I see your logic, but honestly, it's not just about the math. I've done plenty of road trips through Illinois winters, and trust me, even a minor slide on black ice can turn into a major headache. Sure, you might save money skipping collision coverage, but step-by-step: imagine sliding into a guardrail or ditch (been there...), then factor in towing fees, repairs, or even replacing the car entirely. Suddenly that "saved" premium doesn't look so great. Just something to think about before dropping coverage altogether.
Yeah, I get what you're saying about black ice—it's sneaky stuff. Last winter, I barely tapped a curb sliding on a side street, seemed minor at first, but ended up bending the axle. Repairs weren't cheap... kinda wish I'd had better coverage then.
"Last winter, I barely tapped a curb sliding on a side street, seemed minor at first, but ended up bending the axle."
Ouch, that's rough... black ice really doesn't mess around. I've seen plenty of similar cases—folks assume a little bump won't do much damage, then boom, they're looking at a pretty hefty bill. Happens more often than you'd think. Illinois insurance can be confusing, but basically, it's all about knowing exactly what's covered and what's not. A lot of people skip comprehensive or collision coverage to save a few bucks upfront, but moments like these make you realize it's worth considering. Honestly, having better coverage might've saved you from that axle headache (and the wallet-ache, too). Anyway, glad you're okay... axles can be replaced easier than bones!
Yeah, black ice can really sneak up on you. I had a client last year who slid into a mailbox—didn't even dent the mailbox, but somehow managed to mess up their suspension pretty badly. They were shocked when the repair bill came in. It's always those little bumps that seem harmless at first, right?
You're spot-on about Illinois insurance being tricky. A lot of folks think they're fully covered because they have liability, but liability alone won't cover your own vehicle damage. Collision coverage is what kicks in for incidents like yours—sliding into curbs, poles, or even other parked cars. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, usually covers things like theft, vandalism, or hitting animals. Did you double-check your policy afterward to see exactly what was included?
One thing people often overlook is their deductible amount. Sometimes folks set it super high to lower their monthly premiums, which makes sense until something unexpected happens. Then they're stuck paying a big chunk out-of-pocket before insurance even helps out. Did you find yourself in that situation too?
Also, just a heads-up: if you ever do file a claim for something like this, it's worth asking your insurer how it'll affect your rates down the line. Some companies offer accident forgiveness programs or minor accident waivers, but others might bump your premiums significantly—even for something relatively small.
Glad you're okay though... cars are replaceable and fixable, even if it's a pain in the moment.
"Sometimes folks set it super high to lower their monthly premiums, which makes sense until something unexpected happens."
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way myself. Thought I was saving money until I clipped a curb in icy weather—ended up paying nearly the whole repair myself. Illinois winters, man...
