The best car insurance companies in Iowa for 2024 are Auto-Owners, Travelers, State Farm and Progressive. This list is determined by analyzing the companies’ annual car insurance premiums, financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings.
Use our guide to find the right insurance company for your needs and budget. Navigate your insurance options in Iowa with confidence to choose the best car insurance company.
Our take
Auto-Owners is the top choice for car insurance in Iowa. Its high financial rating of A++ from AM Best and competitive rates make it an excellent option for affordable and comprehensive coverage.
Auto-Owners’s average car insurance cost is $1,461 a year. It has a J.D. Power score of 829/1,000 and an overall rating of 3.83 out of 5.
CarInsurance.com found that Travelers offers the lowest average car insurance premiums at $1,238 per year.
Check out our experts recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in Iowa?
Iowa drivers have various top-rated car insurance companies to choose from. Whether you seek the best overall experience, the most affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer that fits your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the best auto insurance companies in Iowa by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Auto-Owners |
| Most affordable | Travelers |
| Highest customer satisfaction | State Farm |
| Best for teen | Auto-Owners |
| Best for young adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for seniors | Auto-Owners |
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Compare the best auto insurance companies in Iowa
Choosing the right car insurance in Iowa can feel overwhelming, with so many companies offering different coverage at varying rates. To help, we’ve taken a closer look at the top insurers in Iowa.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,461 | A++ | 829 | 0.50 | 3.83 |
| Travelers | $1,238 | A++ | 797 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| State Farm | $1,306 | A++ | 833 | 0.70 | 3.49 |
| Progressive | $1,589 | A+ | 803 | 0.65 | 3.12 |
| Geico | $1,716 | A++ | 819 | 0.91 | 3.01 |
| Allstate | $2,126 | A+ | 806 | 0.65 | 2.78 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in Iowa
As drivers age, their needs, driving habits and risk profiles change, influencing their car insurance rates and the types of coverage they need. Understanding which car insurance company caters best to your needs helps you make more informed decisions, potentially leading to better coverage and cost savings.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
| Company | Annual rates | Customer satisfaction rating |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in Iowa
Teen drivers typically face higher insurance premiums due to their higher risk and lack of driving experience. It’s important to find insurance companies that offer competitive insurance rates and provide benefits for teen drivers, such as good student discounts, driver training discounts and accident forgiveness.
Auto-Owners stands out for its affordable rates for teen drivers. It offers car insurance at $3,595 per year.
To determine the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, we considered several factors to ensure a thorough evaluation. Each company’s overall score is based on a weighted analysis of four primary factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is given a specific percentage weight according to how well the companies performed in each category.
Based on our analysis, here are some of the top choices for teens aged 16-19:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $3,595 | A++ | 829 | 0.5 | 3.84 |
| Travelers | $3,731 | A++ | 797 | 0.49 | 3.48 |
| State Farm | $3,380 | A++ | 833 | 0.7 | 3.45 |
| Geico | $4,304 | A++ | 819 | 0.91 | 3.03 |
| Progressive | $4,767 | A+ | 803 | 0.65 | 2.96 |
| Allstate | $7,084 | A+ | 806 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
Best for young adults in Iowa
Young drivers often face higher premiums due to their perceived risk, making it important to find the right insurance company. Based on an analysis by the National Safety Council, 7,300 drivers were involved in fatal crashes for the age group 20-24, accounting for 11.2% of the total drivers in such incidents.
Companies like Auto-Owners and Travelers offer competitive rates that are more affordable for younger drivers aged 20-24.
To determine the best car insurance companies for young adults in 2024, we analyzed four key factors: average annual full coverage cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor was given a specific percentage weight to calculate the overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $2,454 | A++ | 829 | 0.50 | 3.75 |
| Travelers | $1,917 | A++ | 797 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| State Farm | $2,055 | A++ | 833 | 0.70 | 3.47 |
| Progressive | $2,575 | A+ | 803 | 0.65 | 3.06 |
| Geico | $2,677 | A++ | 819 | 0.91 | 3.00 |
| Allstate | $3,269 | A+ | 806 | 0.65 | 2.78 |
Best for adult drivers in Iowa
When choosing car insurance, different age groups often have varying needs and priorities. For adults and experienced drivers aged 25 to 60, factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs play significant roles in selecting the right insurer.
For adult drivers, Auto-Owners is the best choice for car insurance in Iowa. It provides full coverage at an average yearly cost of $1,457 and has an overall rating of 3.84, the highest among the companies analyzed.
Our list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers is based on a thorough analysis of four main factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost in Iowa (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are usually seen as less risky than younger drivers because of their experience behind the wheel. This often results in lower insurance premiums for drivers aged 25-60.
The table below shows the list of the best car insurance companies for Iowa drivers aged 25-60 and their annual insurance rates.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,457 | A++ | 829 | 0.50 | 3.84 |
| Travelers | $1,257 | A++ | 797 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| State Farm | $1,301 | A++ | 833 | 0.70 | 3.50 |
| Progressive | $1,616 | A+ | 803 | 0.65 | 3.10 |
| Geico | $1,719 | A++ | 819 | 0.91 | 3.00 |
| Allstate | $2,186 | A+ | 806 | 0.65 | 2.72 |
Best for senior drivers in Iowa
Auto-Owners provides the cheapest car insurance premiums among the companies analyzed at an average cost of $1,334 a year. It is an affordable option for senior drivers.
Finding the best car insurance companies for senior drivers requires a detailed analysis of various important factors. The overall score for each insurer is based on a weighted analysis of four different factors: the average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). The percentage weight assigned to each factor corresponds to its importance in determining an insurance provider’s financial strength, affordability, customer experience and complaint ratio.
Below are the best auto insurance companies in Iowa for senior drivers aged 65-75.
| Company | Monthly cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $111 | A++ | 829 | 0.50 | 3.82 |
| Travelers | $97 | A++ | 797 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| State Farm | $98 | A++ | 833 | 0.70 | 3.52 |
| Progressive | $112 | A+ | 803 | 0.65 | 3.19 |
| Geico | $124 | A++ | 819 | 0.91 | 3.03 |
| Allstate | $169 | A+ | 806 | 0.65 | 2.60 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Best overall car insurance company in state
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Choosing the right insurance company is largely determined by your driver profile. Here’s how to find the best insurer to suit your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in Iowa
Look for car insurance companies that offer discounts, including safe driver, multi-policy and automatic payment discounts, to reduce your premiums. And you can opt to pay your premiums monthly, semi-annually or annually.
Find the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels listed below in Iowa.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $310 | $369 | $1,238 |
| State Farm | $199 | $258 | $1,306 |
| West Bend Insurance Company | $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 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 20/40/15.
For high-risk drivers in Iowa
High-risk drivers, such as those with multiple traffic violations or DUIs, should seek insurers specializing in high-risk policies. Work on improving your driving record. Attend defensive driving courses or consider driving a safer, less risky vehicle. These changes can help lower your rates over time.
High-risk status is not permanent. Regularly compare insurance rates and options, as improving your driving record and altering your risk profile can lead to more affordable car insurance rates over time.
| Company | 6-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $905 | $1,809 |
| State Farm | $1,031 | $2,061 |
| Progressive | $1,078 | $2,156 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,239 | $2,477 |
| Allstate | $1,398 | $2,795 |
| Geico | $1,425 | $2,850 |
| USAA | $841 | $1,682 |
By understanding specific driver profiles and doing proper research, high-risk drivers can find an insurance company that meets their needs and provides the best value.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in Iowa?
In Iowa, the average yearly cost of car insurance is $1,630. The cost can differ based on factors like the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limits.
How much car insurance coverage do I need in Iowa?
When evaluating your car insurance requirements in Iowa, it’s important to know the state’s minimum required coverage. Typically, it includes $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident and $15,000 for property damage liability.
If you have valuable assets to protect, it’s advisable to exceed Iowa’s minimum car insurance requirements and choose higher liability limits. CarInsurance.com editors recommend opting for full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Here’s what it means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount your insurance will cover for bodily injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage you cause to another person’s property in an accident.
These higher limits are recommended because they offer greater financial protection. Additionally, consider your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing the coverage limit.
Which company has the best car insurance rates in Iowa?
According to CarInsurance.com’s analysis, Travelers provides the most affordable car insurance for Iowa drivers at $103 per month or $1,238 annually.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed September 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for Iowa drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:
- Teens: Age 16-19
- Young adults: Age 20-24
- Adults: 25- 60
- Seniors: 60-75
The different coverage levels include:
- Annual 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.
- A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 20/40/15.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:
- 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit
The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.
- Average annual cost: 25%
- J.D. Power score: 30%
- AM Best rating: 25%
Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
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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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Iowa
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
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.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Iowa