Easy Tips to Save Money on Hawkeye Auto Insurance

If you're new to shopping for auto insurance online, you may be confused because of the huge number of auto insurance companies competing for business in Hawkeye.

It's important to get comparison quotes occasionally because insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to save on auto insurance.

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to shop for the lowest rates and possibly find even better coverage. Buying affordable auto insurance coverage in Hawkeye is simple if you know the tricks. Iowa vehicle owners just need to know the most effective way to compare company rates online.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

Your location is important - Living in a small town can be a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Fewer drivers means reduced accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims. Urban drivers regularly have much more traffic to deal with and much longer commute distances. Higher commute times means higher likelihood of an accident.
Discounts for multiple policies - The majority of auto insurance companies will give a discount to customers who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can be ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even though this discount sounds good, you may still want to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Don't cancel a policy without a new one in place - Driving your car without having proper coverage is a misdemeanor and as a result your rates will increase for letting your insurance expire. Not only will rates go up, getting caught without coverage can result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as doctors, executives and dentists are shown to have the highest average rates attributed to stressful work requirements and long work hours. Other occupations like scientists, historians and the unemployed pay the least.

Finding Auto Insurance in Hawkeye, IA

Shopping for lower auto insurance rates can be challenging if you don't understand the most efficient way to do it. You can spend your afternoon driving to insurance agencies in Hawkeye, or you can utilize online quoting to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.

Most of the larger companies participate in a marketplace that allows shoppers to enter their coverage request one time, and each participating company then returns a price quote determined by their information. This system prevents you from having to do repetitive form submissions to each individual auto insurance company.

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

The only downside to doing it this way is you are unable to specify which providers you want to price. If you would rather choose individual companies to compare, we have a page of low cost auto insurance companies in Iowa. View list of Iowa insurance companies.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make absolute certain that you use exactly the same coverages for each price quote. If your comparisons have different limits and deductibles on each one it will be impossible to truly determine the lowest rate in Hawkeye.

Be sure to get all your discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you get a quote, but some must be manually applied before you will receive the discount. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Seat Belts Save more than Lives - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could save 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
Military Discounts - Having a family member in the military can result in better rates.
Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
Good Student - This discount can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts up to age 25.
Organization Discounts - Participating in a civic or occupational organization could trigger savings on auto insurance.
Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Even though it may seem like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will reduce the amount you have to pay.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Hawkeye, click this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Iowa consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to make the same claim that you'll save big if you move your policy.

How can each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. An example of a desirable insured could possibly be a mature driver, owns a home, and has a short commute. A driver who matches those parameters receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Drivers who don't measure up to the requirements will have to pay higher premiums which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can make the claims of big savings.

Because of the profiling, you need to get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different.

For example, these questions might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Much more information about auto insurance in Iowa is available on the Iowa Insurance Division website through this link. Iowa consumers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, and find a variety of consumer forms.

A tidy conclusion

As you shop your coverage around, it's a bad idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate.

Insureds who switch companies do it for many reasons like policy non-renewal, being labeled a high risk driver, delays in responding to claim requests or even high rates after DUI convictions. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.

Discount auto insurance is definitely available online in addition to many Hawkeye insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.