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Cheapest car insurance in Ames, Iowa (Nov 2024)
Cheapest car insurance in Ames, Iowa (Nov 2024)
Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Ames, Iowa.
Find Insurance Savings
No long forms
No spam or unwanted calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations
What's on this page?
- How to find the cheapest car insurance in Ames
- Best Car Insurance Companies in Ames
- Best cheap car insurance quotes in Ames
- Average cost of car insurance in Ames
- Car insurance quotes in Ames by rating factors
- How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Ames?
- Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames after driving violations
- Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames by age
- Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames based on insurance history
- Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames for popular cars
- How to lower car insurance costs in Ames
- FAQ
- Methodology
- Meet our Experts
Load full table of contents
How to find the cheapest car insurance in Ames
On average, auto insurance in Ames costs about $65 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance and about $173 per month for full coverage insurance. Ames drivers pay 40% less than the
Iowa
average. Prudent drivers in Ames visit Jerry every month because Jerry makes it easy for customers to
compare and buy car insurance policies
. Below, we’ll cover some of the cheapest car insurance quotes Jerry found for Ames drivers.| Insurance company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $137 | Glenn, 27 Zip: 50010 | Chrysler 200 C | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Safeco | $95 | Mike, 54 Zip: 50014 | Chrysler Town & Country S | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Travelers | $110 | Arthur, 25 Zip: 50014 | Chevrolet Cruze LT | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Allstate | $114 | Edwin, 57 Zip: 50014 | Chevrolet Equinox LT | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Bristol West | $101 | Viola, 20 Zip: 50012 | Lexus ES 350 | • 25,000/50,000 Liability |
Last Updated Nov 20, 2024Best Car Insurance Companies in Ames
No single car insurance company is right for everyone because
car insurance quotes
are based on every driver’s unique profile—meaning that the most affordable company is different for everyone. Besides price, you also need to consider factors like claims handling and customer service. Jerry
conducted the largest insurance survey in the nation—and the results are surprising. While big-name carriers like GEICO and State Farm got mixed reviews for policy cost and customer service, smaller insurers like Aspire Advantage and National General came through with the highest ratings from actual customers.
The table below shows how drivers in Ames rate different companies on a scale of 0 to 5.
| Insurance company | Overall rating | Price | Claims experience | Customer service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 4.5 | 4.7 | N/A | 4.5 |
| Progressive | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| State Farm | 3.7 | 3 | N/A | 4.8 |
How'd we get these scores?
Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
How'd we get these scores?
Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Ames
Iowa has a minimum liability insurance requirement, which is the minimal amount of car insurance you must have in Ames and provides the cheapest rate. But minimum liability isn’t always enough coverage—and you should consider purchasing full coverage if you want to cover the repair or replacement costs for your own car.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Ames
To hit the road legally, Ames drivers need to meet Iowa minimum coverage limits for
bodily injury liability
and property damage liability
.Iowa minimum liability coverage includes $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 for damage to property. This coverage is commonly known as 20/40/15 insurance.
With this basic liability coverage, you’ll be covered up to the policy’s limits if you cause injuries or property damage while driving.
Here are some examples of Ames car owners that Jerry recently helped obtain minimum liability coverage.
Nancy (38 years old)
$75
per month
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Ames?
Most drivers in Ames need higher liability coverage than the 20/40/15 state minimum mandated by
Iowa car insurance laws
. In an at-fault accident—i.e., an accident that you cause—you could be responsible for medical bills and vehicle repairs well over the 20/40/15 limit, especially if you cause severe injuries to another person. If the car is totaled, the cost to replace it can be more than $40,000—well above that $15,000 property damage limit.
It’s important to remember that
Iowa’s car accident laws
allow drivers to file bodily injury lawsuits for up to two years after a car accident and sue for property damage for up to five years—so your liability extends long past the actual accident date! The bottom line: For better financial protection, you should consider 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage—even if you choose not to have full coverage on your car.
Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Ames
Full coverage car insurance
is the best way to protect yourself from costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle. Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
Collision coverage
covers the cost of fixing or replacing your car after an accident. Comprehensive coverage
pays out if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by something other than a crash, such as vandalism, theft, or natural disasters. If you bought your car with a loan, your lender will typically require collision and comprehensive coverage. On top of a full-coverage policy, you can purchase
uninsured motorist coverage
to guard against uncovered injuries or damage in an accident caused by a driver without car insurance. | Insurance coverage | Insurance company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Progressive | $137 | Glenn, 27 Zip: 50010 | Chrysler 200 C |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Safeco | $95 | Mike, 54 Zip: 50014 | Chrysler Town & Country S |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Allstate | $114 | Edwin, 57 Zip: 50014 | Chevrolet Equinox LT |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Travelers | $110 | Arthur, 25 Zip: 50014 | Chevrolet Cruze LT |
Last Updated Nov 20, 2024The easiest and fastest way to find the cheapest car insurance for your preferred coverage option is to compare car insurance quotes online.
