How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Iowa
Car insurance is a necessity for every driver, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Understanding your insurance options and researching policies from various insurance companies is the best way to get the cheapest rates on the best car insurance coverage.
Jerry has become the go-to app for auto owners seeking a seamless experience in comparing and purchasing affordable car insurance.
Check out these real quotes Jerry found real drivers:
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Auto | $320 | Betty, 29, Des Moines, IA | Ford Focus Zx4 | 100/300 | Yes |
| Nationwide | $74 | Lucy, 33, Des Moines, IA | Honda Civic Ex | 50/100 | Yes |
| Progressive | $113 | Cordelia, 71, Urbandale, IA | Chrysler 200 Limited | 100/300 | Yes |
| Travelers | $353 | Peter, 43, Des Moines, IA | Chevrolet Impala Lt | State Minimum | Yes |
| Safeco | $364 | Julia, 24, Marshalltown, IA | Nissan Altima 2.5 | 100/300 | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
Determining the auto insurance company that offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Iowa is not a straightforward task. Our survey findings indicate that there isn’t a single “best” or “cheapest” car insurance company that suits every driver’s needs.
While USAA, IMT Insurance, and Allstate are regarded as a few of the most economical options in Iowa, our survey reveals that customer opinions on affordability vary. Allstate received mixed ratings for cost—indicating that while some policyholders find their insurance affordable, others report instances of being overcharged or experiencing frequent rate increases.
In Iowa, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and Progressive hold the largest market shares. To gain further insights into these insurers, it’s worthwhile to explore the experiences shared by drivers in our survey.
Check out how real Jerry drivers reviewed these insurance carriers:
| Insurance company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | August 26, 2024 | 5 | “Only company that would insure me at a reasonable price and was done without having to call anyone” -Douglas |
| Dairyland | August 24, 2024 | 5 | “Was able to do everything online and easily” -Cole |
| Main Street America | August 22, 2024 | 5 | “I absolutely love Nationwide. I had them before and was happy to get insurance through them again” -Lou |
| Allstate | August 21, 2024 | 5 | “I pay a great price for the insurance “ -Susie |
| Progressive | August 20, 2024 | 5 | “Before Jerry.com I was paying $117 for liability only with my insurance company. After Jerry.com, progressive offered…(read more)” -Virginia |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
When it comes to comparing car insurance quotes, the simplest and quickest approach is to utilize a car insurance comparison website or app.
Jerry, a leading fully-licensed insurance agency, offers a user-friendly app designed to source and compare car insurance quotes. Jerry’s 100+ licensed insurance agents are always on standby to provide customers with end-to-end support. Finding ideal car insurance coverage couldn’t be any more convenient—and it’s free!
Minimum liability and full coverage
Iowa state insurance law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage in a 20/40/15 configuration.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in Iowa
The minimum liability car insurance coverage in Iowa includes the following amounts:
- $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
These minimum requirements ensure that drivers have the necessary coverage to pay for damages or injuries they may cause to others in an accident. It’s important to note that while these are the minimum requirements, drivers should consider purchasing additional coverage for added protection.
Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Iowa?
In Iowa, minimum liability coverage may not provide sufficient protection in certain situations, such as accidents resulting in severe injuries or extensive property damage. By opting for higher coverage limits or additional types of coverage, you can better safeguard yourself financially in the event of an accident—especially in a state with lower minimum liability coverage limits.
The bottom line: For better financial protection, consider a full coverage policy and/or elevated 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Iowa
While you are not required by law in Iowa to carry full coverage car insurance, it’s nonetheless essential for protecting yourself from serious car repair or replacement expenses.
As full coverage car insurance policy typically includes both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
Collision coverage pays for damages to your car resulting from collisions with objects like other vehicles or trees. While not legally required, collision insurance may be required by lenders to loan or lease a vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, offers protection for a wide range of causes, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, floods, and theft. It also covers damages to your vehicle’s glass, such as windshield damage. While comprehensive coverage is not mandated by law, it provides additional peace of mind in the face of a non-collision incident.
Below, you’ll find a selection of recent examples showcasing customers who have successfully obtained affordable full coverage policies with the help of Jerry.
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100/300 | Yes | State Auto | $320 | Betty, 29, Des Moines, IA | Ford Focus Zx4 |
| 50/100 | Yes | Nationwide | $74 | Lucy, 33, Des Moines, IA | Honda Civic Ex |
| 100/300 | Yes | Progressive | $113 | Cordelia, 71, Urbandale, IA | Chrysler 200 Limited |
| State Minimum | Yes | Travelers | $353 | Peter, 43, Des Moines, IA | Chevrolet Impala Lt |
| 100/300 | Yes | Safeco | $364 | Julia, 24, Marshalltown, IA | Nissan Altima 2.5 |
Average rates for state minimum liability coverage and full coverage
Based on our extensive experience working with car insurance policyholders across Iowa, we’ve determined that the average monthly cost of minimum liability coverage is $96, amounting to an annual total of $1,153.
The average monthly cost for full coverage insurance in Iowa is $145, resulting in an annual total of $1,745. These figures provide a reference point to help understand the average costs based on varying levels of coverage in Iowa.
While average insurance rates can provide a general idea of what to expect, it’s important to remember that individual insurance premiums are determined by various factors. Here are a few examples of influencing factors on premiums:
- The type of car
- Driving record
- Claims history
- Demographic information
Drawing from our experience in assisting Iowa drivers, we have observed that insurance premiums for minimum liability coverage typically begin around $96 per month. For those opting for full coverage policies, the starting point is usually around $145 per month. It’s important to note, however, that depending on the unique circumstances of each driver, these costs can vary significantly.
Iowa car insurance: Additional coverages
In addition to liability minimums and full coverage (including collision and comprehensive), there are several more types of car insurance that Iowa drivers can consider:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Gap insurance
- Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)
If you don’t own a vehicle, but find yourself borrowing or renting a vehicle regularly, you may also benefit from non-owner insurance. In Iowa, insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. A non-owner policy will follow you to ensure you can cover damages if you cause an accident, no matter what you’re driving.
Reviewing your specific needs and budget will make it easier to shop and find additional types of coverage tailored to you!
Finding low car insurance premiums for every kind of driver
Car insurance companies in Iowa use various factors to determine auto insurance premiums. These factors typically include:
- Driving record: Your driving history, including any traffic violations, accidents, or claims, is a significant factor in determining your premium. Drivers with clean records generally pay lower premiums.
- Vehicle type: The make, model, and year of your vehicle can impact your insurance premium. Factors such as the vehicle’s safety features, cost of repairs, and the likelihood of theft are all considered.
- Coverage limits and deductibles: The coverage level you choose and the deductibles you select can affect your premium. Opting for higher coverage limits or lower deductibles generally leads to higher premiums.
- Location: Your geographic location can influence your premium. Factors such as population density, crime rates, and the frequency of accidents in your area are taken into account.
- Usage: The number of miles you drive annually can impact your premium. Drivers with lower mileage may qualify for car insurance discounts as they are perceived to have a lower risk of accidents.
Cheapest Iowa car insurance after a driving violation
Your driving history plays a significant role in determining your auto insurance quotes. Insurance companies assess the risk associated with your driving behavior, and if they notice a history of violations, they’ll consider you a high-risk driver and you’ll likely pay higher premiums as a result.
Cheapest car insurance for Iowa drivers with a speeding ticket
The exact penalties for speeding violations in Iowa can vary based on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the court. And it’s important to note that additional fines, points, and even reckless driving charges may be added if the speeding violation occurred within a construction or school zone.
Accumulating too many points within a specific time window will flag you as a high-risk driver to insurance companies. Jerry has successfully assisted drivers with different types of speeding tickets in obtaining car insurance at reduced rates.
Below, you’ll see how much Jerry drivers with different speeding violations paid for their car insurance:
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1-5 | Progressive | $120 | Chad, 34, Hull, IA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $37 | Ronald, 29, Osceola, IA | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $260 | Juan, 26, West Des Moines, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $73 | Rodney, 44, Cedar Rapids, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Travelers | $159 | Chad, 33, Waterloo, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
Cheapest auto insurance in Iowa after a DUI
When it comes to car insurance rates, a DUI offense in Iowa can have a significant impact, often resulting in a substantial increase compared to other traffic infractions and violations. After receiving a DUI citation, you’ll need to shop multiple insurance providers to find the most favorable rates for your situation.
Jerry has successfully switched many Iowans to affordable auto insurance coverage following a DUI violation.
Iowa SR-22 insurance
In Iowa, SR-22 insurance is a certificate that verifies a driver’s compliance with the state’s auto insurance requirements after they have been involved in certain serious traffic offenses or violations such as DUIs. An SR-22 filing is not an insurance policy itself but instead a document the insurance company issues on behalf of the driver.
