It may seem as though nothing is as sweet and satisfying as a cob of corn from the Land of the Rolling Prairie, but if you compare Iowa auto insurance with the rest of the nation you might change your tune. With the exception of North Dakotans, Iowans spent less on their car insurance in 2007 than any other U.S. state, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Now a $518 average is nothing to balk at, but your rates could be even lower if you shop around. Your premium is based on factors such as age, marital status and driving record, but it also is contingent on the type of car you drive, how often and where you drive, and you credit score. Here's a taste of what companies asses before determining Iowa auto insurance rates.

Low Risk Equals Big Savings
Sports cars, SUVs and trucks generally cost more to insure than a sedan or station wagon. High-performance sports vehicles are often bought by those who have a need for speed, and SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers. If you're hoping to save some cash on your Iowa auto insurance rates look into purchasing something a little more modest. Bankrate's top 10 list of least expensive models to insure in terms of collision losses included the Volvo XC90 and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. But even if you drive a higher-risk vehicle, you can achieve a lower premium if you shop for quotes from multiple insurance agencies.

Where Are You Going?
Iowa auto insurance agents take driving habits into consideration when calculating premiums. If you have a long distance commute to work every day you are adding more miles to your vehicle which raises your rate. Also, if you're employed in a higher congested city like Des Moines or Omaha, Neb. you'll pay more seeing as congestion translates to more accidents, thefts and vandalism to your insurance agent. By carpooling or taking the bus you'll save money on gas, car maintenance and auto insurance.

Check Yourself
Most insurance agencies use credit scores to determine Iowa auto insurance rates. You're given an insurance score based off your credit history when you solicit auto insurance. Studies show that the manner in which a person handles finances can give agencies a good understanding of their risk of insurance claims. Peek in on your credit report to ensure there are no discrepancies. Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax are required by law to supply a free annual report to those who request it.

Fatten Your Nest Egg
Whether you reside in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs or Oskaloosa, you're sure to have lower Iowa auto insurance rates if you shop around. There are numerous insurance companies in The Hawkeye State that want to try to win your business. For the best, most affordable coverage visit LocalInsurance online. You'll get bushels of free quotes from these companies so you can pick and choose the one that suits your needs best.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in Iowa, visit these useful links: