Iowa Auto Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

A land of rolling hills, plains, and cornfields, Iowa lies in the center of the U.S. Midwest and is considered part of America’s heartland. The Hawkeye State isn’t so “middle of the road” when it comes to car insurance, though, with plenty of options to help you drive safely through its rugged terrain.

It can take a lot of hard work to find the right car insurance. And it can be harder to find time to research it. Don’t worry! Our comprehensive guide will save you time, and it has all the information you need to make the right choice.

We’ll explore car insurance coverage, rates, providers, state laws, and much more. Want to start comparing rates today? Use our FREE online tool above to check rates in your area.

Iowa Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

Getting the information you need on the best insurance coverage and rates available in Iowa can be overwhelming.  After all, you don’t want to pay for coverage you don’t need or that is too expensive.

We want you to know what you’re paying for, so this is your guide to major coverage types, rates, and Iowa insurance companies.

Read on to learn all about Iowa car insurance.

– Iowa Minimum Coverage

Though car insurance isn’t mandatory in Iowa, if you’re in an accident, according to the Motor Vehicle and Financial Safety Act, you must provide proof of financial responsibility. This proof could be your own liability insurance.

You can also provide a few other forms of financial responsibility, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Iowa is an “at-fault” state. What does this mean?

The person who caused, or is at-fault, for an accident must pay any personal injury or property claims.
If you’re insured, your provider will cover losses up to the minimum liability amount. Iowa law requires drivers to have minimum liability coverage.

Liability insurance pays everyone — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. — who is owed money for property damage and/or injuries resulting from a car accident that you or anyone under your policy has caused.  Drivers in Iowa must have the following minimum liability insurance if their licenses have been suspended or revoked:

• $20,000 to pay for bodily injury per person
• $40,000 to pay for total bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 to pay for property damage per accident

Remember: these are only the minimum requirements. If the damages cost more, you will need to pay for them. We suggest that you buy more than the minimum liability amount of insurance for greater protection in case of an accident.

This video by the Hupy and Abraham, S.C. law firm explains Iowa insurance laws and the types of coverage you should consider buying:

– Forms of Financial Responsibility

If you live in Iowa, the state law requires you to have a form of financial responsibility to prove that you have valid insurance on your car or can pay for damages in an accident.   Anytime a police officer pulls you over or if you’re in an accident, you must provide proof of financial responsibility.

The following are some acceptable forms of financial responsibility to avoid having your license and registration suspended after an accident:

• Valid liability insurance ID cards
• Your car’s current insurance policy as proof that you had liability insurance when the accident happened
• A valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
• A release form from everyone involved in the accident
• A filed statement that shows you promise to cover — on an installment plan if necessary — the costs of the injured or damaged parties
• A civil damage action decision that releases you from any liability
• A completed warrant for confession of judgment with agreed upon payment schedule
• Evidence of a settlement reached between parties
• Payment of one of the following to “Driver & Identification Services” in Iowa: Cash, Certified check, Cashier’s check, Bank draft, or Postal money order

Iowa insurance laws can be confusing because a few loopholes could save you from having to prove financial responsibility at the time of an accident. According to the DMV, below are a few exceptions:

• “At the time of the accident, your vehicle was legally standing, stopped, or parked.”
• “Someone was driving your vehicle without your permission at the time of the accident.”
• “You were the only person to incur injuries or property damage as a result of the accident.”

Wondering what to do? The best thing to do is to be prepared – have proof of financial responsibility with you or on file with the DMV when you drive.  Otherwise, fines and suspension of your license and car’s registration could await you.

So, to avoid penalties and confusing laws, it’s easier to have Iowa’s required car insurance.

– Premiums as a Percentage of Income

In 2014, the annual per capita disposable personal income (DPI) in Iowa, after taxes have been paid, was $39,820.

The average annual cost of car insurance in Iowa is $684, which is about 1.8 percent of the average DPI.

The average Iowa resident earns $3,318 each month to buy food, pay bills, etc.  Car insurance will take about $56 out of that, which is below other states’ average premiums.  The national average annual insurance premium is $981 per month. The money you save could go toward groceries, rent, and other expenses. 

Or, if you can and want to, you can pay a little more for coverage beyond the minimum liability amount.  Make sure to shop around for the best rates.

– Core Coverage in Iowa

The above data is from one of the leading sources on the matter, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. You can expect car insurance rates in Iowa to be significantly higher for 2019 and on.

Remember: though it is important to have the required insurance, you should have additional coverage.

Ready to learn more?  Next, we’ll explore coverage options and add-ons.

– Additional Liability Coverage

A loss ratio compares how much a company spends on claims to how much money they take in on premiums. A loss ratio of 60 percent indicates the company spent $60 on claims out of every $100 earned in premiums.

The above coverages are optional in Iowa, however, they can provide valuable protection in case of an accident.

For example, if you are in an accident with uninsured or underinsured drivers and they are at fault, they likely won’t be able to pay your medical bills and property damage before going bankrupt. Extra coverage can help save you from high accident bills.

In Iowa, 8.7 percent of drivers are uninsured.  Iowa ranks 38th in the nation for uninsured drivers.

This number of uninsured drivers isn’t terrible, but you don’t want to risk getting into an accident with an uninsured driver.  That could drain both of you of your resources.

The top companies in the U.S. have loss ratios that range from 94-112 percent. In 2015, Iowa’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage was well below these optimal ratios, but has started to rise over the years to a better percentage.

Good news! MedPay loss ratios in Iowa have also increased.

So, if you’re interested in buying the recommended MedPay and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverages, you can rest assured that the loss ratios will improve.

– Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

These are a few more options to round out your coverage policy.

Lucky you! There are lots of powerful, but cheap extras you can add.

Here’s a list of other useful coverage options available in Iowa. 

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-as-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

Add any of the above options to your coverage for greater protection tailored to your specific needs. You can add one or several, so make sure to pick the best ones for you.

– Demographic Rates in Iowa

Did you know that gender can sometimes affect car insurance rates?  In Iowa, females pay more than males for car insurance even if their driving records and background are similar to that of males.

Age also plays a part in determining rates. In general, the younger you are, the more you pay. Teenage drivers, who have less driving experience, pay thousands more for car insurance! This is why most parents place teenagers on their own insurance policies for lower rates.

– Highest and Lowest Insurance Rates by Zip Code and City

Where you live is also an important factor in your car insurance rates. Find the highest and lowest rates for car insurance by zip code below.

Iowa city zip codes are among the cheapest places for car insurance, but it’s the most expensive in Council Bluffs. Below, we’ve listed the least and most expensive Iowa cities for car insurance.

Council Bluffs again emerges as the most expensive place to buy car insurance. Though it’s not the largest city in Iowa, it’s one of the state’s ten largest cities. As this data shows, the population size of a city doesn’t determine insurance costs.

Iowa Car Insurance Companies

So many car insurance carriers compete for your business these days that it’s hard to know which ones actually come through on their promises.

No need to worry — we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling to find out the 10 best providers across Iowa that can give you the best coverage and the best rates. We will also feature companies’ financial ratings, customer reviews, and much more.

Ready? Let’s get this show on the road…

– The Largest Companies’ Financial Ratings

AM Best offers financial ratings of insurance companies. A good score means these companies are more likely to stay solvent and can pay customer claims.

Besides premiums, one of the other components that should factor into your decision when picking an insurance carrier is customer ratings.  Want to find out what customers really think about the top Iowa car insurance carriers?

Here we go!

– Companies with the Best Ratings

Customer satisfaction is an important part of a company’s success. J.D. Power studied five customer satisfaction factors – interaction, policy offerings, price, billing process/policy information, and claims – to see which companies scored best.

As the graphic above shows, some of Iowa’s top 10 biggest companies handle their customer service well.

Up next, we examine customer complaints.

