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August Vincent Insurance Agency

1145 Mitchell Ct, Suite 216
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Illinois Insurance Blog

Five Auto Insurance Terms You Need to Know

When dealing with an auto insurance policy or an accident, you’re likely to come across some terms that may be unfamiliar. Here are five key terms you should know and understand in the event of an accident.

1. Bodily Injury Liability

This term refers to the costs associated with bodily injuries sustained in an accident. As the party responsible, you are liable for these damages, which can include medical expenses, treatment, and any loss of income due to the injuries from the accident.

2. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Despite Illinois requiring minimum insurance, not all drivers comply with this law. If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can use the uninsured motorist coverage in your policy to help cover any costs associated with the accident until you can seek reimbursement for the damages in court.

3. Personal Injury Protection

This term refers to financial coverage for your lost income, medical expenses, and any other costs incurred due to injuries sustained in an accident that wasn’t your fault.

4. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pertains to the damage your vehicle sustains when it is hit by another vehicle, objects in a parking lot, or damage from a pothole while driving. This coverage will provide the necessary financial support.

5. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage refers to the damage done to your vehicle during events like theft or vandalism while it was parked. If your vehicle is stolen or property is stolen from your vehicle during the event, comprehensive coverage will repair and replace these items.

If you’re in the Crystal Lake, IL area or surrounding towns and need auto insurance, contact us at August Vincent Insurance Agency today. We look forward to providing you with a personal quote.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Passengers?

A comprehensive auto insurance plan will cover everything, from bodily injury to auto repair charges. Some insured parties want to include uncommon policies as part of their insurance plan, like liability coverage for auto accidents. A lawsuit could make an on-road accident very expensive. But what about the passengers? At Crystal Lake, IL, the August Vincent Insurance Agency provides auto insurance coverage for passengers and drivers.

Do I Need Insurance Coverage for Passengers?

This answer depends on your situation. If you frequently drive with passengers in the car, it’s a good idea to have auto insurance that covers passengers as well. Just like the driver, the passenger might develop personal injuries from an on-road collision. If a passenger is experiencing a concussion or a broken bone, then your auto insurance could pay for their medical bills. This kind of policy comes in handy if the medical bill happens to be expensive; some personal injuries can incur up to $20,000 in medical bills. Passenger coverage will provide relief, knowing that everybody is covered, not just the driver.

Finding Passenger Insurance coverage in Crystal Lake, IL

To find the right coverage, it’s important that you shop at an insurance agency that offers this kind of policy. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, we design insurance plans that pay for passengers as well as drivers. If you are interested in purchasing an auto insurance plan from us, give us a call at 847-512-7301. You can also contact us at 847-217-2184 or at 847-961-6620 to book an appointment. Feel free to ask about our auto insurance policies. Our agents would be glad to answer any of your auto insurance questions.

Insurance Coverage: What to Do After a Car Accident

Nobody likes being in a car accident, but you can reduce the stress following an incident with the proper steps. Being prepared can make a significant difference from knowing who to call to understanding the insurance claim process. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, we understand the importance of guiding our clients through these challenging situations. Here’s an excellent guide to follow if you have had an auto accident in the Crystal Lake, IL area.

Stay In Your Vehicle

It’s the body’s natural response for your anxiety levels to spike if you’ve had an accident. Make it a point to stay inside the car because it is generally safer. Exiting your vehicle immediately after an accident could put you in harm’s way, especially if there is ongoing traffic or potential hazards nearby. Take a few moments to gather yourself before assessing the situation. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, call 911 right away. Don’t move anyone from their vehicles.

Gather Information

Necessary details like the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details are crucial to gather after an accident. Exchange this information with the different parties involved in the accident. Take note of the license plate numbers, make, model, and color of all vehicles involved.

Notify Your Insurance Company

It’s important to notify your insurance company even if you’re not at fault. They will guide you through the following steps and inform you of any coverage or benefits you may be entitled to. Provide them with accurate and comprehensive information about the accident, including the details collected from the other parties involved.

Get More Information About Auto Insurance In Crystal Lake, IL

Contact August Vincent Insurance Agency for a free quote if you want to learn more about auto insurance coverage.

Auto Insurance for Ride-Share and Delivery Drivers

If you’re a ride-share or delivery driver, your insurance needs are unique. Exploring insights into securing the right coverage for your driving ventures is crucial. That’s where we come in – to provide you with insights and tailored insurance solutions that cater to your own specific needs.

Types of insurance to consider:

  • Ride-Share Insurance: Specialized policies for specifically ride-share drivers
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Provides coverage for both personal and business use of your vehicle.
  • Liability insurance: accidents you might cause while ride-sharing or delivering goods.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Provides coverage if one ever encounters another motorist who is uninsured/underinsured
  • Additional Liability Coverage: Consider increasing your liability to help with any unforeseen accidents

Policy Adjustments

  • Be honest with your insurer about your intended use of the vehicle to ensure you have the right coverage.
  • Different insurance policies come with various deductibles and premium costs.
  • Carefully review these aspects to find a balance between affordability and coverage.

Gap Coverage

  • Gap coverage is helpful for drivers to fill in the gaps that exist when transitioning personal and commercial use of a vehicle.
  • Follow safety guidelines provided by your ride-share or delivery company to reduce the risk of accidents and claims.
  • Safe driving habits can lead to lower insurance premiums.

 August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Crystal Lake, IL

Are you ready to pick your insurance type for your ride-share or delivery riding experience?

Here at August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Crystal Lake, IL and the surrounding areas, we’re committed to helping you choose the coverage that keeps you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe while you are out on the road. Contact us today and let us be your partner in securing the right insurance solutions for your unique needs. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Three things you’ll like about your auto insurance policy

There are plenty of great reasons why motorists need to have adequate auto insurance. If you drive a vehicle in the Crystal Lake, IL area, you can rely on us at August Vincent Insurance Agency for your auto insurance coverage. 

The following are three things you’ll like about your auto insurance policy:

Auto insurance reduces the stress of being a driver.

It can be stressful to be a driver because it’s always possible that you will eventually get in an accident. With auto insurance, you don’t have to worry as much when you’re behind the wheel.

Auto insurance gives drivers more peace of mind and allows them to focus on driving safely rather than on the risk of accident damages.

Auto insurance keeps you out of trouble with the law.

Motorists in Illinois need to know that carrying auto insurance isn’t optional. All vehicle owners in Illinois need to carry an adequate amount of insurance.

You could be at risk of getting a citation if you are pulled over without auto insurance. This could result in harsh penalties like fines and a license suspension. 

Auto insurance minimizes the financial loss you experience because of auto accidents. 

You’ll probably end up in much better financial condition after being involved in an accident if you carry insurance. This is especially true if you are held liable for accident damages or you get in an accident with another motorist who is not carrying any insurance coverage. 

Reach Out To Us

Find an auto insurance policy that you love with our help at August Vincent Insurance Agency. We’re a great option when you’re looking for an auto insurance provider that insures drivers in Crystal Lake, IL. 

Does auto insurance cover a rental vehicle?

When it comes to answering the question, does auto insurance cover a rental car,  there isn’t a straightforward answer. The most accurate answer is maybe. It really depends on the type of coverage that you have. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, we serve the people of the Quad Cities, Iowa City, Huntley, and Lake in the Hills. 

Does auto insurance cover a rental vehicle?

If you have basic auto insurance, which is mandated by the state, then no, you will not have coverage for a rental vehicle. Basic auto insurance is liability insurance only. You won’t have to worry about getting excess liability coverage if you are satisfied with the insurance that you have, it should be adequate for your rental car. 

If you have a car loan or are leasing your personal vehicle, then the chances are you will have the coverage you need for a rental car. You must carry comprehensive collision coverage if you lease a vehicle or have a car loan. This insurance protects the vehicle itself, and it will cover your rental to the same extent. 

Keep in mind that your personal auto insurance will cover a vehicle you rent in the United States or Canada, but the same can’t be said for Mexico or European countries. You will need to take advantage of the CDW that is offered by the car rental company. You may have car rental insurance as a perk on your credit card, and if you use that car for the rental, you may get coverage that way as well. 

Give us a call

At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, we are here to help our customers with all of their insurance questions and needs. 

How to Avoid Winter-Related Car Accidents

During the winter months, car accidents are more likely to happen. This is because roads are slick or icy. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, providing residents in the greater Huntley, IL area with auto insurance, we want to help you stay safe as you drive on roads during the winter months.

Here are our top tips to help you avoid winter-related car accidents:

Ensure Your Tires Have the Proper Tread

One of the best ways to minimize your chances of being involved in an accident this winter is to ensure your tires have the proper tread. Having the proper tread helps your tires to grip the road, which can prevent you from sliding on icy or wet roads. If your tires do not have enough tread, have them replaced before the winter season hits. 

Drive Slower Than You Normally Would

Another tip that can help to minimize your chances of being involved in an accident this winter is to drive slower than you normally would. When roads are icy or slick, you should drive a bit slower than the posted speed limit to stay safe. 

