Ames Car Insurance

(How to find coverage at a good price)

Written by Candace Jenkins
Written by Candace Jenkins

Candace Jenkins is a licensed insurance advisor with over a decade of experience. She is also a writer and loves to write on all things insurance. Candace writes for TrustedChoice.com on a continuous basis and is here with the facts about all your insurance inquiries.

Updated
Ames Iowa car insurance

The city of Ames began as a railroad depot between the Missouri River and Cedar Rapids. It's now known as the leading city in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. Home to Iowa State University, Ames is a college town.

If you are one of the 66,498 residents that drive these academic streets, you'll want insurance. You can find an independent insurance agent to work with on TrustedChoice.com.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options in Ames, IA

There are many optional coverages you can select for your car insurance. If you are trying to find which option is right for you, it's helpful to know what coverages exist. Take a look at Ames auto insurance options:

  • Gap coverage: This will pay for the difference between your auto loan and your car's market value.
  • Tow coverage: This will pay for the tow of a covered auto. 
  • Rental car coverage: This will provide reimbursement for a rental vehicle when your covered auto is damaged. 
  • Comprehensive coverage: This will pay for property damage to your car that is hit by an unavoidable obstruction.
  • Collision coverage: This pays for property damage to your vehicle in the event of a crash.
  • Medical payments coverage: This will pay for smaller medical expenses, so your liability limits aren't used. 

There are many different coverages to choose from, and your agent can help you decide which are needed in Ames. Your policy is personalized to you, and your coverage needs to match. Chat with your independent agent today.

Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Ames, IA?

Uninsured drivers are out there, and it's when you're not at fault that you have the most risk. Uninsured/underinsured motorist or UM/UIM insurance will help pay for a loss when the other driver is at fault and without insurance. 

The Percentage of Uninsured Drivers:

  • National average: 13.0%
  • Iowa average: 8.7%

No matter how safe Ames is, uninsured drivers are everywhere. Since Iowa has almost half the amount of the national average, you are in the right spot. You'll still want to discuss UM/UIM coverage with your independent agent to protect yourself and your family from uninsured drivers. 

Car Insurance Needed in Ames, IA

Iowa has its own set of requirements to use the roadways. The city of Ames follows the state mandate when it comes to limits of liability. Let's take a look at what Ames, IA, requires for coverage:

  • A minimum liability of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident/ $15,000 property damage.  

With the US's average vehicle sales price at $36,082, state minimum limits won't even cover one vehicle. That makes you responsible for the rest if you're at fault. Discuss how much liability insurance your car policy needs with your independent agent. 

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Theft Rates and Your Ames, IA, Auto Insurance

If you're a victim of theft, the last thing you want to worry about is how you will replace stolen items. Your belongings may have coverage when your car gets broken into if you have comprehensive insurance. Let's take a peek at the theft rates across the board:

  • National average: 2.37
  • Iowa average: 1.59
  • Ames average: 1.08

With a smaller population and an altogether safer town, Ames is a great place to have car insurance. Your insurance company will surcharge you for the local crime rate. If your crime rate is lower, like Ames, then your premiums will be less. Get quotes from your independent agent to see your pricing.

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Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Cost of Car Insurance in Ames, IA

With the cost of car insurance going up, you'll want to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep prices low. Carriers use a variety of rating factors when determining your premiums. Some rating factors you should be aware of are below:

  • Crime rates 
  • Severe weather and natural disasters
  • The coverages you choose 
  • Your claims history
  • Your credit score
  • Policy discounts that may apply 

Car Insurance Premium Averages:

  • National average: $1,005
  • Iowa average: $1,352

As you can see, some risk factors are out of your control, such as crime rates and severe weather. However, your claims history, credit score, and coverage selection are in your control. If you are a safe driver, have good credit, and choose adequate policy limits, your rates will be lower. Discuss your policy's coverage with your local agent. 

Does Your Auto Policy Cover Ridesharing in Ames, IA?

Your auto policy will most likely exclude coverage if you are an Uber or livery-for-hire driver. These types of services are considered business operations and are prohibited. They can even get your coverage canceled, and claims rejected. It's important to speak with your agent. Here are some questions to ask your independent agent on rideshare services:

  • Does my current auto policy provide coverage when transporting people, parcels, food, or groceries?
  • Which carriers would provide coverage during rideshare services and when I'm off duty?
  • Do I need a separate business auto policy?

Most personal auto carriers will exclude rideshare exposures altogether, while others may provide off-duty coverage. The only way to know for sure is to discuss it with your local agent. 

Find an Ames, IA, Independent Insurance Agent

If you want A-rated protection at the best price, an independent insurance agent can help. They have access to dozens of carriers and can shop coverage and rates fast. 

An independent agent knows the exposures in Ames, IA, because they are local and a part of the town. Go to TrustedChoice.com to find an independent agent today.

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