– Companies with the Most Complaints in Iowa

The complaint index of each company compares the number of customer complaints to its share of profits across the state. Companies that have a complaint index higher than one are worse than the average insurer in Iowa, and those with an index below one are better than average.

Bear in mind, some complaints are based on general customer satisfaction, so consider that in your final decision.

– Iowa Car Insurance Rates by Company

We know that rates are one of the biggest factors in your Iowa car insurance choices. The below chart shows ten of the top carriers in the state, along with their average rates compared to the overall state average.

– Cost of Commutes by Carrier

At some companies, how far you commute regularly can affect your insurance rates.

At some companies, like Geico, the more you drive, the more you pay.  Fortunately, some of the companies listed don’t increase their costs with higher mileages traveled. Factor in how much you drive and how often to find companies with the best rates for you

– Coverage Level Rates in Iowa

Generally, the more you pay, the better your insurance coverage. Let’s take a closer look at the price differences at Iowa companies.

It pays to shop around.  Some companies, like USAA, have only a $184 increase from low to high coverage, which means it would cost only $15 more per month for better coverage!

– Credit History Rates

According to a study by Experian, the average Iowan has a credit card VantageScore of 695 (among the highest in the nation), around three credit cards in their name, and a credit card balance of $5,155.

Your credit score can certainly play an important part in determining your car insurance rates. Next, we’ll cover another important factor that insurers use to determine rates: driving record.

– Driving Record Rates

A clean driving record can definitely help you cut insurance costs. Just one accident could make your rates soar. For example, at Travelers, all it takes is one DUI to increase your rates to over $7,000 a year.

– Number of Insurers in Iowa

Domestic insurance is formed under Iowa law, but foreign insurance is formed under the laws of any state in the U.S.

Iowa State Laws

To keep your car insurance rates low, you should know the laws in your state.

Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Keep reading to learn about the laws specific to Iowa.

– Car Insurance Laws

As we’ve said before, Iowa doesn’t require all drivers to have car insurance, but the Motor Vehicle and Financial Safety Act makes having at least the minimum liability coverage appealing to buyers.

Though you could get by with providing proof of financial responsibility, not having car insurance is risky, so it’s best to buy at least the minimum. Keep reading for information about high-risk insurance.

– High-Risk Insurance

Higher premiums are the last thing anyone wants to pay for. But, if you’re in an accident, you may have to fill-out an SR-22 form to buy high-risk insurance. In Iowa, that means you’ll need to have the minimum liability coverage.

Again, in Iowa, drivers aren’t required to have minimum car insurance, just proof of financial responsibility if they are in an accident.

Fortunately, the cost of minimum car insurance in Iowa is fairly low compared to other states. We highly recommend you have car insurance, so make sure you buy the minimum amount for high-risk insurance before you ever get in an accident!

– Low-Cost Insurance

The state of Iowa doesn’t currently offer any special low-cost insurance programs. As we discussed above, it’s best to have at least the minimum liability coverage, as penalties for not having proof of financial responsibility can be severe. You can’t afford not to have insurance.

– Windshield Coverage

Iowa law doesn’t require insurers to replace cracked or broken windshields. If you want windshield coverage, you will need comprehensive insurance and you will have to examine carefully how the different insurance providers handle windshield claims. So, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely pay for the repairs.

While some states mandate a waived deductible for windshield repairs, and others specify the use of only manufacturer replacement parts, Iowa does allow replacement with aftermarket parts. That is if it’s stated on the estimate and if the parts are “at least equal in kind and quality…in terms of fit, quality and performance, or that the part complies with federal safety standards” — if mentioned in the policy. The consumer can refuse but will pay the difference in the quote.

Having good insurance almost pays for itself in the end. Otherwise, you may have to pay for a damaged windshield yourself.

– Automobile Insurance Fraud in Iowa

It’s no wonder that insurance fraud is a crime. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are two ways to commit insurance fraud:

1. Intentionally faking an accident or making a false claim
2. Adding “extra” onto a legitimate claim

Insurance fraud can lead to fines and jail time. It’s better to be honest in your claims. Simply put, don’t commit insurance fraud, and you’re good to go.

