Tightwads Tips for Saving on Dubuque Auto Insurance

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can dwindle your personal savings and make it impossible to make ends meet. Comparing price quotes is a smart way to tighten up your finances. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and though it is a good thing to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Dubuque is quite easy. If you have a current auto insurance policy or need a new policy, you can follow these tips to find better prices and possibly find even better coverage. Iowa drivers only need an understanding of the tricks to compare prices over the internet.

How much can you save with discounts?

Companies don't always list every discount very clearly, so here is a list both well-publicized as well as the least known auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.
  • Distant Student - Children who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Paperwork-free - A handful of insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing over the internet.
  • Driver Safety - Taking part in a course in driver safety could cut 5% off your bill and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Low Mileage Discounts - Fewer annual miles can qualify you for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Iowa, follow this link.

compare Dubuque auto insurance rates

Free Quotes for Auto Insurance in Dubuque, Iowa

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can take hours if you aren't aware of the most efficient way to do it. You can waste a lot of time driving to local insurance agents in Dubuque, or you could save time and use online quoting to achieve your goal.

Many insurance companies belong to an insurance system that allows shoppers to only type in their quote data once, and every company provides a quote for coverage. This eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions for each company you want a rate for.

To submit your quote information now, click to open in new window.

The only drawback to using this type of form is you don't know exactly which carriers to get quotes from. So if you want to choose specific insurance companies to receive pricing from, we have a listing of auto insurance companies in Iowa. Click to view list.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make darn sure you compare identical information with each company. If you use higher or lower deductibles it's impossible to make an equal comparison in Dubuque.

You have some control over your rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to big savings.

  • Save money with special equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
  • Mature drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Iowa are known to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Parents adding a young driver to your auto insurance policy can be quite pricey. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Most insurance companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles not used for work or commuting can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because it can save money.
  • Your spouse saves you money - Being married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature and responsible and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Little extras can really add up - There are a ton of add-on coverages that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.

How much car insurance do I need?

When choosing proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions may help you determine if your insurance needs may require specific advice.

  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in Iowa?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
  • Is my vehicle covered for flood damage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Iowa consumers can't get away from ads for car insurance savings by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing of big savings after switching to their company.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A driver who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't meet these standards will be quoted more money which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. This is how insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

In the end, you save

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective auto insurance can be purchased online and also from your neighborhood Dubuque agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these smaller companies work with independent agents.

Dubuque auto insurance comparison

More sites with auto insurance information

More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Iowa consumers can view a list of available companies, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.