Comparing can seem difficult if you haven’t ever compared insurance using online quoting. But don’t be overwhelmed because finding lower rates is actually fairly simple.
If you have a policy now or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to reduce the price you pay and still get good coverage. Shopping for affordable protection in Algona is easy if you know what you’re doing. Iowa vehicle owners just need to know the proper way to get comparison quotes over the internet.
The quickest way to get policy rate comparisons is to know the fact car insurance companies participate in a system to compare rate quotes. The only thing you need to do is give them some information such as whether you drive to work or school, the year, make and model of vehicles, distance driven, and driver details. That information is sent automatically to multiple top-rated companies and you receive quotes instantly to find the best rate.
To compare multiple company rates now, click here then complete the form.
Why you might not save $388 a year
Iowa drivers can’t get away from all the ads that claim the lowest car insurance rates by Progressive, Allstate and Geico. All the ads make the same claim about how much you will save if you change your coverage to them.
How do they all charge lower premium rates? It’s all in how they say it.
Many companies are able to cherry pick for the type of customer that earns them the most money. For example, a profitable risk profile may need to be married and over the age of 30, has never had a policy lapse, and has excellent credit. A driver who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will save when switching.
Drivers who do not fit this ideal profile will get higher premium rates and ends up with the customer buying from a different company. The ad wording is “customers that switch” but not “everyone who gets a quote” save that much money. That is how insurance companies can state the savings.
Because of this risk profiling, you really should compare price quotes frequently. Because you never know the company that will have the lowest rates.
Drivers save money with with these six discounts
Auto insurance is not inexpensive, but you might find some hidden discounts to reduce the price significantly. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time you complete a quote, but some must be asked for prior to receiving the credit.
- Low Mileage – Low annual miles could qualify for substantially lower prices.
- Telematics Data – People who choose to allow their auto insurance company to analyze vehicle usage by using a telematic data system such as In-Drive from State Farm or Allstate’s Drivewise system could possibly reduce rates if their driving habits are good.
- Multi-car Discount – Buying a policy with more than one vehicle on the same auto insurance policy can reduce the rates for all insured vehicles.
- Bundle and Save – If you combine your auto and home policies and insure them with the same company you could earn a discount of as much as 10 to 15 percent.
- Discounts for Cautious Drivers – Safe drivers can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accident claims.
- Mature Driver Discount – Seniors can get a slight reduction on a .
A quick disclaimer, some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates it’s possible to get free car insurance, that’s just not realistic.
A few of the larger companies and a partial list of their discounts are shown below.
- Progressive includes discounts for online signing, good student, multi-vehicle, homeowner, online quote discount, and continuous coverage.
- AAA may include discounts for multi-policy, multi-car, AAA membership discount, anti-theft, education and occupation, good driver, and good student.
- Farmers Insurance may have discounts that include business and professional, homeowner, youthful driver, mature driver, bundle discounts, and teen driver.
- Geico may offer discounts for defensive driver, membership and employees, multi-policy, federal employee, and driver training.
- Esurance discounts include multi-car, anti-lock brakes, renters, Pac-12 alumni, DriveSense, good driver, and defensive driver.
- SAFECO offers discounts for anti-theft, safe driver, bundle discounts, accident prevention training, teen safety rewards, and teen safe driver.
- State Farm has savings for Steer Clear safe driver discount, Drive Safe & Save, safe vehicle, defensive driving training, good driver, multiple autos, and accident-free.
When comparing rates, check with all companies you are considering the best way to save money. Some discounts might not be available to policyholders in Algona. To see a list of insurers who offer cheap auto insurance quotes in Iowa, click this link.
Are insurance agencies a thing of the past?
Certain consumers just want to sit down with an agent and doing that can be a smart decision Agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. An additional benefit of comparing rate quotes online is that you can obtain lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying insurance from neighborhood insurance agencies is definitely important in Algona.
Once you complete this quick form, the quote information is immediately sent to local insurance agents that give free quotes for your business. It makes it easy because there is no need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent to you. If you want to compare rates for a specific company, don’t hesitate to navigate to their website and complete a quote there.
When looking for a local Algona insurance agent, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Auto insurance agencies are categorized either captive or independent agents depending on their company appointments. Both types can sell auto insurance policies, but it’s important to point out how they differ since it could factor into the type of agent you choose.
Independent Auto Insurance Agents (or Brokers)
Agents of this type can sell policies from many different companies so they can write business with multiple insurance companies and find you the best rates. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move your policy to a different company and you don’t have to switch agencies.
If you need cheaper auto insurance rates, you absolutely need to include price quotes from several independent agencies to ensure the widest selection of prices. A lot of them also have access to mutual insurance companies which can save you money.
Shown below is a partial list of independent agents in Algona that may be able to give free auto insurance quotes.
- Helmers Insurance – 420 E Call St – Algona, IA 50511 – (515) 295-6969
- Sundet-Omdahl Insurance Inc – 311 E Call St – Algona, IA 50511 – (515) 295-7707
Captive Agencies
Captive agencies can usually just insure with one company like Allstate, State Farm and Farm Bureau. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. Captive agents are well trained in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Many people choose to use a captive agent partially due to the brand name and strong financial ratings.
Below are Algona captive agencies that are able to give comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 105 S Phillips St – Algona, IA 50511 – (515) 295-5855
To contact insurance agents in your neighborhood, see this list of Algona Iowa auto insurance agents.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent is decision based upon more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- What insurance companies do they work with in Algona?
- Does the quote include credit and driving reports?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Are there any discounts for paying up front?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Is there a local claims center in Algona?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
Your situation helps dictate your coverage
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s needs are different.
For instance, these questions might help in determining whether your personal situation might need professional guidance.
- When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
- Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
- Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
- Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
- When would I need rental car insurance?
- Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.
Additional auto insurance information can be found on the website for the Iowa Insurance Division. Click here for link. Consumers can find out industry alerts, read state legal mandates and laws, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and learn about insurance regulations.
Auto insurance specifics
Having a good grasp of auto insurance can help you determine the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Auto insurance terms can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)
This coverage pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive can pay for things like damage from getting keyed, rock chips in glass, hitting a deer, damage from a tornado or hurricane and a broken windshield. The maximum amount you’ll receive from a claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Liability
This protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property that is your fault. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. Your policy might show values of 100/300/100 which stand for $100,000 bodily injury coverage, a per accident bodily injury limit of $300,000, and a total limit of $100,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL which combines the three limits into one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability coverage pays for claims like legal defense fees, emergency aid and bail bonds. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as high a limit as you can afford. Iowa requires drivers to carry at least 20,000/40,000/15,000 but you should consider buying more coverage.
Insurance for medical payments
Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for expenses for funeral costs, rehabilitation expenses, dental work, pain medications and hospital visits. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance
Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection from other drivers when they do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Due to the fact that many Iowa drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (Iowa limits are 20/40/15), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family. Frequently these coverages are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.
Auto collision coverage
This pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from colliding with an object or car. A deductible applies and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision can pay for things such as hitting a mailbox, sustaining damage from a pot hole and backing into a parked car. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. You can also raise the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
We just showed you quite a bit of information on how to get a better price on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better chance you’ll have of finding . You may be surprised to find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising.
People who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, extreme rates for teen drivers, high prices and lack of trust in their agent. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new company can be easier than you think.
When getting , it’s a bad idea to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many cases where someone sacrificed physical damage coverage to discover at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.