Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, renting a car can make getting around more convenient. But when it comes to insurance, it can be unclear whether your current policy covers you or if you need to purchase additional coverage from the rental agency.

In this blog post, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc looks at what coverage you already have and what type of insurance should be considered when renting a car in Mount Prospect, IL. 

Your Current Auto Insurance Policy 

The first step is to check your auto insurance policy before signing up for car rental insurance. Most policies will provide at least some level of coverage that extends to any cars you rent, though there may be restrictions. For example, if you’re traveling out-of-state or out-of-country, your policy may not cover rental vehicles in those locations. 

Should I Buy Extra Coverage? 

If your personal auto insurance doesn’t provide adequate protection for rental cars, then purchasing extra coverage from the rental agency would be wise. This can include things like loss damage waivers (LDW) which protects against damages caused by an accident; personal accident insurance (PAI), which covers medical expenses related to an accident; and supplemental liability protection (SLP), which provides additional liability protection above what is offered by the credit card company and your personal auto insurance policy in Mount Prospect IL, and beyond.

Contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. We can look at your auto insurance policy with you to see what kind of coverage already exists on your personal auto insurance policy.

When the weather report predicts a snowstorm, many people panic, they rush to the store to buy bread and milk and spend hours trying to figure out how to drive in the snow. While it is important to be prepared for a snowstorm, it is also important to stay calm and use caution when driving in the snow. This post will give tips on how to operate in the snow safely.

The first step is to check the weather report before you leave. This will allow you to prepare your car for the conditions, whether stocking up on winter survival gear or adjusting your tire pressure. It is also a good idea to slow down and use extra caution while driving in snowy conditions, as road speeds can significantly affect your ability to maintain control of your vehicle.

When driving in the snow, it is also important to increase your following distance between cars. This will give you more time to react if you need to brake or turn suddenly, and it can help prevent accidents from occurring in icy conditions. Additionally, it is a good idea to know how to handle a skid in case you find yourself in this situation while driving.

It is vital to ensure your car is properly winterized to stay safe while driving in the snow. This may mean checking your battery, wipers, and headlights before heading out on the road and ensuring that your tires have enough tread and pressure for snowy conditions. Finally, having a passenger can help you stay alert and focused on the road ahead.

If you have any questions, give Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. a call today. We proudly serve the Mount Prospect, IL area. 

If you own a car, you need auto insurance. However, there are different types of auto insurance you should know about. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL, we offer the auto insurance options you need. 

Liability Auto Insurance 

All vehicles are required to have a liability insurance policy. Liability insurance will cover the damages if you are involved in an accident that is declared your fault. 

This includes damage to the other person’s vehicle, and medical expenses due to accident injuries, up to the coverage limits. 

Collision Coverage 

Liability insurance covers damage to the other person’s vehicle. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers your vehicle. It will pay to repair or replace your car in the event an accident is your fault or no fault. 

Lenders often require collision coverage. This helps protect their collateral in case of an accident. However, even if you aren’t required to have collision coverage, it can help protect your investment. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage also covers your vehicle. However, instead of protecting you during an accident, it protects you from damage when your car isn’t moving. 

This typically includes vandalism, theft, and storm damage. For example, if your car is damaged by hail, this would be covered under comprehensive coverage. 

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is typically required if your vehicle has a lien. 

What Isn’t Covered by Auto Insurance? 

Full coverage insurance includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. However, some things aren’t covered under these policies. 

These include expenses due to normal wear and tear on your car, mechanical breakdowns, and some types of intentional damage. 

Auto Insurance at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc 

If you need auto insurance in Mount Prospect, IL, contact us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. We will help you choose the right policy for your needs.

Deer mating season is upon us, and with it, the risks of accidents increase significantly. According to the Illinois DOT, more than 40% of crashes in 2019 during October, November, and December were deer hits, with November having the highest risk. Mount Prospect, IL is no exception, with Cook County ranking number one in deer hits over that same period. In rural areas, more than 90% of all auto accidents involve deer. So what can you do to stay safe on the road?

Preventing a Deer Hit:
1. Timing matters. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn, so be particularly alert around those times. 
2. Keep an eye on the sides of the road and look for eyeshine – the reflection of your headlights in their eyes. If you spot one, expect more. Deer are pack animals and rarely alone. 
3. Don’t expect deer to only show up in rural areas. They are adaptable and appear in rural, urban, and suburban places. 
4. If you do spot a deer, slow down. They likely have friends nearby. 
5. Deer make strange choices. They may stop in the center of the road or suddenly double back. Be prepared. 

