Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa

CheapInsurance.com has assembled information, useful tips, and price comparisons to help you find cheap car insurance in Iowa.

Iowa’s fertile stretches of farmland, friendly people, low crime rates, and small-town atmosphere make it one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S.

More than 85% of Iowa’s land is used for agriculture. The “Hawkeye State” produces more corn than any other state, with farmers harvesting more than 12 million acres of corn each year.

During the winter months in Iowa, there are heavy thunderstorms and snowfall—conditions that can lead to motor car accidents—so be sure to drive with extra care.

As a legal requirement, all drivers in Iowa need to ensure that they have minimum liability car insurance before they can hit the roads.

We have found that on average, the cost of a minimum liability car insurance policy in Iowa is $135.33 per month.

Hawkeye Highways: Navigating Iowa’s Roads & Insurance in 2024

Get ready to explore Iowa’s scenic landscapes and charming towns with these key updates for 2024:

Iowa Vehicle Code Changes:

  • Distracted driving crackdown: Effective July 1st, holding a phone while driving becomes illegal, even at stoplights. Hands-free devices remain acceptable. (Source: Iowa Code Chapter 321J)
  • Clarification on electric vehicle (EV) incentives: Existing tax credits and rebates for EV purchases continue. Stay updated through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. (Source: Iowa Economic Development Authority)
  • School bus stop arm violation penalties: Increased fines and potential driver’s license suspension for disregarding stopped school buses. (Source: Iowa Code Section 321.342)

Remember: These are just highlights, and other changes may apply. Visit the Iowa Department of Transportation website for complete information. (Source: Iowa Department of Transportation)

Average Auto Insurance Rates in Iowa (2024):

(Sources: The Zebra, Bankrate)

Company

Minimum Coverage

Full Coverage

State Farm

$177

$448

Geico

$189

$385

Progressive

$192

$371

Farmers

$207

$425

USAA

$214

$432

Remember: Individual rates in Iowa can vary based on driving history, location, vehicle type, and chosen coverage.

To help you find the best deals on car insurance in the state, we’ve compared quotes from car insurers in these Iowa counties:

  • Polk County.
  • Linn County.
  • Scott County.
  • Johnson County.
  • Black Hawk County.

To help you even more, we’ve also compared quotes from these car insurers:

  • Dairyland.
  • Progressive.
  • The General.

Because the cost of car insurance is dependent on your individual driving profile, we’ve gone a step further and compared the cost of Iowa car insurance for these types of drivers:

  • Good drivers (those with a clean driving record).
  • Young drivers (those aged between 16 and 25).
  • Bad drivers (those with a history of traffic violations).

What Is Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Iowa?

Minimum liability insurance is the least amount of coverage you need pay for any damages you cause in a car accident. Liability insurance typically includes:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: This covers other people’s physical damages in an accident.
  • Property damage liability coverage: This covers damages to the other driver’s property if you are involved in an accident.

The minimum liability car insurance requirements in Iowa are as follows:

  • $20,000 bodily injury per person.
  • $40,000 bodily injury per accident.
  • $15,000 property damage per accident.

Is Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Enough?

While it may seem like a good idea to save money by getting only the minimum liability insurance required to comply with Iowa law, this may not be sufficient in many instances.

Let’s look at an example. The minimum coverage for bodily injury liability in Iowa is $20,000.

If you’ve caused a serious accident and the other party’s medical bills total $40,000, you have to pay $20,000 from your pocket (the difference between $40,000 and $20,000).

Remember, liability insurance only protects third parties and doesn’t reimburse you if your car is stolen, damaged, or totalled.

To get full coverage, you may want to consider adding collision or comprehensive insurance to your auto insurance policy.

Key Point: What Is Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?

  • Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance will compensate you if your car is damaged or totaled due to a non-accident-related event (e.g. fire, flood), or if it’s stolen.
  • Collision coverage: This type of auto insurance will compensate you if your car is totaled or damaged in a car accident with another car, regardless of who is at fault.

