The average cost of car insurance in Iowa is $1,056 for full coverage and $337 for minimum coverage. These rates are $240 and $258 less than the national averages, respectively.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Iowa
Updated: December 19, 2024
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Key Takeaways
Drivers in Iowa pay about 19% less for full coverage car insurance than the national average.
For minimum coverage, residents pay around 43% less than the national average.
The average annual cost of full coverage in Iowa is $1,056, while minimum coverage is around $337. This makes Iowa one of the more affordable states for car insurance.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Iowa?
| Full Coverage | $1,056 | $1,296 | -19% |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $337 | $595 | -43% |
Iowa Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Level
Your coverage level affects your car insurance rate. Raising your liability limits and adding full coverage increase costs, while opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium. Below are average minimum coverage and full coverage rates in Iowa based on different deductibles and liability limits.
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,280 | $500 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $1,215 | $0 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $1,153 | $500 |
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,121 | $1,000 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $1,056 | $1,000 |
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,035 | $1,500 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $994 | $1,000 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $970 | $1,500 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $908 | $1,500 |
| 300/500/300 | Liability Only | $463 | $0 |
| 100/300/100 | Liability Only | $399 | $0 |
| State Minimum | Liability Only | $337 | $0 |
Read More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by City
Car insurance costs in Iowa cities can change due to crime rates, traffic density and repair prices. Cedar Rapids has an annual full coverage rate of $770, while Davenport and Des Moines are at $792. The table below shows how these rates compare to the state averages.
| Cedar Rapids | $770 | -60% | $297 | -73% |
| Davenport | $792 | -58% | $323 | -71% |
| Des Moines | $792 | -59% | $320 | -71% |
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by Age
In Iowa, age affects car insurance costs. Young drivers, considered high-risk, typically pay more. On average, 25-year-olds pay 28% more for minimum coverage and 38% more for full coverage than 40-year-olds. Compared to 65-year-olds, they pay 27% and 42% more, respectively.
| 25 | $1,355 | $430 |
| 40 | $1,056 | $337 |
| 65 | $953 | $339 |
While age affects car insurance costs in most U.S. states, California, Massachusetts and Hawaii don't allow age as a rating factor.
Car Insurance Costs in Iowa for Young Drivers by Gender
Young drivers in Iowa face higher car insurance costs due to a greater risk of accidents. On average, drivers aged 18 to 25 pay $1,180 per year when added to a family policy, 25% less than an individual policy, which costs $1,471.
Gender also influences car insurance rates for young Iowans. Female drivers aged 18 to 25 pay an average of $1,403 annually, which is 9% less than the $1,540 male drivers pay. Below, you'll find the average car insurance costs for individual and family policies for young drivers in Iowa, broken down by gender.
Car Insurance Costs in Iowa for Young Females
In Iowa, an 18-year-old female can be added to a family car insurance policy for an average of $1,161. Choosing an individual policy instead would raise her rate to about $2,349.
| 18 | $2,349 | $1,161 | -51% |
| 19 | $1,773 | $1,384 | -22% |
| 20 | $1,594 | $1,245 | -22% |
| 21 | $1,263 | $994 | -21% |
| 22 | $1,158 | $1,180 | 2% |
| 23 | $1,091 | $1,111 | 2% |
| 24 | $1,032 | $1,052 | 2% |
| 25 | $965 | $989 | 3% |
Car Insurance Costs in Iowa for Young Males
An 18-year-old male in Iowa pays about $2,666 for individual full coverage car insurance. By joining a family policy, the cost drops to $1,293, saving 51% each year.
