Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is National Motorcycle Awareness month, which means safe riding should be a top priority for bikers across the country. Motorcycling is undoubtedly one of the most exciting modes of transportation but it’s also by far the most dangerous. According to CNNMoney, motorcycles killed 23,000 people over a 5-year period and 217 motorcycle deaths occur every billion miles. It’s no wonder motorcycle awareness and safety has a whole month dedicated to it. Practicing motorcycle safety isn’t just for your own benefit, it’s also for the hundreds of other people out on the road at the same time you are. Here are some motorcycle safety tips for the next time you take a ride, and before you do so don’t forget to get your motorcycle insurance in Chicago.

Wear A Helmet

This should come as no surprise to anyone but you would be surprised how many motorcyclists still do not wear helmets. However, the fact remains that helmets save lives. Motorcyclists who ride without helmets are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and three times more likely to suffer brain injuries. A full-face helmet provides the greatest amount of protection but even the most conservative helmet is safer than nothing at all. Do yourself a favor and wear a helmet when you ride.

Wear The Right Gear

A helmet isn’t the only kind of protective gear you should be wearing. In the event of a crash your body is completely exposed to the elements, there is nothing between you and the road unless you wear it. Wear a leather jacket, gloves, pants, and over-the-ankle footwear. Try to find something with padding if you want to be extra safe. Also protect your eyes and increase your vision by wearing protective goggles. Finding gear in a bright color will also increase your visibility to other drivers, which has proven to be a problem for drivers who have hit motorcyclists.

Defensive Driving

A study by the University of South Florida’s Center for Transportation Research found that in collisions involving a car and motorcycle, car drivers were at fault 60 percent of the time. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings will help you monitor your behavior as well as that of those around you.

Get Insured

It goes without saying that having motorcycle insurance in Chicago will protect you in the event of a crash. Motorcycle insurance is not required in all states, but it is in the state of Illinois. SaveALot Auto Insurance provides premier motorcycle insurance in Chicago to all our valuable customers. Protect yourself before going out on the road. Find cheap motorcycle insurance in Chicago at SaveALot Auto Insurance. Get your quote today!

How To Find Good Auto Insurance In Illinois

Illinois ranked 42nd last year in a state comparison of average auto insurance rates throughout the United State. Though auto insurance in Illinois offers some of the lowest rates in the country it doesn’t mean we should stop trying to find the best deal possible. And finding the best auto insurance rates in Illinois takes a blend of art and science.

To begin with, it helps to know what auto insurers tend to base their rates on and what they offer discounts for. Driving records, demographics, average mileage, marital status, and even the car you drive affect the cost of your insurance.

The best car insurance customer is a well-informed one. Don’t take anything for granted when you look for auto insurance in Illinois.

Don’t Ignore the Little Guys

Many customers make the mistake of ignoring smaller insurance companies in favor of the big guys. Geico, State Farm, All State and a couple others dominate the market, but smaller insurers often offer better service and rates. Look into local and regional companies when you shop around.

Do your Research

Everyone knows to get several different quotes before buying auto insurance in Illinois, but you can do even more. Ask questions about discounts. Many times, the information won’t be readily apparent but lots of life changes qualify you for reduced rates. The more facts you have, the better chance you have of getting a good deal.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Car insurance companies look at many things. Perhaps most important though is the driver’s record. Accidents raise rates quickly. The easiest way to get low rates is to obey the rules of the road and drive safe.

Tailor your Purchase

Everyone’s situation is different. If you don’t use your car very often, consider use-based premiums. Find rates that are discounted for upfront premium payment.

Educate yourself about auto insurance in Illinois requirements. You don’t want to scale back your coverage so you’re not still conforming to the law. But if you drive an old, beat-down car, it may not make sense to pay a higher premium for comprehensive insurance.

Call SaveALot Auto Insurance

If you want to learn more about finding the best auto insurance in Illinois, visit SaveALot Auto Insurance on the web. You can read more helpful articles, or simply enter your zip code and we’ll provide you with a free auto insurance quote. We’re also available by phone at 1-800-999-1034.

