Let's face it; auto insurance is not the topic of conversation you want to have when you're chillin' out at Da Cubs game. But the reality is your Illinois auto insurance premium is a subject that should be examined closely. Your Illinois auto insurance rates will be based on a myriad of factors like your gender, credit score, and what you drive and where you drive it. Take a closer look at these determinants to get a better understanding of what goes into setting your rate.

Gender
Statistics have shown that male drivers have more accidents than female drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 71 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2008 were males. The IIHS reasons, "Men typically drive more miles than women and more often engage in risky driving practices including not using seat belts, driving while impaired by alcohol, and speeding. Crashes involving male drivers often are more severe than those involving female drivers."

Congestion
If you drive regularly in Chicago metropolitan area, the third most congested traffic region in the United States, according to the 2009 INRIX National Traffic Scorecard, you can expect to have higher Illinois auto insurance rates. Traffic congestion means more cars and more drive time; therefore your chances of being involved in an accident are higher. Additionally, if you park your vehicle in a congested city on a regular basis, your vehicle is more exposed to thefts and vandalism, again affecting your insurance rate.

Credit Score
Many Illinois auto insurance companies will use your credit score to determine whether or not they will issue you an insurance policy or to decide on your insurance premium. By reviewing your credit score or insurance score, the company's underwriter can collect your financial responsibility information to make a decision. The healthier your credit score the lower your insurance rate and vice versa.

Type of Vehicle
The make and model of your vehicle is a big determining factor for your Illinois auto insurance rates. American Insurance Association executive Dave Snyder explains, "When a car model first comes out, it's given a symbol by insurance rating organizations that predict its expected costs to insure compared to other vehicle makes and models. As experience accumulates for that make and model, the car may be moved up or down in the ratings and that would affect the cost you pay for comp and collision coverage." Your vehicle can cost more to insure if it is a hot-ticket item for thieves. For example, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and the 2008 Chevrolet Impala were two of the National Insurance Crime Bureau's 2008 Top 10 Hot Wheels in Illinois. If you're driving one of these vehicles you could be paying more for your auto insurance.

Root, Root, Root for Savings
Buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack and don't worry about continually going back to your computer to research Illinois auto insurance rates and coverages on your own. Just one visit to LocalInsurance.com will allot you several quotes from competing companies that match your profile. Just fill out a quick and easy form and representatives will send the results straight to your computer for free.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in Illinois, visit these useful links: