen drivers into one high-risk category. However, these two groups are not always the same.

A new driver can be anyone who recently learned to drive. There is no age limit. These drivers do not have the experience of seasoned drivers. Therefore, they pose a higher risk of accidents and other hazards on the road. As experience increases, a driver’s risk may decrease, and an insurance company may lower a driver’s rates.

Since most teen drivers are new drivers, they usually face most of the same risks. Research also shows that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to have accidents or commit driving violations. Their risk level is often compounded because of their age.

Older Drivers

Like teen drivers, older drivers also face a higher risk while driving. Age might begin to impact faculties like vision, reflexes and concentration. This may cause insurers to classify older drivers as high-risk.

Uninsured Drivers

Most drivers in the U.S. have to carry auto insurance. Most states set minimum insurance coverage limits that all drivers have to carry. If you fail to carry your state’s minimum insurance, you could face financial penalties.

Since going without insurance is illegal, drivers should not let their policies lapse. If you fail to carry insurance, many insurance companies will classify you as a high-risk. Most insurers remind their policyholders to renew their policies within ample time.

Poor Driving Record

Almost every insurer looks at driving records when determining rates and issuing coverage. Drivers who have a poor driving history represent higher risks in the eyes of their insurance companies. Therefore, they are a greater cost burden. Insurers routinely raise premium prices, or even decline coverage for drivers who have experienced:

Multiple at-fault accidents
A record of speeding tickets or reckless driving charges
SR-22 requirements, which are certificates that verify for states that high-risk drivers have insurance
DUI/DWI convictions

Most insurers don’t look at your entire driving history, only that of the last few years. If your insurer sees your record improve, it might remove your high-risk classification. Therefore, they might lower your prices. The safer you drive, the more likely you are to save money on your insurance rates.

Poor Credit

Some insurance companies take a driver’s credit into account when determining risk. A poor credit score might signal that a policyholder might not reliably pay for the coverage. Therefore, a high-risk rating may result for the policyholder.

Rare Vehicles

Not all vehicles can receive standard insurance coverage. Certain cars have excessive or unique value. A normal auto policy might not provide high enough coverage levels for those cars’ needs.

Classic vehicles, or custom-built cars might need excessive insurance because of their operational risks and values. This may mean an insurer has to classify the driver as high-risk in order to improve the driver’s coverage.

How Do You Insure Yourself as a High-Risk Driver?

One company might offer you more affordable coverage if it assigns you a different risk level than another. Therefore, it is always best to compare policy options when getting auto insurance.

While you may still carry a level of risk with one company, it may be lower than the risk you carry with another. Your independent insurance agent can often compare policies based on your driving risks. They can help you pinpoint affordable coverage. Furthermore, your insurer may offer discounts even if you are a high-risk driver. You might qualify for student, auto-payment or loyal customer discounts. That way you can save coverage in spite of your extra risks.

As a high-risk driver, make sure you never go without the required coverage for your vehicle. Also work with your insurance provider to balance costs and coverage.

Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc has your coverage needs in mind. Call 877-999-2644 to get a free quote on an affordable Chicago car insurance policy.

Can I Drive My Friends Car Without Insurance?

This is one of the typical questions asked regarding auto insurance. If you do not own a car but have to drive your friends vehicle its better that you make sure he does have insurance on the car to avoid getting into any problems.

So the answer to this questions is: Yes, you will be covered under his insurance as long as he has given you permission to drive his car and if you and your friend live at the same household he would need to add you to his policy to make sure your are covered.

So to leave this clear and avoid confusion here it is again.

As long as you have permission to drive your friends car you will be covered under his insurance policy unless you live in the same household and he has not added you to his policy.

This is universal across the U.S. and applies to all auto insurance policies.

Get your low cost auto insurance quote in Chicago in less than two minutes or call us at (877) 999-2644 to find out how much you could save with Amigo Insurance Agency.

What Do I Need In Order To Purchase Auto Insurance In Illinois

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Auto insurance is a necessity that keeps you safe in all ways. Sufficient insurance coverage is what you need in order to drive safe and protect yourself and others in case of an accident. There are many things associated with this subject. Amigo Insurance Agency is based in Chicago and provides the best deals in terms of lowest price offering for your auto insurance.

In order to get auto insurance for your vehicle in Illinois, you need the following:

The Vehicle Identification Number
A drivers license (if you do not have a drivers license, please check out our article What if I don’t have a drivers license)
Provide personal information such as complete name, address, contact information and date of birth

There are many companies willing to take the risk of providing insurance if you or any of the other drivers listed do not have a drivers license.

Currently, the law states that at least $20,000 should be secured as the person’s personal fund which can be used for bodily injury. Along with that, damage to property should have a claim benefit reaching a minimum of up to $15,000. The last is the minimum coverage required by the State of Illinois to comply with the law.

If you need auto insurance at the lowest cost possible, give us a call today or start your quote now. It only takes two minutes.

Why States Require SR-22s for Lack of Qualifications

Avoiding SR-22s Is Always Best

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Defining Proof of Loss

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Why Potholes are Such a Problem

How Drivers can Avoid Potholes

Minimize the Damage

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1. Brush Up On Unfamiliar Laws

2. Put Down the Mobile Devices

3. Have Vision and Hearing Tests

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Visit an Office

Find the Right Car Insurance Policy for Your Teen Driver

Adding Your Teen to Your Policy

Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage for Teen Drivers

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1. Understand the Charges and Cooperate

2. Contact Your Proper Authorities

3. Understand Penalties

4. Protect Your Car Insurance

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What is Non-Standard Insurance?

Coverage for New Drivers

High-Risk Drivers

SR-22 Insurance

Non-Standard Vehicle Coverage

Affording Non-standard Coverage

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Determining Which Drivers are High-Risk

New or Teen Drivers

Older Drivers

Uninsured Drivers

Poor Driving Record

Poor Credit

Rare Vehicles

How Do You Insure Yourself as a High-Risk Driver?

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