How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in West Des Moines

No one in their right mind likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much.

You have multiple to pick from, and although it's nice to have multiple companies, having more makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to do rate comparisons occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest price on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online, so I'm going to show you some great ways to put money back in your pocket.

Shopping for the lowest cost protection in West Des Moines is easy if you know what you're doing. In a nutshell, everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance will most likely be able to save money. But Iowa vehicle owners do need to know how the larger insurance companies compete online because it can help you find the best coverage.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but you may find discounts to cut the cost considerably. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of quoting, but a few must be inquired about before you will receive the discount.

Bundle and Save - If you have multiple policies with one company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
Anti-lock Brakes - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
College Student - Youth drivers who are attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents pay much less as compared to drivers who are more careless.
Payment Method - By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
Military Rewards - Being deployed with a military unit may qualify for rate reductions.
Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with a qualifying organization may earn a discount on auto insurance.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone's situation is a little different and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation will benefit from professional help.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Iowa?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?

If you can't answer these questions, 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 go here for a list of companies in your area.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. They all seem to have a common claim that you'll save big after switching to them. How does each company say the same thing?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a desirable insured might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will have to pay more money and this can result in business not being written. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can advertise the savings.

Because of the profiling, you should get as many quotes as possible. It's not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

For more Iowa car insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Iowa is located on the website for the Iowa Insurance Division located here. Iowa drivers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on Wikipedia and this West Des Moines agent directory.

Shop smart and save

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.

Throughout this article, we presented a lot of ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may be surprised to find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from some of the lesser-known companies. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates compared to the large companies like .