Car insurance costs in Iowa vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of coverage you choose, coverage limits, your address and personal factors. Travelers offers the cheapest annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Iowa at $1,238 annually.

This comprehensive guide to buying car insurance for Iowa drivers is based on data research and expert advice from CarInsurance.com’s team of insurance analysts and editors. We spent countless hours doing the homework for you and analyzed rates for various driver demographics to show you what you can expect to pay.

Keep reading to learn how car insurance works in Iowa and how much you need.

Key Highlights:
  • Travelers provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Iowa, costing $1,238 per year.
  • In Iowa, insurance costs are influenced by various factors, including coverage limits, age, location, make/model of your vehicle and your driving history.
  • Minimum liability coverage in Iowa costs around $260 annually for limits of 20/40/15, while liability-only coverage costs $320 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
  • In Iowa, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 28%, a DUI raising rates by 44%, and an at-fault accident by up to 40%.
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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Data checked by:
Brent Buell
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Data Journalist
Before joining QuinStreet, Brent worked for nearly four years at NYCM Insurance (a personal and commercial insurance carrier based in New York) between his roles as a product analyst and a commercial lines underwriter. Before joining NYCM, Brent owned and operated a captive insurance agency. He holds a property & casualty broker’s license and is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).
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How much is car insurance in Iowa?

CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in Iowa pay $136 monthly for full coverage car insurance. 

Understanding the average insurance cost can give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.

Average cost of auto insurance in Iowa by coverage level

Car insurance costs in Iowa can differ based on the coverage limit. To legally drive, Iowa residents must adhere to the minimum liability limits of 20/40/15.

Liability-only insurance policies are the most affordable option and provide the minimum coverage required in Iowa. However, they don’t offer much protection. 

While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.

On the other hand, full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.

Full coverage car insurance comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.

In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in Iowa for three different coverages. 

Coverage LevelAvg. Monthly CostAvg. Annual Cost
State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD$22 $260
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$27 $320
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible$136 $1,630

State minimum car insurance in Iowa

In Iowa, minimum car insurance requirements include $20,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $15,000 of property damage liability.

The state minimum coverage in Iowa costs $260 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. Iowa drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.

Drivers in Iowa must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.

Liability-only car insurance in Iowa

Liability-only car insurance costs $320 in Iowa for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.

Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people’s property or for injuries to others in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your passengers’ medical expenses. It’s cheaper than full coverage insurance, but it won’t help if your own car is damaged or stolen.

Full coverage car insurance in Iowa

In Iowa, you can expect to pay around $1,630 per year for full coverage car insurance for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.

When it comes to car insurance, experts recommend opting for full coverage with the highest liability limits you can afford. It includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible. Full coverage car insurance protects you from unexpected events on the road. with a deductible.

Calculate the cost of car insurance in Iowa

A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.

Insurance companies assess various factors, such as crime rates, traffic conditions, car theft incidents and population density, to evaluate the level of risk in different areas and determine car insurance premiums.

This means that residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in Iowa have to bear greater financial burdens than those in areas with lower risks.

With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.

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Iowa Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code

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Coverage Types
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State Minimum: Required liability coverage to drive legally in your state; some states mandate additional coverage, such as personal injury protection, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist. Liability Only 50/100/50: $50,000 per person/$100,000 maximum per accident for bodily injury; $50,000 for property damage. Liability pays for injuries/damage you cause others. Full Coverage 100/300/100: $100,000 per person/$300,000 maximum per accident for bodily injury; $100,000 for property damage; comprehensive and collision coverage with $500 deductible. Liability pays for injuries/damage you cause others. Comprehensive and collision pay for damage to your car.
50314, Des Moines,  For 30 Year Old  Male  (Type:  Liability - Minimum )
Average Monthly Premium
$31
Highest Rate
$45/mo
Lowest Rate
$17/mo
Compare personalized quotes from up to 20 companies in Iowa now

Estimate car insurance in Iowa by car model

In Iowa, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.

For example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.

Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in Iowa.

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Insurance Rates by Car Model

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Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool

Car insurance rates by age group in Iowa

As drivers age, their auto insurance premiums change – with younger and teen drivers paying higher rates than experienced drivers. The crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than that of drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Insurers know that teenage drivers are less experienced and pose a higher risk, resulting in higher insurance premiums. Iowa drivers between the ages of 30 to 60 typically enjoy the lowest average auto insurance rates, at about $1,575 annually.

Car insurance for drivers aged 16-19 costs $2,847 more annually than Iowa drivers aged 30-60.

See the average rates by age group below:

  • For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $4,422 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
  • For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,480 a year for a full coverage policy.
  • For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,575 per year in Iowa.
  • For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $1,468 per year.

Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age

Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Iowa

A history of DUI, speeding, or at-fault accidents often results in significant hikes in insurance premiums. In Iowa, a DUI conviction lead to increased rates and you may see a rate hike of up to 44% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.

If you receive a speeding ticket in Iowa, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 28% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.

Here is how much your car insurance rate increases in Iowa after driving incidents:

  • Speeding ticket: Up to 28% increase
  • DUI conviction: 44% increase
  • At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 40% increase

But even with a traffic ticket, comparison shopping can save you money.

Car insurance cost in Iowa for high-risk drivers

In Iowa, drivers deemed high-risk face higher car insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Factors such as past accidents, traffic infractions and low credit scores significantly affect premium costs.

Fortunately, high-risk drivers have several options to lower their insurance premiums. A good first step is to shop around and compare quotes, as each insurance provider has a unique rate structure designed to meet individual needs.

Use the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.

Average cost of car insurance in Iowa for high-risk driver

Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.

Average Annual Car Insurance Rate for At-fault bodily injury accident in Iowa is $2,371
Show Graph View
Company Name Insurance Rates
State Farm $1,482
USAA $1,726
Travelers $1,795
Auto-Owners $1,931
Progressive $2,302
Geico $3,020
Allstate $3,121

Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates

Compare car insurance quotes in Iowa

In Iowa, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.

Compare the best car insurance options in Iowa by getting quotes from different insurance companies.

Below are the details of Iowa car insurance companies and their annual premiums. 

CompanyState Minimum50/100/50100/300/100
Travelers$310 $369 $1,238
State Farm$199 $258 $1,306
West Bend Mutual$199 $230 $1,311
Auto-Owners$189 $219 $1,461
Progressive$174 $249 $1,589
IMT Insurance$232 $244 $1,634
Geico$254 $325 $1,716
Iowa Farm Bureau$262 $304 $1,796
Allstate$508 $591 $2,126
Grinnell Mutual$362 $468 $2,591
USAA$166 $264 $1,165

Car insurance rates by city in Iowa

Bedford is the most expensive city in Iowa, with an average car insurance rate of $2,053 a year. Coralville is the cheapest city for Iowa drivers at an average rate of $1,311 annually.

Car insurance costs differ from city to city in Iowa, mainly because of traffic congestion. Cities with more traffic usually see more accidents and insurance claims, which makes insurance more expensive.

The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.

The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for Iowa’s largest cities.

Average cost of car insurance in Iowa by city

Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.

Average Annual Rate of Car Insurance in Altoona, IA is $1,441
Show Graph View
Company Name Insurance Rates
Travelers $1,075
USAA $1,116
State Farm $1,186
West Bend Insurance Company $1,196
Auto-Owners $1,346
IMT Insurance $1,377
Progressive $1,385
Geico $1,403
Iowa Farm Bureau $1,508
Allstate $1,985
Grinnell Mutual $2,275

How much does car insurance cost in Iowa per month?

The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in Iowa costs $136 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.

Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.

While paying your car insurance in full upfront at renewal can sometimes get you a discount, the best choice will depend on your situation.

Coverage LevelAvg. Monthly Rates
State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD$22
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$27
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible$136

Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Iowa

When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.

Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

  1. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
  2. USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in Iowa. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.

 The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:

  • Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
  • Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
  • State minimum coverage limit of 20/40/15.

To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.

Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Laura Longero

Ask the Insurance Expert

Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.

John McCormick

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John McCormick

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John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz

Executive Editor

Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.

Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.