Is It Legal to Drive without Car Insurance in Iowa?

If you own a vehicle that is registered in the state of Iowa, you are required by law to carry car insurance.

You’ll need to carry proof of your coverage, such as an insurance ID card, any time you’re behind the wheel.

Car insurance protects you legally and financially if you cause an accident.

If you’re caught driving without proof of financial responsibility in Iowa, you may be subject to a $250 fine or community service, and a court may even choose to suspend your driving privileges for up to 12 months.

In addition, your vehicle may be impounded and your registration suspended.

Minimum Liability Insurance in Iowa

We have found that on average, the cost of a minimum liability car insurance policy in Iowa is $135.33

Progressive offers the lowest insurance rates for minimum liability coverage, costing $84.80 on average per month.

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Iowa
ProviderPolk CountyLinn CountyScott CountyJohnson CountyBlack Hawk CountyAverage
Dairyland$142.00$142.00$131.00$131.00$128.00$134.80
The General$165.00$164.00$179.00$209.00$215.00$186.40
Progressive$78.00$80.00$85.00$89.00$92.00$84.80

Find Cheap Comprehensive Car Insurance in Iowa

Comprehensive coverage insurance can be seen as ‘bad luck’ coverage for your car. It pays for damage to your vehicle that happened due to random events outside of your control.

While having a full coverage car insurance policy is optional in Iowa, you should consider purchasing it if you can afford to.

If you choose not to take out comprehensive car insurance, it would benefit you to have enough savings that will cover damage to your vehicle in the event of the following:

  • Theft or theft of parts.
  •  Non-crash damage (natural disasters, fire, flooding).
  • A broken windshield.
  • Car damage from hitting an animal.

Repairing car damage can escalate rapidly into thousands of dollars.

Without comprehensive car insurance, you risk finding yourself in a situation where you are unable to drive your car because you cannot afford to repair it.

We’ve found that the cheapest insurance company for full coverage auto insurance in Iowa is Progressive with an average rate of $104.20.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Iowa

ProviderPolk CountyLinn CountyScott CountyJohnson CountyBlack Hawk CountyAverage
Progressive$88.00$98.00$100.00$115.00$120.00$104.20

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Costs in Iowa

What you pay for car insurance will depend on factors in your unique driving profile, including the kind of car you drive and the amount of coverage you need.

Other factors include:

  • Your age: Drivers under 25 and over 65 pay higher auto insurance rates because they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
  • Location: Cities that have higher population densities charge steeper auto insurance premiums, because the chances of accidents are higher than in rural areas.
  • A poor credit rating: In Iowa, a driver with a poor credit score is almost sure to pay higher rates for premiums than a driver with an excellent credit score.

You can demonstrate financial responsibility by maintaining minimum car insurance with no gaps in coverage.

Letting your coverage lapse could result in a higher rate when you get your next policy.

Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa for Drivers with Clean Driving Records

You can qualify for good driver rates by practicing safe driving and having a motor vehicle driving record that is free of accidents and claims.

Companies may offer one or both of these two common types of good driver discounts:

  • A discount for avoiding violations for a certain number of years.
  • A discount for avoiding accident claims for a certain number of years.

If you are a new driver without enough driving experience to qualify for a good driver discount, you may wish to consider enrolling in a defensive driving course in order to increase your road sense.

Some auto insurance companies will offer an additional discount if you have completed an accredited defensive driving course.

We’ve looked at the average auto insurance rates offered by auto insurance companies for good drivers. The two cheapest companies for good drivers are:

  • Dairyland with average rates of $147.80.
  • Progressive with average rates of $91.80.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Good Drivers (Clean Driving Records) in Iowa

ProviderPolk CountyLinn CountyScott CountyJohnson CountyBlack Hawk CountyAverage
Dairyland$157.00$155.00$145.00$143.00$139.00$147.80
Progressive$84.00$89.00$91.00$95.00$100.00$91.80

Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa for High-Risk Drivers

Auto insurance companies use the term ‘high risk’ to describe drivers who are more likely to make a claim against their auto insurance policy.

Some of the offenses that may lead to being considered a high-risk driver include:

  • Receiving a DUI conviction.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Speeding tickets.
  • Driving without meeting the minimum liability coverage requirements.
  • A poor credit history.
  • Unpaid insurance policy premiums.

If you are a high-risk driver, Iowa car insurance companies are likely to increase the cost of your insurance.

We’ve done the hard work of comparing quotes from various insurers to help you find the best rate.

The cheapest auto insurance company for high-risk drivers is Dairyland with average rates of $134.80.

Cheap Auto Insurance for Bad Drivers in Iowa (DUI, Traffic Ticket)

ProviderPolk CountyLinn CountyScott CountyJohnson CountyBlack Hawk CountyAverage
Dairyland$142.00$142.00$131.00$131.00$128.00$134.80
The General$228.00$224.00$247.00$285.00$294.00$255.60

Cheapest Car Insurance in Iowa for Young Drivers

Since young drivers have less experience behind the wheel, insurers often charge them higher rates compared to more mature drivers.

A full coverage policy is recommended for teen drivers if they can afford it.

Teens tend to get into accidents more often than adult drivers, so they’re more likely to benefit from having repairs on their car covered.

A minimum coverage policy—though it is much cheaper—could ultimately cost more if a teen gets into a serious accident and has to pay for repairs completely out of pocket.

Good student and driver safety course discounts can help young drivers reduce their rates, as can staying on a parent’s policy for as long as possible.

On average, most drivers will see their rates decline as they get older, with a significant decrease once they turn 25 years old.

We’ve compared the cost of car insurance for young drivers to help you save on auto insurance costs.

The cheapest auto insurance for young drivers is Dairyland with average rates of $175.60 per month.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Iowa

ProviderPolk CountyLinn CountyScott CountyJohnson CountyBlack Hawk CountyAverage
Dairyland$186.00$180.00$172.00$172.00$168.00$175.60
Bristol West$258.00$253.00$254.00$243.00$346.00$270.80
The General$253.00$260.00$281.00$335.00$258.00$277.40

Need Cheap Car Insurance in Other States?

Out-of-state insurance is illegal in almost all U.S. states and is considered to be insurance fraud. This means that your car insurance must be registered in the state in which you live.

Some of the penalties for committing insurance fraud include:

  • Up to five years in prison.
  • A $50,000 fine.

If you plan to move from Iowa, you will need to find a new car insurance company in the state you move to, unless your current carrier operates in the state you are moving to.

Although the grace period will vary from one insurer to another, you will usually have 30 to 90 days to cancel your car insurance and get car insurance in your new state.

To find the best insurance rates in other U.S. states, read our articles below:

Top Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance

Consider how you use your car

If you only use your car to drive short distances such as to work and the grocery store, most types of standard car insurance should cover your needs.

If, however, you have unique needs, you should check whether your car insurance company covers these requirements.

Unique needs may include:

  • Multiple drivers sharing one car.
  • Using your car for ridesharing.
  • Using your car for work-related deliveries.
  • Consolidating all of your insurance policies under one provider.

Compare quotes from different car insurance companies

It’s always a good idea to shop around before making a decision about car insurance.

Although you can do the research yourself, going through an insurance agent can save you a lot of time and money.

The only way to be completely certain that you’re getting the best rates on your car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

To save time, you can go through a licensed insurance agent or compare quotes from different insurance providers by entering your zip code at the top of this page and using our online quote finder.

Top Car Insurance Companies in Iowa

The General

The General is an auto insurance provider that operates in multiple states across the U.S.

The company was originally founded in 1963 and specializes in car insurance coverage for high-risk drivers.

The General Automobile is a subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corporation (PGC), which is an affiliate of American Family Insurance.