Reducing the Impact of a Deer Hit: 
If you cannot avoid a collision, brake, don’t swerve. If you swerve, you increase the risk that you’ll impact another vehicle or lose control of your car, and it also makes it harder for the animal to avoid you. 

Honk and slow down. If you cannot slow enough to give deer a chance to escape an impact, try to make it a glancing blow instead of a head-on collision. Deer are pretty sturdy and can do a significant amount of damage. The slower you are going and the less direct the hit, the better. 

Check Your Coverages: 
If you do run into a deer this autumn, is your collision coverage in place? Is your rental sufficient to keep you driving while you wait for repairs? Is your deductible affordable? If you are unsure, call or stop by Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc today to go over your policy and make sure you are protected. 

When you are a commuter, your life has a few additional stresses that you have to incorporate into your everyday plan. We know that research shows that collisions happen during rush hour traffic all the time. 

At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. we want Mount Prospect, IL drivers to be safe when they are traveling to and from their place of employment or to school. Use these safe driving tips when you are commuting, and drive with more confidence and security.

Stay Vigilant

Keep an eye on your surroundings at all times when you are driving. Stay vigilant. Scan constantly to be sure that the cars near you aren’t any closer than they need to be. If they are, maintain a safe distance.

You can spot potential problems quickly and avoid accidents when you are vigilant during your commute to and from work or school.

Use Defensive Driving Techniques

When you are commuting, always give yourself a way out of traffic should an emergency occur. With bumper-to-bumper traffic in rush hour, rear-end collisions can happen. Have a way out, usually to your right, when you are driving.

If a car gets too close, drive defensively and get out of the way.

Keep Your Technology Charged

When you are having problems on the road, the last thing you want to happen is to need your phone, and have it out of battery juice. Keep all of your technology charged and turned on when you are in the car. Don’t use it unless it is an emergency.

Get Roadside Assistance

If you don’t already have it, roadside assistance can help you to feel more confident when driving on your commute in Mount Prospect, IL.

It will be there if you need it. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., we can help you with your insurance policy at any time. Call us for a quote today.

It’s bad news when you get a notice that your auto policy has been canceled. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., which serves Mount Prospect, IL, we can explain why, and we can also use our expertise to try to get you new coverage.

What is Cancellation?

Cancellation means notifying you before the expiration date that your policy will not be renewed or that your new policy will no longer be in effect. Your insurer has up to 60 days to cancel new policies.  For any reason other than non-payment, you must give written notice at least 30 days in advance. A missed payment requires a 10-day notice.

Reasons Insurers Cancel Auto Policies

Dishonesty in answering your insurer’s questions and having a history of insurance fraud are also cause for termination.  Some other reasons are drug or alcohol abuse, a felony and a history of traffic violations. A medical condition that may make you an unsafe driver is another reason. So too are a poor CBI credit score and possessing a motor vehicle wiith mechanical defects.

Help for High-Risk Drivers

At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., we partner with insurers that may be able to give you coverage. We also work with the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan (ILAIP), a program for poor-risk drivers. To qualify for the program, you must:

• Have tried to get insurance within the past 60 days
• Possess a valid driver’s license or be eligible to get one
• Owe no unpaid monies to other insurers over 36 months
• Own a vehicle without mechanical defects

If you live in or near Mount Prospect, IL, contact us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. We will do our best to get you auto coverage after cancellation.

As a car owner, you are always looking for creative ways to keep your vehicle ownership costs down. As a result, it’s not uncommon to buy the most basic auto insurance. But is the state-required auto insurance adequate? If you want to find out, keep scrolling as Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. of Mount Prospect, IL explains whether minimum auto insurance covers you optimally.

State-required auto insurance in Illinois

If you drive your car on Illinois roads, the state requires you to have the below minimum coverages in your auto insurance. 

• Liability coverage: Your auto insurance should have bodily injury liability to cover you against the physical harm you inflict on other people. Besides, you should have property damage liability to protect you when you are accused of causing property damage to third parties.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Since some drivers in Illinois don’t carry auto insurance, this coverage covers your medical costs and property damages caused to you by an uninsured motorist who is at the fault of the accident. 

If you fail to buy the required auto insurance, you are at risk of significant out-of-pocket expenses. Besides, you will receive the below fines and penalties for failure to provide proof of auto insurance ownership.

• A minimum fine of $500
• Licenses plate suspension of up to four months
• Registration suspension that may attract a legal fine of up to $1,000

As you can see, driving without valid auto insurance is costly. But the good thing is that it’s avoidable with proper planning. 

