Car Insurance in Iowa
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in IA with The Zebra
- Coverage from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
Here's what you need to know when driving in Iowa
The average car insurance rate in Iowa is $1,218 per year — 20% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Iowa car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.
Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Iowa based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized insurance quotes from top insurers.
The best car insurance companies in Iowa
Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Iowa.
Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 897 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Power's 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Iowa.
As a highly-rated regional carrier, Shelter Insurance scored an 856 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.
Farmers placed third in this region with a score of 848 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.3 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.Â
- Iowa drivers pay about 20% less for car insurance on average
- The cheapest major car insurance company is State Farm
The cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.
The cheapest rates are from State Farm at $891 annually, or $74 per month.
For the minimum required coverage in Iowa, State Farm is the cheapest on average.Â
If you have a DUI (or OWI as they are known in Iowa) on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,102 |
| Travelers | $1,190 |
| USAA | $1,238 |
| GEICO | $1,609 |
| Progressive | $1,611 |
| Nationwide | $1,725 |
| Farmers | $2,023 |
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Iowa auto insurance laws
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Iowa. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Iowa, expect to pay an average of $270 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 50%.
State minimum coverage
In order to drive legally in the state of Iowa, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:
- Bodily Injury $20,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $40,000 per accident
- Property Damage $15,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Iowa (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Iowa, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,043, 286% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 363% more than you would for basic coverage.
The Zebra's guide to Iowa car insurance laws
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Iowa with our helpful guide.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Iowa.
Iowa car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Iowa.
Cheap auto insurance in Iowa for minimum coverage
Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Iowa, the average cost for minimum coverage is $23 per month, or $270 yearly — a savings of $773 compared to full coverage.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $200 |
| USAA | $222 |
| GEICO | $225 |
| Progressive | $297 |
| Travelers | $359 |
| Farmers | $442 |
| Allstate | $454 |
Cheap auto insurance in Iowa with bad credit
Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Iowa drivers with poor credit pay 53% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,747 |
| USAA | $1,790 |
| GEICO | $1,895 |
| State Farm | $2,279 |
| Farmers | $2,322 |
| Progressive | $2,505 |
| Allstate | $3,036 |
Cheap auto insurance in Iowa with an at-fault accident
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $423 per year.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,094 |
| Travelers | $1,441 |
| USAA | $1,524 |
| Progressive | $2,145 |
| Farmers | $2,161 |
| GEICO | $2,283 |
| Allstate | $2,735 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Iowa
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Iowa, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,588 per year — $2,059 more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Iowa driver.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $2,467 |
| State Farm | $2,944 |
| Travelers | $3,107 |
| GEICO | $3,411 |
| Progressive | $5,136 |
| Allstate | $5,173 |
| Farmers | $5,545 |
Iowa auto insurance rate by violation
In Iowa, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.Â
See below average auto insurance rates in Iowa after a few common citations.
Iowa DUI laws
In Iowa, a DUI is known as an OWI (operating while intoxicated). An OWI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $757. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a OWI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a OWI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a OWI in Iowa
If you're convicted of a OWI violation in Iowa, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a OWI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a OWI in Iowa, State Farm, advertises annual rates 38% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a OWI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a OWI in Iowa is Travelers, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 63% above average.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,226 |
| Travelers | $1,565 |
| Progressive | $1,660 |
| USAA | $1,768 |
| Farmers | $2,077 |
| Allstate | $2,664 |
| GEICO | $3,226 |
There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap OWI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a OWI citation is to shop around.
Iowa SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a OWI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Iowa to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Iowa might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
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How to acquire an SR-22 in Iowa
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.
Â
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
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For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.
Find an affordable policy in Iowa in minutes!
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Ankeny, Iowa, and the most expensive in Sioux City, Iowa.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Iowa's biggest cities.
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Ankeny | $1,189 |
| Cedar Rapids | $1,259 |
| Davenport | $1,333 |
| Des Moines | $1,348 |
| Sioux City | $1,469 |
Car insurance price trends in Iowa
In Iowa, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $67 in the past year. A typical Iowa driver pays an average of $1,218 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Iowa leans toward cheaper car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Iowa | Yearly Change — Iowa | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,218 | $67 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,151 | $57 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $1,094 | $84 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,010 | -$786 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Iowa car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Iowa auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.