With an average cost of $1,158, Iowa has some of the lowest rates for auto insurance in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you should settle for just any car insurance policy. You want one that meets state requirements, but also one that fits your situation and your budget.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the coverage that meets your needs and your budget. Policygenius can help you easily compare options from top companies so you can choose the policy that’s right for you.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
The amount you pay for your car insurance premiums is based on the amount of coverage you need, as well as factors like where you live, your age, driving record, and the kind of car you own.
But not all companies charge the same amount for coverage, which is why it’s so important to shop around.
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $709 | 882 |
FAIA | $789 | -- |
West Bend Mutual | $822 | -- |
USAA | $1,024 | 890 |
Travelers | $1,053 | 854 |
Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Iowa
Teens and young adults who are just learning how to drive can expect to pay more for auto insurance than experienced drivers, since they’re more likely to get into an accident and need to file a claim.
The good news is that while you will pay more for a young driver on your policy, if they maintain a good driving record, you can expect to pay a little less every year until they turn 25.
Age | Cheapest company | Average cost |
---|---|---|
16 | FAIA | $2,154 |
18 | State Farm | $1,754 |
21 | State Farm | $1,195 |
25 | State Farm | $827 |
30 | State Farm | $726 |
35 | State Farm | $709 |
45 | State Farm | $692 |
55 | State Farm | $647 |
60 | State Farm | $628 |
65 | State Farm | $615 |
70 | State Farm | $638 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Iowa
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right car insurance company. How much coverage you choose and the deductible amounts you pick will affect your premium.
You also need to consider coverage options — do you want to find an insurance company that offers accident forgiveness? What about any other type of property insurance, like home, renters, boat or motorcycle coverage? Bundling policies can be a convenience and a money saver.
Whatever you’re looking for in your auto insurance policy, Policygenius can help you see your options and find the best coverage at the right price.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Iowa
You should expect that any insurance company will look at your driving record over the last three to five years, checking for accidents and other violations.
If you have a history of filing claims, companies may consider you a high-risk driver and will charge you more for coverage. Fortunately, most companies only focus on your recent history, so it’s possible to clean up your record and lower your rates after a violation.
Violation | State Farm | FAIA | West Bend Mutual | USAA | Travelers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $821 | $1,053 | $1,480 | $1,543 | $1,500 |
DUI | $773 | $1,595 | $1,654 | $1,777 | $1,638 |
Suspended license | $773 | $1,301 | $1,910 | $1,699 | $1,638 |
Open container | $773 | $1,595 | $1,654 | $1,516 | $1,430 |
Expired registration | $773 | $993 | $1,370 | $1,352 | $1,430 |
Driving without lights | $773 | $811 | $1,085 | $1,222 | $1,430 |
Running a red light | $773 | $993 | $1,085 | $1,352 | $1,430 |
Following too closely | $773 | $993 | $1,085 | $1,352 | $1,430 |
Hit and run | $773 | $1,301 | $1,910 | $1,846 | $1,638 |
Not-at-fault accident | $726 | $811 | $838 | $1,091 | $1,142 |
Passing a school bus | $773 | $993 | $1,480 | $1,516 | $1,638 |
Reckless driving | $773 | $1,595 | $1,910 | $1,516 | $1,638 |
Speeding | $773 | $993 | $1,740 | $1,352 | $1,638 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Iowa
Company | Rates for drivers with DUIs |
---|---|
State Farm | $773 |
FAIA | $1,595 |
Travelers | $1,638 |
West Bend Mutual | $1,654 |
USAA | $1,777 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Iowa
Company | Rates for drivers with speeding tickets |
---|---|
State Farm | $773 |
FAIA | $993 |
USAA | $1,352 |
Travelers | $1,638 |
West Bend Mutual | $1,740 |
→ Read more about finding SR-22 insurance in Iowa
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Iowa
Another factor used to determine your insurance cost is your credit score. Drivers with bad credit will see higher rates. But some companies value a high credit score more than others, which is why it’s all the more important for drivers with bad credit to shop around.
Company | Rates for drivers with bad credit |
---|---|
West Bend Mutual | $1,531 |
FAIA | $1,622 |
IMT Insurance | $1,672 |
Travelers | $1,816 |
GEICO | $1,820 |
Car insurance costs in Iowa cities
The cost of auto insurance varies from city-to-city in Iowa. Factors like density, crime rates, street parking, and even the costs of repairs all affect the cost of car insurance. Below are the average rates in the ten biggest cities in Iowa:
Des Moines: $1,165
Cedar Rapids: $1,134
Davenport: $1,160
Sioux City: $1,232
Iowa City: $1,018
Ankeny: $1,017
West Des Moines: $1,032
Waterloo: $1,167
Ames: $1,022
Council Bluffs: $1,396
Buying car insurance in Iowa
In Iowa, drivers will need to have at least:
$20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
$40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$15,000 in property damage liability coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Iowa, but it's useful if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the cost of the damage.
You can also consider adding comprehensive coverage, which will cover the cost of damage that happens to your car when you’re not driving it, as well as collision insurance, which will cover the cost of repairs to your car after an accident, even if you were at fault.
How to get cheap car insurance in Iowa
There are lots of ways to reduce the cost of an auto insurance policy. By following a few basic tips, you can be sure you’re getting the best coverage for the lowest price.
Look for companies that offer discounts for full-time students, safe driving, or for bundling auto and home insurance policies.
Keep your driving history clean by avoiding accidents and violations that could cause you to pay more for coverage.
Monitor your credit score to ensure there aren’t any surprises when you apply for a new policy.
Choose a reliable car with safety features such as anti-theft and collision detection.
Comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best price, then reshop yearly, especially if your current company is raising your rates