State Farm, Nationwide and Farm Bureau offer Iowa's best cheap renters insurance. State Farm ranks top for low rates, Nationwide has the best customer reputation, and Farm Bureau provides the best coverage options.
Cheap Renters Insurance in Iowa
Updated: January 30, 2026
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Key Takeaways
State Farm is Iowa's best overall renters insurance company, offering the cheapest policy at $164 annually.
Renters insurance in Iowa costs an average of $14 per month.
To get the best and most affordable renters insurance, decide your coverage needs beforehand, research costs and compare multiple quotes.
Best Cheap Renters Insurance Companies in Iowa
| State Farm | 92 | $14 | $164 |
| Nationwide | 90 | $16 | $194 |
| Farm Bureau | 85 | $24 | $292 |
| Allstate | 82 | $23 | $272 |
| Shelter | 81 | $14 | $173 |
*This list shows rates for a renter with good credit, no claims history, $50K in property damage coverage, $100K in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and guaranteed replacement.
Before filing a claim, you'll wish you'd used our renters insurance estimate calculator to document what you own and its value.
Iowa Renters Insurance Quote Estimates
MoneyGeek's renters insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your renters insurance costs.
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Rates updated:
Feb 07, 2026
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Compare Personalized Best Cheap Renters Insurance in Iowa
While the above list covers most renters, it may not reflect the best options for your needs. Below is a filterable table tailored to your profile to help you find the best choice in Iowa.
Data filtered by:
$50K Personal Property / $100K Liability
Select
Claim free for 5+ years
Yes
Good
| Auto-Owners | 87 | $10 | $116 |
| State Farm | 87 | $10 | $124 |
| Nationwide | 87 | $10 | $125 |
| Shelter | 81 | $9 | $108 |
| Farm Bureau | 78 | $13 | $153 |
Best Iowa Renters Insurance Reviews
Below, we provide more details about our top picks for affordability, customer service and coverage options for Iowa renters insurance.
State Farm: Most Affordable Plans
pros
Lowest rates
Large discount offering selection
High financial stability ratings
cons
Below-average claims satisfaction
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm leads Iowa's renters insurance market with monthly rates from $14. The insurer ranks seventh in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction ratings. State Farm covers students in dorms, a feature many competitors don't offer.
Nationwide: Best for Customer Service
pros
Competitive pricing for higher coverage limits
Broad selection of optional add-on coverage
Strong claims satisfaction scores
cons
Higher costs at lower property damage limits
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide ranks second for renters insurance in Iowa, with competitive pricing, flexible coverage options and solid customer service scores. J.D. Power ranks the company eighth for overall customer satisfaction and fifth out of 18 insurers for claims satisfaction. Coverage options include credit card protection and add-ons that reimburse select personal property at actual cash value.
Farm Bureau: Best for Coverage Options
pros
Personalized service through local agents
Access to member-only perks
Strong financial strength ratings
cons
Fewer digital tools and online features
Claims processing can take longer
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Farm Bureau charges higher renters insurance rates in Iowa but includes coverage options many competitors leave out. Policies can cover business activities for renters who run small operations from home, along with debris removal services. Identity theft protection is also available as an optional add-on.
Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Iowa
The average renters insurance cost in Iowa is $162 per year, which is $80 lower than the national average of $242. This estimate reflects a policy with $50,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Your rate may vary depending on your profile. The table below provides average rates for your situation based on major factors affecting insurance costs.
Data filtered by:
$50K Personal Property / $100K Liability
Select
Claim free for 5+ years
Good
Covered
| $50K Personal Property / $100K Liability | $14 | $162 |
Average Iowa Renters Insurance Cost by City
Renters insurance costs vary by city. The average annual premium in Davenport is $145; in Des Moines, it's $154 for a policy with $50K in personal property coverage and $100K in liability coverage. Check the table below for the average cost in your city.
| Cedar Rapids | $146 |
| Davenport | $145 |
| Des Moines | $154 |
*This table shows rates for a renter with good credit and no claims history. Policies include $50K property damage coverage, $100K liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and guaranteed replacement.
Iowa Renters Insurance: Buyer's Guide
Finding the right renters insurance in Iowa can be tricky with many options. To simplify your search, this guide can help you choose the ideal coverage for your needs.
How to Find the Best Cheap Renters Insurance in Iowa
Use this guide to find ideal coverage at the best price:
- 1Determine the right coverage level
Find out how much renters insurance coverage you need. Consider valuable items, weather risks and other factors like pets.
- 2Research costs and discounts
Check average costs for your situation and look for discounts to lower your rates.
- 3Compare providers
Research companies' reputations, costs and coverage options to decide which ones to get quotes from.
- 4Consider bundling
Bundling renters insurance with auto insurance often creates savings that cover the full cost of renters coverage.
