The best car insurance in Iowa for 2023

With an average cost of $1,158, Iowa has some of the lowest rates for auto insurance in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you should settle for just any car insurance policy. You want one that meets state requirements, but also one that fits your situation and your budget.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the coverage that meets your needs and your budget. Policygenius can help you easily compare options from top companies so you can choose the policy that’s right for you.

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa

The amount you pay for your car insurance premiums is based on the amount of coverage you need, as well as factors like where you live, your age, driving record, and the kind of car you own.

But not all companies charge the same amount for coverage, which is why it’s so important to shop around.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Iowa

Teens and young adults who are just learning how to drive can expect to pay more for auto insurance than experienced drivers, since they’re more likely to get into an accident and need to file a claim. 

The good news is that while you will pay more for a young driver on your policy, if they maintain a good driving record, you can expect to pay a little less every year until they turn 25.

Age	Cheapest company	Average cost
16	FAIA	$2,154
18	State Farm	$1,754
21	State Farm	$1,195
25	State Farm	$827
30	State Farm	$726
35	State Farm	$709
45	State Farm	$692
55	State Farm	$647
60	State Farm	$628
65	State Farm	$615
70	State Farm	$638

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Choosing the right car insurance company in Iowa

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right car insurance company. How much coverage you choose and the deductible amounts you pick will affect your premium.

You also need to consider coverage options — do you want to find an insurance company that offers accident forgiveness? What about any other type of property insurance, like home, renters, boat or motorcycle coverage? Bundling policies can be a convenience and a money saver.

Whatever you’re looking for in your auto insurance policy, Policygenius can help you see your options and find the best coverage at the right price.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Iowa

You should expect that any insurance company will look at your driving record over the last three to five years, checking for accidents and other violations. 

If you have a history of filing claims, companies may consider you a high-risk driver and will charge you more for coverage. Fortunately, most companies only focus on your recent history, so it’s possible to clean up your record and lower your rates after a violation.

Violation	State Farm	FAIA	West Bend Mutual	USAA	Travelers
At-fault accident	$821	$1,053	$1,480	$1,543	$1,500
DUI	$773	$1,595	$1,654	$1,777	$1,638
Suspended license	$773	$1,301	$1,910	$1,699	$1,638
Open container	$773	$1,595	$1,654	$1,516	$1,430
Expired registration	$773	$993	$1,370	$1,352	$1,430
Driving without lights	$773	$811	$1,085	$1,222	$1,430
Running a red light	$773	$993	$1,085	$1,352	$1,430
Following too closely	$773	$993	$1,085	$1,352	$1,430
Hit and run	$773	$1,301	$1,910	$1,846	$1,638
Not-at-fault accident	$726	$811	$838	$1,091	$1,142
Passing a school bus	$773	$993	$1,480	$1,516	$1,638
Reckless driving	$773	$1,595	$1,910	$1,516	$1,638
Speeding	$773	$993	$1,740	$1,352	$1,638

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→ Read more about finding SR-22 insurance in Iowa

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Iowa

Another factor used to determine your insurance cost is your credit score. Drivers with bad credit will see higher rates. But some companies value a high credit score more than others, which is why it’s all the more important for drivers with bad credit to shop around.

Car insurance costs in Iowa cities

The cost of auto insurance varies from city-to-city in Iowa. Factors like density, crime rates, street parking, and even the costs of repairs all affect the cost of car insurance. Below are the average rates in the ten biggest cities in Iowa:

• Des Moines: $1,165 

• Cedar Rapids: $1,134

• Davenport: $1,160

• Sioux City: $1,232

• Iowa City: $1,018

• Ankeny: $1,017

• West Des Moines: $1,032

• Waterloo: $1,167

• Ames: $1,022

• Council Bluffs: $1,396

Buying car insurance in Iowa

In Iowa, drivers will need to have at least:

• $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person

• $40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident

• $15,000 in property damage liability coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Iowa, but it's useful if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the cost of the damage. 

You can also consider adding comprehensive coverage, which will cover the cost of damage that happens to your car when you’re not driving it, as well as collision insurance, which will cover the cost of repairs to your car after an accident, even if you were at fault.

How to get cheap car insurance in Iowa

There are lots of ways to reduce the cost of an auto insurance policy. By following a few basic tips, you can be sure you’re getting the best coverage for the lowest price.

• Look for companies that offer discounts for full-time students, safe driving, or for bundling auto and home insurance policies.

• Keep your driving history clean by avoiding accidents and violations that could cause you to pay more for coverage.

• Monitor your credit score to ensure there aren’t any surprises when you apply for a new policy.

• Choose a reliable car with safety features such as anti-theft and collision detection.

• Comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best price, then reshop yearly, especially if your current company is raising your rates

Frequently asked questions

Is car insurance mandatory in Iowa?

Yes, drivers in Iowa are required by law to have a minimum of 20/40/15 in liability coverage.

What company offers the lowest rates for drivers with violations in Iowa?

Along with having the best average rates in Iowa, State Farm is also the best choice for drivers with violations on their records. Most companies only look back three-to-five years into your driving history, however. After that, you should shop around again to see if you can find better rates with a clean record.

How much is car insurance per month in Iowa?

Drivers in Iowa pay an average of $1,158 per year, which breaks down to $97 per month.

Why are the rates where I live in Des Moines more expensive than other parts of the state?

Since Des Moines is the most populated city in the state, it’s going to have higher instances of accidents, theft, and vandalism than more rural parts of Iowa. These risks make you a bigger liability to the insurance companies and they’re going to charge more to insure you if you live in a city.