Auto Insurance

In the state of Illinois, all drivers are required to maintain auto insurance as a condition of registering their vehicle. Without coverage, you could lose your registration and, thus, your ability to drive. Not only that, but if you are involved in a car accident while on the road, you could be left with a hefty bill that you'll have to pay out of your own pocket to repair the damages to your vehicle and any others involved in the accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, you could be on the hook for medical bills for yourself and others as well.

To avoid these problems, it is important that you maintain at least the bare minimum of insurance required by the state. To stay in compliance, your policy must include:

Liability Coverage - This component of your insurance plan covers medical expenses for any injuries sustained in the accident. Illinois law requires you to have at least $25,000 in coverage per individual and at least $50,000 in coverage per accident.
Property Coverage - This aspect covers repair costs for the other driver's vehicle, not your own. Your policy must include a minimum of $20,000 in coverage in this area.

Of course, these are just the base requirements to comply with state law; you are absolutely free to add extra coverage as you see fit. To protect yourself as much as possible, it is best to get the most coverage you can reasonably afford in these primary categories. You may also wish to add other coverage options, like collision coverage to protect your own vehicle, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help you cover medical and repair costs if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance or has insufficient coverage for the extent of the injuries and damages.

The The Lesser Agency team is here to assist with all your auto insurance needs in Illinois. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help tailor a policy to meet your needs and budget.

Illinois Homeowner Insurance

If you're like most Illinois residents, your home is the largest investment you have ever made. Given its significance, it is crucial that you protect that investment with homeowner insurance. In our fine state, homeowner insurance is not required by law, but that doesn't mean you should skip it. If someone is injured while in your home or on your property, you could be stuck paying their medical bills out-of-pocket, which can often end up being quite costly. Similarly, if a natural disaster strikes, you'd have to pay to repair your home on your own if you don't have homeowner insurance.

To get the best protection, your policy should include the following components:

Dwelling Coverage - This aspect of your home insurance policy deals with any damage to the structure of your home, as well as any additional structures on your property, like a shed or casita. Your best bet is to get coverage for the full replacement cost of your home in case of severe emergencies.
Liability Coverage - Any injuries that take place on your property will fall under this coverage component, which goes toward medical bills and other injury-related expenses. Aim to maximize the amount of coverage you get in this area while sticking to your budget.
Personal Property Coverage - Dwelling coverage only applies to the home itself, not its contents. If you wish to protect your belongings, you'll need personal property coverage, which can apply to appliances, furnishings, clothing, kitchenware, and other essentials. High-value items like fine art and jewelry may require additional, separate coverage.
Additional Living Expenses - If your home sustains serious damage, you may be forced to relocate temporarily while the repairs are underway. This coverage component can help you foot the bill for a hotel or other short-term rental while you are displaced from your home.

As with most types of insurance, it is best to get the maximum coverage you can afford to give yourself the greatest amount of protection and peace of mind. At The Lesser Agency, we'll work with your budget to create an Illinois homeowner insurance policy that works for you. Call 847-675-3111 today to get started.