SR-22 Insurance in Illinois

If you’ve ever been involved in an accident, been caught with a suspended or expired license, or been convicted of any number of traffic offenses then you are probably familiar with SR-22 insurance in Illinois. Though it’s never convenient to commit a traffic violation you do have to abide by the laws in order to keep your license and stay out on the road. To do so you will need SR-22 insurance Illinois from SaveALot Auto Insurance.

SR-22 is a certificate that confirms that the driver has an active car insurance policy that meets state requirements. This is a certificate that your insurer sends to the state in order to confirm that you are driving under and abiding by state transportation laws. SR-22 insurance is a supplement to, not a replacement of, regular auto insurance.

This certification is legally required when someone is involved in a traffic violation and cannot show financial responsibility. This may occur in any number of the following circumstances: DUI, DWI, caught driving without insurance or license, at-fault accident, revoked or suspended license, or too many traffic tickets in a short amount of time.

If you are someone who needs to purchase SR-22 insurance than it is important that you work with an auto insurance agency that provides that particular certification. SR-22 insurance in Illinois requires the proper paperwork to be filed with the appropriate state’s DMV by the policyholder’s insurance company.

SaveALot Auto Insurance is dedicated to making sure all of our customers are driving safely and legally, which is why we offer SR-22 insurance in Illinois. We will help you find the most affordable SR-22 policy to fit your needs and file the paperwork for you so you don’t have to worry about it! If you need affordable auto insurance and SR-22 insurance in Illinois contact SaveALot Auto Insurance right away.

What To Do After You Buy A Car

Buying a first car is a huge accomplishment for many people. It takes a lot of time, research, and money to make that final purchase. However, the job is not finished once the car is purchased, there are a couple things one must do after buying the car. Registration, maintenance, insurance, and SR-22 insurance Illinois are all important parts of the car buying process.

Registration

Registration is extremely important, as you cannot drive your car on the road without getting it registered. If you purchased your car from a dealership they will often set-up a temporary registration that expires in 30 days. If you bought from a private seller you will need to visit the DMV to get your car registered before you start driving it.

Maintenance and Repairs

This step of the buying process is usually only applicable to used cars. Check out the owner’s manual to see when routine maintenance tasks are to be performed on your car. If you car is due for a tune-up, take it in. It’s also always a good idea to take your new-used car in for a general maintenance check-up before you start driving it regularly. You want to make certain that you are driving a vehicle that is safe and reliable.

Insurance

The law requires basic auto insurance so it’s very important to get insurance for your car before driving. Auto insurance covers you in event of a crash or some kind of damage to you or another person and their vehicle. If you also need SR-22 insurance Illinois make sure to get that right away. SR-22 insurance is a certification required by court that verifies you have coverage. If you have been ordered by a court to carry this certification it is very important that you do so.

SaveALot Auto Insurance provides auto insurance and SR-22 insurance Illinois to our customers. We have some of the most affordable auto insurance quotes in the business. Visit our website to get your estimate today!

Source: DMV

Why Is Car Insurance Important?

If you’ve ever owned a car you will know it’s a big responsibility. From the payments to the upkeep, it’s a lot to take on. One thing that many people have to think about before making the commitment to buy a car is the insurance that comes with it. Some people think of auto insurance as a money wasting hassle, just another reason to sign a check and never reap benefits. This belief is a falsehood. Auto insurance saves thousands of people each year from incurring huge financial losses due to car damage. Auto insurance protects drivers and passengers from bearing the financial burden that results from an accident or other vehicle related incident. Here is why having car insurance is extremely important.

It’s The Law

Liability car insurance is the most common type of car insurance as it provides the minimum amount of coverage and is legally required in all 50 states. This type of insurance covers damage to the other party if damage caused is your fault. However, there are other types of insurance that provide greater coverage to you, your passengers, other parties involved, and your vehicles from injuries and damage. Since liability car insurance is mandatory in all U.S. states, if caught driving without insurance you could be subject to arrest, fines, suspended ended license, high premiums later on, and even jail time. Getting caught driving without auto insurance can lead to expensive and time consuming penalties and will affect your driving records and insurance premiums for years down the road.