| 18 | $2,666 | $1,293 | -51% |
| 19 | $2,013 | $1,533 | -24% |
| 20 | $1,777 | $1,354 | -24% |
| 21 | $1,388 | $1,061 | -24% |
| 22 | $1,263 | $1,276 | 1% |
| 23 | $1,147 | $1,158 | 1% |
| 24 | $1,075 | $1,087 | 1% |
| 25 | $989 | $1,008 | 2% |
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by Driving Record
In Iowa, driving offenses like at-fault accidents, DUIs and speeding tickets can raise your car insurance by up to 26%. Below is a comparison of insurance costs for drivers with clean records versus those with violations.
| At-Fault Accident | $1,421 | -26% | $474 | -57% |
| DUI | $1,785 | -6% | $595 | -46% |
| Ticket | $1,296 | -32% | $422 | -62% |
Read More: High-Risk Car Insurance in Iowa
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by Credit Score
Your credit-based insurance score affects your car insurance costs. Drivers in Iowa with excellent credit may pay as low as $735 annually for full coverage, while those with poor credit could pay up to $1,574.
| Excellent | $735 | -61% | $191 | -83% |
| Good | $901 | -53% | $227 | -79% |
| Fair | $1,113 | -42% | $273 | -75% |
| Below Fair | $1,314 | -31% | $321 | -71% |
| Poor | $1,574 | -17% | $366 | -67% |
CREDIT SCORES AND YOUR PREMIUM
A credit score of 670 to 739 shows financial trustworthiness and may lower insurance costs for Iowa residents. However, insurers in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, California and Michigan cannot use credit scores for pricing. In North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Nevada, credit scores are considered only under specific conditions.
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by Company
Car insurance premiums in Iowa differ greatly, even with the same coverage. Travelers offers the most affordable average annual full coverage at $709. Grinnell Mutual is the most expensive option at $1,686, 11% higher than Iowa's average.
| Travelers | $709 | $300 |
| American Family | $738 | $298 |
| West Bend Mutual | $749 | $240 |
| GEICO | $826 | $302 |
| Grange Insurance | $841 | $262 |
| State Farm | $881 | $227 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $902 | $298 |
| Progressive | $907 | $188 |
| Westfield | $989 | $220 |
| IMT Insurance Company | $1,023 | $415 |
| Allstate | $1,189 | $570 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $1,264 | $327 |
| Farmers | $1,450 | $621 |
| Western National | $1,683 | $349 |
| Grinnell Mutual | $1,686 | $430 |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Iowa
Average Iowa Car Insurance Cost by Vehicle Age
In Iowa, newer cars have higher insurance premiums because they're worth more and cost more to fix or replace if stolen. Full coverage for a new model costs about $1,006 annually, compared to $733 for a 10-year-old car.
| 10-Year-Old Vehicle | $733 | $265 |
| New Model Vehicle | $1,006 | $249 |
ACTUAL CASH VALUE
The actual cash value (ACV) is the value your insurer assigns to your car before it was damaged. It determines the maximum payout for repairs or replacement when you file a comprehensive or collision claim, minus your deductible. This ensures the payout reflects the car's fair market value.
Read More: Used Car Insurance
Iowa Car Insurance Rates Explained
We examined Iowa's car insurance rates and found that they often cost less than the national average. Your credit-based insurance score and other factors can affect your full coverage and state minimum prices.
Is Car Insurance Expensive in Iowa?
Car insurance in Iowa is affordable, with an average full coverage monthly cost of $88 — 19% cheaper than the national average.
Read More: Why Car Insurance Is So Expensive
Car Insurance Costs in Iowa vs. National Average
National Average Cost
Full Coverage Car Insurance
$108
Iowa Average Cost
Full Coverage Car Insurance
$88IA Car Insurance Is Affordable:$20 saved
This is 19% less expensive.
Why Are Car Insurance Rates Expensive in Iowa?
Iowa's severe weather, including storms and harsh winters, leads to more accidents and claims, driving up car insurance rates. Laws requiring higher coverage also contribute to increased prices.
Read More: Car Insurance Rates by State
Estimating Your Car Insurance Costs in Iowa
While average rates reflect how laws and the economy affect car insurance in Iowa, your premium depends on factors specific to you. To estimate your costs, consider the following:
Driving Record
A clean driving record can lower insurance premiums. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to keep rates low.
