First Chicago Insurance Company

Personal Auto Insurance

Being in the insurance business for over 100 years, we know that there are as many types of drivers on the road as there are vehicles to drive in. Some drivers have been licensed for over 50 years, while some have little to no experience behind the wheel. Whatever the case, First Chicago has an insurance plan tailored to meet the needs of most types of drivers. Depending on your driving experience and vehicle type, you should consider the options of what coverage(s) will work best for your situation. To help you weigh those options, here is a guide to Understanding Auto Insurance.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance

Whether you are shopping for an insurance policy or you’re already one of our customers, it is important to understand the different types of coverages that make up a policy. Auto insurance is really a package of four (4) primary coverages; Liability coverage, Medical Payments, Uninsured Motorists coverage and coverage for Damage to Your Vehicle. Taken together, these coverages make up a standard auto policy. Each of these coverages has its own separate premium. Your premium payment is the total of these separate premiums.

  1. Liability Coverages; Bodily Injury and Property Damage:
    Injury and Property Damage covers losses you are held majority accountable for in a vehicle accident for injury to others or damage to their property.
  2. Medical Payments:
    Covers your medical expenses as well as passengers in your vehicle if the expenses are a result of a vehicle accident. There may also be coverage if you are injured by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian. This coverage applies regardless of fault.
  3. Uninsured Motorists Coverage:
    Available in three (3) forms.
    • Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury pays for injuries you or your passenger(s) received in a vehicle accident caused by a driver who does not have auto liability coverage.
    • Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury provides additional coverage for your injuries when the at-fault party does not have enough insurance.
    • Uninsured Motorists Property Damage Coverage provides coverage for damage caused to your vehicle by an uninsured motorist.
  4. Coverage for Damage to Your Vehicle; Comprehensive Physical Damage and Collision Coverage:
    • Collision coverage applies to losses to your vehicle that are caused when your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage is only available when Comprehensive coverage is afforded.
    • Comprehensive coverage (also known as Other Than Collision coverage) applies to losses to your vehicle by perils other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle if it is stolen, or damaged by flood, fire or animals. Some other coverages that are available to you when Comprehensive coverage is written are:
      • Rental reimbursement which pays for a rental vehicle when the insured's vehicle is out of commission as a result of a loss covered under comprehensive or collision coverages.
      • Towing and Labor coverage would pay for road service and towing.
* For full details on your coverage(s), always refer to your policy.

Discounts

As if our low rates, friendly service and reliability aren’t enough reason to insure your vehicle with First Chicago Insurance—we also offer a laundry list of discounts to reward drivers of all kinds. No matter who you are, there is a good chance that you may qualify for one or more of our available discounts. The availability of the following discounts is subject to your state of residency and the First Chicago plan that you are applying for.

  • Advanced Issue Discount
  • Anti-Theft Discount
  • Broad Form Named Driver Discount
  • Channel Discount
  • College Graduate Discount
  • Defensive Driver Discount
  • Foreign License Discount
  • Good Student Discount
  • Good Driving Record Discount
  • Home Owners Discount
  • In-Agency Transfer Discount
  • Liability Only Discount
  • Multi-Car Discount
  • Non-Owner Discount
  • Paid in Full Discount
  • Renewal Discount
  • Prior Insurance Discount
  • Restricted Endorsement Discount
  • SR-22 Discount
  • Transfer (i.e. Renewal Buy-In on New Business) Discount
  • Vehicle Make/Model Discount
  • Vehicle/Home Credit Discount

More Ways to Save

Here are a few more tips to help lower your rates with First Chicago.

  1. Raising Your Deductible Can Lower Your Rates
    Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could lower your premium by 15% to 30%.
  2. Some Coverage Isn't Worth Having
    If your collision and comprehensive premium is 10% or more of your vehicle's value, you could be wasting money. For example, if your car is worth $4,000 and you're paying more than $400 a year, it may be time to consider dropping these coverages.
  3. Credit History Can Affect Your Insurance Bill
    Credit history is an important factor in determining your insurance score. Many companies use this score to help determine your level of risk. Insurance companies try to reward low-risk customers with lower premiums. So be sure to check your credit report for any errors. It could pay off.
  4. Some Cars Cost Less to Insure Than Others
    And they are not always the ones you think they are. So before shopping, call a First Chicago Agent to get quotes for the models you are considering. They will be happy to help.