Carbondale Car Insurance

Carbondale, Illinois is located 96 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. It is home to Southern Illinois University and sits at the intersection of US Route 51 and Illinois Route 13. Whether you’re driving through town on your way to work or heading out of town on the Interstate, car accidents can happen to anyone who lives and drives in Carbondale. Even the most careful drivers are at risk. 

But with a reliable car insurance policy, you can have peace of mind. Car insurance protects you from the costs of auto accidents that you cause. And certain policy options can also protect you if your car is damaged by falling objects, theft, or vandalism. Car insurance can sometimes be confusing, but a local independent insurance agent can help you find the best policy for your needs and budget. 

What Are the Car Insurance Requirements in Illinois?

If you own a vehicle in Illinois, you are required to purchase auto insurance. You must have the following coverage—at a minimum—in order to comply with the law:

• Liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties for accidents that you cause and are determined to be at fault for.
  • Bodily injury (BI) liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
  • Property damage (PD) liability coverage of at least $20,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which pays for your own medical expenses that the other driver would have been liable for if they had car insurance 
  • At least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), which pays for your expenses when the at-fault driver has car insurance but it is insufficient to cover your expenses— this coverage is optional in Illinois. But it becomes mandatory when you choose to purchase UM coverage limits that are higher than the state minimum (25/50).

While the minimum liability insurance limits may seem like great coverage, a minimum-coverage policy may leave you seriously underinsured. If you cause a major collision, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for all of the expenses that exceed your coverage limits. These expenses can include medical bills for other drivers and passengers, vehicle repair costs, and even attorney fees and settlements or judgments levied against you if you are sued for negligence. 

Many drivers purchase liability coverage limits that are higher than the state requirement. If you want even more liability protection, you can purchase umbrella insurance, which offers protection beyond the limits of your auto insurance policy. An independent insurance agent can help determine how much liability coverage is necessary to adequately protect you and your family. 

What Else Can a Carbondale Car Insurance Policy Cover?

In addition to what is required by the state, the following optional coverage is also available for you to include in your Illinois car insurance policy:

• Collision coverage: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in an accident, even if the collision was your fault. This optional coverage is typically required by lenders if you are still paying for your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it.
• Comprehensive coverage: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a non-collision event such as a flood, a fire, or a falling object. It also covers theft and vandalism. This optional coverage is typically required by lenders if you are still paying for your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it.
• Medical payments, or personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage will pay for your own medical expenses following an accident, even if you are at fault. 
• Roadside assistance and towing: This pays for the cost of assistance if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can pay for the cost of renting a vehicle while repairs are being made to your car following a covered event.

Talk to your insurance agent to learn more about each of these coverage options and for help deciding whether they are a good fit for you.

Save on Car Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Carbondale, IL?

Illinois is the 39th most expensive state for car insurance. Car insurance rates in Carbondale are similar to the state average.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Illinois average annual car insurance cost: $1,079
• Carbondale average annual car insurance cost: $1,008

Carbondale car insurance may seem expensive, but no one should overpay. If you shop around, you might find rates that are a better fit for your budget. Before you shop, you should know that the cost of car insurance is based on your personal characteristics, such as where you live, the make and model of your car, and how far you drive to work or school every day. Insurance companies also consider a variety of other risk factors, such as: 

• Your age
• Your gender
• Your driving history
• The number of cars and drivers in your household

The type of car you drive is one of the biggest factors in determining your car insurance premium. If you drive a powerful muscle car, expect to pay more than your neighbor who drives a used minivan. Any car that is more likely to get into an accident or is more expensive to repair or replace will cost more to insure. With the help of a local independent insurance agent, you can review quotes from multiple insurance companies to be sure you are betting the best deal. 

Why Get Coverage Against Uninsured Motorists in Carbondale?

Driving without insurance is against the law in Illinois, yet many drivers continue to drive without coverage. In fact, over 13% of drivers in Illinois fail to purchase car insurance.

• How many US drivers are uninsured? 12.6%
• How many Illinois drivers are uninsured? 13.7%

If an uninsured driver causes an accident, the other driver is on the hook for the cost of vehicle damage and injuries. That’s when uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential. This insurance coverage will pay to fix your damaged car and handle your medical bills if a driver who does not have insurance hits you. Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Illinois.

Can Car Insurance Cover Vehicle Thefts in Carbondale? 

The auto theft rate in Carbondale, IL is lower than both the state and national averages. 

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
• Illinois auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 1.56
• Carbondale auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 1.48

While Carbondale is a relatively safe city when it comes to auto theft, your car can be stolen anywhere you go and even from your own driveway. But with car insurance, you can sleep easy knowing that if you are a victim of auto theft, you can get assistance and payment quickly, so you can get back to your life. The comprehensive portion of your car insurance policy reimburses you for your losses after a vehicle theft or a break-in.

Meanwhile, it’s pretty easy to keep your car safe from thieves. Park in safe, well-lit areas, never leave your car running while unattended, and always lock your car—even in your own driveway. And if you drive a car with an alarm or another anti-theft device, ask your insurance agent if you qualify for a special discount on your car insurance. 

Why Contact an Independent Insurance Agent in Carbondale? 

Independent insurance agents are local insurance professionals who can explain your coverage options, answer your questions, and provide you with customized car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. With the help of an independent agent, you can make an informed choice.