Reader’s Question:

How does one go about looking for affordable auto insurance policies? I am a novice when it comes to insurance and any information would be much appreciated by this single-working mom here in Iowa. Thanks!

Dulce

Des Moines, IA

As the saying goes “there are many ways to skin a cat”, the same goes when looking for affordable auto insurance policies. There are many approaches and so called “rule-of-thumb’s” that auto insurance experts (both actual ones and self-proclaimed ones) would tell you about. Although we are humble enough to admit we don’t know everything about auto insurance, we are confident, however, that the following tips & information would guide you best in getting an affordable policy.

1. Know what you need. Like most states, Iowa will have minimum requirements on liability coverage in thousands of dollars for injuries per person, per accident as well as for property damage (20/40/15) respectively. This would guide you in choosing the right coverage amount you need.

2. Use the Web. There are many auto insurance portals Online that provides quick and easy access to affordable auto insurance rates. In fact, most of these portals would also compare rates across many kinds of auto insurance carriers. Making it easy for you to narrow down your list of choices.

3. See if you qualify for discounts or incentives. Providers might or might not tell you this but you can actually get discounts with the ff: Completing defensive driving classes, installing additional safety devices and anti-theft locks, having a low-mileage driving average annually, and having a clean driving record for the past three to five years. You can also increase your deductible to lower premiums, agree on an annual payment scheme which usually costs less or get your other insurance needs under one provider.