The SR-22 filing serves as proof that the driver has obtained the necessary minimum liability insurance coverage as mandated by state law.
Other common situations for filing an SR-22 in Iowa include:
- Repeated traffic offenses or violations
- Operating a vehicle without insurance coverage
- Being involved in a accident that results in severe injury or property damage
SR-22 filings typically come with higher insurance premiums due to the higher risk associated with the driver’s history. The driver is required to maintain the SR-22 filing for a specified period (typically two years) to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Cheapest Iowa auto Insurance after an at-fault accident
A significant factor in determining your insurance rates is your auto accident and claims records.
Insurance companies thoroughly assess your past accidents, particularly those in which you were at fault, to evaluate the level of risk you present as a policyholder. If you were recently deemed “at fault” in an accident, you may notice a significant increase in your car insurance premiums upon policy renewal.
|
Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Fault With Injury | State Auto | $320 | Betty, 29, Des Moines, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $48 | Ola, 71, Davenport, IA | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With Injury | State Auto | $75 | Eva, 59, Cedar Rapids, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Safeco | $103 | Mitchell, 59, Ottumwa, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $59 | Eddie, 61, Walnut, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
FAQ
-
Is Iowa an at-fault state?
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Iowa
Other than DUIs and speeding violations, there are several other driving violations in Iowa that can result in increased insurance costs. Offenses such as reckless driving, careless driving, or driving on a suspended license can all significantly impact your insurance premiums.
We’ve gathered a comprehensive list of driving infractions and how we have helped auto owners in the state of Iowa secure more affordable insurance rates.
|
Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improper Passing | Safeco | $130 | Susie, 57, Oelwein, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
| Other Major | Travelers | $147 | Leila, 27, Sioux City, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
| Driving on Sus. License | Safeco | $103 | Mitchell, 59, Ottumwa, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
| Defective Equipment | Progressive | $64 | Cameron, 26, Cedar Rapids, IA | State Minimum | No |
| Following too Closely | Progressive | $146 | Lee, 26, Sioux City, IA | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest Iowa auto insurance based on insurance history
Perhaps a lesser-known influencing factor on car insurance rates is insurance history and active coverage status.
To put it plainly, having a lapse in your insurance coverage typically results in higher premiums.
To assist our customers in staying on top of their insurance payments and avoid coverage gaps, Jerry provides timely payment reminders. Whether it’s reminding customers about upcoming payments or notifying them if they’ve fallen behind, our aim is to help customers maintain consistent coverage.
We have successfully aided many auto owners who are currently uninsured or have experienced coverage lapses in finding savings on a new policy.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit
In Iowa, like in many other states, insurance companies will factor in credit scores when determining insurance rates. Although your credit rating may not be an indicator of your driving abilities, insurers have observed a connection between lower credit scores and an increased probability of filing insurance claims.
Consequently, drivers who have lower credit ratings generally encounter higher insurance premiums than their good-credit counterparts. Our data finds that individuals with credit scores considered “poor” (<550) face an average car insurance rate that is approximately 20% higher than those with “very good” credit (>750).
Below, you can see how much real Jerry drivers with various credit scores paid for their car insurance:
|
Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750+ | Progressive | $55 | Grace, 35, Ankeny, IA | Bmw X5 Xdrive40I | 100/300 | Yes |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $146 | Lee, 26, Sioux City, IA | Ram 1500 Slt | State Minimum | Yes |
| 750+ | Dairyland | $31 | Sylvia, 30, Mason City, IA | Pontiac Vibe | State Minimum | No |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $120 | Hunter, 27, Des Moines, IA | Kia Optima Lx | State Minimum | Yes |
| 750+ | Bristol West | $147 | Jim, 32, Cedar Rapids, IA | Ram 1500 Slt | 250/500 | Yes |
Cheapest Iowa car insurance by age
Generally, car insurance pricing in Iowa is influenced by age, as insurance companies consider different risk factors associated with drivers of various age groups.
Teen drivers, young adults, and those with learner’s permits, particularly those between 16 and 25 years old, often face higher insurance rates due to their limited driving experience and a higher chance of being involved in accidents.
Insurance rates tend to decrease as drivers gain more experience and reach their late 20s and early 30s. As drivers enter their senior years, however, insurance rates may start to increase again.
Cheapest Iowa car insurance for young drivers
Teenagers and young adults pay the highest car insurance rates in Iowa. Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are considered especially high risk due to their limited driving experience and a statistically higher likelihood of being involved in car accidents.