– Statute of Limitations

If you’re in an accident, you’re subject to the statute of limitations, meaning that your time to file a claim in Iowa is limited. This time begins running out the day of your accident.

As shown below, Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage are fairly lenient. Regardless, it makes sense to file a claim as soon as possible, because if you don’t file in time, you won’t receive the money owed to you.

• Personal Injury: Two years
• Property Damage: Five years

So, don’t wait! Time passes quickly, and before you know it, you could miss your chance to collect money owed to you.

– Iowa’s Clean Claim Law

Iowa law requires insurers to respond to claims their customers submit. Insurers that don’t respond to claims can be held legally responsible. Though the law requires insurers to respond to claims, insurers may fail to pay benefits.

Be aware! In case of an accident, get familiar with your insurance policy to make sure that you receive all the benefits owed to you.

– Vehicle Licensing Laws

As we said before, drivers in Iowa aren’t required to have car insurance. But, if you’re in an accident, you must show proof of financial responsibility. Otherwise, the Iowa Department of Transportation will suspend your license and registration.

Again, the following are acceptable as proof of financial responsibility in Iowa:

• Valid liability insurance ID cards
• Your car’s current insurance policy as proof that you had liability insurance when the accident happened
• A valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
• A release form from everyone involved in the accident
• A filed statement that shows you promise to cover — on an installment plan if necessary — the costs of the injured or damaged parties
• A civil damage action decision that releases you from any liability
• A completed warrant for confession of judgment with agreed upon payment schedule
• Evidence of a settlement reached between parties
• Payment of one of the following to “Driver & Identification Services” in Iowa:

• Cash
• Certified check
• Cashier’s check
• Bank draft
• Postal money order

Unless the police already file a form, if you are in an accident, you must also fill out an accident form within 72 hours. If you can’t provide insurance or another form of financial responsibility, you will be fined $500. You could also have your license and registration suspended and your vehicle impounded.

Anytime you are pulled over, you must show proof of financial responsibility or face penalties.

– Teen Driver Laws

To receive a license or a restricted license, driver education is required if the applicant is younger than 18.  Teens in Iowa can start driving with a learner’s permit at age 14. Teens must meet the requirements below.

In Iowa, driver’s education graduates who have held an instruction permit for at least six months and are at least 14 years and six months old may apply for a school license that allows unsupervised driving between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The school license limits drivers to direct routes to and from school for classes or school-sponsored activities, at other schools hosting activities, school bus stops, and gas stations.

Holders of a minor school license may not use electronic or entertainment devices (permanently installed equipment exempted), carry more than one unrelated passenger or drive to another school district without an extra-curricular sharing agreement.

Young drivers in Iowa with restricted licenses must also follow the rules below.

Next are restrictions for older drivers, another group that has special driving requirements.

– Older Driver License Renewal Procedures

Iowa law requires drivers over 72 years old to renew their licenses every two years.  Below are a few more rules:

• Proof of adequate vision is required at every renewal
• Online or mail renewal is not allowed for drivers age 70 and older

So, if you are an older driver, plan to visit your eye doctor and the DMV every two years.

– New Residents

If you want to drive in Iowa, you need car insurance or proof of financial responsibility. You can opt out of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but you should have bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. As a reminder, these are the minimum amounts in Iowa:

• $20,000 to pay for bodily injury per person
• $40,000 to pay for total bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 to pay for property damage per accident

Make sure to contact your current provider to change the rates to match Iowa’s minimum. You will also need updated insurance cards with your new address.

Don’t forget! Though car insurance isn’t legally required in Iowa, you could face penalties for driving without it. So, when you move to Iowa, make sure that you have adequate coverage.

– License Renewal Procedures

Iowans under age 70 must renew their licenses every eight years.  And you don’t need to go to the DMV every time!

Iowa drivers under 70 years old can renew their licenses by mail or online at every other renewal.  That’s 16 years without a trip to the DMV!

