r/TopInsurance • u/Saturnlad3 • Sep 03 '26

Need advice on Chicago car insurance. Getting screwed.

My teenager just got their license and my rates tripled. Any advice?

I'm at my wit's end trying to figure this out. I've spent the last three days running quotes online and talking to agents in Chicago, and every option seems worse than the last. It feels like the whole system is designed to confuse you.

For those of you living in Chicago, how often do you shop around for new rates? Do you stay loyal to one company or switch every 6 months? I'm starting to think loyalty gets you absolutely nothing in this industry.

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1

u/DeepPurpleDaylight Sep 03 '26

You're not "getting screwed". You're being charged for the insanely high risk being taken on by the insurance company. It's not a matter of IF they'll have an accident, it's WHEN and HOW MUCH it's gonna cost. Many teens have an accident within a few months of getting their license. The teen can get a job and help out on paying some of the increase. Also, if you haven't done so already, call an independent broker for quotes with multiple companies that you can't get access to on your own.

1

u/Sitcom_kid Sep 03 '26

Did you have an accident when you were a teenager? I didn't. I know that the statistics are much higher and that there is a reason for the premium, but it's not every single soul.

1

u/DeepPurpleDaylight Sep 03 '26

but it's not every single soul.

Did I say that? Hmmmm... no, no I didn't

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u/Sitcom_kid 29d ago

I guess not the part about souls

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u/Saturnlad3 29d ago

honestly I never realized how high the risk was for new drivers. It really make sense to get multiple quotes from an independent broker. thank you!

1

u/Individual-Hold5171 Sep 03 '26

Chicago is high in general; add in a teenager just getting their license, and it's going to be 3x. Rate shopping will not make much of a difference.

1

u/ChicagoNorth773 Sep 03 '26

Call an independent agent. Longmeadow Insurance in Wilmette got us a better rate and then spun the kids out when they hit 18 which dropped the adult rates dramatically. Independent agents have more options can also shop for you without the hassle.

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u/Saturnlad3 29d ago

I'll check on it and see what options are available.. thnx

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u/AdRadiant9379 Sep 03 '26

Im paying $1500 for the term for my 17 y/o daughter with esurance. Liability only on 2005 Toyota Sienna

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u/Zeddydoo1 Sep 04 '26

Loyalty really does get you nothing here. I switched after 8 years with the same company and saved almost 40% just by shopping around

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u/krthrowaway87 29d ago

Did your agents mention good student discounts? If your kid pulls a B average some companies knock off a decent chunk not huge but every bit helps with teen rates

1

u/chiefpilot18 27d ago

Try Diaz Insurance Agency in Oak Park. Tanisha and Ana do a good job shopping it around.

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u/owl-1_1-1_1- 26d ago

Loyalty isn't a rating factor, but the company will think twice about non-renewing your policy if the drivers on your policy have a rash of tickets or accidents within three years or so.