St Charles Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

If you've never shopped for auto insurance online, it's easy to get overwhelmed because of the huge number of auto insurance companies all offering big savings in St Charles.

It's important to compare rates occasionally because prices are constantly changing. Just because you had the lowest rates a year ago you will most likely find a better rate today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the tricks you need to know to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

Finding affordable coverage in St Charles is not that difficult. Essentially everyone who has to buy auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to reduce their rates. Nevertheless, Iowa consumers do need to know how insurance companies sell insurance online and use this information to your advantage.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but there could be available discounts that you may not even be aware of. Some discounts apply automatically at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be specifically requested prior to receiving the credit.

  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before your rates go up as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Good Student - Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
  • Sign Online - Certain companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Save with a New Car - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Service Members Pay Less - Having a deployed family member could mean lower rates.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, it doesn't quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will bring down your premiums.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you may require specific advice.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Iowa?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings if you switch to their company. How does each company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be over the age of 50, owns a home, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay higher prices which usually ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently make those claims.

Because of the profiling, you should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which company will have the lowest rates.

Additional auto insurance information can be found on the Iowa Insurance Division website found here. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about a company.

St Charles auto insurance quote

Do the work, save more money

Low-cost auto insurance is available both online and also from your neighborhood St Charles agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. Some companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

While you're price shopping online, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many cases, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.

We covered a lot of tips how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the biggest savings come from a small mutual company.