If your vehicle is stolen it can cause a lot of stress and financial hiccups. The first steps you should take after car theft include contacting the police, notifying your insurance company, and the dealership or auto loan company if you’re leasing your vehicle.

If you had a GPS or tracking device installed on your vehicle, be sure to inform the police and your insurance company.

Your insurance company will request a copy of the police report, as well as a list of belongings that were inside your vehicle at the time it was stolen.

Once these steps are completed, you should receive a payout from your insurer, provided you have the appropriate coverage to cover auto theft. Comprehensive coverage traditionally covers the financial loss of a stolen vehicle, stolen car parts, and damage related to motor vehicle theft.

What Happens if A Stolen Car is Found After an Insurance Payout?

Most insurance companies invoke a waiting period before paying a claim for a stolen car. If your stolen vehicle is recovered by police after the insurance claim has already been processed, your insurance company now owns the vehicle.

Typically, an insurer will not go through the trouble of transferring the car title over, but you do need to inform the insurance company if your car is recovered. Your insurance company may then allow you to repurchase your vehicle. If not, or you opt to keep the insurance claim money, the car insurance company will retrieve your vehicle.

What Happens When Your Car is Stolen Then Found During the Claims Process?

If your stolen vehicle is recovered during the claims process, once you contact your insurance company to inform them your vehicle has been recovered they will immediately halt your claim assessment. The car will then be inspected for damage and you will be able to file a claim for repairs.

What Happens When Your Car is Stolen Then Found Wrecked?

If your car is stolen and recovered, but it’s been severely damaged or wrecked, you will still be entitled to an insurance payout as defined by your policy. Your insurance company may cover repair costs, or you may receive a total loss settlement. Your deductible will be subtracted from your claim amount.

Does the Insurance Company Own the Items Found Inside A Recovered Vehicle?

No, the items left inside your vehicle after it has been recovered are legally yours, even if the insurance company has already settled your claim and now owns the vehicle. Items stolen from the vehicle are therefore not covered by your car insurance.

How Much Insurance Money Can You Get for A Stolen Car?

The amount you can receive for the loss of a stolen vehicle is the total actual cash value (ACV) of the car after your deductible and depreciation. The actual cash value of the vehicle may be able to be negotiated with your insurance.

Contact Us for Affordable Comprehensive Car Insurance

If you’re struggling to find affordable car insurance that will cover vehicle theft and resulting damage or vandalism, Accurate Auto Insurance can help. Our representatives assist customers in finding low cost auto insurance in Illinois and throughout the country, regardless of driving history, accident history, credit score, and other factors that affect insurance rates.

If you’re in need of cheap comprehensive car insurance coverage, contact us at Accurate Auto Insurance today.

We all know how important it is to have car insurance coverage when you’re out on the road. Not only is it illegal to drive without insurance, but if you get into an auto accident, you could be personally liable for damages. Even if you get into an accident that was not your fault, if you don’t have insurance, acquiring compensation can be quite difficult.

If your insurance policy lapses at any point in time and you drive without coverage it could lead to hefty fines, jail time, other legal trouble, and higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies may also consider you a high-risk driver, which not only raises rates but may also leave you required to obtain SR-22 insurance.

While there is a grace period for most insurance policies in case you miss a payment, and state laws require companies to notify clients before canceling policies, you need to pay your insurance bill before the allotted grace period is over in order to avoid a lapse in car insurance coverage.

Getting in A Car Accident With No Insurance

If you are involved in a car accident you’re not at fault for, but insurance lapsed, this could leave you financially liable for all damages and injuries related to the accident. If the car accident was not your fault then you will likely receive a payout from the other driver’s insurance company. However, most uninsured drivers are assumed to be the responsible party when involved in collisions.

Additionally, some states limit the amount and/or type of compensation you can receive after an accident if you were driving uninsured, even if the car accident wasn’t your fault.

What to Do When Your Insurance Lapsed – Car Accident Damage Control

If your insurance coverage lapsed and you were involved in a car accident, take time to address the issue and follow the steps below.

• Consider Contacting A Qualified Car Accident Lawyer
• Contact Your Insurance Company
• Reinstate Your Insurance Policy if Possible
• Look for A New Insurance Company if Your Policy is not Reinstated or Your Insurance Rates Jump

Call Accurate Auto Insurance Today

If you were involved in a car accident with no insurance, it’s often not easy to avoid the resulting expenses and legal fees. However, it is possible to avoid the same situation happening in the future.

