Navy Pier Fireworks

September 17th

600 E. Grand Ave.

9:00 P.M.

Enjoy the good weather while it lasts and make your way to Navy Pier where they will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a fireworks show, accompanied by a tribute to Latin music.

¡Salsation! Theatre Company Presents: Facebooked & Fingerprinted

September 28th

Columbia College Chicago
618 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor – Stage Two
6:30 P.M.

This Latino theater company performs original comedy shows. This show will examine Latinos in the 21st century. Admission is free!

McCormick’s Center for the Study of Latin@ Theology and Ministry

October 1st and October 15th

5460 S. University Ave.

10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Taken from the three-part program “Community, Campus, and Crisis” this explores events surrounding the Yong Lords street gang’s occupation of McCormick’s Stone administration building, which was considered a rough time in the seminary’s history.

¡Mujeres!

October 1st

Harris Theater at Millennium Park
205 E. Randolph Dr.

8:00 P.M.
The Luna Negra Dance Theater is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a program that highlights iconic painter Frida Kahlo, Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide and the first queen of pre-modern Spain, Juana la Loca. Tickets are required for this event.

Vive la Hispanidad: 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

October 14th

108 W. Germania Place

6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
This event closes the celebration in Gold Coast. Come celebrate with artists, literature, music and various Latin foods.

www.nbclatino.com

Chicago Bears at Soldier Field

After a great college football kick-off weekend, football fans—ourselves included—are eager to see the NFL start back up.  It’s been fun watching the exhibition games and keeping up with pre-season developments, but there’s nothing like watching the Bears take over Soldier Field!

We’re especially excited to see Bears’ newcomer, Jay Cutler, take the field.  As starting quarterback, expectations are high for Cutler.  And, now that Mike Martz is out of the picture (we think we’ll like him better as an analyst for Fox), we can expect Cutler will come to full fruition.  Also, now that the Bears have Cutler as quarterback, we think Robbie Gould—one of the greatest kickers—will finally get a much-deserved break!

Unfortunately, wide receiver Johnny Knox is not going to be with the Bears for the first six weeks (or more) of the season.  As Knox recovers from his back injury, the team’s offense won’t be at its full potential.  Nevertheless, we expect to see a strong passing game.

We’re especially excited about NFL rookie, Alshon Jeffery.  As a WR, he’ll be a big help to Cutler and the team while Knox recovers.  Of course, he isn’t Cutler’s only exciting option.  We’re expecting big performances from Earl Bennett (a Vanderbilt grad like Cutler) and Hester Marshall.

You can expect Bears traffic to be… well, nightmarish, as usual, with fans from the suburbs and all over the mid-west driving in on game day weekend.  Chicago auto insurance buyers should remember to be especially careful driving around the Loop area!  If you’re going to one of the games this season, remember that the Illinois Vehicle location closest to Soldier Field is at 100 W Randolph in the Loop.  Stop by and see us anytime if you need assistance!

Keep these tips in mind as you care for your car this football season. And, of course, if you haven’t bought car insurance in Chicago, don’t delay… it’s just too risky!  Also, if you aren’t following us on Twitter, make sure to do so! Stay safe, drive happy, and Go Bears in 2012!

Car insurance in Chicago isn’t always going to cover issues related to overheating.  So, it’s important to understand the necessary steps for handling the situation.  When you go through these 4 steps, you reduce the risk of overheating, and you reduce the risk of a big repair shop bill.

1. The first thing you should do is turn off your air conditioning, which can be taxing on an over-worked engine.  Yes, it’s hot outside, and you may sweat.  But, you’re saving your engine!

2. If you think that sounds warm, you’re not going to like this next step.  Turn on the heat.  The heat that comes through your vents is drawn off of your engine.  While that’s a warm and fuzzy feeling in winter, it doesn’t have quite the same effect in the summer.  However, facts are facts.  It’s critical that you start blowing heat to cool things down!

3. Rev your engine in neutral or park.  This will help move cool water and air through your engine.

4. Lastly, stay off those brakes as much as possible.  You might irritate your fellow Chicago auto insurance customers, but you’ll save your engine.

Of course, if these four steps fail to get things under control, then you need to pull over, turn off the car, and wait for things to cool down naturally.  Also, get your coolant checked as soon as possible!

Don’t forget about these four tips when facing the end of summer.  And, of course, if you haven’t purchased car insurance in Chicago yet, don’t forget to do so immediately!  Lastly, be sure to follow us on Twitter! Stay safe, and drive happy for the remainder of Summer 2012!

