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Illinois Electronic Auto Insurance Verification Program

July 28, 2021

Illinois Electronic Auto Insurance Verification Program

 

The new Illinois Electronic Auto Insurance Verification Program came into effect July 1st, 2021. The program announced  by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, is a new twist on an old tale. Making sure everyone in Illinois has auto insurance.

The difference that this new program makes, is that your insurance is verified automatically twice a year. If you do not have at least liability insurance on your vehicle. After a few warnings you could end up with a suspended license.

Although your first instinct would be to go straight to the DMV check on the status of your car insurance policy so that you could get your license reinstated.

The DMV will direct you to contact your insurance carrier to reinstate your insurance.

Once you reinstate your insurance your license will be reinstated.

How can Oxford Auto Insurance help?

As one of the premier insurance agencies in Illinois, at Oxford Auto Insurance we take pride in finding cheaper rates than our competitors. on being better than the rest. We boast a 90% customer satisfaction rating; you can surely rely on us for superior customer service.

For more than 65 years, we have been offering clients in Chicagoland a range of automotive insurance at competitive rates. Whether you need car insurance, motorcycle insurance, or SR-22 insurance, we can provide it for you! We shop around and compare the rates of more than 15 insurance companies to find the one that will best suit your needs.

While we have more than 47 locations – and counting!

Looking to get insured?

Get rates starting at as little as $23 a month.

Secretary of State Jessie White Launches Illinois Insurance Verification System

Secretary of State Jesse White Launching Electronic Automobile Insurance Verification

Program aims to crack down on uninsured motorists.

Those who receive letters must contact their insurance company or agent; do not visit a Driver Services facility.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that automobile insurance verification will be conducted electronically.

This upgrade to the state’s mandatory insurance verification program will begin enforcement on July 1, 2021.

The program requires insurance companies to work in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s office to confirm electronically that motorists have automobile insurance. This program follows national standards established by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration and is expected to reduce the number of Illinois motorists driving while uninsured.

“My office has led the effort to establish and implement an automobile insurance verification system online which will serve to reduce the number of Illinois motorists driving while uninsured,” said White. “The message is simple: if you don’t have auto insurance, get covered now. It is the law.

”Under the new Illinois Insurance Verification System (ILIVS), vehicle owners’ automobile insurance will be verified electronically at least twice a year at random intervals to ensure that vehicle owners are complying with the state’s mandatory automobile liability insurance laws.

The vast majority of vehicle owners will not have to do anything, as electronic verification of automobile insurance will be confirmed automatically.

If electronic verifications are unsuccessful, the Secretary of State’s office will send a written request to the vehicle owner giving them the opportunity to prove they have insurance before suspending their vehicle registration.

Vehicle owners must contact their insurance company or notify their insurance agent that they received a letter with a specific reference number from the Secretary of State.

The insurance agent’s responsibility is to confirm electronically with the Secretary of State – through www.ILIVS.com – that the vehicle owner does in fact have automobile insurance on the verification date stated in the letter.

Beginning July 1, 2021, vehicle owners who are unable to prove insurance will face a license plate suspension and $100 reinstatement fee.

It is important to note that vehicle owners who receive the letter should NOT VISIT a Driver Services facility; instead, they should CONTACT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT who can provide the necessary electronic proof of insurance needed to cancel the license plate suspension.

Vehicles owners who do not currently have automobile insurance must obtain insurance to avoid license plate suspension.

White chaired the Uninsured Motorist Verification Advisory Committee that worked with insurance companies, traffic safety advocates and members of the General Assembly. The advisory committee reviewed best practices and helped provide the guidelines used to establish legislation and program requirements.

In 2020, the Secretary of State began an Electronic Liability Insurance Verification program for vehicles registered in llinois.

What does that mean for you? Well each vehicle’s liability policy will be verified at least twice each year through a 3rd party vendor.

The vendor is linked electronically with all insurance companies that write vehicle liability insurance policies in the state of Illinois. Vehicles with valid registration must comply with the Mandatory Insurance Law

(625 ILCS 5/7-601).

Enforcement

Enforcement of the mandatory insurance law is accomplished through an Electronic Insurance Verification process and the issuance of traffic citations.

If the initial verification attempt does not verify that a vehicle is covered by a statutorily required minimum liability insurance policy, that vehicle will be checked a 2nd time after 30 days. This process allows our office to determine whether the vehicle was sold, placed into storage or otherwise not being driven on the roadways.

If the 2nd verification attempt does not confirm a liability insurance policy for the vehicle, the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent a registration suspension letter. The vehicle owner and insurance company will be required to prove that the vehicle was covered by a liability insurance policy on the date of the initial verification attempt within 30 days of the date of the letter through their insurance agent.

If the registered owner and insurance agent cannot provide proof that the vehicle was covered by a liability insurance policy on the date of the initial verification attempt, the vehicle’s registration will be suspended.

In order to have the registration suspension removed, the vehicle owner is required to obtain liability insurance and pay a fee of $100 to reinstate the vehicle’s registration.

If you are stopped for a traffic violation or involved in an accident, a law enforcement officer may issue a traffic citation if you are unable to provide evidence of insurance.

If convicted, your license plates will be suspended and you may face the following fines:

  • Minimum fine of $500 for driving uninsured.
  • Minimum fine of $1000 for driving a vehicle while the license plates are suspended for a previous insurance violation.

Purchasing Insurance

Contact an insurance agent to purchase liability insurance for your vehicle. Some insurance companies do not sell insurance to vehicle owners who have been driving uninsured. If you encounter problems purchasing insurance, ask the insurance agent about the Illinois Automobile Insurance Plan.

The Illinois Department of Insurance maintains a Consumer Service Division that can answer any questions you may have about automobile insurance. You may write to:

Illinois Department of Insurance, Consumer Service Division
320 W. Washington St., 4th Floor
Springfield, IL 62767

Suspension and Reinstatement

The license plates of a 1st time offender are suspended until liability insurance has been purchased and a reinstatement fee of $100 is paid online through the website ILIVS.COM. Repeat offenders are required to serve a four month suspension, obtain liability insurance and pay a fee of $100 online through the ILIVS.COM website prior to reinstatement of their license plates.

While the license plates are suspended, no one may operate your vehicle; however you may operate other vehicles that are insured. To process the reinstatement, you must contact an insurance agent, obtain liability insurance and log onto the website ILIVS.COM. You will need the reference number printed on the registration suspension letter to log onto the ILIVS.COM website. If you no longer have the registration suspension letter, you may use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup function.

Vehicles Affected

Liability insurance is required for all motor vehicles that must display license plates and are being driven, including cars, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks and buses. Trailers are not required to have liability insurance.



Tips On Keeping your Air Conditioner Cool

July 7, 2021

Car Air Conditioner

 

Tips On Keeping Your Air Conditioner Working Right!

 

It is hot outside and you feel like the asphalt is melting under right under your feet.

You almost wish it could snow a bit just to feel and breathe some cool air.

Sitting in a car that has no air conditioning can feel suffocating.

Having an AC that is fully functional can make that trip to work all the more comfortable.

Here are some tips to make sure that your AC is working the way it should this summer!

You can lessen the AC’s work load by parking in a shaded spot. You won’t find a spot every time, especially when you are in a huge parking lot, but always try to keep in mind to try and park your car in the shade.

You can also take it a step further and get an idea where the shade will fall at a certain hour near a building or tree when you go to work.

If the only parking spot left is in the sun during the first part of the day, then there are pretty good chances once the starts to set the car will be shaded in the afternoon.

Spot those opportunities and park your car there.

Even though your car will heat up during the day, the shade will lower its temperature in the afternoon it won’t feel as hot in the car when you leave the office.

If you park in a wide open area, you can also always use windshield shades to cover your car’s windows.

If you park in the shade, put windshield covers on your car’s windows and the interior of your car still is unbearable you can try to ventilate the cabin before you turn on your AC.

So we suggest you open all the windows and drive a bit for a few minutes.

Once you feel that your car has cooled down, the next step is to start the AC on low.

The first instinct everyone has is to start the AC on high. But your best bet is to let the AC “warm up” by starting it on low before kicking it into high gear.

Recirculation mode usually is the best bet at getting your car cooled down.

Once the AC “warms up” and starts blowing cool air in your face turn ON the Recirculation Mode.

This means that the AC system won’t suck hot air in from the outside and it will use the cooler air in the cabin.

Since the cabin air is starting to get cooler, the system will work less to cool the cooler air than down continuously cooling the air sucked from outside.

When you reached your destination, don’t just turn OFF the engine, because you’ll create a bit of a shock in the AC unit.

First, turn OFF the AC while the engine is running.

