Car Insurance in Iowa
- Compare cheap car insurance quotes in IA
- Get the cheapest car insurance from top companies like Allstate, Progressive, and more!
- Save hundreds a year on your Iowa car insurance.
The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Iowa is $749.71. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Iowa across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.
Company | Semi Annual Permium |
Travelers | $640.50 |
GEICO | $665.00 |
Nationwide | $672.00 |
USAA | $700.00 |
Allstate | $796.50 |
State Farm | $858.00 |
Farmers | $982.50 |
Progressive | $1,223.00 |
*Data Methodology – Updated 2/29/2024
The Iowa car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in IA. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.
Iowa requires a minimum of $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. This is known as the 20/40/15 minimum coverage.
This coverage pays for bodily injuries and property damage caused by you in an accident, up to the limits of your policy. The bodily injury coverage applies per person, so the $20,000 covers injuries to one person. The $40,000 covers total injuries to multiple people in one accident. The $15,000 covers damage to property like other vehicles, signs, and fences.
This minimum coverage is required by Iowa law to register and legally drive a vehicle in the state. If you are caught driving without insurance, you will face penalties like fines, license suspension or revocation, and possible jail time.
If you are caught driving without insurance in Iowa, you can face serious penalties. The minimum penalties include:
A $500 fine for the first offense. Fines increase for subsequent offenses, up to $1,500 for a third or subsequent offense within three years.
A license suspension of up to one year for the first offense. Suspensions increase for subsequent offenses, up to two years for a third or subsequent offense within three years.
The vehicle registration for the uninsured vehicle will be suspended until proof of insurance is provided.
You may also be required to provide proof of future financial responsibility, which means purchasing SR-22 insurance for three years. SR-22 insurance is high-risk insurance that is more expensive.
Auto insurance rates in Iowa can vary greatly depending on the city and other factors. Iowa has some of the lowest average auto insurance rates in the country, but there are still ways to save money.
The first thing to consider is shopping around. Get quotes from several different insurance companies to compare rates. Some companies will offer lower rates than others based on your specific circumstances. Things like your driving record, credit score, age, and years of experience all factor into your rate.
Driving record is a big one. If you have a clean driving record with no accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations, you will likely qualify for the best rates. You may also be eligible for a discount if you complete a safe driving course.
Credit score can also impact your rate, as insurers view this as an indicator of how responsible you are with money and managing risk. A good credit score will often save you money on premiums.
The type of vehicle you drive also matters. Smaller, cheaper, and safer vehicles with good safety features tend to cost less to insure. You may also qualify for lower rates if you bundle your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or life insurance.
Some cities in Iowa have higher auto insurance costs than others due to factors like more accidents, claims, and thefts. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport tend to have higher average rates, while smaller towns and rural areas are often cheaper.
Car insurance is required by law in Iowa, but the cost of coverage can still be a burden, especially for those on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are several programs and discounts available to help make coverage more affordable. Here are some options to consider:
Iowa has some interesting statistics when it comes to car insurance. Iowa has relatively low premiums compared to other states. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Iowa ranks 41st for the most expensive average annual premiums in the country per year.
Iowa has a lower frequency of accidents compared to other states. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows Iowa ranks as the 7th safest state with 4.9 fatalities per 100,000 people. Fewer accidents mean lower insurance costs.
Iowa also has a lower population density compared to many states, which helps keep insurance costs lower. There are around 55 people per square mile in Iowa compared to the U.S average of around 90 people per square mile. Less congestion means fewer opportunities for accidents and claims.
Iowa also has strict laws in place that help keep insurance costs down. For example, Iowa has a mandatory seat belt law, which has been shown to reduce the number of serious injuries in car accidents. Iowa also has a “primary enforcement” law for seat belt use, meaning police can stop and ticket drivers and passengers solely for not wearing a seat belt.
Iowa drivers have many options when shopping for car insurance. The following are the 10 largest auto insurance companies in Iowa based on market share and premium volume.