PGC has been dealing with automobile insurance in many states throughout the country for nearly 60 years and is a leader in the low-cost auto insurance field.

It has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating of A+.

Bristol West

Founded in 1973, Bristol West’s national footprint makes it one of the top ten biggest insurance companies in the U.S.

Bristol West was originally created to provide high-risk drivers with affordable insurance policies and has since expanded its services to all types of drivers.

Some of the benefits offered by Bristol West include:

  • Multiple policy bundling discounts.
  • Personalized car insurance policies.
  • Rideshare coverage.
  • Medical payments insurance.
  • Gap coverage.
  • Towing and roadside assistance.
  • Rental car reimbursement.

Iowa Car Insurance FAQs

Is car insurance required in Iowa?

Iowa requires drivers to have car insurance if they are driving and registering a vehicle in the state. There is minimum liability coverage that must be met for bodily injury and damage to property.

This liability insurance only covers the other car and its driver and passengers when you are the cause of an accident.

How much car insurance do I need in Iowa?

Iowa drivers must have the following minimum liability insurance coverage to comply with the state’s insurance laws:

  • $20,000 bodily injury liability for one person in an accident.
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people in an accident.
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident.

It’s important to note that these are just the legal minimums that must be met.

Iowa drivers may find they want additional coverage to protect themselves, their vehicle, and their passengers in the event of an accident.

Which cars are required to be insured in Iowa?

Iowa requires drivers of any road vehicle—including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles—to have the minimum liability car insurance coverage.

When should I get car insurance in Iowa?

The state of Iowa requires you to get car insurance for any vehicle you are registering or driving as soon as possible.

The grace period for getting the proper insurance is 30 to 90 days in most cases, which gives you time to add your vehicle to your insurance.

How much is car insurance in my city in Iowa?

The cost of car insurance in Iowa varies depending on a number of factors, including ZIP code, driving record, age, credit score, and coverage.

The best way to determine how much you’ll pay for auto insurance is to speak to an agent or insurance company, or you can enter your zip code at the top of this page.

What happens if my car is not properly insured in Iowa?

Iowa has a mandatory car insurance law, which means if you’re unable to show proof of liability insurance, you may face certain penalties.

Penalties can include a $250 fine, vehicle impoundment, a 12-month license suspension for damages above $1,500, and vehicle registration suspension.

Is Iowa a no-fault state?

No, Iowa is not a no-fault state. Instead, Iowa uses an at-fault system, which means insurers consider who is at fault before determining and offering compensation for damages.

What is the best auto insurance company in Iowa?

The best insurance company may not have the cheapest car insurance rates, but may excel in another important area for you.

When choosing auto insurance, consider what is most important to you—such as price, coverage offerings, and available discounts.

In addition to shopping for coverage that suits your needs, Iowa drivers should look for an insurer with a strong customer service reputation.

A company with excellent customer service can help make the claims process stress-free if you’re in an accident.

If you choose a company with poor customer service reviews, it may take longer for you to fix your car and get back on the road.

How Do I Find Cheap Auto Insurance in Iowa?

To find the cheapest car insurance in Iowa, we recommend comparing insurance quotes from multiple companies.

This can be a time-consuming process, so why not let us help you find the best deals? You can do this by simply entering your zip code at the top of this page.

Iowa may not be the flashiest state. It may not have the bustling nightlife of New York and California. But for so many people, Iowa is home. For the people who live here, you’ll need car insurance to operate a vehicle. Insurance can cost a pretty penny—but luckily, we can help you get the cheap car insurance you need so that you can get on the road.

