This article discusses the possible discounts that are available to car insurance consumers. The article is also about certain discounts that car insurance consumers cannot be asked for.Because insurance laws diverge from state to state, any issues here is specific to the car insurance in the State of Illinois.
Illegal Rebate Vs Legal Discounts. Insurance producers are absolutely forbidden using rebates in their business practice. Discounts offered by insurance companies are OK.
If and when an insurance (agents) representatives, not the insurance company, gives back any part of their commission to the clients to ‘elicit’ them to buy from the agents then a rebating has occurred. For examples, when an insurance agent offers a $25.00 gift card for customers who buys car insurance policy from him or her, then this is rebating, and is strictly illegal. If the agent offers a $5 lunch card for anyone getting a car quote, or a nice pen for home quote then this is not rebate buying is not required. Any materialistic amount given to the buyers in return of them buying a policy is always rebate. An insurance agent and a client (if s/he knows) are breaking the law if they are committing rebating.
It is not classified as a rebate if the home office of the insurance company is giving back a premium or any part of it, or is giving the client a break or an allowance on their insurance premium. The proper term to describe this lawful act is discounting. insured Actually discounting is a common practice in situations with intense competition.
In larger cities like NY or Chicago, competition between car insurance companies is severe. There are many insurance companies and thousands of agents and insurance agencies who are competing against each others. Customers should never ask for or accept offers of ‘discounts’ beyond what the headquarters of the automobile insurance company allows for.
Possible Discounts for Clients of Car Insurance Companies in Chicago, Illinois (The Legal List of Discounts That You Can Ask For:
1. Discounts for prior insurance. Clients may get about 10% if they provide evidence that they had prior insurance without interruption for at least six months. Depending on the insurance company, your prior policy should not have lapsed more than thirty days ago. The longer you had your insurance, the higher the discount rate. You need to present a proof, an official proof, from prior insurance company. Statements made by your agent or temporary documents are not good enough. The proof has to be in the form of valid insurance ID card issued by the prior company, not agency, itself, or a declaration page of your contract.
2. Multi car policy discount. You get about 10% for having two or more vehicles insured under the same contract. Bear in mind that you cannot insure your next door neighbor, or partner, under your policy. The named insured on the policy has to have ‘insurable interest’ in the auto we are insuring.
3. Homeowner discount. If you own a home or a condo you may qualify for a price reduction. Insurance companies normally ask you for a proof (mortgage payment or home insurance policy) as evidence of ownership of a residence. In the event of you owning a home under your cousin’s name, this may not qualify you for this discount.
4. Discounts for having multiple policies (package policy or multi account discount). Insuring more than one policy with the same insurance company can earn you discounts. Example, if you buy a life policy or condo insurance policy with the same company you may be entitled for a discount on your car insurance policy. Certain insurance companies give deep discount on these home and auto packages.
5. Discount for part time drivers. This discounts is normally applicable in scenarios where number of adult drivers exceed number of vehicles, with additional youthful driver under age 25. Some companies will allow a ‘occasional’ status for the youthful drivers in those situations, and a discount is given.
6. Good student discounts. This discount is available with standard and preferred companies for insured students who hold high GPA their school. The discount is about 5% of the liability premium of the vehicle that is assigned to that specific good student operator.
7. Auto security system discount. This is another limited discount of about 5% on the premium of the comprehensive only (not liability or collision premium). Most companies give this discount automatically because most vehicles come with a security alarm anyways.
8. Other miscellaneous discounts such as antilock brake system, air bags, etc. Most of these are minimal discounts and most rating systems already embrace them in the final premium.