Deep Dish Pizza

Of course, deep-dish pizza is what Chicago does best.  However, don’t be tricked into eating at any Chicago pizza joint with an Italian name.  There are a few that really stand out from the crowd, making a name for themselves throughout the city and the rest of the world.  Lou Malnati’s is world-famous for creating some of the best deep-dish pizza in the world.  Also famous is the ever-popular Gino’s East.

Chicago Dogs

However, pizza isn’t the only thing that the Windy City is known for.  Many Chicagoans are trapped in a vicious love affair with the city’s many hotdog stands.  However, declaring a “best hot dog stand” is about as dangerous as claiming to know the “best deep dish pizza place.”  Chicagoans’ loyalties run deep when it comes to these loaded hot dogs.

A few favorite hot dog joints in the city… Hot Doug’s, which names many of their hotdogs (and they have a lot of hotdogs) after celebrities, and Superdawg, a hotdog joint with more style points than any other one we’ve heard of!

Other Foods

But don’t forget, Illinois isn’t just about the junk food!  Between Chinatown and the Wicker Park neighborhood, you can stay busy driving from one restaurant to the next for weeks on end – just keep your Chicago auto insurance up to date, and hit the road!

Use these tips to hit the best foodie spots around Chicago, and maybe discover a few gems of your own! And if you don’t already have car insurance in Chicago you’ll want to get in touch right away (or follow us on Twitter) to ensure the best coverage. Stay safe and eat well in 2012!

Historical Springfield: If you grew up in Illinois, you’re probably familiar with the home of Abraham Lincoln from various field trips.  If you’re an Illinois transplant (or, if it’s been a while) make sure to check out this birthplace of American history.  However, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Springfield, IL.  The city is full of beautiful parks and footbridges.

Chicago: Of course, for those who don’t live anywhere near the Windy City, Chicago is a big destination.  Visit the beach near Chicago and spend some time on the water to make the most of your summertime visit.  Also, check out Millennium Park, and grab some pizza from one of the world-famous pizzerias in the Loop.  Before you visit Chicago, make sure your auto insurance is up to date!

Crystal Lake: Crystal Lake, a historic town about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, is a popular destination for many Chicago-area vacationers.  However, it’s not nearly as trafficked as many of the other water spots in the area.  The fun parks, great restaurants, and unique shopping make Crystal Lake a destination the whole family can enjoy.

If you need Chicago auto insurance, be sure to get everything updated before heading out on one of these weekend trips.

Keep these tips in mind when getting ready to keep your car in tip-top shape for the new year. And need we remind you—if you haven’t gotten car insurance in Chicago yet, (or follows us on Twitter) make sure to do so soon! Stay safe and drive happy in 2012!

However, in order to insure that you and your pet enjoy traveling in the car for many years to come, it’s important to keep in mind these safety tips!

- You should never leave a pet unattended in the car.  Of course, you might be leaving your car vulnerable to some internal pet damage!  However, the issue is much more serious than torn vinyl or chewed-up leather.  In summer months especially, pets can quickly die from the heat that becomes trapped in a car left unattended.  It’s a tragic accident when this happens, and it’s easy to prevent.  Don’t leave pets unattended!

- Be careful of letting your dog hang outside the window.  While dogs tend to love doing this, you never know when a sharp, unexpected turn can cause your dog to lose balance, and fly out of the vehicle.  For the same reason, dogs should never be allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup truck.  It’s just not worth the risk.

- Make sure to carry food and water for your pet – especially if you’re going on a road trip.  You never know when you might get into terrible traffic on the highway because of construction or an accident.  Having food and water available can make the experience less stressful.  Also, don’t forget whatever items you use to clean up after your pet!

Keep these little tips in mind when road-tripping with your pet this summer. And if (worst case scenario) you run into trouble on the road, you’ll want to have quality car insurance in Chicago ! You can also find us on Twitter for more tips and information. Stay safe and drive happy in 2012!

 
However, for those who love the open road, there’s little more exciting than making the drive from Illinos down to the Mexican border.  However, don’t let your trip be ruined by making a fairly innocent assumption!  Most drivers are under the assumption that their Chicago auto insurance will cover them in Mexico.  However, that’s simply not the case.

If you’re traveling to Mexico in your car, then you need Mexico auto insurance coverage.  The penalties for driving in Mexico without the proper auto insurance can be hefty, so you definitely don’t want to leave out this key element when planning your trip.

Purchasing Mexico tourist insurance can be challenging once you get close to the southern border.  So, in order to make your trip as smooth and convenient as possible, we’ve decided to start offering Mexico auto insurance.  We’ll even give you a free quote!