- 5Get multiple quotes through different channels
Gather quotes from at least five providers. Use comparison sites, provider websites, brokers and phone agents.
- 6Compare rates annually
Insurance prices change, so compare options yearly to ensure you pay a good rate and get all eligible discounts.
How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need in Iowa?
Renters insurance isn't required by Iowa law, but most landlords require at least $100K in liability coverage. Requirements may vary based on your rental history, credit score and pet ownership. Consider how much property coverage you need, local weather risks, area crime rates and pet ownership when selecting a policy.
Use our calculator to determine your ideal personal property coverage limits and how much renters insurance you need.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
clothing & accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Iowa Renter Risk Considerations
Risks specific to Iowa and considerations for renters seeking additional coverage:
- Weather risks: Flooding is Iowa’s most common natural disaster, and some areas also see frequent tornado and winter storm damage. Standard renters insurance may fall short in higher-risk locations, making separate flood insurance or added coverage worth reviewing.
- Crime risks: Iowa ranks 43rd nationwide for property crime and 44th for identity theft and fraud. Renters concerned about theft or fraud may want to add identity theft protection or higher personal property limits.
- Pet ownership: Pet-related incidents can create liability concerns for renters. Check whether your policy includes pet liability coverage or requires a separate endorsement based on your pet’s breed or size.
- Property types: Basic renters insurance may limit coverage for valuables, specialized equipment, electronics or outdoor features tied to your rental. Add-ons can help cover items that exceed standard policy limits.
How Does Renters Insurance Coverage Work?
Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, provides liability protection if someone is injured in your rental and helps pay for temporary housing if your unit becomes unlivable. Most policies include three core coverage types, with optional add-ons available for specific situations.
Coverage Type | Standard or Add-on | Coverage Details |
|---|---|---|
Standard | Reimburses you for stolen or damaged belongings up to your policy limit. Basic plans pay actual cash value, while replacement cost coverage pays for new items of similar kind and quality. | |
Standard | Medical bills and legal expenses are paid if someone gets injured in your rental. Many landlords set minimum liability requirements for tenants. | |
Additional living expenses | Standard | Helps with hotel stays, meals and transportation when a covered loss makes your rental unlivable. Limits depend on the insurer and policy terms. |
Natural disasters | Add-on | Protection for flood or earthquake damage is available through separate policies or endorsements from select insurers. |
Parts/Equipment | Add-on | Tools, appliances and equipment you own may receive protection when standard personal property limits fall short. |
Scheduled property | Add-on | High-value items such as jewelry or electronics receive higher limits than a standard renters policy provides. |
Identity theft | Add-on | Financial losses and certain legal costs related to identity theft are eligible for reimbursement. Some policies also include credit monitoring services. |
Pet liability | Add-on | Injuries or property damage caused by your pet may be covered, depending on the policy and any breed-related restrictions. |
Modifications | Add-on | Custom upgrades or approved improvements made to your rental unit can qualify for coverage. |
Food loss | Add-on | Spoiled food from covered events like power outages may be reimbursed, subject to policy limits. |
Best Renters Insurance in Iowa: Bottom Line
Iowa's best and most affordable renters insurance companies are State Farm, Nationwide and Farm Bureau. State Farm has the lowest average monthly cost, $14. While we recommend these options, research and compare multiple companies and quotes to get the best deal.
Renters Insurance in Iowa: FAQ
Below are our experts' answers to frequently asked questions:
What is the cheapest renters insurance company in Iowa?
State Farm offers the cheapest renters insurance in Iowa, with an average annual premium of $164 or $14 per month.
What is the best renters insurance company in Iowa?
State Farm is the best renters insurance company in Iowa, earning a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 for its strong mix of affordability, customer satisfaction and coverage options.
How much does renters insurance cost in Iowa?
The average cost of renters insurance in Iowa is $162 per year or $14 per month, 33% lower than the national average. Annual premiums range from $164 to $292.
Is renters insurance required in Iowa?
Iowa doesn't legally require renters insurance, but your landlord may. Consider your situation to decide if a policy makes sense for you. Key reasons to get coverage include protecting your belongings from common hazards and covering liability costs if someone gets hurt in your rental.
How We Found the Best Cheap Renters Insurance Companies
To find the cheapest renters insurance in Iowa, we used this base profile:
- $50K personal property coverage
- $100K liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
- Property replacement coverage
- Good credit score
This profile accounts for 60% of the total affordability score. The remaining factors include:
- Customer satisfaction from industry research (25%)
- Add-on coverages (10%)
- Financial strength ratings (5%)
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Identity Theft and Cybercrime." Accessed April 24, 2025.
- Ready Iowa. "Disasters and Emergencies." Accessed April 24, 2025.
- U.S. News. "Low Property Crime Rate." Accessed April 24, 2025.