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Illinois Insurance Blog

Deerfield Drivers: Key Insights for Choosing the Right Auto Insurance

Deerfield, IL motorists looking to protect their investment often rely on the assistance of STARS Insurance. Once it comes time to choose the right auto insurance, we are here to help. All sorts of crucial insights need to be discussed before a decision is made. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common mistakes that take place so that all of the following pitfalls can be avoided.

Adhering Strictly to Minimum

Yes, it is great to remain in compliance with the required minimums, but this is not always advisable. There is no reason to rely strictly on the bare minimum amount of auto insurance. Minimum requirements are not always as high as they need to be, and this can leave motorists scrambling once an accident occurs. If you are found to be at fault, these costs are only going to be exacerbated.

Failure To Consider Your Teen Driver

Even if your teen driver will not be utilizing the vehicle regularly, they must still be considered. If you fail to list them on your insurance policy and they cause an accident, your premiums are going to skyrocket. No motorist will want to be left responsible for the expenses that take place when their teen driver is found to be at fault.

Lack of Correct Information

Incorrect or misleading information is a major no-no as far as auto insurance is concerned. Don’t misrepresent the mileage you are accruing or even something as simple as where the vehicle is being parked at nighttime. False information will lead to a retroactive increase in your premiums, which should always be avoided.

At STARS Insurance, our primary objective is simple: giving Deerfield, IL, residents the tools they need to make an informed decision about their auto insurance needs. Call us or stop by today to learn more about how we can help!

Cracked Windshields and Car Insurance: The Ins and Outs

If you’re worried about your vehicle’s windshield getting cracked, it’s important to know whether your insurance policy will protect you. Our team at STARS Insurance can help you understand whether your Deerfield, IL coverage will effectively pay for any damage caused to your windshield.

A General Policy May Not Help 

A basic collision or liability vehicle insurance policy won’t help you if your windshield gets cracked, even when it’s not your fault. There’s a reason for that: it simply doesn’t cover it. Collision and liability protection cover damages caused by accidents or any damages you cause in an accident. 

So, unless your windshield is cracked in a collision accident, your policy isn’t going to pay out. So what do you do if issues like weather damage your windshield? The only thing you can do is pay for repairs and upgrade your policy to comprehensive to avoid this problem in the future.

Comprehensive Coverage Does 

While your general policy may not protect you if your windshield gets cracked, comprehensive coverage is designed for this kind of extra help. Comprehensive policies typically have a myriad of different damage issues that you can add to your protection to ensure it’s safe, like:

  • Falling tree branches either in a storm or due to damage to the tree through aging 
  • Flying baseballs, softballs, or other types of sports balls hitting the windshield
  • Vandalism or animal attacks causing serious damage to your windshield
  • Snow, rain, or hail damaging your windshield unexpectedly
  • Debris from a heavy windstorm impacting your windshield

Schedule A Consultation Today

Our skilled team at STARS Insurance can provide you with the help that your Deerfield, IL vehicle needs to stay strong and avoid serious damage. By upgrading your policy to comprehensive, you provide yourself with the security that you need to keep your windshield strong and secure.

Is auto liability insurance enough coverage for the new car that I’m leasing?

If you have a car loan or are currently leasing your car, your insurance requirements may differ from other drivers. All drivers are required to carry auto liability insurance. However, there may be situations that require a driver to carry more than just the state minimum required auto insurance. Our STARS Insurance team is committed to helping Deerfield, IL drivers get the coverage they need.

What does Liability Insurance Cover?

Liability insurance covers any medical, legal, or property damage fees you may incur as a result of injuring someone, damaging someone else’s property, or being found at fault for some other driving-related incident. Every state requires drivers to carry auto liability coverage in order to legally drive. However, this form of coverage doesn’t cover anything else beyond other persons’ injuries, property damage, or liability claims. It will not provide any coverage for your damaged property or injuries.

Is auto liability insurance enough coverage for the new car that I’m leasing?

Typically, no. Most lenders and lease holders require drivers to carry full coverage auto insurance. Liability coverage will only cover damage or injuries that the other driver/person experiences. As a loan holder or someone that’s leasing a car, you’re not the owner.

This means that the bank or the hearse holder owns the car until you’ve either paid the car off or completed your lease term. As a result, the lender and the leaseholder require the driver to carry full coverage auto insurance in the event that something happens to damage or total the car. This ensures that the lender or leaseholder will be fully compensated for the vehicle.

