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Cheapest Car Insurance in Iowa (Mar 2024)

Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Iowa.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

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 CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Progressive
$127
GMC Yukon
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$117
Chrysler Town & Country Touring
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$109
Nissan Rogue S
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$96
Hyundai Santa FE Limited
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
State Auto
$92
Ford Focus SE
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

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 companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
Allstate
March 12, 2024
5
"I pay a great price for the insurance "
-Roger
Dairyland
March 6, 2024
5
"They gave me low quotes and stood by those quotes to the end!"
-Fanny
Safeco
March 4, 2024
5
"Great company at a low rate "
-Rhoda
Amica
March 4, 2024
5
"I love state auto. They are always asking me if theres anything i need or how everything is going. They are also chec...(read more)"
-Ann
Progressive
March 3, 2024
4
"The coverage and service are okay. The customer service isn’t as friendly as I’d hoped. We have been customers for 10...(read more)"
-Gertrude
coverageLast Updated Mar 12, 2024
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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:
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.
Look below to view several recent examples of Jerry assisting auto owners in acquiring Iowa’s minimum liability coverage.
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Wayne (39 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$104
per month
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Ruth (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$145
per month
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Sara (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carGMC Acadia SLE
$112
per month
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Lillian (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationMissouri Valley, IA
$98
per month
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Linnie (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$99
per month
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Delia (28 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$92
per month

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. 
Lower my car insurance too!

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 CoverageInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$145
Hyundai Sonata SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$86
GMC Acadia Denali
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$96
Hyundai Santa FE Limited
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
State Auto
$233
Dodge Journey SE
• 25,000/50,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Mercury
$93
KIA Seltos S
coverageLast Updated Mar 17, 2024

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 $95, amounting to an annual total of $1,144.
The average monthly cost for full coverage insurance in Iowa is  $136, resulting in an annual total of  $1,637. 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 $95 per month. For those opting for full coverage policies, the starting point is usually around $136 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:
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.

How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Iowa?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Iowa currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Iowa:

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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Progressive
$227
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Bristol West
$73
• State Minimum Liability
Speeding 11-15
Bristol West
$87
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
Speeding 21+
Progressive
$145
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 15, 2024

4,000,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Safeco
Great company at a low rate.
Tisha
Allstate
Great price!
Jira
Progressive
Perfect policy for multiple cars.
Cinque
Bristol West
I've really enjoyed Bristol west insurance!
Kylee

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.
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Hilda (32 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$268
per month
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Sam (34 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord Edge SEL
$148
per month
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Louisa (45 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$72
per month
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Melvin (28 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$89
per month
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Isabel (37 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationWalker, IA
$91
per month
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Emily (49 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carToyota Scion XD
$131
per month

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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$227
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Nationwide
$96
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Safeco
$240
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$117
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With Injury
State Auto
$63
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

FAQ

Yes,
Iowa is considered an at-fault state
(also known as a tort state) for car insurance purposes. In an at-fault state such as Iowa, the driver who is determined to be at fault for causing an accident is typically responsible for covering the resulting damages and injuries through their own insurance policy.
In addition to liability insurance, you should consider adding medical payments coverage (MedPay) to your insurance policy. While not legally required in Iowa, MedPay can help pay for costly medical expenses if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. 
The bottom line: It’s always a good idea to get the best possible insurance to protect against bodily injury liabilities since basic liability insurance and health insurance may not cover your medical expenses.

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
.
ViolationInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Careless Driving
Progressive
$75
Chrysler Town & Country Touring
• State Minimum Liability
Defective Equipment
Progressive
$65
Chevrolet Impala LT
• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License
Travelers
$263
BMW X3 xDrive28i
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
DUI
Nationwide
$91
Jeep Cherokee Latitude
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Yield
Safeco
$102
Chevrolet Blazer RS
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Improper Passing
Bristol West
$65
Nissan Rogue S
• State Minimum Liability
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run
Progressive
$168
Chevrolet Traverse LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Open Container
Progressive
$244
Lincoln Navigator
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
Racing/Drag Racing
The General
$589
Subaru BRZ 2.0 Limited
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding Violation-Major
State Auto
$81
Land Rover Range Rover HSE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 1-5
Safeco
$137
Buick Lacrosse Premium
• 25,000/50,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Suspension
Allstate
$186
Chevrolet Spark 1LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Ticket Violation Not Listed
Nationwide
$140
Toyota Corolla L
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

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.
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Jeremiah (26 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$221
per month
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Gary (38 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationCarroll, IA
carJeep Compass Latitude
$133
per month
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Jim (35 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carHyundai Santa FE Limited
$96
per month
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Martha (30 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationVinton, IA
carChrysler Town & Country Touring
$131
per month
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Gerald (53 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$115
per month
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Elva (35 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$99
per month

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 RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$284
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Travelers
$96
Nissan Titan XE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
550 - 659
Allstate
$139
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Allstate
$117
Chevrolet HHR LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 18, 2024

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.
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Elijah (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationStorm Lake, IA
carJeep Grand Cherokee Overland
$147
per month
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Ethan (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$112
per month
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Sara (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carVolkswagen Jetta S
$128
per month
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Stella (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$115
per month
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Richard (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carGMC NEW Sierra K1500
$70
per month
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Clearcover
Billy (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carDodge Dart SXT
$121
per month

