A young man named Zion from Chicago’s south side was thinking of buying a Volkswagen Jetta, and he needed the right coverage to be able to drive it. But the price tag for auto insurance was too high, and Illinois law prohibits people from driving without the proper insurance. What he discovered – according to a video on the Secretary of State’s website – was that his zip code wasn’t helping. The same coverage would cost far less in a suburb.
Zion’s experience highlights a question many Illinois drivers are asking right now: are auto insurance rates changing, and will your driving record matter more than it previously did? While insurance pricing has always considered multiple factors, it’s true that recent shifts in the industry suggest that how you drive could play a growing role.
Are Auto Insurance Rates Changing in Illinois?
Across Illinois and nationwide, auto insurance costs have been rising, leading to concerns about affordability. Drivers may notice the changes when they renew even if nothing about their driving has changed. Factors like increased vehicle repair costs, inflation, and higher claim payouts have pushed insurers to re-evaluate how they price coverage. As a result, companies are placing a greater emphasis on risk — and that often starts with a driver’s history.
Location has long affected rates, but with insurance costs climbing overall, its impact may feel more noticeable to drivers. However, while Zion can’t control where he lives, he may be able to lower his insurance rates over time by maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding violations.
Related reading: Read on to find out about Digital IDs, another recent change.
How Your Driving Record Affects Auto Insurance
Insurers cannot deny coverage based on location alone, but ZIP codes, traffic density, and claim frequency can still influence a person’s rates. So can the way you drive. A clean driving record has always helped keep insurance costs down, and it’s becoming even more important to drivers who want to maintain their coverage.
Insurers typically review multiple criteria that could impact your insurance premiums:
- Speeding or traffic violations
- At-fault accidents
- DUI or reckless driving convictions
- Lapses in insurance coverage
Drivers with fewer violations are often viewed as lower risk and may qualify for better pricing. On the other hand, if you were recently ticketed or were in an accident, that can lead to higher premiums — regardless of vehicle type.
Usage-Based Insurance and Driving Behavior
Some insurance companies now offer usage-based programs using technology such as GPS that track driving behavior. These tools are designed to monitor speed, braking, mileage, and the time of day you drive. For safe drivers, this option can translate to potential savings. For others, it may reinforce how closely driving habits are tied to insurance costs.
While participation is optional, these programs reflect a broader shift: insurance pricing is increasingly behavior-driven.
What Illinois Drivers Can Control
Drivers can’t always control where they live, but they can control their driving record and vehicle compliance. Keeping plates current, avoiding lapses in registration, and addressing title or sticker issues promptly helps prevent unnecessary tickets that could impact insurance rates.
These and other types of requirements for drivers of all types of vehicles can be managed at neighborhood CFSC Auto Services locations throughout Illinois. By taking care of these tasks quickly and conveniently, CFSC helps drivers avoid costly penalties that can follow them long after a traffic stop.
How CFSC Auto Services Can Help Drivers Stay on the Road
CFSC Auto Services doesn’t sell insurance, but it does a lot to help Illinois drivers handle the essentials that keep vehicles legal and stress-free — from license plate stickers and title transfers to registration services and more.
Visit your local CFSC Auto Services to take control of your routine auto needs today!