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In Iowa, drivers are required to maintain a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage on their vehicles or be subject to penalties. You need at least $20,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per injured person—to a per-accident maximum of $40,000—along with up to $40,000 of underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. The first pays for injuries to others if you cause an accident, while the second pays for damages to you and your passengers in case an uninsured motorist causes the accident. To help you best protect yourself, below are the dos and don'ts of buying car insurance.

Do:

Keep your policy current.

Make sure to update your policy if your financial or personal situation changes in the future. For instance, if you've gotten married recently or you drive fewer miles per year, you may qualify for a lower premium amount. Additionally, if you've started driving the vehicle for work—perhaps for your current employer or maybe you've picked up some ride-sharing shifts—be sure to let your insurance agent know. It may cost you more, but a personal auto insurance policy often doesn't cover issues that occur during work-related driving.

Purchase more than the bare minimum.

Auto insurance in Estherville, IAState minimums offer very little protection, or sometimes none at all, to your vehicle if you cause an accident. For that, you need collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision pays for on-the-road damages, while comprehensive pays for losses caused by fire, storms, vandalism, or theft.

Don't:

Base your purchase entirely on price.

Choose the best value, not the lowest premium amount. Consider what's covered versus what's excluded, the deductible amount, and the policy limits before choosing a provider. Otherwise, you might save money each month but pay much more when you need to file a claim.

Let your auto insurance expire. 

Not only do you put your finances at risk if you drive without coverage, but you are also breaking the law. If you are caught operating a vehicle without insurance, you could be subject to a fine, a suspended driver's license, and the need to purchase an SR-22 bond in addition to the state-mandated minimums.

 

For expert guidance designing an auto insurance policy, contact Blum & Leonard Insurance and Realty in Estherville, IA. They are an independent agency that's been selling real estate and insurance to clients throughout Emmet County since 1975. In addition to auto and motorcycle insurance, they also specialize in crop and farm insurance as well as business, renters, and homeowners insurance. Visit their website to message them online or call (712) 362-7272 to request an insurance quote.

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