Easy Ways to Spend Less on Dunlap Car Insurance

Comparison shopping for Dunlap car insurance is a challenge for consumers new to shopping for insurance online. You have so many choices that it can be a challenge to find the best price in Dunlap.

This information will instruct you on the most effective way to quote insurance. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. But Iowa car owners do need to know the way companies sell online.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but discounts can save money and there are some available that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied at the time you complete a quote, but some may not be applied and must be asked about prior to getting the savings.

Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Payment Method - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
One Accident Forgiven - Certain companies allow you one accident before your rates go up if your claims history is clear for a set time period.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one company you will save at least 10% off all policies.
Good Students Pay Less - Performing well in school can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a qualifying organization could trigger savings when shopping for car insurance.
Driver Safety - Successfully completing a driver safety course could save 5% or more if you qualify.
Passive Restraints - Cars that have air bags may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with a few car insurance companies.
Claim Free - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

How to Lower your Car Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that help determine your car insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.

Keep rates low by being claim-free - If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in Iowa give lower rates to people who do not file claims often. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Equipment add-ons that lower car insurance rates - Driving a car with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system all hinder your vehicle from being stolen.
Being married can save on car insurance - Getting married can get you a discount on your car insurance policy. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person and statistics show drivers who are married are more cautious.
Your location affects your rates - Being located in small towns and rural areas can save you money when it comes to car insurance. Drivers in populated areas tend to have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer people means a lower chance of having an accident and a lower car theft rate.
How's your driving record? - A bad driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Drivers who don't get tickets get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. Only having one ticket can bump up the cost by twenty percent. If you have flagrant violations such as DUI or reckless driving may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
Don't sacrifice liability coverage - Liability coverage will protect you when you are found to be at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It provides you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.
Do you need those extra coverages? - There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that can waste your money on your policy. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and additional equipment coverage may be wasting your money. They may seem like a good idea initially, but now you might not need them so eliminate them to save money.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Car insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO continually stream television and radio advertisements. They all make the same claim that you'll save big after switching your coverage to them. How does each company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies can use profiling for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer could be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer who matches those parameters receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted a more expensive rate which leads to business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. That's why companies can advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. Because you never know the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.

More Iowa car insurance information

Much more information about car insurance in Iowa can be read on the Iowa Insurance Division website found here. Consumers can download brochures, view a list of available companies, and get help finding coverage.

Also read more on this site for car insurance rates in Iowa and this list of insurance agents in Dunlap, IA.

Do the work, save more money

Insureds change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and even policy non-renewal. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new car insurance company is less work than it seems.

Budget-conscious car insurance can be sourced from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Dunlap, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some car insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

We just showed you many ideas to reduce car insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more providers you compare, the better your comparison will be. Consumers may even find the lowest rates come from some of the smallest insurance companies.