Peace Of Mind And Financial Protection

Aside from the fact that all states impose a mandatory minimum amount of car insurance, knowing that you have that protection is hugely comforting to a lot of people. When you get in an accident with another car there is always the danger that you will end up covering the expenses they incur. This is a great reason to invest in comprehensive coverage so you never have to end up bearing the financial burden of another person’s injuries or damage.

SaveALot Auto Insurance

At SaveALot Auto Insurance we understand the important role that car insurance plays in many people’s lives. We have offered inexpensive auto insurance rates to people all over the country so they can be insured at an affordable price. Auto insurance may be required by law, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost you an arm and a leg. Get a quote and buy online, all with SaveALot Auto Insurance. Contact us if you have questions and get insured today!

What You Need to Know About High-Risk Auto Insurance

Are you a high-risk driver? Are you researching cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers? You’re in the right place. High-risk auto insurance shouldn’t be a scary subject. If you have a less-than-perfect driving record, we’re here to give you all the answers you need.

While every state has a minimum requirement for auto insurance, high-risk drivers have to pay higher premiums. That’s because a driver labeled as “high-risk” has a higher potential of filing a claim—which make them less appealing to some auto insurance companies.

At SaveALot Auto, we’re dedicated to cheap auto insurance to all drivers—even if you have a less-than-perfect record.

What makes you a high-risk driver?

  • If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A DUI typically stays on your record for 3 years, so you’ll be labeled a high-risk driver for at least that long. You’ll also need an SR-22 Certificate if you have received a DUI.
  • If you have multiple speeding tickets.
  • If you have driven without a license.
  • If you’ve been involved in a serious accident that involved an injury, a certain amount of property damage, or a fatality.
  • If you’re a new driver or a teen driver.
  • If you’re an older driver.
  • If you drive a high-risk vehicle like a sports car.

For high-risk auto insurance, the more recent history matters more. If you had speeding tickets 10 years ago, those won’t affect you nearly as much as a speeding ticket within the last year.

What can you do to lower your risk?

  • Take a defensive driving course
  • Always drive defensively and within the speed limit to avoid speeding tickets or accidents. If you don’t receive a ticket for three years, you will likely get lower premiums.
  • Drive a safer car

Looking for cheap high-risk auto insurance?

SaveALot Auto is here to help. Get your free quote instantly.

What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

Every year, there are about 10 million car accidents. According to industry estimates, most people will get into three or four accidents during the course of their lifetime.

That’s why, even though we’ve already discussed what you should do after a car accident, we wanted to follow up with more information. When you’re in a minor car accident like a fender bender, they’re not just an annoyance disrupting your day. They can lead to expensive and frustrating ordeals.

The majority of minor car accidents are caused by distracted drivers (don’t text and drive!), backing out of the driveway, braking issues caused by malfunctioning equipment or weather, driving too fast in parking lots, or making a mistake in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The best way to deal with minor car accidents is to avoid them in the first place. Always drive defensively, brake carefully in bad weather, and don’t get distracted by the radio or your cell phone.

Of course, you can’t prevent everything. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for any fender benders that may come your way. Here are our tips for what to do after a minor car accident (part 2).

What to do after a minor car accident:

  • Always move your car out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. That way, you and the other car(s) involved in the accident won’t be a hazard for other drivers.
  • Never accept fault. Even when it’s a minor accident and there are no injuries, it’s easy to get rattled. The do’s: Take a deep breath, keep calm, and be polite to the other driver(s). The don’ts: Don’t get angry, don’t apologize, and don’t say anything except the facts.
  • Call the police. Yes, it’s a good idea to call 911, even in the case of a minor accident with no injuries. The police report helps sort everything out and it ensures that your case isn’t just the other driver’s words against your own. Even if you don’t file a police report on the spot, some states give you up to 72 hours to file one. Find out if that’s the case in your state.
  • Exchange insurance information and contact information. This is an absolute must. Whether you call 911 or you don’t, you need to get this information so you can follow proper procedure and file claims. If you don’t have this information on you, try looking it up on your smartphone. If you have the police there and you don’t have insurance information, you could get a citation. However, some police officers will give you 24 hours to bring your insurance information to a station. Inquire if this is possible for you.
  • Don’t sign anything unless it’s for police or an insurance agent.
  • Take photos of the damage. If you’re like most people, you probably have a smartphone on you. It’s a great tool for recording the damage on the spot.
  • Look for eyewitnesses. Even for a minor accident, eyewitnesses are a great resource that can help your case. If a witness consents, take down their contact information and their brief statement. It can help inform the police report and how your insurance companies deal with the claim.
  • Notify your insurance company immediately.
  • In some states, you might be required to report the minor accident to the DMV. Contact your local DMV to find out if this is the case for you.