Contact Accurate Auto Insurance today and talk to one of our team members about our cheap car insurance in Illinois and across the country. Whether you have bad credit, a poor driving history, or you’re required to carry SR-22, we can help by offering policies you can afford that will protect you on the road.

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While being considered a high risk driver does not mean you can’t drive, have a license, or purchase car insurance, it does mean that your car insurance costs will be higher than the average individual with a driver’s license. Fortunately, car insurance companies all have different definitions for what is considered a high risk driver, and different rates and insurance policies available.

At Accurate Auto Insurance, we offer our clients low cost auto insurance in Illinois no matter what their driving record looks like. We also provide cheap SR-22 certificates in Illinois for individuals who are required to have one in order to drive legally in the state.

If you are searching for cheap high risk auto insurance coverage in Illinois, contact the team at Accurate Auto Insurance today to receive a free instant quote!

Who is An At-Risk Driver?

Some factors that may make you a high risk driver can include the following:

• Reckless Driving Conviction
• DUI conviction
• Multiple Speeding Tickets
• Multiple Moving Violations
• More than One At-Fault Accident
• New Driver
• Young Driver
• Filing Multiple Claims in the Last Few Years
• Lapses in Auto Insurance Coverage
• Poor Credit History
• Driving A Sports Car or High Value Vehicle

Location and what a driver uses their vehicle for may also play a factor in whether someone is considered an at-risk driver.

There are many reasons an individual might be considered a high risk driver by an insurance carrier. However, high risk drivers are not doomed to this label forever as long as they achieve and maintain a safe driving record.

How Long are You Considered A High-Risk Driver?

How long someone is considered a high risk driver depends on the reasons for the determination. For example, someone who is a high risk driver due to past DUI convictions may have to pay high insurance premiums for years. However, a teenager who just got their license and has never been in an accident should no longer be considered a high risk driver once they reach a certain age and level of experience.

What is High Risk Insurance?

High risk insurance is specifically designed for high risk drivers. These plans usually have high rates and are offered by insurance companies to clients they consider more likely to be involved in accidents for one reason or another, such as little to no driving experience, a poor driving record, or past DUI convictions, etc.

In Illinois, high risk drivers are often required to obtain SR-22 coverage.

How Long Does High Risk Insurance Last?

High risk car insurance lasts for as long as you are considered a high risk driver. SR-22 insurance is required for up to 3 years in Illinois. However, outside of SR-22, drivers can be considered high risk for anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.

Call Accurate Auto Insurance for Low High-Risk Car Insurance Rates

If you are searching for affordable car insurance and/or SR-22 coverage in Illinois, or any one of our many service areas, reach out to Accurate Auto Insurance today. Our team is here to help you get back on the road safely, and at a rate you can afford!

Most traffic infractions, including red light tickets, are added to your license using a point system. As you accumulate points, it becomes more likely that your insurance company will notice and raise your rate.

Fortunately, some auto insurance companies are more lenient than others. This is why it’s a good idea to shop around for a policy to find the best rate, especially if you have multiple traffic violations on your record.

How Does the Demerit Point System Work?

Running a red light is usually a more serious traffic offense than speeding or receiving a parking ticket. Because of this, running a red light can affect your driving record more than other violations.

Most states follow a demerit point system. It’s simple—every time you earn a traffic violation, a certain number of points are added to your license. The more points you receive, the more likely your insurance is to notice and increase your rate.

Each state is different, but typically you’ll gain at least 2 points, and as many as 50, for running a red light. In Illinois, for example, a red light conviction adds 20 demerit points to your driving record.

If you gain enough points in a short amount of time, you could have your license suspended. Depending on the circumstances, a red light or stop sign violation could also result in a reckless driving conviction.

Does Running a Red Light Ticket Affect Your Insurance?

Yes, receiving a red light ticket can increase your insurance rate. However, whether or not your rate increases will depend on your insurance company and your previous driving history. Some insurance companies are more lenient than others and will choose to ignore a red light violation.

Does a Red Light Camera Affect Insurance?

If your traffic offense was caught by a red light camera rather than a police officer, you may not face the rate increases that you would have had been pulled over.

This is because many states treat automated red light camera tickets like speed camera tickets, rather than more serious traffic violations. If you live in one of these states, your insurance company may elect to ignore the ticket and your rate will stay the same.

What About First Time Offenses?

In many cases, your insurance company will not increase your insurance premium if your red light violation is a first-time offense.

This is because most insurance companies have a first-time forgiveness policy. This means you will not see a rate increase the first time you’re in an accident or receive a traffic violation.

Ways To Avoid a Rate Increase

If you have traffic tickets on your record, there are still a number of ways you can try to prevent a rate increase.

Contest the ticket

If you have a valid reason, you can challenge the ticket to try to get the conviction reversed. If the judge agrees with your reasoning, you may have the points on your record reduced or removed entirely.

Defensive driving course

In many states, you can take a defensive driving course to remove demerits from your license. Taking this course voluntarily helps show that you’re making a good faith effort to improve your driving skills.

Wait a few years

Fortunately, demerits on your driving record won’t affect your insurance rate forever. Your insurance company will usually excuse offenses that are at least 3-5 years old.

Shop around

Some insurance companies are more forgiving than others, so make sure to shop around to find the best auto insurance rate.

Find Affordable Auto Insurance

If you’re looking for affordable auto insurance, look no further than Accurate Auto Insurance.

We help all drivers, regardless of their driving record, to find the insurance they need to stay on the road. Best of all, we offer cheap SR-22 insurance for anyone who’s been deemed a high-risk driver.

Call us today at 1-800-999-1034, and we’ll work to find a rate that fits your budget.

We’ve put together this guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of buying a single tire.

Can You Get One Tire Replaced?

Yes, it’s possible to replace just one tire. However, doing so will likely end up costing you more money in the long run. If you must replace just one tire, choose the same tire brand and make and model as your other tires. This will help prevent uneven wear, which can become a danger to the health of your vehicle.

Is it Bad to Replace Only One Tire?

Replacing just one tire, especially when it doesn’t match your other tires, can cause problems over time. Here are some of the possible risks of replacing just one tire.

Suspension Problems

Because your tires work together, the suspension system and driveshaft on your vehicle rely on your tires being evenly balanced. When just one tire is replaced, this can upset the balance and put added stress on the system as a whole.

Reduced Stability

The tread on your tires is what allows your car to gain traction on the road. When the tread on one tire doesn’t match the others, it makes it more difficult for your car to grip the pavement.

Malfunctioning System

Adding a single new tire can confuse the computer system within your vehicle. It may give you false errors about your tire pressure and anti-lock brake system.

Can I Replace Two Tires?

In general, it is a good idea to replace all four tires at the same time, even if you only have one damaged tire on your vehicle.

However, if you don’t have the resources to replace the full set, replacing at least two tires is a good compromise. Replacing two tires is better than one because it increases balance on the same axle. This will help prevent strain on your suspension system.

If you go this route, just be sure to have your tires rotated regularly. This will ensure all of your tires maintain a similar level of tread depth.

Switch to Affordable Illinois Auto Insurance

Unfortunately, repair costs can add up over time. If you’re looking to save more money on auto expenses, finding reliable, low-cost auto insurance is a great place to start! At Accurate Auto Insurance, we work hard to find the lowest rate available, so you can spend more on the things that really matter. We’re the cheapest car insurance in Illinois!

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This means that even if your friend has car insurance, you would be held responsible for their accident under your own policy. This could translate to out-of-pocket payments and increased insurance rates.

Keep reading to learn more about your options for safely loaning your car to a friend.

One-Time Borrowing

If your friend only borrows your car once, or only on occasion, they’ll likely be covered under your policy. Just keep in mind that if they get in an accident and your insurance doesn’t cover all of the associated costs, you’ll be liable for paying the difference.

Keep in mind that certain insurance policies will not cover any drivers who are not explicitly listed on your plan. It’s best to call your auto insurance company and ask them about your driver coverage before lending out your vehicle.

Regular Borrowing

Most auto policies require that anyone who regularly borrows your car be listed on your policy. This includes family members, spouses, friends, and anyone else who regularly drives your car.

Adding another driver to your policy will usually increase your rate. However, doing so will ensure you’re protected in case your car is in an accident.