You can start doing this even before reaching your destination. The car interior should be pretty cool now so you won’t break a sweat.

After turning OFF the AC, keep the fan working at medium to high speed.

Why?

Do you know that puddle of water forming underneath you car after using the AC?

Well, that’s coming from the evaporator. The unit is almost ice cold when hot air passes near it so condensation occurs on its fins, forming water droplets.

The fan working while the AC is stopped will dry out the evaporator and its surroundings. This means moss and other damp-dark-places-loving bacteria won’t thrive there and you’ll be spared from foul smells and possible respiratory system diseases.

Don’t forget to follow your car’s periodic maintenance schedule, when the cabin air filter should be replaced. At least once a year, your service should spray some anti-bacterial substances into your AC’s ducts and vents.

Also, at some point the refrigerant in the system will need to be replaced. Do it on a certified dealership that only uses original replacements for your vehicle.

Stay cool!

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Best Roadside Assistance Tips You Will Read This Year

July 2, 2021

The Best Roadside Assistance Tips you will read this year

 

Oxford Auto Insurance has you covered with 5 tips that will keep you safe in an emergency.

 

1. Move to Safety

 

The first thing you should do. Especially if you are on the highway is move to the side of the road if you are able to. If possible, pull over to an emergency lane, if there is a rest stop available or a parking lot that will work also. The idea is not to cause another accident by staying on the road. Even if you have a flat tire do everything you can to move to safety.

 

2. Stay in your Vehicle

 

Never ever leave your vehicle when you are on the road. Make sure to pull over to a safe area before exiting your vehicle. Getting out of your vehicle could put you in danger.

 

3. Alert other drivers

 

Make yourself visible. Turn on your blinkers. If you have flares or road triangles you can place those 30-60 feet behind your vehicle. The idea is to be seen by drivers that do not know that you are there. This is critically important at night where if your lights are off, and no one can see you, can lead to an accident.

 

4. Call for help

 

Now is the time to reach out to emergency personal if needed. It is also the time to call your Roadside Assistance provider. Metro Motor Club provides plans for as little as $30 per year.

 

5. Keep emergency supplies in your car

 

Emergency supplies are important to have in case of an emergency. Things such as jumper cables, road flares, road triangles and a flash light can come in handy on the side of the road.

 

Helping you stay safe on the road is important to us. Stay tuned to our blog for more safety tips!

 

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Beyond the Helmet: Essential Motorcycle Gear for Every Biker

April 25, 2019

Two motorcycle bikers on the road

You can never be too safe on the road, especially if you’re driving a motorcycle. Apart from being exposed to the elements, there’s less protection when you’re involved in a crash. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) shows that over 5,286 Americans lost their lives in a motorcycle crash in 2016. This is a 5.1% increase from 2015’s fatalities of about 5,029. The NHSTA also added that motorcycle deaths were about 28 times more frequent than deaths from other vehicles, based on 2016 data.

As a rider, you should take every precaution to make sure you’re protected. You should have the right motorcycle insurance and the best equipment. And while helmets saved the lives of 1,859 riders in 2016, you should invest in gear that protects other parts of your body as well.

Here’s a list of essential motorcycle equipment to help you keep safe on the road.

A Good Pair of Gloves

Though you may think that they are purchased more for aesthetics, gloves are essential in motorcycle safety. If you ever find yourself in an accident, no matter the magnitude, breaking a fall with your bare palms on concrete or asphalt will leave you with painful gashes. There are different types of gloves you can get depending on your budget and the weather.

Gauntlet – These gloves are known for providing the best protection for your hands and wrists. They have a thick reinforcement that defends your hands from impact and scratches. They come in a variety of materials. Some high-end models may have kevlar fiber fabric or carbon fiber armor. Because of their girth, however, it might be a challenge to adapt to driving with them if you’re used to thin gloves or to not using any glove at all.

Motocross/Dirt Bike Gloves – If you’re looking for a more natural fit and grip, a pair of dirt bike gloves would fit you perfectly. They’re not as tough as gauntlets, but they should provide enough defense against palm and knuckle scratches. They are easier to put on and take off than gauntlets.

Classic Leather – Leather gloves are a stylish but practical way of saving your hands from injuries during that long drive from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL. Modern versions of these have knuckle and palm pads that offer ample protection. They also come in different materials such as cowhide, sheepskin, and goatskin.

