Car Insurance FAQ

A: When you apply for a personal or commercial automobile insurance policy at R Hobbs Insurance Agency, you will be asked a number of questions. For example, we will ask your name, age, gender, address, etc. You will also be asked a series of other questions which will be used to determine the best company for you, and your insurance premium.

When one of our companies is deciding whether or not to offer personal or commercial automobile insurance to a potential customer, they want to know about previous automobile claims, driving records for each driver in the household or business, the prior insurance carrier and coverage, and the cars to be insured.

R Hobbs Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency so we offer a variety of programs for different clients. Adults with good driving records will generally pay less for car insurance, than young drivers with traffic tickets and/or accidents. In order to determine the best company for you, we will need basic information about you, your vehicle, and your driving record.

Q: What are the advantages to using an agent to purchase insurance?

A: By using an independent agent, such as R Hobbs Insurance Agency, the policyholder receives more personalized service. Having direct contact with us can be very important when purchasing insurance, and absolutely necessary when filing a claim. We are able to deliver quality insurance in Illinois and Wisconsin with competitive pricing and customized service. We will also review your policy at each renewal to make sure you are getting the best protection for the best premium.

A: Most states have insurance laws that require drivers to have automobile liability insurance. These laws were enacted to ensure that victims of car accidents receive compensation when their losses are caused by the actions of a negligent individual.

Sometimes, the cost of repairing the damages to an older car is greater than its value. In these cases, if you have full coverage, your insurer will usually just "total" the car and give you a check for the car’s market value less the deductible. Many people with older cars decide not to purchase any physical damage coverage.

Q: What is the difference between collision coverage and comprehensive coverage?

A: Collision is defined as losses you incur when your car collides into another car or object. For example, if you hit a car in a parking lot, the damages to your car will be paid under your collision coverage.

Comprehensive provides coverage for mostly other direct physical damage losses you could incur, including fire, theft, vandalism, and glass breakage. For example, damage to your car from a hailstorm will be covered under your comprehensive coverage.

Q: What factors can affect the cost of my car insurance in Illinois or Wisconsin?

A: A number of factors can affect the cost of your car insurance in Illinois or Wisconsin -- some of which you can control and some that are beyond your control.

The type of car you drive, the purpose the car serves, your driving record, and where the car is garaged can all affect how much your car insurance will cost.