Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa

Iowa motorists can find cheap car insurance throughout the state. Our research shows that the average Iowa driver pays around 22% less than the national average for car insurance. This makes it easy to shop for car insurance in the Hawkeye State.

Below, we’ll look at the cheapest car insurance companies and coverage options for Iowa drivers.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Iowa

The cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa are State Farm, Geico, Nationwide and IMT Insurance. Each of these companies stood out for its cost, coverage options, customer service and industry reputations.

Top Iowa Car Insurance Companies	Overall Rating	Coverage Rating	Cost Rating	Number of Discounts Available	Learn More
State Farm Learn More	9.4	9.2	9.3	16	Learn More
Geico Learn More	9.1	8.4	9.1	16	Learn More
Nationwide Learn More	9.1	8.9	9.7	10	Learn More
IMT Insurance	8.7	9.0	9.3	10

Top Iowa Car Insurance Companies	Overall Rating	Coverage Rating	Cost Rating	Number of Discounts Available	Learn More
State Farm Learn More	9.4	9.2	9.3	16	Learn More
Geico Learn More	9.1	8.4	9.1	16	Learn More
Nationwide Learn More	9.1	8.9	9.7	10	Learn More
IMT Insurance	8.7	9.0	9.3	10

*Our research team considers nationwide factors when scoring providers. The ranking of providers in this table is specific to car insurance in Iowa.

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance Coverage

When you shop for car insurance, the coverage level you choose will have a major impact on your rates. However, most quotes from providers include estimates for minimum state liability and full coverage car insurance. While minimum liability is all that is required, it’s a good idea for drivers to consider full coverage auto insurance.

We’ll explore the cheapest auto insurance options in Iowa for both coverage types.

Cheapest Liability Insurance Iowa

At $12 per month or $149 per year, State Farm offers the cheapest liability insurance rates in Iowa. West Bend, IMT Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance are also strong choices for minimum liability coverage in the state.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Iowa

Pekin is the cheapest full coverage car insurance provider in Iowa, costing $68 per month or $816 per year on average. State Farm, Nationwide, IMT Insurance and Progressive are also affordable car insurance options for Iowa motorists.

Age, credit scores and driving history are all factors that can impact the cost of car insurance in Iowa. Below, we compare cheap car insurance estimates for Iowa drivers in these categories.

Cheapest Car Insurance Iowa for Young Drivers

Young Iowa motorists can expect to pay significantly more for car insurance coverage in the Hawkeye State. That’s because young motorists lack the experience that older drivers have. The series of tables below show the cheapest car insurance in Iowa for young drivers, along with estimated monthly an annual costs.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds

Sixteen-year-olds on their own car insurance policies pay an average of $5,041 for car insurance annually. That’s over three times what a 35-year-old would pay. However, some companies are cheaper than others, including Pekin and IMT Insurance.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds

Seventeen-year-olds can save almost one thousand dollars on car insurance compared to 16-year-olds in Iowa. Our rate estimates show this age group pays about $3,077 per year on average.

*Costs were taken from 2022 information.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

On average, 18-year-olds pay about $2,770 per year for car insurance. This is over twice what a 35-year-old pays for coverage. The cheapest rates in Iowa also often come from State Farm and IMT Insurance for 18-year-olds.

*Costs were taken from 2022 information.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

Iowa auto insurance costs continue to decrease as drivers age. A 21-year-old driver may pay around $1,895 per year on average for full coverage insurance, but State Farm and West Bend offer the cheapest rates for 21-year-olds in Iowa.

*Costs were taken from 2022 information.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds

Twenty-five-year-olds in Iowa pay slightly more than what middle-aged drivers pay for car insurance. Our rate estimates show full coverage policies cost about $1,845 per year for this age group.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Iowa for High-Risk Drivers

Iowa motorists who have a speeding ticket, DUI or recent accident on their driving record can pay substantially more for auto insurance. The sections below provide estimates for the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers who may fall into these categories.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket

In Iowa, having a speeding ticket on your record will increase your auto insurance rate. We found that rates in the Hawkeye State average about $1,888 per year for those with a recent speeding violation.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for Drivers With a Recent Accident

Expect to pay around $2,086 per year for Iowa car insurance if you have a recent at-fault accident on your record. Having safe driving habits is one of the biggest factors providers weigh when giving car insurance quotes.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI

If you have a recent DUI on your record, you’ll likely be flagged as a high-risk driver in Iowa. Because of that, you can expect to pay around $2,697 per year for full coverage auto insurance.

Cheap Iowa Car Insurance for Drivers With Poor Credit

Iowans with poor credit can expect to pay more for car insurance coverage, with a rate of about $2,806 per year.

Car Insurance Deals in Iowa

Drivers will find that auto insurance providers in Iowa offer several discount and deal options. The table below compares the car insurance discounts offered by the top providers in Iowa, which we’ll discuss in further detail below.

*These are the standard car insurance discounts offered by each company. Discount availability can vary by state, so you’ll need to speak with an insurance agent to find out which car insurance discounts you may qualify for.

Car Insurance Discounts in Iowa

Shopping for car insurance can be confusing, and it’s hard to know when you’re getting the best deal. Car insurance quotes will vary based on the company and your personal driving profile, as will car insurance discounts. It’s important to look at which discounts you’re eligible for while shopping, although this shouldn’t be the determining factor in your choice.

Here’s more information on the standard types of discounts offered by the best car insurance companies:

• Multi-vehicle: Insuring multiple cars under the same policy will help you save on premiums
• Multi-policy: Bundle two or more insurance policies with the same company to get this discount
• Military: Applies whether you’re a veteran or active military member; may also apply
• Senior: Typically applies to policyholders who are 55 and older
• Homeowners: If you are a homeowner, you may qualify for this discount
• Good student: Usually for students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses
• Good driver: Applies to drivers with no at-fault accidents, DUIs, or speeding tickets in the last three years
• Defensive driving: Those who take a defensive driving course tend to qualify for this discount
• Driver training: Get a discount by taking a training course on driver education
• New car: Given to drivers who purchase a car that is typically three model years or newer
• Safe car: Applies if your vehicle has safety technology like anti-theft technology
• Paperless: Receive a discount by opting to receive your documents through paperless methods
• Pay-in-full: Save on your car insurance premium by paying your policy in full up front

The companies with the cheapest Iowa car insurance rates aren’t just affordable — each one also provides strong coverage options. The sections below explain more on each provider.

Our rate estimates show 35-year-old drivers pay an average cost of $1,563 per year or $130 per month for full coverage car insurance in Iowa, which is a 22% difference from the national average of $2,008. According to our rate estimates, Iowa is the sixth-least expensive state for car insurance.

If the cheapest coverage is your goal, you’ll want to compare providers on minimum liability insurance in Iowa. Our rate estimates show good drivers pay about $274 per year or $23 per month for minimum coverage insurance. 

Iowa Auto Insurance Cost by Age

Your age has a big impact on the annual rates you pay for car insurance in Iowa. Teen drivers are statistically more likely to get into accidents, so they pay the most for car insurance. Below, you can see full coverage car insurance estimates for a variety of ages.

*Costs were taken from 2022 information.

Iowa Auto Insurance Cost by City

The Des Moines metropolitan area boasts some of the lowest car insurance rates in Iowa, even with it being the state’s largest city. Those who live on the state’s eastern side can expect to pay slightly more on average than those in western and central Iowa.

*Average rates by city are based on the top three providers per location.

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Quotes Iowa

The car insurance quotes you receive will depend largely on your driving history and how each provider weighs certain factors. When deciding rates for each driver, the primary things providers consider are a driver’s:

• Location
• Age
• Gender on driver’s license
• Marital status
• Deductible amount choice
• Credit score
• Vehicle age, make and model

Each state (excluding New Hampshire and Virginia) mandates what car insurance is required. Iowa is classified as an at-fault state, which means that if one driver is the primary cause of a car accident, they are financially responsible for the property damages and injuries of the opposite party. For this reason, Iowa law requires drivers to carry liability insurance with these minimum coverages:

• Bodily injury liability: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident

Liability coverage doesn’t protect you or your vehicle when you’re in an accident, which is why it’s important to consider purchasing a full coverage policy that includes liability insurance, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. However, keep in mind that lenders typically require drivers to have full coverage car insurance anway.

You can also add medical payments (MedPay) coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) if you or a passenger gets hurt in a car accident. Sometimes, at-fault drivers don’t have any or enough insurance to cover your damages or injuries, in which case, it could be smart to buy uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Overall, when it comes to choosing between liability insurance and full coverage, you must think of your financial limits.

Is it Illegal Not To Have Car Insurance in Iowa?

A driver who fails to show financial responsibility following a car accident may have their license suspended for one year. This rule applies to both the driver and the owner of the vehicle.

The only exceptions to the financial responsibility requirements are:

• If someone stole your car and was in an accident
• If your car was parked legally at the time of the accident
• If the car accident did not cause bodily injury or property damage to anyone besides yourself

How to Get an Iowa Car Insurance Policy

When shopping for cheap car insurance in Iowa, it’s important to compare quotes from providers to find the best rate for your situation. We recommend reaching out to State Farm, Geico and Nationwide, all of which ranked high in our review of the cheapest car insurance companies.

Our research consistently shows that State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance rates in Iowa. However, the rates you receive from insurers will depend on your own driving background and situation. That’s why we recommend reaching out to several car insurance providers on this list to find the cheapest rates for your situation.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Iowa: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about the cheapest car insurance in Iowa:

Our Methodology

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.

Here are the factors our ratings take into account:

• Cost (30% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
• Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
• Reputation (15% of total score): Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
• Availability (10% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
• Customer Experience (15% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.

*Data accurate at time of publication.