While knuckle and palm cushioning are number one when it comes to picking your glove of choice, fingers should be a priority as well. Shy away from fingerless gloves. They may seem more breathable, but they’re not worth the reduced protection. If you want something that keeps you cool for the warm weather, opt for leather cruising gloves instead.

Elbow and Knee Pads

A durable jacket and pair of pants are a no-brainer when you’re shopping for gear, but you should never overlook the importance of elbow and knee pads. A lightweight pair of guards with protective shells and foam pads is enough to keep you safe on the road without feeling bulky. If you have the extra cash, get yourself some back armor as well so you’re protected from head to toe.

Reliable Boots

Your feet are also at risk of serious injuries when you’re on your bike. This is why you should keep your sneakers and flip-flops in the bag and get a pair of motorcycle boots. Like gloves, they also come in armored and timeless leather. Some of them even have tactical designs that have reinforced toe protection. A pair of leather motorcycle boots should serve you well. They have thick soles and strong, low-maintenance materials that are more than enough to keep your stompers guarded against nasty scars.

You’ll have to shell out a bit of cash for equipment, though, and you need more time in the morning to get ready. Protective gear may also be expensive, but you can never put a price on safety.

Get Complete Protection on the Road

Apart from the right equipment, a good motorcycle insurance policy is essential in keeping your travels safe. Here at Oxford Auto Insurance, we offer low-cost motorcycle insurance that may have comprehensive coverage, increased liability limits, and even roadside assistance plans. We have decades of experience in providing affordable auto insurance in Chicago, and we’re always striving to give the best service for our customers.

Contact us today to get the motorcycle insurance you need.



Is There Such a Thing as Over-Insured Car? Yes, There Is

April 17, 2019

Auto insurance policy form with car key on top

On April 8th, a car in Montgomery, Alabama gave a new meaning to the phrase “drive-thru” as it crashed into a restaurant’s dining room. According to the police, the driver of the SUV mistakenly accelerated, causing it to crash into the restaurant’s wall.

While there were no reported injuries, there were damages sustained by the vehicle, and of course, the restaurant. When accidents like this happen in Chicago, having adequate auto insurance comes in handy.

Many drivers worry about being underinsured, as they should. However, being over-insured can be a problem, too. This means you’re paying high premiums every month, a portion of which is for coverage you won’t likely use.

What’s Wrong with Being Over-Insured?

Let’s be clear: it’s better for your car to be over-insured than underinsured. If your car is underinsured and you get into a collision with another vehicle full of passengers who have sustained injuries, you’re liable for thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Being underinsured and having to pay for such damages can be financially crippling.

If you’re over-insured, you’re likely to have more coverage, even for circumstances you didn’t think would happen. The downside, though, is that the monthly premiums that you’re paying are likely to be too high.

How Do I Know If I’m Over-Insuring My Car?

In the state of Illinois, you’re required to carry at least $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $20,000 worth of property damage liability coverage.

If, for example, you’re paying for $300,000 worth of bodily injury coverage and $250,000 worth of property damage coverage, you’re paying way too much.

However, you should still consider the following:

  • Meeting the minimum car insurance requirements does not mean you’re adequately insured. In fact, insurers will see this as being underinsured. In Illinois for example, a $20,000 property damage liability coverage isn’t enough if you collide with a high-end vehicle. The repairs alone will quickly eat up your coverage. After it’s all used up, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.
  • If you have adequate health and life insurance, you may not need a huge car insurance coverage. Generally, your car insurance coverage is the first to be used up if you are involved in a vehicular accident. Then, you may use your health and life insurance policies to pay for medical bills, if applicable. One extension of car insurance policies is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which covers your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault. If you avail of this with your car insurance policy, and you also have life and health insurance policies, you need only take out the minimum PIP coverage.
  • You may be paying higher premiums for other items in your insurance policy that you don’t really need. For example, if you’re already a member of the AAA or something similar, you don’t need to add towing and roadside assistance to the premiums you’re paying.

How Should You Decide on How Much Insurance Premiums to Pay?

While being over-insured has both advantages and disadvantages, whether it’s a good idea for you depends on your lifestyle and financial situation. If you can afford to pay damages out of pocket, you may be able to get by paying for the minimum insurance coverage.

Then again, you may find paying for higher monthly premiums that cover more damages a better option. Compared to out of pocket costs, this alternative could prove way more affordable, after all.

For more reliable car insurance information and tips, visit Oxford Auto Insurance today.