But, when you renew your license in person at the DMV, the law requires proof of adequate vision. So, you will need to take a vision test or provide proof of one when you’re there.

– Reckless Driving

According to Iowa state law, reckless or negligent driving that endangers property and people is classified as a misdemeanor.

Potential penalties:

• 30 days in jail and/or fines that range from $25 to $625
• five-day to 30-day license suspension

The penalties are much more severe when a driver causes the death of another person through reckless driving.

Reckless driving doesn’t just endanger you but everyone around you! And reckless drivers could end up killing someone.

– Iowa’s Rules of the Road

It’s unwise to break driving laws; it’s best to know the rules of the road to keep yourself and other drivers safe and to prevent fines and points from appearing on your record. Read on for rules you should follow.

– Fault vs. No-Fault

Iowa is an “at-fault” state, which means the person who caused an accident is liable for paying all personal injury and property damage claims.

If you don’t have insurance or the right coverage, the costs of an accident can quickly drain your resources if you caused it. Be prepared! Though Iowa law doesn’t legally require you to have insurance, the Motor Vehicle Financial and Safety Responsibility Act has strict penalties for drivers in accidents who don’t have insurance. And it makes sense to buy more coverage beyond the minimum requirements.

– Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Iowa’s “move over” laws are fairly simple.

If you drive slower than the speed of surrounding traffic, keep to the right lane. You would, of course, pass on the left, but in some cases, you can pass on the right:

• If a vehicle turns left or is about to turn left
• If four or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction

But, be careful! If you pass on the right when it’s unsafe to do so, you could be convicted of a misdemeanor.

It makes sense, for courtesy and safety, though the law requires it, to slow down or move over if you see a vehicle with flashing lights parked on the road.

You also must move over to the right and stop for vehicles with flashing lights. Some examples are below:

• Parked emergency vehicles with flashing lights
• Stationary tow, recovery, maintenance, waste vehicles, etc. with flashing lights
• Any motor vehicle with flashing hazard lights

The video below describes the “move over” laws regarding vehicles parked along the side of the road:

These laws keep everyone safe. So, don’t forget to slow down or move over at the right time!

– Speed Limits

Take note that these are only the maximum speed limits for each road type.

No one likes to get speeding tickets. Get familiar with Iowa’s speed limits and pay attention to signs to avoid a ticket.

– Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Iowa wants drivers on its roads to stay safe, so they have rules for buckling up. Read the mandatory seat belt laws below to avoid a fine.

Primary enforcement means that a police officer doesn’t need another reason to pull you over – he or she can give you a ticket just for not wearing a seat belt.

Keeping children safe in cars is another of Iowa’s priorities. If you have children, follow the rules below to protect them while you drive.

Iowa doesn’t have any laws against riding in the cargo areas of pick-ups but make sure you take care to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

– Ridesharing

You might be familiar with ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. Working for these companies requires ridesharing insurance and usually a vehicle inspection.

If you want to join a ridesharing service, insurance is available from the following providers in Iowa:

• Farmers
• State Farm
• USAA

In Iowa, ridesharing drivers must have properly registered vehicles with the minimum liability insurance amount and ridesharing insurance. And, remember your driving record. Ridesharing companies will check it, and any accidents or suspensions in the last three years will disqualify you from driving for them.

– Automation on the Road

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),

Automation is the use of a machine or technology to perform a task or function that was previously carried out by a human. In driving, automation involves using radar, camera and other sensors to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which computer programs then use to do some or all of the driving on a regular basis.

Currently, Iowa has no restrictions on autonomous vehicles.

– Iowa’s Safety Laws

But wait, there’s more! Let’s dig deeper into the safety laws in Iowa to protect you on the open road.

– DUI Laws

In 2017, there were 88 alcohol-related deaths in Iowa. Drunk driving is a major problem nationwide, and to save lives, laws are in place to protect everyone. Details about Iowa’s drunk driving laws are below.

Below are the specific penalties in place for drunk driving.