Not only will our Mexico tourist insurance keep you in line with Mexico’s automobile laws, but it will also cover your vehicle and any associated costs should you get into an accident.  Coverage begins as soon as you cross the border, so you should have nothing to worry about! Also, your coverage is prefigured to last the duration of your trip, so you don’t spend any more than you have to in order to get the coverage you need.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get started with us today on getting the coverage you need to stay safe in Mexico!

Remember to always check the insurance laws when you’re planning a trip—though we’ve got you covered! And just to reiterate, if you don’t yet have car insurance in Chicago, (or follow us on Twitter) make sure to get in touch! Stay safe and vacation well this summer!

While there’s not much you can do about the weather, there is something you can do for your car! Remember to keep your Chicago auto insurance and routine maintenance up to date! But today, let’s talk about some of the fun summer car accessories you might enjoy!

Keeping Cool

Definitely think about investing in a windshield sun shade. As you’re enjoying the sand and water, your car is baking in the hot sun. Keeping as much sunlight out of your car as possible is one of the best ways you can keep things cool.

Keeping Clean

Speaking of sand and water, you’ll want to make sure you protect your car’s interior. If you have kids or dogs, you know what a difficult task this can be! Get a set of rubber floor mats for your car. They’ll help keep sand and water out of the interior and they’re easy to remove and clean. We’ve had sets that last for years!

Keeping Cool (Again)

Lastly, you can add comfort and style to your car this summer by adding steering wheel and seat covers. If your car has leather seats then you definitely know the discomfort of coming back to a hot car, only to find the seats and steering wheel to hot to touch! Get a steering wheel cover and seat covers for the two front seats, and you won’t ever have this problem again. Plus, you extend the life of the leather in your car!

Keep these tips in mind when gearing up to keep your car in tip-top shape for summer. And need we remind you—if you haven’t gotten car insurance in Chicago yet, (or follows us on Twitter) make sure to do so! Stay safe and drive happy in 2012!

4 Tips You Have to Know

1. Keep your car covered, if at all possible. Sun and hot weather can cause fading, cracking, and damage to your car’s interior. If you can store your car in a garage, then do so. However, if your car has to be left outside with no cover, try using a heat-reflecting windshield insert. Not only will it help keep your car cooler, but it will also help save the interior from damage.

2. Check belts and hoses under the hood. With the intense heat we face this summer, heat may weaken belts and hoses, causing them to be less resistant to the pressure and tension they are regularly able to endure. If these need to be changed, go ahead and do them now to prevent further damage from happening to your car.

3. Fluid levels are probably the most common concern for car owners. Coolant levels can be a big concern for those who own older vehicles that are more susceptible to overheating. Monitor these levels every few days, especially if you’re driving a lot during the afternoons.

4. Check tire pressure. With the intense heat, it’s advisable to fill your tires on the lower end of your recommended tire pressure. When you drive on asphalt during the summer, the heat will cause the air in your tires to expand. Keep them inflated at a slightly lower level than you would during the winter.

With these suggestions, and a little common sense, you should be able to keep your car in great condition this summer, and year round! If something goes wrong, make sure you have car insurance in Chicago (and follow us on Twitter too! Happy driving in 2012!

You need the On the Way App, a free and easy-to-use website powered by Google Maps (though not a Google product).  The site is called an “app” even though it doesn’t appear that the designers have made an official smartphone app yet.  However, as successful as the site has been, we think an app will be forthcoming sometime soon!

What does it do?

With On the Way App, you simply plug in your Starting Point and Destination (just like you would with Google Maps), and then click Show Me What’s On the Way.

The site then produces several different possible routes and also lets you add a waypoint to your route.  Choose your route and then click Alright, Show Me Stuff.

This past weekend, after a little Chicago auto insurance business, we decided to test out the On the Way App by planning a short road trip from Chicago, IL to Aurora, IL.  The app offered plenty of interesting destination choices.  We chose to visit the Brookfield Zoo and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio on the first leg of our trip, and then IKEA on the second leg!

The fact that the app will divide up your trip into different legs makes it a lot easier to select sites to see and things to do.  After we chose our three destinations, a simple click delivers a detailed roadmap and directions, making for a great day-long road trip.

Keep these tips in mind when gearing up to keep your car in tip-top shape for 2012. And need we remind you—if you haven’t gotten car insurance in Chicago yet (or follow us on Twitter), make sure to do so! Stay safe and drive happy!