Give Your Car a Security Checkup this Spring

Soon, many of us will undertake that thorough yearly ritual known as spring cleaning. It’s a time to clean up, check out and repair the important things in your life. There’s no better time to do it than when the weather is nice.

One item you shouldn’t forget to pay attention to this spring is your vehicle. Your car probably sustained its fair share of wear and tear in the last year. Thorough maintenance and upkeep can help you get it ready for more intense use during the summer. However, there’s another part of your car’s well-being that you should check up on this spring—its security.

Vehicle theft and vandalism are both possibilities nowadays. They can strike anywhere and at any time. How you protect your vehicle might make a big difference in whether you become a victim. Security steps, as well as the right car insurance, can help you prevent and recover from theft.

Car Insurance Coverage for Theft and Vandalism

Vehicle theft occurred at a rate of 236.9 incidents per 100,000 people in 2016, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Illinois was among the ten states with the highest rates of theft. If you live in the Prairie State, consider your auto insurance a source of help in case theft occurs.

Car insurance policies usually offer theft protection. However, these policies will likely come with conditions.

  • Usually, to receive coverage for theft or vandalism, you need comprehensive protection. Comprehensive coverage insures damage from incidents not related to wrecks or other collisions. It can often help replace the car, or repair damage sustained during a theft.
  • Even if you have comprehensive coverage, it might not provide the full recovery costs. Your policy limits will likely determine how much support, if any, for which you qualify. Most policies will likely include a deductible. If your vehicle damages fall under the cost of the deductible, you will have to pay for all the damage yourself. Also, some policies will only compensate the insured for the actual cash value of the vehicle. This is the depreciated cost of the car at the time of the theft. This value might be less than the full value needed to buy a new vehicle to replace the old one.
  • Your comprehensive insurance likely will not cover any personal items inside the vehicle. If something, like a purse, gets stolen from (or along with) the car, you might be able to file a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. Your car insurance will often only cover damage or losses to pre-installed features.

Therefore, talk to your insurance agent about how much theft coverage you need to carry. Make sure it is enough to help you replace the vehicle after a total loss. Your agent likely can offer expert information on the specific coverage for you.

Protect Yourself Against Theft, Save On Auto Insurance

If you have a high chance of auto theft, this might drive up your car insurance rates. However, there are ways for all drivers to take steps to reduce their vehicle theft risks. In some cases, these precautions might even qualify the driver for policy discounts. This could lower the cost burden they face for their coverage.

  • Consider if connected or internet-of-things technology can help reduce theft risks. Then, ask your insurer if they award discounts for connected security mechanisms. If you qualify for a discount, adding this protection to your car might prove beneficial.
  • Think about where you store your car. Usually, parking it inside a garage or close to your residence is the best safety step to take. When parking in public, keep your vehicle in a well-lighted area.
  • Always lock your car, regardless of where you leave it. Also arm your car alarm whenever you leave the vehicle.
  • Never leave valuables on view in the vehicle. Cell phones, purses, money, prescriptions and more might trigger a thief to break in or steal the car. Take these vehicles with you or lock them in the trunk of the car.
  • Consider buying theft prevention devices for your car. These might include steering wheel locks or special alarms. You can usually easily activate your devices as soon as you get out of the car.

If you experience vehicle theft, immediately contact the authorities and your insurer. You will likely need to file a police report or start an investigation to recover the vehicle. Your insurer will likely need to start a claim immediately upon theft occurring. This will help them better track the results of the investigation.

The good news is, based on your policy, you might have access to rental car reimbursement. Your insurance might pay some or all of the cost of a rental so you can at least drive even without the other vehicle. Car theft can be a difficult incident to experience. However, your insurance can likely come in handy as long as you have appropriate protection. Call us for a Illinois car insurance quote.

Car robbery
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

Understanding Illinois’ Car Insurance Requirements

Illinois is a large, diverse state. There’s a lot to see between Cairo in the south and Waukegan in the North. And there are plenty of driving hazards that you might encounter along the way. Illinois drivers are going to encounter various traffic, vehicle and insurance laws. These laws ensure that Illinois’ roads remain safe thoroughfares for all travelers.

All Illinois drivers have to follow many laws on vehicle ownership and car insurance. If you register your vehicle in the state, you will have to carry auto insurance. Failing to carry insurance could result in various penalties.

However, you still have options. Once you meet the state’s coverage requirements, you’re often able to adjust your policy to meet your needs. Consider the need for auto insurance a necessity, but the benefit of it to be a convenience.

Illinois Liability Auto Insurance Requirements

Most states require their registered drivers to carry minimum levels of auto insurance. In this manner, mandatory insurance works as a form of consumer protection. Illinois requires its drivers to carry, at minimum, three levels of liability insurance:

  • $25,000 bodily injury or death coverage per person
  • $50,000 cumulative bodily injury or death coverage per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability protection

You must also carry uninsured/underinsured coverage valued at:

  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 total per accident.

The Importance of Liability Protection

Liability protection does not protect the policyholder themselves. It extends protection to other drivers on the road. Let’s say you collide with another vehicle, and break the other driver’s leg. Think about the financial effects that injury might have on the other driver. They might need to pay medical bills, receive rehabilitation or take time off work to recover.

An investigation into the accident determines it to be your fault. The other driver then likely has a right to file a claim against your liability coverage. If you carry the Illinois-mandated coverage, the injured driver could receive up to $25,000 for their losses.

Liability coverage serves as a valuable protection for both a policyholder and other drivers. If the policyholder carries this service, they might not have to pay compensation to an injured party out-of-pocket. Still, liability insurance can provide the affected party with the funds they need.

Penalties of Driving Without Insurance

It’s easy to understand the benefits of liability insurance. That’s why going without it shouldn’t be a thought. Most states levy penalties for drivers who carry either too little or no auto insurance.

Illinois is no different. While there is no jail penalty, there are often financial penalties and driving restrictions.

  • Fines: You can face fines of $501 to $1,000 for your first offense. Even higher fines of up to $2,500 follow for subsequent offenses. The exact fine will likely depend on the nature of the charge and whether it involved a vehicle accident.
  • Driving Restrictions: First-time offenders will receive a license and registration suspension for up to three months. Subsequent offenses will result in suspensions of up to four months.
  • Reinstatement Fees: If you have a driver’s license suspension, you will likely have to pay the $100 reinstatement fees.
  • SR-22 Certificates: Certain drivers will have to have this form attached to their insurance policy for up to three years. It will verify for the state that you have active auto insurance. Your insurer will send the SR-22 form to the Illinois authorities. You must keep your policy active for the entire penalty period.

Driving without insurance will likely change your eligibility for coverage in the future. Many insurers view driving without coverage as an indicator that a driver is a high risk to insure. So, they might deny your application for coverage or charge you more for your policy. If you’ve driven without insurance, talk to your insurance agent about how to insure yourself now.

Getting Extra Insurance

Once you get the state’s auto insurance requirements, you’re going to be driving in compliance with the law. However, carrying required coverage might not mean you’re carrying the best coverage. All vehicles are different. You can likely augment your mandatory coverage with extra protection.

  • Consider increasing your liability coverage to higher levels. Extra protection can better protect your own finances in case of an at-fault accident.
  • Buy collision coverage to cover your own vehicle’s repairs if you have an accident.
  • Get comprehensive coverage to afford repairs to the vehicle that result from accidents like fires, theft or weather damage.

Always carry verification of your insurance coverage in your car when you drive. That way, following an accident, you can have verification that you carry coverage. Never forget to always keep your policy active, and renew it every period. Talk to your insurance agent about the best way to carry protection. Call us for a Chicago auto insurance quote at 877-999-2644.

000005417609
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

Steps for Buying a New Company Vehicle This Year

Maybe your business is growing, and you’re ready to buy a company car. Or, perhaps, your business’ old vehicles no longer suit your needs. Either way, 2018 might be the year that your company buys a new vehicle.

