Is Seat Belt Violation Raises Car Insurance Rate in Illinois?
Reader’s Question:
Will a seat belt violation cause insurance premium rates to go up for a teenager?
Wilma
Oak Park, IL
A citation for a seat belt offense that goes on your Motor Vehicle Record, which a conviction for this violation does show up on an IL driver’s record, is considered teen by most insurance providers but could still increase the insurance rates of a teen depending upon a car insurance carrier’s rating system. With some insurers, a small violation may take off discounts and with other insurers it may impose a surcharge. The young driver or his/her parents would need to verify with their insurance carrier to find out specifics about how the carrier’s rating system works.
To get more information on a safety belt ticket violation in Illinois, it is likely that the young driver was cited for a violation of the Illinois Seat Belt Act, which is non-point violation.
Does Car Insurance Improvements Affect my Car Insurance Rate?
Reader’s Question:
If after completely restoring my 1965 Ford Mustang two-door convertible which cost me $8,750 ( the work needed replacement for the dented quarter-panels, fixing some rust, painting the exterior with the original color, reupholstering the interior, and adding a new rag top), the car is now worth about $22,200. How would my car insurance rate in Champaign, IL be affected now that my car should have a higher market value?
Jane
Champaign, IL
Now is a good time for you to buy a stated-value policy if you do not want depreciation to start at the $8,750 you paid, but at the $22,200 your car is now worth. Without a stated-value policy, it is going to be harder for you to convince your insurer of the increase in your car’s value.
You also could get your insurer to provide you with a rider for improvements, but really the compensation will come on the back end. The appraiser should include upgrades, and you should definitely take credit for things that improve the value of your car. It is always advisable to touch base with your Champaign, IL agent or insurance company before you get into an accident; to be sure any upgrades are covered.
A word of warning though: Not all car improvements will result in an increase your car’s market value. In some cases, what you may see as an improvement may actually hurt your car’s value. Let’s say putting your truck on a high frame with huge wheels may make you feel like you’re on top of the world, but your insurer may not agree that it increases the value of the car since these changes appeal to a limited audience.
Late Payments on Your Car Insurance in Illinois?
Reader’s Question:
I’m running short on funds so I’m thinking of paying the auto insurance bill a little late until my husband’s next pay day. We’re from Aurora, IL. What would be the consequences of paying late? Can I ask for a grace period from my auto insurance company?
Linda
Aurora, IL
Unlike your other bills, there is no grace period allowed for paying auto insurance premiums. By just being a day late with your premium payment, your insurance company may decide to cancel your policy. It may not seem fair, but as how you would normally hear, that’s how it goes. And when you’re ready to pay the bill, the company won’t necessarily reinstate your policy once it is canceled. You may find yourself paying more money for a comparable policy, or worse, you may have trouble finding new insurance.
Each state has rules regarding when an insurance company may drop your policy. So, I would suggest contacting your Aurora, IL insurance agent to know exactly the terms of your policy when it comes to late payments. If you fail to make the payment on time, an insurance company will almost always be able to cancel your policy in the middle of its term, on non renew your policy once it up. Paying on-time means that your premium must be received by the due date so dropping the payment in the mail by the due date may still mean that your payment will not be received on the due date.
If you’re a few days late, most auto insurers value your business and won’t drop you. But being habitually late is a different thing. Some companies may seize that opportunity to kick you off their rolls or if they decide that you’re a risk they no longer wish to insure. Your insurer may require that you pay the remaining balance due for the full term if you’ve already passed the cancellation date before they reinstate your insurance.
Non Owners Auto Insurance for Occasional Driver in Illinois
Reader’s Question:
My son no longer is a household member. He has moved out in Arizona and has changed his address. She does not own a vehicle. I no longer want to continue having him listed as a primary motorist on my car in Illinois but want him to be covered if he occasionally uses the car. My car insurance agent informed me I had to have him as “primary” on one of my cars since I have more than one car. Is this true? Why cant he be listed as just an occasional driver?
Marlen
Chicago, IL
Ultimately, it’s up to your car insurance company in Illinois as to whether your son has to be listed on your policy as a driver or not. With that being said, some insurance providers will permit you to remove your son from your insurance policy with proof he does not live in your household or proof he has his own insurance policy. That being said, most carriers permit coverage for “occasional” drivers provided that the “occasional” motorist does not live your household, and your cars are parked at your residence at the end of the day. You may want your son to look into a “non-owner” policy that will help cover him for cars not provided to him on a regular or frequent basis.
Adding Teenager to your Car Insurance Policy in Illinois
Reader’s Question:
My sister is 19 and she still lives at home. She has not received her drivers license yet, but she does have her permit. For him to be able to drive, does my mother have to put her on her insurance policy in Peoria, Illinois?
Archie
Peoria, IL
Typically, insurance providers in Peoria, IL require that they are informed of the status of all household members. This means if a daughter or son has acquired a permit or license the parents should inform their car insurance company and find out if the person will need to be added to the policy.
Some insurance providers in Illinois will want to add a motorist with a permit to the policy while other providers’ guidelines permit them to wait until the individual is fully licensed to add them to the policy. Your parents will need to talk with their insurance agent to check what their current insurance company requires of them concerning your sister.
The Illinois Division of Insurance, states that IL law requires you to have insurance before you operate a vehicle. For teens or minors living with their parents the IL DOI suggests being added to their parent’s insurance policy since this usually is the cheapest and easiest way to get insurance.
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