Easy Techniques to Save Money on Colfax Auto Insurance

Finding better rates for Colfax auto insurance is nearly impossible for people who are new to comparison shopping online. People have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a ton of work to compare prices in Colfax.

It's important to compare rates before your policy renews because prices are constantly changing. Just because you had the best rates a year ago you may be paying too much now. You can find a lot of wrong information about auto insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to slash your auto insurance rates.

If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. The purpose of this article is to let you in on the most effective way to quote insurance and some tricks to saving. But Iowa drivers do need to know how companies sell insurance online.

How to Compare Colfax Auto Insurance Rates

Most major insurance companies such as State Farm and Allstate give prices directly from their websites. This process is quite easy as you simply enter into the quote form. Behind the scenes, the company's rating system will obtain credit information and your driving record and gives you a price quote.

Online price quotes simplifies rate comparisons, but the process of having to visit several different sites and fill out multiple forms is not the best way to spend an afternoon. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible in order to get a lower rate.

A less time-consuming method to lower your auto insurance bill uses one form that analyzes rates from a lot of companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates form submissions, and makes online shopping much easier to do. After your information is entered, your coverage is rated and you can choose any of the returned quotes. If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can click and sign and purchase the new policy. This process can be completed in a matter of minutes and you will know how your current rates stack up.

To find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and fill out the form. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend that you enter the coverages just like they are on your policy. This way, you will be getting rate comparison quotes based on similar coverages.

Iowa auto insurance

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

Listed below are some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

  • How credit affects auto insurance rates - Your credit score is a huge factor in your rate calculation. Therefore, if your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could be paying less to insure your by repairing your credit. Drivers who have high credit ratings tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims as compared to drivers with poor credit.
  • Small claims can cost you - Insurance companies in Iowa generally give better rates to people who are claim-free. If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance is designed for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Careful drivers pay lower rates - Your driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Even a single ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Careful drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than bad drivers. Drivers who get serious violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
  • Drive a safer car and pay less - Safer cars get lower rates. Safer cars reduce injuries and lower injury rates translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and lower rates for you.
  • Bump up deductibles to save - Physical damage insurance, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply could be running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and burglary. The deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay before a claim is paid by your company. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Drive less and save money - The more miles you rack up on your car every year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Cars that are left in the garage get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance policy is showing how each vehicle is driven.
  • Are you male or female? - The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. That doesn't necessarily mean that men are worse drivers. Men and women cause accidents at a similar rate, but men cause more damage. Men also get more serious tickets such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers tend to get in the most accidents and thus pay the highest rates.
  • Type of vehicle determines base rates - The make and model of the car you drive makes a substantial difference in your rates. Economy passenger cars generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't list every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and the harder-to-find discounts you could be receiving.

  • Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Vehicles with factory air bags can get savings of more than 20%.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
  • Low Mileage - Driving fewer miles could qualify for a substantially lower rate.
  • Life Insurance Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy life insurance from them.
  • One Accident Forgiven - A few companies will allow you to have one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
  • Early Signing - Select companies give a discount for switching policies before your current policy expires. This can save 10% or more.
  • Seat Belt Usage - Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts can save up to 15% off your medical payments premium.
  • Student Driver Training - Require your teen driver to take driver's ed class in school.
  • Club Memberships - Participating in certain professional organizations may earn a discount on your policy.
  • Service Members Pay Less - Being deployed with a military unit could mean lower rates.

Drivers should understand that some credits don't apply to the entire cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

For a list of providers offering auto insurance discounts in Colfax, click here.

More detailed Iowa auto insurance information can be read at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Iowa consumers can find out industry alerts, download brochures, and file complaints about a company.

Final considerations

You just read a lot of ways to lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even find the most savings is with a lesser-known regional company.

Drivers switch companies for any number of reasons including poor customer service, extreme rates for teen drivers, delays in responding to claim requests and delays in paying claims. It doesn't matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is not as hard as you think.

Budget-conscious auto insurance is available online and also from your neighborhood Colfax agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some companies may not provide online quoting and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.