Vehicle ownership opens up a wide range of possibilities for businesses. You can go more places and deliver more services. Still, it comes with its fair share of responsibilities as well. This includes the responsibility to operate legally, including with the right auto insurance. Most businesses need to carry commercial auto insurance on their company-owned vehicles. As you prepare to buy a car, follow the right purchasing process and duly insure the vehicle.

Before Buying, Look at Your Needs and Finances

When you plan to buy a vehicle for your business, you want to do so after careful analysis of your needs. If you don’t get the correct vehicle, you’re going to probably cost the business wasted money in the long-term.

  • Consider the type of vehicle you need. For example, will you drive off-road or haul specialty equipment in your vehicle? Will you use your car for delivery services? In such cases, you might need a specialty type of vehicle like a truck or van. A standard sedan might not meet your needs.
  • Most companies will pay for and maintain their vehicles using business funds. Therefore, take a close look at your operating budget and income. You should never buy a vehicle that is too expensive for you to afford. Always have a good idea of how much you have in the bank, and how you expect your monetary needs to change in the next year. This can help you better nail down a budget for the vehicle.
  • Where will you keep your vehicle funds? Some business owners set aside dedicated funds to finance their company vehicles. This fund should remain solvent throughout the time you own the vehicle. It can help finance vehicle payments, maintenance and other vehicle costs.
  • How will you pay for company vehicles? Some companies pay cash for their cars, and don’t need to finance the vehicle. However, other businesses will take out a business loan to pay off the vehicles. Usually, credit unions and certain banks will offer these loans to business owners. Still, owners should take care to research the best financing options for their needs.

If you think you need special financial accommodations, talk to your financial advisor. They can help you determine how to manage your purchasing power.

Promptly Insure the Vehicle

After you purchase a new company vehicle, you will need to buy commercial auto coverage. Because your vehicle will belong to the company, you likely won’t be able to use standard auto insurance.

Commercial auto insurance accounts for the fact that a business is often a liable party following vehicle incidents. Usually, your policy will list the business as one of the insured parties. So, in case liabilities or damages arise, the business will have protection.

Usually, commercial auto coverage will include protection like:

  • Liability protection: To protect the business when its drivers are at-fault in an accident that harms someone else.
  • Collision coverage: Can help the business afford vehicle repairs following a wreck.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Can cover repairs resulting from incidents like theft, vandalism, fire or weather damage.
  • Medical payments protection: If you need help with medical expenses after an accident, this coverage might help.

And other forms of protection.

Always tell your commercial auto insurance agent certain things about the car:

  • What type of vehicle it is. For example, commercial trucks likely need different coverage than sedans.
  • Who will drive it? You might need to list all employee drivers on your policy. However, many policies automatically cover all employee drivers.
  • Will employees use company-owned vehicles for personal business? The personal use of commercial vehicles might mandate special coverage riders.

Remember, you will likely have to insure the vehicle to meet minimum standards set by your state. Often, an insurer will automatically place the minimum requirements on your policy. However, business owners should increase these levels as necessary, to guarantee protection of their vehicles.

After Buying, Register the Car Appropriately

Commercial vehicles, like every other car on the road, will require registration. Businesses should visit their state’s vehicle registration department to learn more. Some businesses might need specialized operating registration based on the vehicle or products they transport.

Furthermore, drivers might need to get special licensing to operate certain types of commercial vehicles. All commercial drivers should have the training, licensing and experience to safely operate vehicles. Business owners should monitor their drivers for safety at all times. If a driver’s record or experience indicates that they should not drive a company vehicle, then it might be best for the company not to allow that person to operate.

If you have questions about commercial auto insurance, contact one of our agents at 877-999-2644.

180000485_delivery_van
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

What Is No Fault Auto Insurance?

When a car accident occurs, does it matter who is at-fault? In no-fault states, who is responsible is less of a factor than you may think.

It is important for drivers to understand how their car insurance works. At-fault and no-fault auto insurance differs in an important way. Depending on the type you have, you may pay more or less for an accident.