Borrowing Without Your Permission

If a friend, or even a relative, takes your car without your permission, you can still be held liable if they’re in an accident. You may be able to argue that the car was taken without permission, but this process can be lengthy and complicated.

The easier route is to set clear boundaries for when your family and friends are allowed to borrow your car. While it may not seem like a big deal to let a friend drive your vehicle, you should always think about the lasting financial consequences before handing over your keys.

Find Affordable Car Insurance in Joliet, IL

If you’re looking for affordable car insurance coverage in Illinois, turn to the auto experts at Accurate Auto Insurance. We provide affordable insurance rates to all types of drivers, including those requiring SR-22 insurance. We’re the best choice for auto insurance in Joliet and the surrounding areas.

Fill out the form on our home page for a free instant auto insurance quote!

If your car has recently gone through a flood, you’re probably wondering whether or not it can be salvaged. If you’re able to get your car out of water quickly and allow it to dry, repairing it may be possible. However, you should only approach a flooded car when you’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so.

What to Do After a Flood

1. 1. Wait until floodwaters have receded and it’s safe to approach your car.
   2. Don’t turn on your engine. The most important thing to remember is that cars, like other electronics, need time to dry out before being turned on. If you try to start your engine while your car is still waterlogged, you risk doing irreversible damage.
   3. If your car is still in standing water, call a towing company to get it to higher ground as quickly as possible.
   4. File a claim with your insurance company.

Common Problems with Flooded Cars

Flooded cars can face a number of necessary repairs. Here are some of the most common issues to check for:

• Water in the engine
• Water-damaged cylinders
• Water in oil and transmission fluid
• A wet interior that can lead to mold
• Water damaged electrical components
• Water in the fuel tank and line

Many car components don’t mix well with water, so it’s important to address these issues before trying to drive your car. If you’re taking your car to a repair shop, make sure to let the mechanic know that your car has been through a flood. After they’ve surveyed the damage, go over the above checklist to ensure nothing was missed.

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Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Some insurance companies cover flood damage, while others do not. It’s important to talk to your insurance agent about flood coverage, especially if you live in an area that’s at risk for flooding.

When you file a claim with your insurance company, they’ll be able to tell you whether or not your policy covers floodwater damage.

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The Best Auto Insurance in Illinois

Accurate Auto Insurance offers the best, low-cost auto insurance in Illinois. If you’re looking for great insurance at a reasonable price, don’t wait to contact us. We offer free, same-day quotes.

Driving for a rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft, has many advantages. The work is flexible and you get to choose how many hours you work each week.

While it’s easy enough to start driving for a rideshare company, it’s not always easy to earn a solid income, at least not right away. Earning a good paycheck all depends on getting to know the rideshare app and learning how to make your passengers happy. If you’ve wondered how to become an Uber pro, or a driving pro for any company, you’ve come to the right place.

Read these 11 Uber driver secrets for boosting your rideshare earnings!

Learn the Routes

If you’re wondering how to make more money driving for Lyft or Uber, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Take some time to learn the main routes in your city, including highways and high-traffic streets.

You should also consider which areas of your city will produce the most ride requests. Think airports, stadiums, downtown areas, and nightclubs. Get to know these areas on your own to make driving them easier when you have passengers in tow.

Know the Best Times to Drive for Uber

The best times to make money with Uber will be different than the best times to make money with Lyft or another company. Where you live will also greatly impact popular ride times. Experiment with driving at different times to see what works best for you.

In general, the best times to drive for rideshares are between 7 AM and 9 AM on weekday mornings when people are headed to work and between 8 PM and 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays when people go out to restaurants and bars.

Pack Snacks

If you’re going to be out driving for some time, make sure you have fuel to keep you going. Pack plenty of healthy snacks and a water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Fast food spending can add up quickly, so it’s better to avoid it altogether. Packing snacks will also cut down on the number of stops you need to make, translating to more rides.

Get the Right Insurance

Most rideshare companies only cover accidents that occur while you’re on the way to pick up a passenger or actively driving them somewhere. If you don’t have rideshare insurance, you’re not covered while you’re driving on your own or waiting for a ride request. Signing up for rideshare auto insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself out on the road.

Little Gestures Count

Doing small things for passengers can make a big difference in how they rate the ride and what kind of tip they leave. Consider opening doors for them, helping them with their luggage, adjusting the AC, and heeding music requests. Some drivers also offer amenities such as mints or mini water bottles to keep their passengers happy.