Need cheap car insurance? Use SaveALot Auto

It’s illegal to drive without car insurance. If you have a less-than-perfect driving record, have been in a few minor car accidents already, or if you have an SR22, you can still get cheap auto insurance thanks to SaveALot Auto.

All you have to do is enter your zip code and get an instant quote now.

3 Most Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents

If you’re living in the cold parts of the country, winters can be brutal for driving. From icy roads to blinding snowstorms to freezing weather, a host of dangers can cause all kinds of accidents while you’re on the road.

That’s why it’s important to know the common causes of winter car accidents and how to prevent them. Here are three winter conditions that can seriously impede your ability to drive safely.

1. Slippery Roads

As temperatures drop, roads can become a slippery mess and create a difficult environment for driving safely. Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s extremely slippery yet hard to see due to the thinness of the icing.

Even if you break hard, chances are your vehicle will spin out of control without stopping. For this reason, rear-end collisions are one of the most common winter accidents. Slippery roads can even send cars sliding through an intersection.

So, how do you prevent icy road crashes? First, it’s very important to leave ample space between cars. A good rule of thumb: always stay at least eight seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

Second, speed is your greatest enemy on an icy road. Make sure to take extra time with every action you take on a slippery road. This includes accelerating, stopping and turning.

2. Poor Visibility

Heavy snow, hail, blizzards and other winter precipitation can significantly reduce visibility for drivers and lead to icy road accidents. Snow buildup on roadsides can make it hard to see pedestrians, objects and other vehicles. The threat is even greater at nights.

One way to avoid low visibility accidents is to check the weather service before heading out. If visibility is extremely bad, the best course of action is to wait until conditions get better. If you have to drive, do so very slowly and with great caution. The same rules of driving on slippery roads apply here.

Another way to improve visibility is to make sure that your windshield wipers and defroster fans are working properly.

3. Car Condition

It’s very important to get a routine checkup of your vehicle before heading into winter. If your vehicle is not in a good shape, driving in winter weather can be even more dangerous.

Always check your tires before you go driving in winter weather. Worn out tires with bald spots have very poor traction, so driving on icy roads become even more difficult.

As mentioned above, make sure your windshield wipers and defroster fans are working properly in case of low visibility problems. Always check your wiper fluid is full before heading out on the road.

Working headlights are especially important for driving through snow or in the dark on an icy road. Make sure to scrape any accumulated snow off your headlights before driving off.

Harsh winter weather got you in an accident? Don’t worry — SaveALot Auto Insurance is here to help.

Weather isn’t something we can control. And even after all the precautions and careful driving, it’s possible to become involved in an unfortunate accident with your vehicle.

Whether it’s a light fender bender or a serious accident, SaveALot Auto Insurance can provide the best insurance policy that fits your needs.

Call our friendly customer service representative today at (309) 589-1000 or contact us here with any questions. You can also get an instant free insurance quote by entering your zip code above. We’ll get back to you with the best insurance policy you can get. We guarantee it.

4 Things You Should Know About SR-22 Auto Insurance

From speeding tickets and parking fines to accidents and DUI, a lot of things can go wrong when you drive. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. A lot of drivers make mistakes, and that’s why the SR-22 insurance exists — to help you get back behind the wheels after a slip-up.

An SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance document you need in order for the state judge to reinstate your driving privileges after certain offenses. In other words, it’s a proof of financial responsibility showing that you have sufficient liability coverage.

Filing for an SR-22 can be a daunting journey through administrative hoops. Before you begin looking for an insurer, here are a few important facts about SR-22 you should know.