Drunk driving can lead to fines, jail time, and a suspended license. Drunk drivers endanger themselves and everyone else, so don’t drink and drive.

Iowa is trying to curtail drunk driving. This video shows how police there are involved in a pilot program, “Place of Last Drink,” together with the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association, to crack down on drunk driving and overserving of liquor.

– Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Iowa is among the few states with zero tolerance for marijuana-impaired driving.

On top of that, marijuana, like other substances, can remain in your urine for up to a month, and be detected in hair samples for several months. If officers suspect marijuana use, they can still charge you for driving under the influence even if you used it weeks before.

Avoid the possibility of being caught. Driving under the influence of marijuana can result in fines, jail time, and other penalties.

– Distracted Driving Laws

Distracted driving has become just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Smartphone use is often to blame. These are the following restrictions on cellphone use in Iowa:

Primary enforcement simply means that an officer can pull you over just for texting on your phone.

This Iowa Department of Transportation video details how someone who was texting while driving caused the unfortunate and untimely deaths of two young boys:

Iowa Can’t-Miss Facts

You now have a good understanding of the laws in Iowa, so let’s dive into the risks and statistics of the road.
Keep reading for fascinating facts about Iowa’s vehicle theft, driving fatalities, teen drinking, and EMS response time.

– Vehicle Theft in Iowa

Some cars in Iowa are stolen more than others. If your car is stolen, comprehensive insurance may cover the costs of the car. That’s just one of the many reasons why it’s good to have car insurance.

Where you live is also a crucial risk factor in vehicle thefts. The FBI has collected data on 2013 vehicle theft by city, which we included below.

– Iowa’s Crash Report

Risky and harmful behavior plays a big role in driving fatalities. We will take a closer look at Iowa’s traffic fatalities and some of the main factors in those accidents, such as speeding and underage drinking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) included one Iowa city on its list of traffic fatalities by city.

More deaths generally occur on rural than urban roads, but make sure you drive carefully wherever you are. Below, you’ll find NHTSA data on moving averages of fatalities by road type.

Person type (vehicle type and pedestrian vs. occupant) also plays a part in fatality rates.

Crash type is also an important factor in fatality rates.

Up next, crash statistics by counties in Iowa.

Below is the five-year trend for the top 10 counties in Iowa, which have some of the highest fatality rates in the state.

Speeding is a major cause of death in Iowa. Read on for the number of speeding fatalities in each county.

Another major contributor to crash fatalities from drunk driving. Below, we’ve taken a look at deaths involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

A sobering fact of drunk driving is that a percentage of the drivers are teens. In 2016, law enforcement arrested 71 underage Iowa drivers for drunk driving.

Iowa’s fatality rate for underage drunk driving is 0.8 deaths per 100,000 people, which is below the national average of 1.2 fatalities.

Iowa did, however, rank 20th in the U.S. for the number of underage alcohol-impaired arrests. Regardless of age, it’s important to never drive impaired.

Now that we have covered drunk driving fatalities and arrests, let’s look at EMS response times in Iowa.

– EMS Response Time in Iowa

Accident victims need help to arrive quickly, so the lower the EMS response time, the better.

– Transportation in Iowa

Transportation takes us where we need to go. Iowa has a fair number of cars on the road: the average resident owns two to three cars.

How many miles do you log daily? In Iowa, the average person drives 18 minutes to work, which is below the national average of 25.3 minutes.

We’ve looked at how many cars people own and commute times, but now we’re going to see how people commute. As the table shows, driving alone is the most popular choice.

Now, let’s cover the average amount of time an Iowan spends in traffic. Good news! None of Iowa’s cities made INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard, which lists the worst cities for traffic congestion worldwide.

Because Iowans spend only 18 minutes on average commuting, they don’t sit in traffic for a long time.

Wow! We’re now at the end of this comprehensive guide, and you’re ready to drive through Iowa’s beautiful state. Start comparing car insurance rates today by entering your zip code below in our FREE online tool!