Finding Cheap Stratford Auto Insurance

Nobody looks forward to buying auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much. There are many to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

Shopping for the cheapest coverage in Stratford is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have insurance now or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to get lower rates and possibly find even better coverage. Iowa vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to shop for auto insurance online.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Special features that cut premiums - Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft features such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent your car from being stolen.
Better credit means lower rates - Having a bad credit score is a big factor in determining your rates. If your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with poor credit.
Discounts for multiple policies - Most companies provide better rates to customers who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.
With age comes lower rates - Teen drivers in Iowa are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Having to add a teen driver to your policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets.

These discounts can lower your rates

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available that many people don't even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply when you quote, but a few must be manually applied prior to getting the savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Military Rewards - Having a deployed family member could mean lower rates.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Save over 55 - If you're over the age of 55, you may qualify for reduced rates.
Good Student - This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.
Organization Discounts - Participating in a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
Passive Restraints - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
Payment Discounts - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
Paperwork-free - A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Low Mileage Discounts - Driving fewer miles could be rewarded with lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down the cost of coverage.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Iowa, follow this link.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Iowa consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing that you'll save big if you switch to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a driver they prefer could possibly be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That is how companies can make the claims of big savings.

This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.

Different people need different coverages

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For instance, these questions might point out whether you might need professional guidance.

Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Iowa?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Iowa?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?

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 an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

For more Iowa car insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Iowa is located on the website for the Iowa Insurance Division found here. Iowa consumers can view a list of available companies, find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

A tidy conclusion

As you shop your coverage around, it's very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Discount auto insurance can be found online and with local Stratford insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.