 

1. A lot of things can land you with an SR-22 requirement.

The state judge will most likely order you to get an SR-22 if you couldn’t show financial responsibility after an accident or a driving offense conviction.

Here are some on-the-road violations that can lead to an SR-22 requirement:

  • You caused an accident without insurance
  • You were carrying a revoked or suspended license
  • You were convicted of serious moving violations including DUI or DWI
  • You accumulated recurring citations for speeding or illegal parking

 

2. Don’t try to file it yourself.

Now that the state judge ordered you to submit get an SR-22 form after your violation, what’s the next step? Well, you can’t file it yourself. Ask your auto insurance company to file the form with your state’s DMV.

It’s important to note that not all insurers can file your SR-22. Only the ones that are filed with the state can complete your process. Make sure to call up your insurer to verify the company is authorized to submit your document for you.

Lucky for you, SaveALot Auto offers cheap SR-22 insurance. Find out how to file your SR-22 auto insurance

 

3. SR-22 by itself isn’t too expensive.

Since an SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance for high-risk insurance policies after a severe offense, you might think it will burn a whole in your wallet.

In a way, it’s a valid concern — after a major infraction, your current insurance provider may drop you because of increased risk. And because insurance companies will regard the need for an SR-22 as an increased risk factor, you will probably have to choose a much higher premium rate.

So how much does an SR-22 insurance cost? The good news is, it’s not that expensive. Although it differs from state to state, the SR-22 filing fee costs usually around $15 to $25.

Keep in mind that you first need to have a car insurance policy before filing an SR-22. To minimize insurance expenses, make sure to hire a criminal lawyer with a focus on severe driving offenses.

 

4. You don’t need an SR-22 forever.

So how long should you keep your SR-22 on file?

Although it varies by state, most states require drivers to carry SR-22 for three years. Coincidentally, that’s usually how long it takes to clear your driving record. So if you didn’t make any more infractions after your initial violation, your record should be clean by then.

As long as your insurance policy is active, your SR-22 should stay valid. But be careful — if your insurance lapses or cancels, your license will be suspended because your insurer is obligated to notify the DMV.

Get your free auto insurance quote at SaveALot Auto to see how an SR-22 will affect your new car insurance policy.

4 Important Questions to Ask About Totaled Cars

A totaled car isn’t just a devastating experience. It can also be a complicated process. It’s perfectly normal—and expected—to have lots of questions about how the process works, how to deal with your auto insurance provider, and beyond.

First, it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what a totaled car is. To put it simply, it’s when it’s determined to be a “total loss,” or it would cost more to repair the car than the car is worth.

Then check out these common questions (and answers!) on totaled cars. We hope you never have to undergo this experience—but it’s always best to be prepared.

1) How common is “total loss”?

A totaled car, or a car determined to be a “total loss,” is more common than you might think. According to CCC Information Services lead analyst Susanna Gotsch , 14.24% of all vehicle appraisals in 2013 were determined to be a total loss.

2) Who decides if my car is totaled?

Both your insurance provider and your state’s laws determine whether your car is totaled or not. Be sure to be aware of both your insurance coverage and how your state defines total loss.

3) What is the worth of my totaled car?

Your insurance provider bases this off of the market value of your car right before the accident. It’s determined by type of car, mileage, condition, standard features, extra features, and where you live.

If you want to figure out what your car’s market value was before the accident on your own, you have a couple of options. You can use websites like Kelly Blue Book to look up a typical market value of a car like yours or you can get another estimate from an appraiser.

4) What is gap insurance and how does it work? Do I need gap insurance?

Gap insurance is important to be aware of. If necessary, gap insurance can cover the difference between what your car is worth and the balance you owe on it. If you’re financing or leasing a car, gap insurance could be helpful for you—especially if you are less than halfway through an auto loan. If you own your car or if you owe less on the loan than the car is worth, gap insurance isn’t necessary.

If you have a totaled car and you are in the first half of financing or leasing a car, you could still owe money on a loan—for the same wrecked car. That’s where gap insurance can come in handy.

Any questions? Contact SaveALot Auto today

To learn more about how a totaled car could affect you, feel free to contact the auto insurance experts at SaveALot Auto today. Check out our FAQ for more answers to common questions.