Jerry,
a top insurance agency
, offers a free app that lets you compare car insurance quotes and provides end-to-end service to customers with the help of 100+ licensed insurance agents.
"Jerry is the new benchmark in app usefulness. Period. It is SO EASY and the results are SO GOOD, and they specifically point out that no one is going to start calling and emailing me all the time. I gave very little info, it pulled up all my existing insurance info, and showed me how to get the same insurance for less, lesser coverage for huge savings, or better coverage for about the same I currently pay. I am personally saving around $1,400/year with my new insurance, and the entire process (including follow ups to sign the docs from the insurance companies) took less than an hour. If you make over $1,400/hour, this may not be worth your time. Otherwise, get the app and use it now!"
Sean S.
Average cost of car insurance in Ames
After helping countless drivers in Ames find car insurance, we discovered that the average cost for minimum liability coverage is $65 per month or $780 per year. The average price for full coverage insurance in Ames is $173 per month or $2,076 per year.
Average insurance rates can help you predict your own insurance costs, but it's important to note that each driver's insurance premium is calculated based on many factors, such as the car type, driving record, claims history, and demographics.
Average cost of car insurance in Ames by zip code
Even within the same city, car insurance rates vary based on where you live. Neighborhoods that experience more auto theft, car accidents, and other perils that can lead to insurance claims may be flagged as “high-risk.”
That’s why drivers living in these neighborhoods tend to pay more than people in other parts of the city.
| Zip Code | Average State Minimum Coverage Rate | Average Full Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
50010 | $25 | $126 |
50014 | $68 | $88 |
Car insurance quotes in Ames by rating factors
- Your driving record and claims history: Insurers will charge more if you’ve had accidents or tickets.
- Your age: Drivers younger than 25 will pay higher insurance rates as insurance providers consider young drivers a higher risk due to limited driving experience.
- The kind of car you own: Collision and comprehensive coverage are more costly for luxury, high-performance, and sports cars.
- Where you store your car: Rates are likely higher if you regularly park in a neighborhood with a higher incidence of auto insurance claims.
- How you use your car: Insurers often charge more if you drive your vehicle to and from work than if you use it for leisure.
How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Ames?
How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Ames?
Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Ames currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in Ames:
Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames after driving violations
Your
Iowa driving record
impacts your auto insurance quotes. If insurance providers see a history of violations, they’ll classify you as a higher risk and charge a more expensive rate. Some common violations that may increase your insurance premiums include the following:- Speeding
- DUIs
- At fault accident
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
Cheapest car insurance in Ames after DUI
In Ames,
a DUI violation
can increase your insurance rates and label you as a high-risk driver. If you have a DUI offense on your record, car insurance rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to another. You’ll likely need to compare rates from several insurance providers to find low-cost options after a DUI.
Jerry has helped many Ames drivers obtain affordable auto insurance rates after a DUI.
Dominic (42 years old)
$73
per month
Hannah (33 years old)
$61
per month
Cheapest car insurance in Ames after an at-fault accident
Besides speeding tickets and DUIs, violations such as
reckless driving
and driving on a suspended license can also cause your car insurance costs to increase in Ames.We’ve compiled a list of various other driving violations and how we helped drivers with these violations save on their car insurance.
| Accident type | Insurance company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $105 | Julia, 70 Zip: 50010 | Nissan Altima 2.5 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability |
Not At Fault | Travelers | $73 | Nina, 40 Zip: 50014 | Ford Edge SE | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With No Injury | Allstate | $114 | Marian, 56 Zip: 50014 | Chevrolet Equinox LT | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024Cheapest car insurance in Ames after other driving violations
Besides speeding tickets and DUIs, violations like
reckless driving
and driving on a suspended license can also cause your car insurance costs to increase in Ames.We compiled a list of other driving violations and how we helped drivers with these offenses save on their auto insurance.
| Violation | Insurance company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Failure to Obey Signal | Progressive | $69 | Lou, 31 Zip: 50014 | Dodge Journey SE | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Driving on Sus. License | Allstate | $202 | Amy, 23 Zip: 50014 | Jeep Compass Latitude | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Failure to Obey Signal | Allstate | $202 | Adrian, 23 Zip: 50014 | Jeep Compass Latitude | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames by age
Young drivers pay very high insurance rates due to limited driving experience. As young people turn 25, their insurance rates can drop. Car insurance costs often start rising again when drivers reach their 70s.
Cheapest car insurance in Ames for young drivers
Full coverage provides better financial protection for teen car owners because they’re more likely to get into accidents. And staying on a parent’s policy is the best way to keep rates low.
Hester (24 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Ames, IA (Zip Code: 50014)
$103
per month
Keith (23 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Ames, IA (Zip Code: 50014)
$214
per month
Viola (20 years old)
$101
per month
Cheapest car insurance in Ames for senior drivers
Car insurance rates begin to climb again once you reach your mid-70s.
