Reader’s Question:

I am buying my very first car with my new job here in Illinois IL. My officemates are all telling me to have the car insured immediately. I’m really not looking forward to having to spend again. Can I do without auto insurance?

Nick

Springfield, IL

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Nick, but you are required to have insurance prior to car registration. But, don’t fret, this seemingly bad news can prove to be very useful in the future.

You will be required a liability coverage, at the minimum, when you register in Springfield. Liability coverage offers protection for you when you have caused injury to somebody else because of a collision. In other words, when you are the one responsible for the collision, you will be required to pay for the damages you have caused to the aggrieved party. Liability coverage will be used in this case and you can be penalized for non-compliance if you were found to be without one. That would be a double whammy since you not only have to pay for all the expenses of the damages from your own pocket; you also have to pay a considerable amount for non-compliance.

Although you are only required a liability coverage, it will be good for you to also explore the many other types of auto insurance. You may want to shop online for free quotes – you can do so on this page by entering your zip code on the space provided. Or you may want to set up an appointment with a local insurer in Springfield Illinois IL.

The other types of auto insurance are collision and comprehensive. Collision coverage will pay for the damages your car has sustained due to a collision, and can be bought as an addition to liability coverage. Comprehensive coverage includes all the features of liability and collision, plus any damages the vehicle may have had due to fire, storm, theft or vandalism.

You may not see the wisdom of getting auto insurance now but it can serve you well in the long run.