For teenagers, full coverage car insurance is generally recommended to provide the best financial protection. Beyond accident risk, full coverage also covers theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.
Cheapest Iowa car insurance for senior drivers
As drivers enter their golden years, insurance rates often increase. Generally, advanced age can make older drivers more vulnerable to accidents and places them at higher risk of sustaining severe injuries in a collision.
Iowa drivers entering their mid-70s should review their driving habits and any changes in their situation. Shopping various companies and comparing quotes will help older drivers find the cheapest car insurance possible without sacrificing coverage.
Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
The type of car you own is a significant determinant in your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider factors such as repair and replacement costs, theft risk, and the vehicle’s safety record when determining insurance rates.
Here are a few popular car models in Iowa:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota Camry
- Jeep Wrangler
- Subaru Outback
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry Le | Progressive | $64 | Cameron, 26, Cedar Rapids, IA | State Minimum | No |
| Toyota Camry L | Progressive | $38 | Sophia, 44, Waterloo, IA | State Minimum | No |
| Toyota Camry Ce | Travelers | $159 | Chad, 33, Waterloo, IA | 100/300 | Yes |
| Chevrolet Silverado K2500 | Travelers | $76 | Marc, 28, Ankeny, IA | 25/50 | Yes |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Ltz | Progressive | $193 | Charles, 25, Waukee, IA | 50/100 | Yes |
Car insurance cost for new vs. old car
Newer cars tend to have higher insurance premiums than older cars due to their higher value and the costlier repairs or replacements in the event of an accident. As a car ages, its value depreciates, and the insurance premiums may decrease accordingly.
Based on our research, we’ve found that the average annual cost for full coverage car insurance on cars older than 10 years is $1,329 in Iowa. Comparatively, the average price to cover a car less than 4 years old is $1,828 per year.
Iowa cheapest car insurance by location
Insurance companies consider several factors concerning the location of where a vehicle is kept.
Coverage costs vary based on population density, accident rates, weather conditions, and criminal activity. Additionally, premiums can vary between neighboring zip codes based on local laws and regulations.
Here are a few examples of how Jerry Insurance Agency helped drivers in different Iowa cities find coverage options to fulfill their insurance needs.
|
City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | Betty | State Auto | $320 | Ford Focus Zx4 | 100/300 | Yes |
| Des Moines, IA | Lucy | Nationwide | $74 | Honda Civic Ex | 50/100 | Yes |
| Urbandale, IA | Cordelia | Progressive | $113 | Chrysler 200 Limited | 100/300 | Yes |
| Des Moines, IA | Peter | Travelers | $353 | Chevrolet Impala Lt | State Minimum | Yes |
| Marshalltown, IA | Julia | Safeco | $364 | Nissan Altima 2.5 | 100/300 | Yes |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in Iowa
There are several strategies Jerry’s team of licensed insurance agents recommend to lower car insurance costs. Here are a few suggestions worth trying:
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
- Bundle insurance plans (such as car and homeowners) together to get a multiple-policy discount.
- Explore your eligibility for car insurance discounts, i.e., for having a good driving record or for completing defensive driving courses.
- Pay your bills on time and maintain good credit.
- Consider installing safety features in your car to lower your theft and severe accident risk.
- Increase your deductible—just remember you’ll pay more out of pocket for a claim.
- Keep a good driving record.
- Review and adjust your coverage limits to avoid overpaying for coverage(s) you no longer need.
Learn more: 11 Ways to lower car insurance
Why is car insurance so expensive in Iowa?
There are several reasons why car insurance in Iowa can be expensive, including:
- Living in a highly populated area, such as in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, which have higher rates of traffic congestion, leading to more accidents
- Concentration of uninsured drivers
- Auto theft and vandalism rates
- Bad weather, including winter storms and tornadoes
FAQ
-
How much is car insurance Iowa?
-
What is the required car insurance in Iowa?
-
How does credit score affect car insurance in Iowa?
-
Is car insurance required in Iowa?
-
How long can you drive without insurance after buying a car in Iowa?
-
What is the average cost of car insurance in Iowa?
-
Who has the best cheap car insurance in Iowa?
-
Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage required in Iowa?
-
Do you need insurance to register a car in Iowa?
-
Can you car get towed for no insurance in Iowa?
-
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Iowa?
-
What does full coverage car insurance consist of in Iowa?
-
Can you have out-of-state car insurance in Iowa?
-
Is PIP required in Iowa?
-
Licensed Insurance Agent
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.
Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
