Car Insurance in Independence - 6 Ways to Save Money

Beginners to buying insurance online will discover buying low-cost Independence car insurance quite difficult.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates periodically since rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest rates last year you can probably find a better price now. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because we're going to show you the tricks you need to know to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Independence car insurance quote

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts to reduce the price significantly. Certain discounts will be applied at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked for prior to receiving the credit.

  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
  • Good Student - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Early Switch Discount - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • 55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get better car insurance rates.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Some companies give a break if you buy auto and life insurance together.

It's important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you're out of luck. But any discount will help reduce the amount you have to pay.

To choose providers who offer car insurance discounts in Iowa, follow this link.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the ads say the same thing that you can save after switching to their company. But how can every company make the same claim?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has great credit. Any new insured who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Potential customers who don't qualify for this ideal profile will be charged higher prices which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can advertise the savings.

That is why you should compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Insurance agents can help

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no "perfect" insurance plan. Everyone's needs are different.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Should I buy only the required Iowa minimum liability coverage?
  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Iowa?
  • Should I buy additional glass protection?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form.

Additional Iowa consumer information

More information can be found on the Iowa Insurance Division website located here. Consumers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about a company, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other informative sites include NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Independence insurance agents.

Iowa car insurance

Affordable insurance is out there

As you prepare to switch companies, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

You just learned many ways to save on car insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from a small local company.

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, high prices, policy non-renewal or even denial of a claim. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.