Car Insurance in the City of Chicago

When driving in Chicago, hold on to your hats and watch out for bicyclists.

Welcome to Chicago.

Driving in a large city like Chicago can be scary. But as long as you pay attention to street signs, other drivers, and bicyclists you will be able to do it. And if not, that’s why you have insurance.

Chicago Cell Phone Use Laws

The entire state of Illinois, not just Chicago, has strict laws in regards to cellphone use and they are trying to get even more passed. Currently the laws you need to be aware of include:

• Any drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of wireless phone, even with a hands-free device.
• No texting, emailing, or any other activity your cell phone is capable of doing is allowed while driving.
• Cell phones use is strictly prohibited in construction zones and school zones.
• No one is allowed to take pictures or video within 500 feet of an emergency scene on any wireless device.
• Drivers may talk on cell phones as long as they are using a hands-free device.

Parking in Chicago

Just like with any other city, parking is at a premium and visitors need to be prepared pay up if they want to use a parking lot. If parking on the street, pay close attention to the parking signs as there are many spots where there is no parking during rush hour traffic to make more room on the roads for moving cars. Tow trucks do prowl these areas and will not hesitate to hook your vehicle up immediately if they find you.

Parking tickets can also result for parking where you are not supposed to, as well as possible damage to your car from someone trying to get around it. Damage to your car in this case would be your fault because you are parked in a no parking zone.

Chicago Bicyclists

Bicyclists are very prevalent in Chicago, so drivers need to be on the lookout for them. They have their own road lanes in Chicago where it is illegal to both drive and park in or you will be ticketed. Bicyclists also don’t always follow the rules of the road, and while it may not be your fault that you hit a person on a bike that was breaking the law you still don’t want to live with that.

Car Insurance in Chicago

Car insurance in Chicago is regulated by the state of Illinois, not the city. But to be able to drive legally in Chicago, a driver must carry no less than:

• $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for a single person
• $40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for two or more people in a single accident
• $15,000 in property damage coverage

It is highly recommended that you carry more than what the state mandates because these minimums are not much. However, that’s it between you and your Chicago insurance agent.