Make Sure Your Headlights Work

Finally, before you hit the roads, take the time to ensure your headlights work and then use them. Using your headlights helps to illuminate dark spaces, helping you to identify ice or other hazards. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

Unfortunately, drivers cannot prevent every accident from happening. If an accident does happen, having the right insurance can make all the difference in ensuring that your car gets repaired and you are able to get back out on the roads quickly. The agents at August Vincent Insurance Agency, serving residents in the greater Huntley, IL area, can help you with all of your auto insurance needs. Call us today to obtain an estimate for a new auto insurance policy. 

3 Reasons Your Auto Insurance May Need Revisiting

Insurance coverage that hasn’t kept up with major changes in our lives can have a significant impact on what we’re actually covered for. If you’ve recently made a major life change, then now is a great time to revisit your auto insurance policy, and see if anything needs updating. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, serving the Huntley, IL area, we often see drivers with old policies that no longer fit their needs.

Here are three reasons you might want to revisit your own auto insurance policy:

1) You’ve made some kind of big life change

Whether you’ve gotten married, bought a house, or moved to a new state, you should check in on your auto insurance policy, make sure that the information they have is up-to-date, and make sure that the policy still covers what you need it to cover.

2) You’ve added a child to your family

Children factor into insurance policies in different ways. While teen drivers can mean an increase in prices, a baby can often mean lower premiums since families with young children don’t tend to take many long road trips.

3) You’ve added another driver or a new car

New toys are exciting, but they can be rough on insurance depending on what type they are. Adding another driver can also change your rates in ways you might not expect. Either way, it’s important to update your policy to reflect these sorts of changes as soon as you can, to make sure everyone and their vehicle are covered properly.

Contact us at August Vincent Insurance Agency today to update your auto insurance policy. We’re proud to serve the Huntley, IL area, and are committed to helping you find the right insurance policy for your needs.

What Is An Insurance Premium?

Premiums are the amount you pay each month or yearly to keep your insurance. They come with policy, including health, home, and car. You pay to keep your policy in place. 

Premiums are determined by the risk of insuring an individual item. They’re usually counted as a percentage coverage amount or insurance limit. For help and advice, give us a call at August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL.

Why Do You Need to Pay an Insurance Premium? 

Insurance companies need money to pay for their services. They have to have a certain amount of money in the reserve to pay for people’s claims on their policies. This is called a "Solvency Margin." 

Premiums also help insurance companies stay in business and continue to offer policies to other people. If policy users didn’t receive any money from premiums, they would lose money on every policy they sell so that they couldn’t stay in business long term. 

If you don’t pay your premiums in time, it will likely result in a cancellation of your policy, and you may not be able to get another one as easily. Some policies, such as critical illness insurance, have a one-time premium, but most have regular payments that you must make to keep the coverage active. 

Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, car, renters, homeowners, and other policies can help you protect your assets and your family from financial risk. By choosing the right insurance policy and keeping up with your payments, you can protect yourself from financial risk. 

Give Us A Call

Premiums are standardized and each type of insurance comes with its set of terms and conditions. If you need to do to stay covered, don’t worry. You can contact the insurance provider directly or speak with your insurance agent. Contact August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL today. 

Auto Insurance FAQ

When you have a vehicle on the roads, it is important to have the financial protection and peace of mind that auto insurance offers, but sometimes we have questions. If that is the case, then speak to August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL to become familiar with your auto insurance policy.

Is Auto Insurance Is Mandatory in IL?

Certain types of liability coverage against bodily injury and property damage are mandatory in IL. Bodily injury insurance pays for the costs associated with third-party injuries or death, including pedestrians due to an accident that is your fault. Property damage insurance pays for the costs associated with damage to a third party’s property due to an auto accident for which you are liable. The limits are set on the low end. For sufficient coverage, you should review and increase the minimum limits set by the state.

You should also purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist injury coverage and insurance which covers you for your bodily injuries caused by an at-fault driver who is under-or uninsured.

What Types of Insurance Are There for Damage to My Vehicle?

There are two main types: collision coverage when you sustain damage to your vehicle because of an accident and comprehensive coverage for when the damage is from something else like theft or vandalism, or perils.

What Affects My Premium?

Several factors may affect your premium. These include:

  • Your age, gender, and marital status
  • Your coverage limits. The more you purchase, the higher the cost.
  • What type of vehicle you own, its condition, and age
  • The area you live in
  • Credit record

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL to review or renew your policy and so they can answer any burning questions you may have!

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