Car insurance rates for seniors
tend to be higher because older drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and are also prone to severe injuries in the event of a collision, leading to significant medical expenses and increased costs for insurance providers.Eula (71 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Ames, IA (Zip Code: 50010)
$105
per month
Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames based on insurance history
A critical factor in your car insurance rates is your insurance history—i.e., whether or not you are currently insured. Any lapse in your insurance coverage tends to increase car insurance rates.
To help our customers make insurance payments on time and avoid a lapse in coverage, Jerry sends payment reminders to eligible clients when a payment is coming up or if they’re late on their payments.
We’ve helped many customers who were previously uninsured or had a lapse in coverage find savings on a new auto insurance policy.
Rachel (39 years old)
$104
per month
Loretta (39 years old)
$83
per month
Over 4,000,000 customers and counting
We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
I pay a great price for the insurance
Lynel
I've really enjoyed Bristol west insurance!
Kylee
I like this insurance a lot
Krista
Just switched from State Farm to progressive and I'm saving 60$ a month on my insured vehicles
Jordan
Cheap car insurance quotes in for drivers with poor credit
Drivers with poor credit scores often face higher insurance costs compared to those with healthier credit ratings. Even though
credit scores
don’t directly affect how well you drive, insurance companies have observed a relationship between low credit and an increased frequency to file claims.Generally, drivers with great credit scores (over 750) will pay approximately 20% less on car insurance compared to individuals with poorer scores (below 550).
| Credit Range | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
> 750 | Progressive | $103 | Francis, 23 Zip: 50014 | Ford Fusion SE | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
660 - 750 | Bristol West | $171 | David, 21 Zip: 50010 | Toyota Corolla L | • 100,000/300,000 Liability |
660 - 750 | Progressive | $96 | Lura, 21 Zip: 50010 | Toyota Corolla L | • 100,000/300,000 Liability |
550 - 659 | Safeco | $104 | Ethan, 36 Zip: 50010 | Hyundai Sonata Sport | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
< 550 | Safeco | $95 | Ethel, 53 Zip: 50014 | Chrysler Town & Country S | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Nov 16, 2024Cheap car insurance quotes in Ames for popular cars
The type of car you drive is a major rating factor in car insurance premiums. Costs associated with the type of car include the cost of repairs or replacements, the likelihood of theft, and the overall safety record of the vehicle.
Popular car models in Ames include:
| Popular Car | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | Progressive | $86 | Hilda, 37 Zip: 50014 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Subaru Outback 2.5I | Progressive | $80 | Ricardo, 23 Zip: 50010 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Nov 17, 2024How to lower car insurance costs in Ames
1. Shop around and compare quotes
Every insurance company uses a different formula to determine car insurance premiums—and those formulas are constantly changing!
To ensure you’re always paying the best price, experts recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies and shopping for new rates every six months.
Jerry makes this tedious process simple! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can collect quotes from a pool of 55+ top insurance providers to help you identify the best auto insurance coverage at the best price. The best part is Jerry provides this service for free!
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Every insurance company offers
discounts
, but the exact discount provided varies by company. Some standard discounts include: - Good driver discounts. Many insurance providers offer discounts for drivers with a history of safe driving. Drivers with one or fewer points on their license and no at-fault accidents may be eligible to receive good driver discounts.
- Telematics discounts. Many companies offer easy-to-win discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
- Good student discounts. Are you a full-time student in either high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.
- Bundling discounts.Bundle your home and auto insurance(or auto and renters) with the same company, and you could get a discount on both policies.
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
If you have full coverage car insurance, raising your deductible is a simple way to lower your monthly expenses without sacrificing coverage.
Why is car insurance in Ames so expensive?
- Traffic: Dense traffic in Ames leads to a higher rate of car accidents, which makes insurance companies charge higher prices.
- Crime: Living in an area with a high crime rate can lead to more car theft and vandalism, which raises the cost of comprehensive car insurance.
- Natural disasters: Natural disasters like tornadoes and winter storms are more common in Ames than in many other parts of the country. When setting rates, insurers consider the increased risk of vehicle damage from these events.
FAQ
What is the best car insurance in Ames?
Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too. Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive receive good ratings from Ames drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Ames?
Based on thousands of Ames drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in Ames costs an average of $65 per month for state-minimum coverage and $173 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!
How much is car insurance in Ames?
People living in Ames pay on average $65 per month – or $780 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Ames costs on average $173 per month of $2,076 per year.
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free.
What is the minimum car insurance in Ames, Iowa?
The state-minimum car insurance in Ames, Iowa is as follows:
- $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
These coverages are commonly referred to as 20/40/15 coverage.
Methodology
The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.
Meet our Experts
R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.
As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang
Licensed Insurance Agent
Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017. Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Josh Damico
Head Of Insurance Operations
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.