Drivers in Iowa can expect to pay around $1,056 annually for full coverage car insurance, while a policy with minimum coverage is around $337 per year. These rates are determined by factors such as your age, coverage level preferences, where you live, the quality of your driving record and your credit history.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Iowa? (November 2024)
In Iowa, the average monthly cost for a state minimum coverage car insurance policy is $28, while a full coverage policy averages $88 per month. Affordable options are available regardless of coverage.
Updated: December 1, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Iowa Insurance Division to get the most precise average costs for a variety of Iowa drivers.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Iowa as of November 2024.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa
Iowa's average full coverage car insurance cost is about $1,056 annually. Knowing the average car insurance cost helps you evaluate if you're getting a fair price when you compare car insurance quotes.
Below you’ll see average prices for minimum and full coverage in Iowa, helping you plan out your budget.
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,056 | $88 |
100/300/100 Liability Only | $399 | $33 |
State Minimum Liability Only | $337 | $28 |
Why Are Car Insurance Rates Moderate in Iowa?
Car insurance in Iowa is relatively affordable compared with the national average cost of car insurance. The average annual premium for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible in Iowa is $1,056, averaging $88 monthly. This is below the national average, at $1,358 annually and $113 monthly for a similar policy.
Minimum coverage in Iowa is also cheaper at $337 annually ($28 monthly), while the national average is $619 ($52 monthly). Factors contributing to Iowa's more affordable rates include a lower population density, fewer accidents and lower crime rates that contribute to lesser risk for insurance providers.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by Company
Car insurance premiums can vary widely from one company to another. In Iowa, Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage with an annual premium of $709, whereas Grinnell Mutual is the most expensive average premium at $1,686 for a similar plan.
Compare quotes from different providers to find the most affordable car insurance option in Iowa.
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Travelers | $709 | $59 |
American Family | $738 | $62 |
West Bend Mutual | $749 | $62 |
GEICO | $826 | $69 |
Grange Insurance | $841 | $70 |
State Farm | $881 | $73 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $902 | $75 |
Progressive | $907 | $76 |
Westfield | $989 | $82 |
IMT Insurance Company | $1,023 | $85 |
Allstate | $1,189 | $99 |
Iowa Farm Bureau | $1,264 | $105 |
Farmers | $1,450 | $121 |
Western National | $1,683 | $140 |
Grinnell Mutual | $1,686 | $141 |
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Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by Coverage Level
The cost of car insurance in Iowa is also affected by the choice of coverage level. While the minimum coverage averages about $28 monthly, full coverage costs approximately $88 monthly. Opting for full coverage insurance is advisable due to the comprehensive protection it offers, including liability, collision, and comprehensive damage.
Enhancing your policy with comprehensive and collision coverage will indeed raise your premium, but selecting higher deductibles can alleviate that increase. Each comprehensive and collision coverage comes with its own deductible amount, impacting the cost and the out-of-pocket expense during a claim.
State Minimum Liability Only | $337 | $28 |
100/300/100 Liability Only | $399 | $33 |
300/500/300 Liability Only | $463 | $39 |
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $908 | $76 |
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $970 | $81 |
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $994 | $83 |
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,035 | $86 |
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,056 | $88 |
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,121 | $93 |
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,153 | $96 |
100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,215 | $101 |
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,280 | $107 |
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Iowa
In Iowa, the minimum car insurance requirements include $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required.
$20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This is the minimum amount required in Iowa for bodily injury liability coverage per person involved in an accident.
$40,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
This amount is the total minimum coverage for all injuries per accident in Iowa.
$15,000 for property damage liability per accident
In Iowa, this is the minimum coverage for property damage liability per accident.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by City
Your driving location can heavily impact your car insurance premiums. You’ll get the most affordable full coverage in Cedar Rapids at $770, in stark contrast with Des Moines, where the same coverage costs $792.
Insurance rates in Iowa can be influenced by factors such as your driving record, the type of car you own and the coverage amount you choose. Premiums may also vary based on age, marriage status and credit history.
Cedar Rapids | $770 | $297 |
Davenport | $792 | $323 |
Des Moines | $792 | $320 |
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by Age
In Iowa, age significantly influences car insurance costs. Younger drivers, specifically those aged 22 to 29, generally face higher premiums, averaging $1,355 annually, reflecting risk levels assessed by insurers.
Young drivers pay the most for car insurance due to their higher risk profile, whereas drivers aged 30 to 59 see their insurance premiums decrease to an average of $1,056 annually. Typically, as drivers mature and gain experience, their insurance premiums decrease further, with drivers over 60 often enjoying the most affordable rates at $953 per year.
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 100/300/100 Liability Only
- State Minimum Liability Only
22-29 | $1,355 | $113 |
30-59 | $1,056 | $88 |
60 + | $953 | $79 |
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa for Teens
In Iowa, age and gender influence car insurance rates, with 16-year-old male drivers facing particularly high premiums. When added to a family policy, these young drivers can expect an average annual cost of $2,009. Teens under 18 often cannot purchase car insurance alone, with premiums soaring to $4,357 for individual policies.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa for New Cars
The annual cost for full coverage car insurance of a 2012 car model averages at $733, while a 2022 model commands a higher premium of $1,006. This increase is due to factors such as the higher actual cash value of newer cars, more expensive repair costs and the elevated risk of theft that tends to accompany the latest models.
