West Des Moines Car Insurance
And how to find the best coverage and rates
Written by
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.
With over 65,608 residents, West Des Moines is the most popular city in Iowa. From award-winning farmer's markets to one of the largest state fairs in the country, West Des Moines is America's heartland.
If you live in the great midwest city of West Des Moines, then you'll want car insurance for your travels. You can connect with an independent insurance agent on TrustedChoice,com, saving you time and money.
What Auto Insurance is Required in West Des Moines, IA?
Like any other state, Iowa has a minimum requirement to use its roadways. The same goes for West Des Moines as the city follows suit and mandates the same auto insurance laws as the state. Let's take a look at Iowa's minimum requirements to drive:
- Minimum liability limits of $20,000 per person
- Minimum liability limits of $40,000 per accident
- Minimum liability limits of $15,000 for property damage
West Des Moines' minimum liability limits to drive are low. Most states only require the bare essentials, and that coverage may not be sufficient. With the cost of today's cars being over $30,000, an accident could put you in a financial mess without higher limits. Speak with your independent insurance agent to ensure that your liability limits are enough protection for you and your family.
Will Your West Des Moines, IA Auto Policy Cover Ridesharing?
Uber, Lyft, or any other livery-for-hire services are usually excluded from your personal auto policy. If you are currently working one of these side hustles and haven't spoken with your agent, you likely don't have coverage. It can also result in your personal auto policy being terminated or claims being rejected.
Some carriers will provide coverage while off duty, and others will require you to have a business auto policy. Chat with your West Des Moines independent agent to get quotes on your car insurance.
What if My Vehicle Gets Robbed in West Des Moines, IA?
If you're a victim of a vehicle break-in, you may want to have comprehensive insurance. Your auto policy has many optional coverages, and comprehensive is one of them. It can provide insurance for stolen or damaged items, so you don't have to pay out of pocket. Take a look at the theft rates:
- National average: 2.37
- Iowa average: 1.59
- West Des Moines average: 1.29
West Des Moines is a reasonably safe city given the size, coming in lower than both the state and national averages. A city's crime rate will affect your insurance premiums. The safer your city, the less you will be charged in car insurance.
The Cost of Car Insurance in West Des Moines, IA
Your car insurance premiums will be different from even your neighbor's. The carriers use a variety of rating factors to individualized coverage and costs. To better prepare yourself, you should be familiar with the different items the carriers use.
Premium Rating Factors:
- Your insurance score
- Crime rates in West Des Moines
- Year, make, and model of your vehicle
- The value of your vehicle
- Your age
- Your credit score and motor vehicle records
- Your claims history
- Other drivers in the household
- Your address
The state and national average car insurance premiums are a good indicator of where your rates might fall. Let's look at the numbers:
- National average: $1,005
- Iowa average: $1,352
The best way to find out what your auto policy will cost is to connect with your local agent. An independent agent can run quotes with multiple carriers at once so you can get the best pricing in town.
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Can Other Coverages Be Added to Your West Des Moines, IA, Auto Policy?
Your auto insurance liability is mandatory, at least to the state minimum limits. However, there are a variety of other coverage options that will better protect you and your vehicle. If you want property coverage for your car and other perks, you need to know what's offered.
Optional Coverage to Add on to Your Car Insurance:
- Rental: This pays for a rental car due to a covered auto being damaged or totaled from a loss.
- Gap: This will pay the remaining balance left on a covered auto's loan when the loan amount and market value differ.
- Towing: This provides coverage for a tow of a covered auto.
- Comprehensive: This pays for property damage coverage when an unavoidable obstruction hits your car.
- Collision: This provides coverage for property damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or property.
The best optional coverage to choose is the one you need. Your West Des Moines agent can walk you through your car policy's specifics and which coverages apply.
Save on Car Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Uninsured Motorists Insurance in West Des Moines, IA
Uninsured drivers are a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, drivers out there break the rules and put you and your loved ones in danger. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will want coverage to protect yourself.
Percentage of Uninsured Motorists:
- National average: 13.0%
- Iowa average: 8.7%
Fortunately for you, Iowa has one of the lowest percentages of uninsured motorists in the country. They are almost half the number of the national average, putting you at less risk. To safeguard yourself from all potential threats, you'll want uninsured/underinsured motorist or UM/UIM insurance.
Your agent can add UM/UIM to your auto policy, and it will provide coverage for you and your passengers if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Discuss coverage with your independent agent and make sure you're adequately protected.
How an Independent Agent Can Help You Save in West Des Moines, IA
If you are looking for the perfect car insurance policy, an independent insurance agent can help. They have access to dozens of carriers and can run multiple quotes at once.
This will give you more coverage options for your West Des Moines policy, finding a rate to fit your budget. Go to TrustedChoice.com and get connected with an independent agent to start saving today.