Dubuque Car Insurance

(And why you need the best independent agent in town.)

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.

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Dubuque Iowa car insurance

Named after a French-Canadian fur trader, Dubuque is the oldest city in Iowa. Home to over 58,276 residents, it has a bigger city feel with small-town charm. Often referred to as The Key City, Dubuque is on the map for being a centralized location. 

You'll want to have car insurance to drive around these historic roads. Find an independent insurance agent  and start your search.

How Vehicle Thefts Affect Your Dubuque, IA Car Insurance

It's no secret that theft rates can impact your insurance premiums. The more claims that carriers have to pay out in a city, the more they surcharge all insureds. The crime rate isn't something you have control over, but it's good to know where Dubuque stands. Let's look at the theft rate averages (per 1,000 vehicles):

  • National average: 2.37
  • Iowa average: 1.59
  • Dubuque average: 1.21

Dubuque comes in lower than the state and national averages, which is good news for you. Among the many factors that can affect your premiums, this old city's theft rate won't be a big one. Discuss your car insurance cost with a local agent. 

How Much Is Car Insurance in Dubuque, IA?

Your price for car insurance will differ from everyone else. That is because it's specific to your risk factors. Things out and in your control are used by the insurance companies to determine your rates. Let's take a look at the rating factors in Dubuque, IA:

  • Weather
  • Discounts that you may qualify for
  • Your credit score
  • Your loss history
  • Your experience level as a driver
  • Local crime rates
  • Your motor vehicle record (MVR)
  • Household drivers included on the policy
  • Year, make, model, and value of the vehicle
  • Coverage you select

Now that you know what the carriers are looking for, you should have an idea of what everyone else is paying next. While your cost could be higher or lower than these averages, it may be useful to see where you are on the scale. 

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

If you live in Dubuque, your annual car insurance premiums could come in around the state average. Again, it all depends on your rating factors and how good a driver you've been. Check with your independent agent to see where your premium stands.

What Auto Insurance Limits Do You Need in Dubuque, IA?

The majority of states require a minimum liability limit to drive. If you're caught without insurance, you could be fined or worse. While it's essential to abide by Iowa's requirements, you may want more coverage to be adequately protected. 

Car Insurance Requirements in Dubuque, Iowa:

  • A minimum liability limit of $20,000 per person is required.
  • A minimum liability limit of $40,000 per accident is required.
  • A minimum liability limit of $15,000 in property damage is required.

In today's market, the average cost of a vehicle is over $30,000. If you only have the state minimum limits of $20,000/$40,000/$15,000, you wouldn't even have enough to cover the car. Most carriers will make it pretty inexpensive to increase limits of liability so you can have better protection. Discuss your auto limits with your local agent. 

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Optional Car Insurance Coverage in Dubuque, IA

If you want to have more insurance than just liability, you'll need to look at optional coverages. Your auto policy will allow protection for your property and coverages that would be nice to have. These additional coverages are optional and are not automatically included.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage:

  • Towing coverage will pay for a tow of a covered auto.
  • Gap coverage pays for the difference between your auto loan and the current value of your car in the case of a total loss.
  • Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision, such as fire, wind, theft, vandalism or hitting an animal.
  • Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision.
  • Rental car coverage pays for a rental car in the event yours needs to be repaired or replaced.

Some of these options may be useful to have depending on your vehicle and how much insurance you want. Get with your local agent to discuss pricing and which coverage applies to you.

How Many Uninsured Drivers Are in Dubuque, IA?

Uninsured drivers are everywhere. Some people don't like to follow the rules and put you and your family in danger. If you encounter an uninsured driver, you'll want coverage to protect yourself from an accident. 

  • National percentage of uninsured drivers: 13.0%
  • Iowa percentage of uninsured drivers: 8.7%

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will fill in the gap when the other party lacks coverage. If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, this insurance will pick up the medical and property damage expenses, since the other driver cannot. Speak with your agent about how much uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage you need.

Does Your Car Insurance Cover Rideshare Services in Dubuque, IA?

If you are considering driving for Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service, there are some things you need to know. Your personal auto policy usually excludes coverage for these services. This could put you at huge financial risk, especially when transporting people. 

The policy that your agent may recommend is a commercial auto policy. Since for-hire livery or rideshare services are considered a business operation, you'll need business insurance. 

If you transport people, parcels, or food, talk with your Dubuque independent agent about car insurance options to protect you adequately.

Why You Need an Independent Insurance Agent in Dubuque, IA

An independent insurance agent can compare coverage and pricing with several insurance companies. This will save you both time and money, since an agent is shopping the rates for you. 

The best resource you can have for your Dubuque insurance policies is a trusted adviser, working on your behalf. On TrustedChoice.com, you can find a local independent agent to help find the car insurance you need. 

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