Experts suggest owners of newer vehicles should invest in comprehensive and collision coverage. This not only protects against a range of damages but can also cover theft, natural disasters and accidents with uninsured motorists.
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
2012 Vehicle | $733 | $61 |
2022 Vehicle | $1,006 | $84 |
The actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle is central to insurance reimbursements; it's the depreciated value of your car at the time of a claim. This figure determines the maximum payout you receive for comprehensive or collision claims, ensuring the compensation aligns with your vehicle's market worth, not the purchase price. An affordable plan that meets state minimum coverage is mandatory, but for full protection, consider your car's ACV when selecting a policy.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by Driving Record
Drivers in Iowa can expect their average car insurance costs to be influenced by their driving records. Here's how different violations can affect your yearly and monthly premiums:
- With a ticket: $1,296 per year; $108 per month
- With an at-fault accident: $1,421 per year; $118 per month
- With a DUI: $1,785 per year; $149 per month
The more severe your violation, the more you'll pay in premiums. This increased cost stays with you as long as the violation remains on your record. The duration of this impact varies. For instance, in Iowa, DUI offenses can stay on your driving record for up to 12 years.
While a DUI typically leads to the highest insurance cost increase, in some cases, other infractions can incur even higher premiums depending on the policies of car insurance companies.
The table below lets you further explore how the average cost of car insurance varies by coverage and age group for each type of driving record.
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 100/300/100 Liability Only
- State Minimum Liability Only
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Clean | $1,056 | $88 |
Ticket | $1,296 | $108 |
At-fault Accident | $1,421 | $118 |
DUI | $1,785 | $149 |
Average Car Insurance Costs in Iowa by Credit Score
Drivers in Iowa can expect car insurance rates to vary significantly based on their credit scores, with average annual premiums ranging from $560 for those with excellent credit to $1,176 for drivers with poor credit. Your credit score helps insurers in Iowa gauge risk. A good credit score is typically between 670 and 739. Those with higher scores often enjoy more affordable rates because they are perceived as less likely to file claims.
- 100/300/100 w/ $1000 Deductible
- 300/500/300 w/ $1500 Deductible
- State Min - No comp_coll
- State Minimum w/ $500 Deductible
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Excellent | $560 | $47 |
Good | $682 | $57 |
Fair | $839 | $70 |
Below Fair | $987 | $82 |
Poor | $1,176 | $98 |
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Iowa
The cost of your car insurance rates in Iowa is shaped by key factors:
- Driving Record: A clean driving record can significantly reduce car insurance rates, while violations or accidents typically lead to higher premiums in Iowa.
- Age and Gender: Young and inexperienced drivers tend to face higher costs, with rates stabilizing as drivers gain experience. Gender also plays a role, with men often paying more.
- Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your vehicle affect premiums. New, expensive or high-performance cars usually cost more to insure due to repair costs.
- Credit Score: Insurers may use credit scores to gauge risk; a higher credit score can lead to more affordable car insurance rates in Iowa.
- Location: Living in urban areas with high traffic and theft rates can increase car insurance costs compared with rural, less dense regions of Iowa.
- Coverage Type: The level of coverage — whether comprehensive insurance or collision insurance, alongside state minimum requirements — impacts the final rate.
- Annual Mileage: High annual mileage can lead to heightened rates because more time on the road increases the likelihood of accidents and claims.
Compare car insurance quotes to find a policy that matches your driving needs and fits your budget. You could miss potential savings by not exploring your options.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Iowa
To secure affordable car insurance in Iowa, compare rates from different providers, opt for a higher deductible and leverage all eligible discounts to minimize costs.
Shop Around for Options
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can lead to finding the cheapest car insurance in Iowa because rates vary by company.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
A clean driving record free of accidents and traffic violations can significantly lower your insurance costs due to reduced risk.
Bundle Insurance Policies
Consider bundling car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, for multi-policy discounts.
Increase Your Deductible
Opt for a higher deductible to decrease your premium, but ensure you can afford the deductible if you need to make a claim.
Look for Discounts
Inquire about discounts for things like being a safe driver, having a good student in the family or installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
Consider Vehicle Type
The type of vehicle you drive affects your rates; safer and less expensive cars typically cost less to insure.
Review Coverage Annually
Regularly review your policy and update your coverage to align with your current needs, which may help reduce costs.
FAQ: Car Insurance Costs in Iowa
Get answers about what impacts the average cost of car insurance in Iowa and how to find affordable rates.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Iowa?
In Iowa, drivers must carry at least $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional.
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Iowa?
The typical yearly expense for full coverage auto insurance in Iowa is $1,056, while minimum coverage averages $337. A 100/300/100 liability plan without comprehensive and collision is usually about $399 annually.
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Iowa?
A 22-year-old in Iowa typically pays around $430 each year for minimum coverage, or about $36 monthly. Full coverage with a $1,000 deductible costs an average of $1,355 per year, roughly $113 monthly. The 100/300/100 liability-only option is approximately $511 annually, equating to $43 per month.
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa?
For minimum coverage in Iowa, Progressive offers the most affordable rates at $188 per year, with Westfield coming in next at $227 annually.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.