Storing Your Motorcycle in the Winter: Coverage Plans to Consider

March 30, 2019

Even when it’s winter or you’re not using your bike for whatever reason, consider insuring it to reduce your liability and decrease the amount you’ll have to pay in damages if something occurs. There are several policies and insurance options available, and we can help you choose the one that’s best suited to your circumstances.

Riding in the Winter and Why Insurance is Critical

You’re at greater risk when you take your motorcycle out in the winter than in the summer. This is because roads are icy and filled with salt and gravel. Animals like moose, deer, and elk are more active during winter. This means you’re more likely to hit these animals or have to swerve to avoid them. When you’re riding under these conditions, you increase the likelihood that an accident occurs.

Storing Your Motorcycle and The Potential Risks Involved

Your motorcycle is at risk for damage even when it’s parked in storage for a few months a year. You may require liability coverage and insurance policies that cover you from damages or lawsuits should an accident occur or something happens to your bike. This is why it’s not necessarily the best idea for you to cancel your insurance policy in the winter and when your bike’s in the shed.

Storage Insurance

There are different coverage options available for a motorcycle that won’t be used for several months. Storage insurance can be classified under comprehensive or other than collision insurance coverage. This type of coverage normally includes protection against fire, storm damage, or theft of the vehicle. It may cover other types of damage that happen to your bike if it’s left in storage.

Coverage Reduction

You may end up going for an insurance policy with a built-in reduced premium for your motorcycle. This type of coverage includes a layoff period for the time your motorcycle is left in storage as part of the premium. However, it can feel expensive to pay full coverage even during the offseason. But with this setup, you won’t have to think or worry about your coverage whenever the weather changes. You’ll be able to ride your bike whenever the weather permits.

However, if you have to provide full insurance for your bike throughout the year, you can ask to have your deductibles increased and your limits of liability lowered on a temporary basis. Your insurance premium is lowered with this setup, so you’ll be offered more affordable motorcycle insurance. In addition, risk of damage and loss to your bike while it’s in storage is minimal. There’s a good chance you won’t have to pay the high deductible.

When you’re constantly shifting the conditions of your motorcycle insurance policy, there’s a risk that your bike won’t have proper coverage at the appropriate times. Set reminders for yourself on the type of coverage your motorcycle has at any given moment. Make sure coverage is added back on before you take it out for a spin. Otherwise, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to large deductibles and other risks when you’re operating an uninsured vehicle.

Oxford Auto Insurance provides motorcycle insurance with extensive coverage and affordable rates in Chicago, Illinois. Our policies can cover the losses of the other drive, your property, and any injuries you may sustain from an auto accident. This includes medical payments coverage, comprehensive coverage, and roadside assistance plans.

For more information, contact us at 312-260-9000 or send us an email at info@oxfordauto.com.



Factors that May Affect Auto Insurance Rates

March 29, 2019

man signing car insurance documentIf you’re planning to buy a car, one of the costs the you need to consider is auto insurance. An auto insurance ensures that you are protected from financial loss in case you are involved in a vehicular accident. It provides coverage for property damage or theft, liability insurance for bodily injury, and coverage for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

In choosing what auto insurance to purchase, you may be tempted to reduce your expenses by looking for an auto insurance with the lower amount of coverage or by raising your deductibles. While these two factors obviously affect car insurance costs, there are other considerations, some of which are not under your control, that can impact the price of auto insurance premiums.

Knowing what these auto insurance rating factors are will help you make a more informed buying decision:

Location

Where you live is one of the factors that greatly affects auto insurance rates. Insurers will typically ask for your zip code to determine if your area is highly populated and if there are insurance risks present, such as damaging weather, acts of vandalism, and prevalence of insurance claims.

Age, Gender, and Marital Status

Your age, gender, and marital status are some of the lesser-known factors that are used in determining the cost of auto insurance premium.

Statistically, teen drivers and seniors are more likely to figure in an accident. As such, most insurance companies consider them more risky and expensive to insure compared to other drivers. Younger drivers tend to commit mistakes, such as tunnel vision, distracted driving, or speeding, which may lead to road accidents or put other drivers’ and pedestrians’ safety at risk. On the other hand, seniors age 70 years or older who have poorer eyesight and slower reflexes that impact their driving ability may be charged with higher insurance costs.

Some evidence suggest that women are safer drivers than men, hence, pay less car insurance. However, insurance costs levels off as women drivers get older. Studies reveal that between ages 30 and 50, men pay slightly less auto insurance than women do. Married car owners also are charged with less insurance premiums, they tend to be more careful now that they are driving for their families.

