Data shows that over the past five years, an average of ten car accidents have occurred in Chicago every hour, or 240 per day. In 2018, the city saw over 84,000 reported car accidents, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities.
Traffic in Chicago is the 149th worst in the world, according to GPS gear maker TomTom. Chicago’s congestion level is 24%, up 7% from 2020. Friday between 4:00 to 5:00 pm is the worst traffic of the entire week in Chicago. February 15th was the worst traffic day of 2021 on Chicago roadways, with almost a 60% congestion rate. The average driver in Chicago loses approximately 86 hours per year sitting in traffic.
In 2021, the average Chicago commute got 4 minutes longer. The commute at night in Chicago is twice as bad as it is in the morning. In addition to overwhelming and relentless traffic, rain is a huge contributor to the volume of car accidents that happen in Chicago.
It is actually statistically more dangerous than snow, wind, or ice. The fall is when the highest number of car crashes occur in Chicago. Most people find it surprising to learn that the vast majority of car accidents happened on dry, clear days.
If you are involved in a car accident and you do not have auto insurance, you may be held financially responsible for any damages or injuries that you cause. This can result in costly lawsuits and financial hardships.
Auto insurance is an essential component of car ownership. Not only is it required by law, but it also provides financial protection in case of accidents or other incidents that may damage your vehicle.
In Chicago, car theft is also a major problem. In 2018, there were over 8,500 reported car thefts in the city. If your car is stolen and you do not have auto insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost of replacing it. This can be financially devastating, especially if you have a newer or high-end vehicle.
In addition to providing financial protection, auto insurance can also give you peace of mind. Knowing that you are covered in case of an accident or other incident can allow you to drive with confidence and focus on the road. It can also provide valuable assistance in the aftermath of a car accident, such as by helping you arrange for a rental car, vehicle towing, rental car reimbursement or providing legal assistance.
There are several aspects of auto insurance that you should consider when choosing a policy. These include the type of coverage you need, the amount of your deductible, the policy limits, and the exclusions and restrictions that may apply.
Other factors to consider include the financial stability and reputation of the insurance company, as well as any discounts or perks that the policy may offer. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any auto insurance policy before making a purchase, and to make sure that the coverage provided is adequate for your needs.
There are several types of auto insurance available in Chicago. The most common type is liability insurance, which covers damages and injuries that you may cause to others in a car accident. Other types of auto insurance include collision coverage, which covers damages to your own vehicle; comprehensive coverage, which covers non-collision damages such as theft or weather-related incidents; and personal injury protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Choosing the right auto insurance policy can be overwhelming, given the many options available. It is important to carefully consider your needs and budget, and to compare policies from multiple insurance providers. You may also want to consider working with an insurance agent who can help you find the right policy for your situation.
There are several ways you may be able to save on auto insurance. Some of these include:
- Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rates.
- One way to lower your insurance premiums is to increase your deductible, which is how much you pay yourself before your insurance coverage begins. While a higher deductible can save you money on premiums, it also means that you will be responsible for paying more in the event of a claim. It’s important to carefully consider this tradeoff before deciding to increase your deductible.
- Consider reducing the amount of coverage you need. For example, if your vehicle is older or has a low market value, you may not need as much collision or comprehensive coverage.
- Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for things like good driving record, safe vehicle features, and loyalty.
- Consider bundling your auto insurance with other policies, such as renters or homeowners insurance, as many insurers offer discounts for multi-policy holders.
- Pay your premiums in full, rather than in installments, as this can often result in a discount.
In conclusion, auto insurance is essential for anyone who owns a vehicle in Chicago. Not only is it required by law, but it also provides valuable financial protection and peace of mind. By choosing the right auto insurance policy, you can protect yourself and your vehicle from the many risks that come with driving in the city.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.