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.
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Ina (75 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$185
per month
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Justin (74 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$68
per month
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Ricky (77 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBoone, IA
$73
per month
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Gilbert (65 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carHonda HR-V EX
$102
per month
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Frederick (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$70
per month
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Dustin (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$95
per month

Over 3,500,000 customers and counting

We’ve earned an App Store rating of 4.7 stars for all we do to make car ownership easier.
Progressive
Best price I could find!
Christian
Dairyland
Was able to do everything online, and easily!
Emiliano
Progressive
Jerry saved me almost $100 on my current insurance!
Raiyven
Progressive
Everything is super easy to access in the app and I can get ahold of someone anytime I need!
Alecia

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.  
CityCustomerInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CarInsurance coverage
Sioux City, IA
Troy, 33
Progressive
$209
Jeep Compass 80TH Edition
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Muscatine, IA
Jonathan, 41
Travelers
$109
Nissan Rogue S
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Davenport, IA
Howard, 35
Safeco
$105
Ford F150 Supercrew
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Waukee, IA
Roxie, 45
Allstate
$137
Mazda 3 Sport
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Waukee, IA
Gabriel, 35
Nationwide
$96
Hyundai Santa FE Limited
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Bettendorf, IA
Cora, 36
Mercury
$93
KIA Seltos S
• 25,000/50,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Ottumwa, IA
Hettie, 38
State Auto
$233
Dodge Journey SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Burlington, IA
Lee, 47
Gainsco
$188
Chevrolet Traverse LT
• 30,000/60,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Des Moines, IA
Lily, 40
Bristol West
$214
KIA Sportage EX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Sioux City, IA
Anthony, 24
Clearcover
$121
Dodge Dart SXT
• 25,000/50,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Johnston, IA
Brett, 52
National General
$212
Chevrolet Cruze LT
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Marshalltown, IA
Leon, 20
The General
$589
Subaru BRZ 2.0 Limited
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Mason City, IA
Mathilda, 63
Dairyland
$62
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LTZ
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

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:
  1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
  2. Bundle insurance plans
    (such as car and homeowners) together to get a multiple-policy discount.
  3. Explore your eligibility for
    car insurance discounts
    , i.e., for having a good driving record or for completing defensive driving courses.
  4. Pay your bills on time and maintain good credit.
  5. Consider installing safety features in your car to lower your theft and severe accident risk.
  6. Increase your deductible—just remember you’ll pay more out of pocket for a claim.
  7. Keep a good driving record. 
  8. Review and adjust your coverage limits to avoid overpaying for coverage(s) you no longer need.

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

FAQs

The cost of car insurance in Iowa varies depending on many variables. To get an accurate quote, we suggest comparing rates from several insurance providers to determine your coverage costs.
The minimum car insurance requirements in Iowa include at least $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an accident and up to a total of $40,000 per accident with multiple people injured. Additionally, you must have $15,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
Insurance providers have noted a correlation between low credit score and high accident rates. This means drivers with lower credit scores will see higher insurance premiums than those with higher credit scores.
Yes. All drivers are required to carry at least minimum liability coverage to drive legally in Iowa.
In most cases, the new-car insurance grace period in Iowa is between 2 and 30 days. Note that this doesn’t mean you can drive with no coverage at all. Rather, the grace period stipulates that you have 2 to 30 days to add your new vehicle to your existing policy.
If you’re caught driving without insurance at any time, you could face serious penalties, fines, and even possible jail time in Iowa.
The average annual cost of car insurance in Iowa for minimum liability insurance in Iowa is around ${dynamic}. Full coverage insurance costs an average of ${dynamic} per year. 
Determining the best cheap auto insurance provider in Iowa is based on individual factors. Jerry’s comprehensive survey of more than 15,000 car insurance policyholders demonstrates that there’s no single best insurance pick for all.
What we can recommend is to compare quotes across multiple insurance carriers using a car insurance website or app—like Jerry! This will allow you to select the cheapest coverage that meets your specific needs.
While uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage is not required, it is automatically included in your Iowa car insurance policy. Insurance companies are required to offer at least $20,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person and up to $40,000 per accident.
You can reject this optional insurance in writing.
Technically, no. That is, you don’t need to provide proof of liability insurance with you to
register a car in Iowa
. You should, however, have valid insurance in place before hitting the road. You’ll also need the current certificate of title, a completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration, and a bill of sale.
5
 
Yes. If you are caught driving without insurance or unable to provide proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement, your car can be towed. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to tow and impound a vehicle if the driver does not carry the state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
6
 
In Iowa, car insurance typically follows the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that the insurance coverage and policy are tied to the specific car, regardless of who is driving it.
This means that if someone borrows your car with your permission and gets into an accident, your insurance policy will be liable for paying damages.
In addition to liability coverage, full coverage car insurance also includes collision and comprehensive coverage in Iowa.
Liability coverage helps pay for damages and injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident. Collision coverage, however, will pay for repair costs for your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Similarly, comprehensive coverage helps cover damages to your vehicle as well, but from non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Your out-of-state car insurance would be valid in Iowa if you’re visiting from another state or have recently moved. You will, however, need to inform your insurance provider of your change of address and residency to ensure that your coverage is suitable for Iowa’s requirements.
If you reside in two states or are a member of the military stationed in another state, however, you may have the option to maintain car insurance coverage from your home state while in Iowa.
No, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in Iowa. While insurers are not prohibited by law from offering it, a more commonly offered optional coverage is MedPay.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our Experts

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R.E. Fulton
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Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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.
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Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just 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.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*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.