Table of contents
How much is car insurance in Ames?
| Area | Average Monthly Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Ames | $48 |
| IA | $55 |
| United States | $80 |
According to the chart above, the average cost of auto insurance in Iowa is about $7 a month more expensive than it is in Ames.
Compared to the national average cost of auto insurance coverage, Ames has lower rates. On average, it's about $32 less to insure your vehicle in Ames than it is in the rest of the U.S.
While these are the average car insurance rates for Ames, keep in mind that you could end up paying a different amount. Insurance companies take an array of factors into consideration when determining how much to charge you to insure your vehicle. Your bill each month is calculated off of your age, gender, vehicle make and model, driving record, and in some cases, your credit score.
We've analyzed the average rate for Ames and broken down the different factors to help you understand what your monthly bill might look like. And if you think you might be overpaying for insurance, simply enter your ZIP below to learn more about rates in your area!
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age
| Age Range | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | Not Enough Data |
| 18-24 | $59 |
| 25-34 | $40 |
| 35-44 | $36 |
| 45-54 | $34 |
| 55-64 | $32 |
| 65+ | $41 |
More time behind the wheel makes you a more experienced driver. When it comes to your monthly premium, that experience can really pay off. According to the table above, you can see that 18-24-year-olds pay $18 more than drivers 65 and older.
For every ten years older you get, you can expect to see a drop in your monthly premium. Drivers in Ames may see their rates start to rise again once they hit retirement.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Gender
| Gender | Average |
|---|---|
| Male | $49 |
| Female | $43 |
Male drivers pay, on average. slightly more than female drivers for auto insurance. In Ames, this difference shakes out to about $6 a month. Looking at the table above, you can see that female drivers pay around $43 on average, while male drivers typically pay $49 each month.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Infractions | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 1 Accident | $50 |
| Multiple Accidents | $48 |
| 1 Ticket | Not Enough Data |
| Multiple Tickets | $44 |
Rates can change drastically depending on your driving record. Drivers who avoid accidents and tickets will pay much lower rates than those with infractions. The rate for drivers in Ames with a single accident on their record is about $50 a month.
Wherever you live, accidents, tickets, and other driving infractions will almost certainly drive up your monthly bill. So, if cheap car insurance is something you're after, drive safely and keep a clean record.
Average Insurance Rates by Vehicle
| Vehicle Age | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | $24 |
| 2-3 Years | $47 |
| 4-5 Years | $66 |
| 6-7 Years | $38 |
| 8-10 Years | $51 |
| 11-14 Years | $47 |
| 15 Years or Older | $46 |
If you look at the first table above, the cheapest vehicles to insure in Ames are by and large SUVs, at $40 per month.
Truck and van drivers will see rates of about $44 to insure their vehicle, while car owners typically pay around $50 per month.
In addition to vehicle type, you can also expect to see slightly different rates based on your vehicle's age. Generally, newer vehicles are going to be the most expensive to insure. However, your rates may start to decrease if your car is around 5 years old. In Ames, the most expensive vehicles to insure are vehicles four-to-five years old.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Relationship Status
| Relationship | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Single (never married) | $49 |
| Married | $47 |
| Divorced | $38 |
More often than not, those who are currently married will pay slightly less for car insurance. This usually boils down to owners having multiple vehicles on the same policy, something some companies will reward with discounts.
Despite married couples normally paying less than single drivers for auto insurance, the rates for both groups in Ames are on par with each other.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Housing Situation
| Housing Status | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Own | $43 |
| Rent | $51 |
| Live with parents | $173 |
One other element taken into consideration is your living accommodations. If you rent your home or apartment in Ames, expect to pay around $8 a month more than if you own property. Those who live with their parents, however, can expect to pay a lot more.
Depending on your insurance company, they may offer you a discount if you bundle your home or renters insurance with your auto policy.
Car Insurance Companies in Ames, IA
Recent trends in car insurance for Ames drivers
Since average rates are constantly changing, it's a smart move to research the local trends in your area before picking an insurance policy.
The cost of auto insurance in Ames rose from 2016-2017, where it reached a high of $52, before leveling out in 2018. Policy premiums went up again in 2019, and finished down at $47 in 2021.
How does Ames compare to neighboring areas?
Why are car insurance rates in Ames different from other areas?
There are many factors car insurance companies will consider when choosing how much to charge for a monthly rate. While we mentioned the factors that affect your personal policy, others are based around where you call home. These include things like:
- Area crime rates
- Regional laws
- Access to off-street parking
- Number of drivers in the area
- Rate of car accidents
It's good to be aware of these factors (even though you may not be able to do much to change them) as you shop for a new policy or consider making a move. Each area will have different rates. Guides like these are a wonderful place to get started.
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Ames?
Arming yourself with information about the average costs for drivers in your area will better prepare you for the real deal. The only way to know for sure what your rate will be is by asking for a quote from car insurance companies.
But hold on! Compare.com does all of that work for you. Just put in your ZIP Code below, answer a few questions regarding the factors mentioned above, and you'll be comparing the cheapest quotes from the many car insurance companies providing policies in Ames.
Ames Insurance FAQs
What factors affect car insurance quotes in Ames?
The factors that car insurance companies take into account when calculating your monthly cost include things you can't control like your age and gender, but also factors like your driving record, address, credit score, marital status, as well as your vehicle's year and make and model.
Why is the cost of car insurance in Ames different from other neighboring cities?
Things like parking situations, local laws, and crime rates, which are dependent on your address and area you live in, can significantly affect the cost of insurance relative to other cities.
Which car insurance company will offer me the cheapest rate in Ames?
Since the factors that go into calculating your monthly payment vary from person to person, there isn't one company that will always offer the cheapest rate to everybody. You can be confident that you're receiving the best price possible however, by using sites like Compare.com to compare multiple quotes at once.
Do I need to change my insurance if I move to Ames?
Whenever you relocate or experience another major life event, such as finding a new job or getting married, you should consider revisiting your current insurance policy. Using services like Compare.com to compare quotes from multiple companies at once is a great way to make sure you're getting the cheapest rate for your new location.
Do I need to wait for my policy to expire to switch to a different car insurance company?
No, you can switch companies at any point, no matter how much time is left on your current policy. If you're thinking about moving to Ames or are wondering if you're paying the best rate for your current area, take 10 minutes and visit Compare.com to find out for sure.