Is state-required auto insurance adequate?

While adhering to the required auto insurance is superb, you need other auto insurance coverages for better protection. State minimums are just minimums. In case your car is damaged in an accident or stolen, your vehicle isn’t protected. Similarly, if you are injured in an auto accident, your medical expenses won’t be covered.

In light of this, please consider the below additional auto insurance coverages for maximum protection.

• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Medical payments coverage/PIP
• Roadside assistance
• Gap coverage

Would you like to get more information on auto insurance? If you are in Mount Prospect, IL and its environs, please contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. for all your auto insurance needs.

Having auto insurance in Mount Prospect, IL is mandatory. But do you have the right coverage? To find out, contact the team at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. Here is what you can expect.

1. Working with a Reputable Agent

Our reputable agents will answer all your questions and concerns about auto insurance. We want you to purchase the best policy for the best price and we’ll help you find that policy. To do that, we’ll ask you a few questions to determine which policies to compare.

2. Comparing Several Quotes

Next, we will compare several auto insurance quotes. We will be looking specifically at cost and coverage. We recommend having full coverage versus the state’s minimum requirement, even if you don’t have a loan on your vehicle. It’s always better to be overinsured than underinsured, especially if you’re in an at-fault accident or the other at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover damages and/or injuries. We also recommend comparing at least three different auto insurance quotes from three different carriers to get a general overview of what is out there before making your decision.

3. Bundling Your Policies

There’s a good chance you already have other insurance policies, such as life or home insurance. Did you know you can bundle these with your new auto insurance policy to save on your premiums? A reputable insurance agent from our team will help you get this done. You can either stick with the insurance company you already use or switch to a new one. 

To learn more about purchasing a new auto insurance policy in Mount Prospect, IL, contact the team at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc, serving this area. We are available right now to take your call and start comparing quotes. 

Hitting the road for the first time as a driver can be exciting and adventurous. However, there are many other things to worry about, particularly your driving skills, insurance, and road safety. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives due to road accidents in Mount Prospect, IL, and across America. That is why Com-Co insurance Agency Inc emphasizes the value of paying attention to the road, whether you are an experienced driver or not. Here are a few road safety tips we thought you should know if you are a new driver.

Avoid road rage

Never take the driver seat when you are upset or angry. In such a state, you are not in good control of yourself, and you may speed or make irrational road decisions such as careless overtaking, which can lead to accidents. Negative emotions or over-excitement can affect your ability to focus. If you have to get somewhere in a bad mood, call a friend to drive, or take a break and cool off.

Check the weather

If you plan to visit a remote area, it is almost evident that the weather will come into play. Before you leave, check the updates and keep checking just in case the weather changes. Take with you extra supplies such as an emergency kit, water, food, blankets, and flashlights in case things change in the middle of your journey. Make sure your spare tire is in good condition, and if you are driving in foggy conditions, use fog lights.

Plan your itinerary

As a new driver, you have a lot to learn when it comes to driving across Mount Prospect, IL. You might need Google maps to help you get around. If you visit another country, search for road safety tips in that country and learn the laws along your route. Be cautious when driving over uneven terrain or hills. 

For more information about safety on the roads, feel free to contact us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc today.

Buying car insurance is the best way to protect yourself as a driver and your vehicle. Moreover, it is important to know that any vehicle registered in the state of Illinois must have proper car insurance. Since many people make a common mistake and buy the first insurance they see, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc located in Mount Prospect, IL prepared a brief guide that will help you to choose the right policy for your car. 

Choose The Right Deductible

By choosing a higher deductible, you reduce the cost of insurance. However, you should keep in mind that in case of an accident, you will have to pay a lot out of pocket. Can you handle high deductibles? If your answer is no, then it is better to pick the plan with a higher premium. 

Review Your Mileage

The amount of miles you drive on average annually is one of the main factors used to calculate the cost of insurance. If you drive less than an average driver, you may be qualified for a low-mileage discount. 

Do Thorough Research

When choosing an insurance policy for your car, it is important not to rush. Take your time to compare the available options and insurance companies to make an informed decision. It is also a good idea to call several companies to discuss the options to make sure you have all the necessary information. 

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc is more than just an insurance company – it is a team of professionals serving the residents of Illinois and helping them to get the best car insurance based on their needs and budget. If you are a car owner from Mount Prospect, IL and you are shopping for insurance for your vehicle, give us a call today to receive help in choosing the right policy.