Car Insurance Rates Increase in Illinois, Smart Cars May Be to Blame

If you own a car and drive in Illinois, your auto insurance rate may be a bit higher next time you renew.

Major carriers have upped their premium rates in Illinois, citing an increase in filed claims that are also larger in size. There are also more drivers traveling on the roads, thanks to lower gas prices and a stronger economy, which may also impact the number of accidents occurring. The NHTSA announced that traffic fatalities were up 10% in the first half of this year over 2015.

Some insurance carriers’ rates will increase by an average of 3.5 percent, while other providers have increased their rates in Illinois by an average of 5.9 percent.

Auto insurers have also cited that smart cars are to blame. Advanced car technology is more expensive to repair when it is damaged. A bumper with a damaged collision avoidance sensor is more costly to repair than a typical dented bumper. Some vehicles also have cameras that need to be replaced after small rear-end collisions. While advanced technology helps people drive safer, cars are becoming more expensive to repair because of it. Auto insurers are feeling the brunt of these costs, and they are increasing premiums to match the increase in payouts.

Insurance rates may end up increasing nationwide because of this. You can read more about these auto insurance rate increases here.