At the very least, you should welcome each passenger to your vehicle and thank them when you drop them off.

Be a Passenger First

Download your rideshare passenger app, and take a ride somewhere! Notice what the driver does and how they make you feel as a passenger. If they’re a great driver, take notes. If not, try to learn from their mistakes.

Understand Surge Pricing

Download the passenger app and take a look at how prices change over the course of a day. A price surge usually means there are more people looking for rides in a certain area. If you time it right, you can increase your fare fee based on this demand.

While surge fees can help you make some extra money, they can also backfire if too many drivers try to take advantage of them. Instead of chasing surge pricing, stick to areas that have a moderate demand consistently.

Be a Tour Guide

Some riders, like tourists and families, will be interested in what’s going on around the city. Acting as a tour guide as you drive can be a great way to connect with your passengers and inspire them to leave a good rating and tip.

Of course, not everyone will be interested in this kind of commentary, so you’ll need to pick and choose who you share with.

Drive For Multiple Companies

Once you get the hang of driving for one company, consider driving for more than one rideshare company. If you make yourself available for multiple companies, you can increase the number of rides you receive, in turn boosting your earnings.

Record Miles, Tolls, and Parking

Keeping records of your driving expenses won’t increase your earnings, but it can help save you money when tax season rolls around. Record your miles and save receipts for tolls and parking so you can deduct them from your taxes.

Park and Wait

What do Uber drivers do between rides? Smart rideshare drivers park and wait! It can be tempting to drive around to increase your chances of getting a ride request, but that doesn’t necessarily work. Driving around only adds mileage to your car and wastes gas.

Instead, find a good place to park where you’re likely to receive a ride. Bring something, like a magazine or crossword puzzle, to keep you occupied while you wait. If you don’t get a ride request after 15 or 20 minutes, you can always try somewhere else.

Affordable Rideshare Insurance in Chicago – Accurate Auto Insurance

If you’re a driver for a rideshare company, it’s crucial that you have rideshare-specific auto insurance. Accurate Auto Insurance wants to make you feel safe and taken care of out on the road. That’s why we offer the rideshare insurance in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond.

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An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility the state requires you to file. Even if you don’t own a car or truck and your license has been suspended or revoked, you’re still responsible for filing an SR-22 form with the state of Illinois in order to have your driver’s license and driving privileges reinstated.

Where to Find Affordable SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 insurance can be costly. Here at Accurate Auto Insurance, we make the process as easy and affordable as possible.

Car insurance companies tend to charge more for your insurance when an SR-22 is required. Recent studies have shown that Illinois drivers who have had their license suspended due to a DUI can expect to pay upwards of 80% more for their insurance.

If you’re in need of an SR-22, contact Accurate Auto Insurance today! We provide instant quotes over the phone. We guarantee we’ll find you the cheapest rate possible. Call us right now at 1-800-999-1034.

What is The Process of an SR-22?

After you are notified that you will need to obtain an SR-22 certificate, your first call should be to Accurate.

We’ll go through the details over the phone and provide you with an instant quote to get you properly insured. You’ll make your initial payment and then Accurate notifies the state that you have obtained an SR-22 policy.

It’s that easy.

You will still need to maintain an active auto insurance policy that meets the state of Illinois’ minimum liability insurance requirements along with your SR-22.

We work with you no matter your driving record. And, no credit check is required during the application process. We’re going to help you find the insurance you need.

What Happens After I Get an SR22?

If you have an SR-22 it does not mean your driving status is at risk. You are still allowed to drive as long as your driving privileges have not been revoked by the state.

When you drive with an SR-22 in Illinois, it’s important to keep a good driving record. Make sure to obey all traffic laws and regulations at all times.

The state also requires you to maintain an SR22 filing for a minimum of three years. If at any time your policy lapses or if you cancel it, your auto insurance company is required to notify the Secretary of State, resulting in a license suspension.

By maintaining a good driving record and making your monthly insurance payments you will have your license reinstated.

Contact Accurate Auto Insurance Today

Call us today for your fast, affordable SR-22 insurance quote. We’ll get you back on the road and back in good standing. Our friendly, experienced staff will work with you to find you the best rate and make sure you follow your court orders.