Driving Experience and Record

If you have years of driving experience, coupled with a clean driving record, you are likely to receive a good rate. You will be considered less of a risk compared to drivers with past records of traffic violations.

Claims Record

In addition to your driving behavior, insurers will look into past insurance claims. The number of claims you have made, whether with them or with another insurance company, will either keep you from surcharge or hike up your rates.

Credit Score

Insurance companies will also look into your credit score. Generally, the lower the credit score, the higher the insurance premium will be.

Car Safety Rating

The type of car that you have affects insurance costs. If your car has a high safety rating and if it has safety features such as air bags, automatic seatbelts, and traction control, means that your car is safer to drive and may result in lower premium costs.

The Best Car Insurance in Aurora, Il

At Oxford Auto Insurance, we provide affordable insurance rates and flexible payment plans so you can get the financial protection you need while you’re on the road. Our team will help you find the comprehensive coverage for your needs.

For more information on our products and services, contact us today.



Temporary Car Insurance: Do You Need It?

March 5, 2019

car insurance policy

In the U.S., there are only two states where you’re not legally required to carry auto insurance: New Hampshire and Virginia. This, however, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a policy if you live there. Additionally, this means that if you do not have auto insurance in Illinois, you’re not only risking financial trouble but you may also face legal consequences.

Typically, a car insurance policy lasts for six months to a year. There may be some circumstances, though, when you’re driving a vehicle that isn’t yours. You may be using a rented car for a business trip or borrowing someone else’s for a short period. Does this mean you’d need another full-term car insurance in Aurora, IL? As a matter of fact, you don’t. Instead, you may apply for short-term auto insurance.

When Do You Need Temporary Car Insurance?

Car insurance protects you financially in the event of an accident that results in property damage, a totaled vehicle, or injuries. If you do not have a policy, you could get in financial and legal trouble if you’re involved in an accident, even if you aren’t at fault.

This is why an insurance policy is important, even for the briefest time that you’d be driving someone else’s vehicle. Among these circumstances are:

  • When you’re driving a car that isn’t yours during a road trip.
  • When you’re driving a car in a different state and do drive a car in your home state
  • When you’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member for an extended period

Basically, every time you’re using someone else’s car for more than a day and you’ll be driving around in said car, you need temporary car insurance.

Things to Consider When Looking for Temporary Car Insurance

Different car insurance policies provide different coverage, so before buying a short-term one, contact your insurance company. In some instances, you may actually already have coverage for driving someone else’s car. If you don’t, they’ll likely give you suggestions on what type of insurance you need.

When shopping for short-term auto insurance, be prepared that insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver. Insurance companies will consider that you might be driving in places that are unfamiliar to you, which could make you prone to accidents.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your primary insurance provider isn’t likely to offer short-term coverage. It can also be difficult to find temporary insurance with attractive rates that will give you the coverage you need. Because of this, you may need to look for a temporary auto insurance policy beyond the usual providers.

Most importantly, you must remember the importance of being covered by insurance. Accidents can happen anytime, so being insured, whether it’s short- or long-term, is a smart move.

Get the Best Auto Insurance Policy

If you need motorcycle, SR-22, or auto insurance in Illinois, let Oxford Auto Insurance protect you and your vehicle. With the option to choose from different payment plans and multiple companies, we provide our clients with some of the most comprehensive and low-cost insurance policies in the state of Illinois.

Visit Oxford Auto Insurance today to learn more.



Road Rules: Know the Motorcycle Laws in Illinois and Stay Safe

March 4, 2019

Motorcycle Rider

Motorcycle laws are different in each state. But their existence follows the same goal: to keep you, the other motorists, and pedestrians safe on the road. In Chicago, Illinois, motorcycle insurance acquisition and helmet safety regulations aren’t the only requirements you need to follow.

Here’s what you should know.

The Right Age for License Holders

You need a license to drive a motorcycle in Illinois. It doesn’t matter what type of motorcycle you plan on riding.

The state issues two kinds of licenses. The first one is a Class M license, which is for bikes with engines larger than 150cc. The other one is a Class L license, which is for any motorcycle with an engine smaller than 150cc.

Individuals aged at least 18 years of age can apply for a Class M or L instruction permit. The permit will let you operate a motorcycle with some restrictions.

