5 Money Saving Ideas Guaranteed to Lower Car Insurance Costs in Elma

If online car insurance comparisons are new to you, it's easy to get confused by the vast number of car insurance companies competing for business in Elma.

Finding the best rates in Elma is easy if you know what you're doing. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. But Iowa consumers do need to know the methods companies use to market on the web.

car insurance in Elma

Vehicle Insurance Comparison

All major car insurance companies give insurance quotes on the web. Getting quotes doesn't take much effort as you just enter your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. After the form is submitted, the system will obtain information on your driving record and credit history and provides a quote based on these and other factors.

This makes it a lot easier to compare rates but the work required to visit many different websites and fill out multiple forms is monotonous and tiresome. But it's very important to have as many quotes as possible in order to get the best price on car insurance.

The preferred way to compare rates is to use a quote form that gets prices from several companies at one time. The form is fast, requires much less work on your part, and makes rate comparisons much easier. After your information is entered, your coverage is rated and you are able to buy any or none of the resulting price quotes. If the quotes result in lower rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. This process can be completed in a matter of minutes and you will know how your current rates stack up.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and enter your information. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you complete the form with just like they are on your policy. This makes sure you will have rate quotes for the exact same coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies don't list all available discounts very well, so the following is a list of both the well known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

  • Defensive Driving Course - Taking part in a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Air Bag Discount - Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of more than 20%.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.
  • Good Student - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up to age 25.
  • Save with a New Car - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less due to better safety requirements for new cars.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To choose insurers with the best car insurance discounts in Iowa, click here to view.

How can 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm save drivers who switch?

21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on television and other media. All the companies make an identical promise that you'll save big if you move your policy. But how can every company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. A good example of a profitable customer might be over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and has excellent credit. Any new insured who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who are not a match for this ideal profile must pay more money and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can make those claims. This illustrates why you need to compare many company's rates. It's just too difficult to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Tailor your coverage to you

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is no "best" method to buy coverage. Everyone's needs are different.

For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you could use an agent's help.

  • Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Should I buy only the required Iowa minimum liability coverage?
  • Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
  • What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

More detailed Iowa car insurance information can be read at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Visitors are able to discover disciplinary actions, find out industry alerts, and download brochures.

Other informative sites include this resource for Iowa car insurance prices and this link which helps you find a Elma agent.

Iowa car insurance

Affordable insurance is out there

Budget-conscious car insurance is definitely available both online in addition to many Elma insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

We just covered many tips how you can compare car insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the better your comparison will be. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company.

People who switch companies do it for many reasons like questionable increases in premium, poor customer service, extreme rates for teen drivers or even high prices. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding the right car insurance provider is easier than you think.