Professional Tricks to Lower Des Moines, IA Auto Insurance

Finding lower premiums on Des Moines auto insurance can be difficult for consumers new to buying insurance online. People have so many options available that it can be a ton of work to compare prices in Des Moines.

It is always a good idea to get comparison quotes occasionally because insurance rates are usually higher with each renewal. If you had the best rates a few years ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the best way to find great coverage at a great price.

Shopping for more affordable auto insurance coverage in Des Moines can be fairly easy. Essentially every driver who carries auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to find lower rates. Although Iowa drivers need to learn how companies sell insurance online and apply this information to your search.

Comprehensive Des Moines Auto Insurance Comparison

There are several ways to compare rate quotes from local in Des Moines, Iowaauto insurance companies. The simplest method to find the lowest rates consists of obtaining rate quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.

The single most time-saving way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating separate quotes to each individual auto insurance company. Completing one form will return quotes from several companies. Recommended for those who want to invest the least amount of time.
A more time consuming way to compare rate quotes requires a visit to each individual company website and request a quote. For sake of this example, let’s say you want rates from Liberty Mutual, State Farm and Allstate. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, and that’s why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to insurance companies in Des Moines, click here.
The most time-consuming method to compare rates is driving around to local insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you want the personal advice only provided by licensed agents. Drivers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent. We’ll cover that shortly.

Which method you use is up to you, but compare apples-to-apples coverage information for every quote you compare. If you compare different limits and deductibles on each one then you won’t be able to make a fair comparison in Des Moines. Quoting even small variations in coverages may result in a large different in cost. And when comparison shopping, obtaining a wide range of quotes will enable you to find lower pricing.

Save big with these discounts

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but companies offer discounts to help offset the cost. Some discounts apply automatically at quote time, but a few need to be asked for in order for you to get them.

Save with a New Car – Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
Anti-lock Brake Discount – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Passive Restraint Discount – Factory air bags can receive discounts of 20% or more.
Accident Free – Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially as compared to drivers who are more careless.
Lower Rates for Military – Having a deployed family member could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Resident Student – Youth drivers who live away from home without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.
Employee of Federal Government – Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
Early Signing – Some insurance companies reward drivers for signing up prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.

It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So even though they make it sound like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

Won’t my local insurance agent miss me?

Some people just want to buy from a licensed agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for small agencies is important especially in Des Moines.

By using this short form, your information is immediately sent to insurance agents in Des Moines who will give you bids for your business. There is no reason to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

The type of insurance agent you choose is important

When looking for local Des Moines agents, you need to know there are two different agency structures to choose from. Insurance agencies in Des Moines are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive).<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-103.jpg" alt="lower rates in Des Moines” />

Independent Agents

These agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you contact multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. They often place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.

Below are independent insurance agencies in Des Moines that can give you rate quotes.

Jim White Agency Inc – 4000 Ingersoll Ave – Des Moines, IA 50312 – (515) 255-6916
Don Laster Agency Inc – 3116 104th St – Des Moines, IA 50322 – (515) 331-3773
Insurance Specialists – 100 E Euclid Ave # 117 – Des Moines, IA 50313 – (515) 280-1207
Bruce Wright Agency – 5807 Fleur Dr # 2 – Des Moines, IA 50321 – (515) 256-4279
Universal Insurance Group – 4316 1/2 SW 9th St – Des Moines, IA 50315 – (515) 285-8000

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents are contracted to one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so always compare other rates. These agents receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers sometimes choose to use a captive agent primarily because of the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

The following are captive agents in Des Moines that can give you price quotes.

American Family Insurance – 1314 Army Post Rd – Des Moines, IA 50315 – (515) 285-1130
State Farm Insurance – 4229 Fleur Dr – Des Moines, IA 50321 – (515) 256-6480
Shelter Insurance – 6151 Thornton Ave # 800 – Des Moines, IA 50321 – (515) 282-7995
Allstate Insurance – 5713 Madison Ave – Des Moines, IA 50310 – (515) 270-4818

For a full directory of captive insurance agents in Des Moines, please view this page.

Deciding on a car insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:

Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
Are they full-time agents?
Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?

Upon getting satisfactory answers for all questions you ask and locked in a price quote, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.

Everyone needs different coverages

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s needs are different.

These are some specific questions could help you determine if you may require specific advice.

Do I need motorclub coverage?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Should I buy more coverage than the required Iowa minimum liability coverage?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Can my teen driver be rated on a liability-only vehicle?
Do no-fault laws apply in Iowa?
When would I need additional glass coverage?

If you’re not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

Smart Buyers can Save Money

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that go into determining auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that may reward you with big savings.

Theft deterrents lower rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
Discounts for married couples – Being married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. It means you’re more responsible it has been statistically shown that married couples file fewer claims.
How your age affects price – Teen drivers in Iowa have a tendency to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Having to add a teenage driver to your policy can be quite pricey. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
Credit scores impact auto insurance rates – A driver’s credit history is a big factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. If your credit rating is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your credit score. People with good credit tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
A clean driving record saves money – A bad driving record has a huge affect on how much you pay. Even one ticket can bump up the cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers who don’t get tickets have lower premiums than bad drivers. If you have serious violations such as DUI or reckless driving may find they need to file a SR-22 with the DMV in their state in order to continue driving.

Buy online or local, you save

Discount auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Des Moines agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

We covered a lot of ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a small mutual company.

Insureds change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as lack of trust in their agent, delays in responding to claim requests, being labeled a high risk driver or even unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason, finding a new auto insurance company can be easy and end up saving you some money.

Much more information about auto insurance in Iowa is located on the Iowa Insurance Division website found here. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.