How Does No-fault Car Insurance Work?

The term no-fault auto insurance describes a specific type of insurance product. In this type of policy, the policyholder turns to his or her plan when an accident occurs. Who caused the accident does not matter in this situation. Very few states allow for this type of auto insurance. Most require at-fault insurance instead.

In at-fault coverage states, police determine who holds responsibility after an accident occurs. Then, the insurance company for the person at-fault pays for most or all of the losses of the other driver.

In no-fault cases, the individual can file a claim with his or her car insurance provider. The provider should cover the losses no matter who caused the accident. Here’s an example. You are in an accident in which another driver hits your vehicle. Instead of filing a claim with that driver’s liability insurance, you file it with your own. Your insurer covers your losses.

What Are the Benefits of No Fault Insurance?

When used, no-fault car insurance offers some benefits. First, it means the driver always has coverage for medical needs. You do not have to rely on the other driver’s liability policy to cover your losses. This offers a bit more peace of mind. Second, it may reduce the likelihood that you will pay more if you are in more accidents. Rather, a blanket policy is in place.

Should You Invest in This Insurance?

It is important to realize not all states allow for no-fault car insurance. Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if this is an option for you. Some states offer limited access to such plans. And, these plans have limitations. Most of the time, they limit how much they cover. If you have this type of insurance, take a closer look at your coverage. Illinois is a state that enforces at-fault auto insurance laws.

Most people will find that basic auto insurance that assigns blame is most economical. It is the most common option available. Choose a policy that properly represents your needs in all cases.

Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at (877) 999-2644 and we can help you get a Chicago auto insurance quote.

Traffic accident and to drivers fighting
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

What does a Business Owners Policy or BOP Not Cover?

How do small companies buy insurance? Many businesses buy a business owner’s policy. This kind of protection is often called a BOP. Insurers will offer lower rates for the coverage included in the BOP. This solution may offer a simple and cheaper way to buy insurance.

A BOP may make sense for a small company. Stores, dental offices, and cafes all may find that a BOP suits their basic needs. Still, it may not provide enough insurance.

What does a BOP cover? Common coverage in a BOP might include liability, property and business interruption insurance. Some agents will customize a BOP to suit their clients. They may be able to tailor protection for the business size, industry, or location.

What Won’t a BOP Cover?

Still, a BOP may not include all the coverage that your company needs.

These kinds of insurance are not likely to come with a BOP:

  • Professional liability: Some professionals need to protect themselves against claims that they did not perform their duties properly. Medical professionals may need malpractice insurance. Finance professionals might have to buy errors and omissions coverage. A BOP usually won’t come with this kind of protection.
  • Cyber insurance: Today’s companies value digital information. They also value the security of customers’ information. Cyber insurance protects businesses against data breaches or the loss of computer systems.
  • Business car: A company’s cars have to have insurance against liability or property loss. Personal insurance isn’t usually enough. A company may need business car insurance too.
  • Employee benefits: A BOP won’t usually contain workers’ compensation or health insurance either. Employee benefits must usually come separately.

How to Buy Business Insurance?

Most business owners understand that they need insurance to protect their company. They might also need to protect their employees. Most owners would rather focus their energy on running their company. The right insurance can help them focus by giving them peace of mind.

Find an agent with experience insuring covering similar companies. They should suggest policies and help compare rates. The final choice of a BOP and other business insurance depends upon the owner. A good agent can help the company save time and money.

Let Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc help you get the right coverage at an affordable price. Call us at (877) 999-2644 for a fast, free insurance Chicago business insurance quote.

What does a Business Owners Policy or BOP Not Cover?
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

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.

141232596_smiling_girl_with_drivers_license
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

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.

492150967
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

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.

Pothole avoidance
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

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.

178877151
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

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.

123091625_traffic_ticket
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

Get a Quote the Way You Want

click

Online

Start a Quote

phone

By Phone

773-847-9000

in-person

In Person

Find a Location