Age and Gender
Younger drivers and males often face higher rates. If you fall into these categories, focus on safe driving and ask about discounts for good students.
Credit History
Insurers often use credit scores to determine rates. Improve your credit by paying bills on time and reducing debt.
Vehicle Type
Opt for a car with safety features and a low claims history to reduce your insurance costs.
Location
Living in areas with lower crime rates and less traffic can lead to more affordable car insurance rates.
Coverage Level
Selecting higher deductibles and only the necessary coverage can lower your premiums. However, you must maintain at least the state-required minimum.
Marital Status
Married drivers may receive lower rates due to perceived stability. Check with your insurer if you're eligible for a discount after tying the knot.
State Law
Know Iowa's minimum insurance requirements to ensure you're not overpaying for coverage you don't need.
Read More: Iowa Car Insurance Calculator
Minimum Car Insurance in Iowa
Iowa's average minimum car insurance rate is $337, well below the national average of $595. One reason for this is the state’s lower minimum coverage limits, which we break down below.
Iowa Car Insurance Requirements
Iowa's minimum coverage for car insurance includes $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $15,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Liability Limits | What It Covers |
|---|---|
$20,000 bodily injury liability per person | Injuries caused to others in an accident |
$40,000 bodily injury liability per accident | Multiple injuries in a single incident |
$15,000 property damage liability per accident | Damage to another person's property |
How to Lower Car Insurance Costs in Iowa
To save on Iowa car insurance, compare rates, choose higher deductibles and use eligible discounts.
- 1
Compare Multiple Quotes
Shopping around for insurance can help you find affordable car insurance options, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars annually.
- 2
Lower Your Risk Profile
Improving your credit score or maintaining a clean driving record with no at-fault accidents or moving violations can lower premiums.
- 3
Adjust Your Coverage
Periodically review your coverage to ensure it matches your current needs. Opting for higher deductibles or a usage-based policy could lower costs for those who don't frequently drive.
- 4
Ask About Discounts
Seek discounts for good driving habits, top grades or installed safety devices. Completing a state-approved defensive driving course or bundling policies may also reduce premiums.
- 5
Consider the Car You Drive
Cars that are safer or cheaper to repair often have lower premiums. Choose vehicles with strong safety features to reduce insurance costs.
Auto Insurance Rates in Iowa: Bottom Line
Iowans pay about $1,056 annually for full coverage, cheaper than the $1,296 national average. Rates vary based on vehicle type, driving record and coverage level. With lower rates than in many states, Iowa is an affordable place for car insurance.
Iowa Car Insurance Rates: FAQ
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?
Iowa's minimum car insurance requirements include bodily injury liability at $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, along with property damage liability at $15,000.
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Iowa?
Iowa's average annual cost of full coverage auto insurance is $1,056, while minimum coverage averages $337. Both rates are below national averages, providing significant savings for Iowa drivers.
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 25-year-old in Iowa?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance for a 25-year-old in Iowa is $1,355, lower than the state average. Minimum coverage averages around $430, also below Iowa's average.
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa?
Travelers offers the most affordable car insurance in Iowa, with full coverage at $709 annually ($59 monthly) and minimum coverage at $300 annually ($25 monthly).
Iowa Auto Insurance Cost: How We Determine Average Rates
Sample Driver Profile
We used a sample driver profile with the following attributes to determine average car insurance rates in Iowa:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
We modified this driver profile by age, vehicle, credit score and driving record to determine averages for different driver profiles and needs.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
Unless otherwise noted, average rates on this page are for a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, a $1,000 deductible for each and the following liability limits (100/300/100):
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident
When minimum coverage is specified, we used the following minimum coverage limits as mandated by Iowa:
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 in property damage liability per accident
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
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.