Looking for Insurance in the Deerfield, IL area?

If you have questions regarding different forms of auto insurance coverage, call us at STARS Insurance. We’d be happy to help you explore your options. 

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

During the winter, people drive less. The weather is worse, making it less attractive to drive for fun in the winter, and roads tend to be more slippery. At the same time, many people can’t change how much they drive during the winter, even though the road is riskier. Do you know what winter does to your driving habits? If so, you can adjust your car insurance to better fit your driving patterns over the winter months.

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

If you put your car away

Illinois requires a car to always be insured while it’s registered in the state. This includes when your car is stored during the winter, which is common for convertibles. A ragtop convertible isn’t very comfortable to drive during the winter, even with the top-up.

Some insurance coverages, though, are not particularly necessary if your vehicle is not going to be driven through the winter months. If you’re in this position, a talk with your family and your STARS Insurance agent, serving Deerfield, IL, is likely to reveal what you need for your stored car.

If you keep driving through the winter

Winter driving is more hazardous than the other three seasons. Roads can be icy and even a dry road will be colder. Because of this, accidents can be more common in the winter month, as can otherwise-avoidable single-car accidents.

With this in mind, it may be a better idea to increase the coverage that you have on your car, including cutting down your deductible in order to increase the number of minor repairs that can be covered by insurance during the winter months.

Contact Us Today

Both of these ideas can need discussion with a qualified professional. Call your STARS Insurance agent serving Deerfield, IL today to discuss your winter driving needs and whether changing your coverage makes sense.

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

STARS Insurance is an independent agency. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the necessary coverage to protect what matters most. We work with multiple carriers in the Buffalo Grove, IL area. We provide a wide array of options so that our clients can make the best decision for their long-term futures.

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance helps you stay covered as your complete basic tasks around Buffalo Grove, IL. Operating a vehicle leaves you exposed to some risks. Auto insurance is designed to cover you in emergencies. Here’s a look at some key parts of auto insurance policies.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage protects you if you accidentally injure someone with your car or cause property damage. The coverage assists with the injured party’s medical treatment and any potential repairs. If you have a passenger in the vehicle, liability coverage takes care of their medical treatment if they are injured in the accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects you if your car is damaged in unique situations. Perhaps you’re out on the road, and high winds cause flying debris to crack your windshield or mirror. Comprehensive coverage protects you in that situation. You’re also covered if your car is vandalized or if you’re a victim of theft. If you’re traveling through rural parts of the state, you may encounter a deer. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle suffers damage from a deer collision.

Towing Service  

If you’re traveling out of state and your battery starts having trouble or your car suffers a flat tire, things may become stressful. You can add towing service to your insurance policy for immediate service if an emergency arises.

STARS Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact us today to learn more information about auto insurance.

3 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

Although winter weather is known for causing hazardous roads, most people aren’t aware of how hazardous summer driving can be as well. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to be prepared for the rising temperatures. STARS Insurance has put together a few tips to ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for safe summer driving in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Be Aware of Road Construction

Warmer weather generally means the snow and ice will be replaced with road construction. Although construction is beneficial for the roads, it can also lead to accidents. Construction often leads to congested roads, so it’s important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings while driving.

Be Cautious Increased Traffic

The arrival of summer encourages more people to get out, which ultimately leads to increased traffic and a greater risk of an accident. Whether you are driving to work in the morning or traveling for an annual family vacation, it’s essential that you stay patient and allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at your destination.

Stay on Top of Vehicle Maintenance

Hotter weather means your vehicle is working harder to stay in top running condition, so make sure to schedule routine maintenance for your vehicle, including an oil change and topping off all fluids. The hotter weather also means the pavement will be hotter, which can be rough on tires. The heat may cause the air inside the tire to expand, and it could potentially cause the tire to burst. So, be sure to check the tire pressure before driving each time.

The most important thing to do for driving safely during the summer is to remain patient and leave a few minutes before your scheduled departure. Here’s an extra tip as well-most vehicles are equipped with a button for circulating the air in the cabin of your vehicle, if you activate this while driving with your air conditioner on, the circulated air will actually help to keep the cabin cooler.

At Accurate Auto Insurance, we take pride in covering Illinois vehicle auto insurance as well as many other states. As a car-centric company, we want to ensure you drive safely. If you have questions about our services or safe driving in the summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

Residents of Buffalo Grove, IL who want to learn more information about summer safety driving or to discuss their automobile insurance policy should contact STARS Insurance.