Iowa Car Insurance
To find the most comprehensive, as well as affordable, Iowa car insurance, it is vital to understand what types of coverage are available, which types Iowa requires you to have and at what limits, and what discounts are available to you in IA that will save you money. This article will walk you through all the information you need to know to make your decision, as well as provide the tools to find the best possible auto insurance in Iowa.
Different Types of Iowa
Auto Insurance Coverage
Let’s first start with the different types of coverage that are available for your vehicle. The two main types of coverage are referred to as liability and physical damage coverage. First, let’s define liability coverage; this coverage protects the other vehicle involved in an accident caused by you. This includes two types of coverage:
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Bodily Injury: This pays for the medical bills and injuries for the passenger of the other vehicle.
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Property Damage: This pays for the repairs to the vehicle that you damaged in the at-fault accident.
Physical damage coverage is designed to cover your vehicle in the case of an accident.
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Collision: This pays for repairs to your vehicle if you caused the accident.
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Comprehensive: This pays for repairs to your car due to non-accident involved occurrences. For example, if your vehicle is damaged by wind, vandalism, or theft, this coverage will pay for the repairs.
There are a few other coverage options available for your car insurance policy in Iowa:
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury: This coverage protects you when involved in a not at-fault accident, but the other party does not carry insurance. This will cover you and your passenger’s medical bills.
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Medical Payments: This coverage again protects you and your passenger’s from injury and medical bills, but when you cause the accident.
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Rental: This pays for a rental car (usually up to 30 days) when your car is being repaired as a result of an accident.
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Emergency Tow: Instead of AAA, some companies allow you to add this to your car insurance policy for a relatively cheap price.
However, the only coverage that is required in the state of Iowa is the liability coverage. Here are the minimum limits to carry on your vehicle to be legal with the state:
-Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person/$40,000 per occurrence
-Property Damage: $15,000 per occurrence
Iowa Car Insurance Discounts
The average premium in 2003 for Iowa was $679; this no doubt has changed since then, so it is important to review a few ways to save money while shopping for car insurance.
Here are some available discounts in Iowa for auto insurance:
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Accident free discount will kick in for most companies after three to five years on a policy with no chargeable accidents.
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Good driver discount will usually be available upfront for those drivers that have gone ticket and accident free for the past three to five years.
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Good student discount can really help out parents and young drivers on their own policy. Most companies will require some type of proof to show a “B” average or better GPA to get the discount.
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Multi-line discount is available from companies that offer multiple types of insurance: auto, homeowners, umbrella, RV or even motorcycle insurance. If you already have a set homeowners policy, check the rates with them to see if you can receive a discount on both policies!
There are many factors that will affect the premium of your car insurance policy. By understanding which factors increase or decrease it, you can keep that in mind when choosing a place to live, a new car, or a new work commute.
-Location will make a difference in the premium due to higher risks in certain areas. Some areas have a higher rate of accidents, some a higher rate of theft.
-Vehicle type and year will also affect the premium. If your vehicle has very expensive parts to repair it, that will be calculated in the premium as well.
-How many miles your daily commute is will increase or decrease your insurance premium. If you are on the road for two hours every day, you have a greater chance for an accident then someone that has a five minute commute to work.
Comparing Iowa Car Insurance Quotes Online
By researching the car insurance policy that is best for your vehicle (and your wallet), you are on the way to a comprehensive yet affordable policy. Use the free search tool at the top of the page to compare Iowa car insurance quotes today!