Quick Iowa Car Insurance Facts

Iowa is an interesting state. Here are some facts about driving and insurance in Iowa to get your attention: 

  • There are nearly 3.5 million registered vehicles in Iowa (despite a population of just over 3 million people), with an average registration fee of $137.
  • Iowa buckles up! A 2020 survey by the Iowa Department of Transportation found that 95.2% of observed Iowa drivers wore their seat belts, considerably higher than the national average.
  • Unfortunately, Iowa also drives too fast. In 2018, Iowa state police handed out 152,479 speeding tickets to drivers exceeding the speed limit.
iowa-car-insurance

Minimum Iowa Car Insurance Coverage

The Iowa state government isn’t just requiring you to have insurance because they can. Insurance is a critical way of protecting yourself and others when operating a vehicle. Luckily, the minimum required by the state of Iowa isn’t that much, which means paying for minimum coverage won’t be too expensive. 

Iowa state law requires drivers to have: 

  • Minimum bodily injury coverage per individual of $20,000.
  • Minimum bodily injury coverage per accident of $40,000.
  • Minimum property damage coverage of $15,000.

 

While just having the minimum required by law is important, you may want to have a bit more coverage based on your situation. Talk to your car insurance provider to find out what is best for you.

Getting Cheap Car Insurance In Iowa

You want cheap car insurance. You don’t want to overpay, but you still want to be protected when you drive. At Cheap Insurance, we completely understand. Here’s our list of tips to help you find the insurance you need at a price you can afford: 

1. Understand the minimums: We’ve already been over the minimum amount of coverage required by Iowa to drive legally. Keeping these numbers in mind will help you be a smarter shopper and get the cheapest possible coverage.
2. Shop around: Insurance companies have a lot of discretion in setting their prices. Big-name insurance companies can be especially pricey. Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates.
3. Be a safer driver: A history of accidents, tickets, and especially DUIs can increase your premiums a great deal. On the other hand, safe driving can earn you discounts and better prices.

Iowa Car Insurance Discounts

Want a discount on your car insurance? All you have to do is qualify. In Iowa, there are many different discounts available to good drivers. Call your car insurance provider to see if you can get any of the following discounts applied to your rate.

Good Driver: A clean driving record may get you somewhere between 10–30% off your insurance in Iowa. 

Good Student: Parents of younger drivers will love this. Students with a “B” average or higher may qualify for a 5–20% discount. 

Safety Features: Having special safety features such as anti-lock brakes or daytime running lights installed on your car may get you a discount.

FAQ

What is the average car insurance cost in Iowa?

Average minimum liability policy: $408 per year. Average full coverage policy: $1,659 per year.

How much is car insurance per month in Iowa?

Average minimum liability policy: $34 per month. Average full coverage policy: $138 per month.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Iowa?

Driving without insurance is a crime in Iowa that can result in the loss of your license, the loss of your license plates, a mandate to show up in court, and hefty fines.

What is driving like in Iowa?

Iowa has a higher rate of seatbelt use than the national average, which is good. Iowa has a high rate of speeding and speeding tickets. In 2020, Iowa had 338 fatal car accidents, of which “one in four car crashes involved distracting driving of some sort.”

How can I save money on my car insurance policy in Iowa?

Looking to save on your policy? It just takes a little creativity. Here are some of our best ideas to get you started: 

  • If you have multiple cars, ask your car insurance provider for a multi-car discount.
  • Drive defensively so that you can qualify for good driver discounts.
  • Ask if it is possible to pay in installments or if there are service fees. 
  • Opt to increase your deductible in order to pay less monthly. 

 

What do I need to do to register my vehicle in Iowa? Iowa vehicle registrations are conducted by the local county treasurer’s office. New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency.

Other Types of Coverage

You don’t have to limit yourself to the minimum state-required car insurance coverage. In some cases, it may be wise to have more. There are many different types of coverage that you may consider adding to your policy. Here are some of the most common: 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)

Medical Payments Coverage

Physical Damage Coverage 

Additional kinds of coverage 

  • Towing and road service
  • Rental car reimbursement 
  • Gap insurance
  •  

Cities We Cover In Iowa

If you’re ready to stop overpaying and get cheap car insurance, we’re here to help you. Cheap Insurance helps you get exactly what you need to drive legally. Let us help connect you with car insurance coverage in the following cities: