Easy Tips to Cut Costs on Pomeroy Car Insurance

If shopping for car insurance online is new to you, you may be overwhelmed by the vast number of car insurance companies offering coverage in Pomeroy.

The purpose of this post is to familiarize you with how to effectively get price quotes. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. Iowa vehicle owners just need to know the most effective way to compare company rates online.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that go into determining the rates you pay for car insurance. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that could result in big savings.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting premiums.

  • What are your deductibles? - Deductibles for physical damage represent how much money you are willing to pay in the event of a claim. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, insures against damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply would be colliding with a building, collision with an animal, or theft. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.
  • What type of vehicle do you drive? - The type of car you are insuring makes a huge difference in determining your rates. The most favorable rates tend to be for economy passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • Bad driving skills means higher rates - Careful drivers receive lower rates than bad drivers. Even one ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers with serious tickets like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to continue driving.
  • Your location affects your rates - Living in less populated areas is a positive aspect when talking about car insurance. Drivers who live in large cities regularly have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but there could be available discounts that you may not even be aware of. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you get a quote, but a few need to be asked about before you will receive the discount. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Homeowners Savings - Owning a home in Pomeroy can help you save on car insurance because owning a home is proof that your finances are in order.
  • Early Signing - A few companies offer discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
  • Good Student - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
  • Auto/Home Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
  • Air Bag Discount - Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of more than 20%.
  • Fewer Miles Equal More Savings - Driving fewer miles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • Service Members Pay Less - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
  • Seat Belts Save - Drivers who require all occupants to wear their seat belts can save 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will help reduce the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurers offering car insurance discounts in Iowa, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers in Iowa can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. All the companies make an identical promise that you'll save big if you switch to their company.

But how can every company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer might be a mature driver, a clean driving record, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. Any driver who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Drivers who don't measure up to this ideal profile must pay higher premiums and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how companies can advertise the way they do.

This illustrates why you should compare as many rates as you can. You cannot predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

  • When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Iowa?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?

If you're not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Additional Iowa consumer information

Much more information about car insurance in Iowa can be found on the Iowa Insurance Division website through this link. Visitors are able to report car insurance fraud, learn about specific coverages, and file complaints about a company.

Other informative sites include this page for Iowa car insurance and this page for help finding agents in Pomeroy, IA.

Iowa car insurance

Best coverage at the best price

Budget-conscious car insurance is available both online and also from your neighborhood Pomeroy agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some car insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

We just presented many tips how you can save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may discover the best price on car insurance is with a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.