The Required Equipment

The state of Illinois requires motorcycles to have at least one side-view mirror (left or right). Also, it’s necessary to have brakes on both wheels. Apart from these, a motorcycle should also have:

  • Headlights
  • Stoplights
  • Taillights
  • License plate light
  • Muffler
  • Handgrips below shoulder height
  • Horn (audible at 200 feet)

All these serve to ensure a safe ride on the roads of Illinois. For example, a muffler is necessary to make sure that other vehicle drivers hear your motorcycle on the road. It makes your motorcycle “more visible” on the highway.

The Requirements for Passengers

When carrying a passenger, you have to follow the same requirements for the seat, design, and footrest. And it’s necessary that you and your passenger put on eye protection (glasses or goggles). But this isn’t required if your motorcycle comes with a transparent windshield.

There is no required age for motorcycle passengers in the state. But the motorcycle’s design has to be for two people, which includes a proper seat and footrests for the passenger. And drivers should always make their passenger ride on the back of the driver, with one leg on either side.

The Necessary Gear

Illinois is still one of three states in the US that doesn’t enforce helmet-use among motorcyclists. It’s still an ongoing debate in the state, but using a helmet is highly encouraged because it can protect you from debilitating injuries. It’s also best for motorcycle riders to wear high-visibility clothing, especially when driving on busy highways.

Following all the basic state laws for motorcycles can help reduce the risk of causing or contributing to a fender-bender. It’s best to adhere to them at all times, and at all costs.

But accidents will happen, which is why the state also requires that you have adequate insurance.

The Need for Insurance

Your insurance policy needs to meet the minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage. For this particular regulation, Oxford Auto Insurance can help.

With motorcycle insurance, you can confidently drive on the road knowing you have the protection you need. Choose from our competitive rates on different types of motorcycles. We offer:

  • Full coverage
  • Medical payments
  • Roadside assistance plans

Call us today for your motorcycle insurance needs.



How You Can Become a Better Driver after Receiving an SR-22

February 18, 2019

A state can require individuals to file an SR-22 if they don’t follow the rules of the road. Various types of violations can force them into SR-22 filings, including driving without insurance, reckless driving, and drunk driving.

When you have an SR-22 policy, you need to carry it for a certain number of years. There’s a catch, though. If you incur driving infractions while your SR-22 is in place, the penalty period may restart. Your goal, therefore, should be to avoid committing further violations by becoming a better driver.

Here are a few suggestions you can follow to help you achieve this goal:

Inspect and Perform Maintenance on Your Vehicle Regularly

Car owners who are negligent in inspecting and maintaining their vehicles are usually high-risk drivers. After all, there’s always the likelihood that an undiagnosed issue could cause a problem while driving. So, check your car before hitting the road and keep up with maintenance.

Obey the Rules of the Road

While you have an SR-22 in place, focus on improving your driving habits. An effective way would be to follow the road rules, such as continually keeping an eye out for pedestrians, obeying traffic signals, and staying with the speed limit.

Enroll in a Driving Course

Another way to improve your driving is to hone your technical skills. Enrolling in defensive driving lessons, for instance, helps enhance your abilities on the road. On top of that, it helps instill safe driving habits by raising your awareness of safe driving practices and common road hazards.

Taking a driving course may also save you on coverage. Car insurance firms sometimes provide drivers with discounts if they pass a defensive driving class.

Stay Focused while on the Road

The last thing you want to happen is a police officer catching you using your mobile phone while on the road. Instead of multitasking, place your smartphone on silent mode and put it inside the glove compartment.

Adhere to the Legal Requirements of Your SR-22

Following the SR-22 legal requirements to the letter is important, as you may face harsher penalties when you commit a new driving offense. A couple of rules you need to follow are:

  • Make sure your policy adheres to the insurance requirements of your state. Many states require drivers to satisfy the minimum levels of liability insurance. Make the necessary changes to your coverage levels to sufficiently protect your risks.
  • Keep your policy active. Lapses could result in severe penalties, such as higher premiums or a restart of the penalty period of your SR-22. So, remember to pay your premiums on schedule. If you purchase a new car or relocate, update your insurance coverage as soon as possible to reflect the changes.

When it comes to affordable SR-22 insurance in Chicago, trust Oxford Auto Insurance. We specialize in providing SR-22 coverage at fantastic rates. With more than seven decades of experience, you can rely on us to help you get the best coverage.

Get in touch with us today to speak with one of our licensed insurance agents.



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