If you are a driver in Iowa with a decent driving record, you will find the cheapest auto insurance quotes with Western National, Progressive, and Hastings Mutual.
Each carrier is able to offer quotes from 12% to 16% lower than the median rate for a drivers of similar age and profile.
Your next best options are with State Farm, Farm Bureau Mutual, and Farmers.
Each carrier is able to provide quotes from 10% to 14% lower than the median quote.
Depending on the city or zip code you reside in, any of the 6 previously mentioned insurers may offer the lowest rate.
It would be smart to put all of them on your bucket list to get quotes, if you are in the market for an inexpensive premium.
In this article we are going to cover the minimum coverage requirements in Iowa, low-cost car insurance providers, and cost-saving strategies to help you find the most savings.
If you would like to skip to a certain portion of the article, please use the table of contents down a little and to the right.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Iowa
| Coverage | Iowa Minimum Liability Coverage | Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Protection | $20,000 / $40,000 | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $15,000 | $50,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage* | $20,000 / $40,000 | $20,000 / $40,000 |
| Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage* | $20,000 / $40,000 | $20,000 / $40,000 |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Optional | $250 - $1,000 deductible |
| Collision Coverage | Optional | $250 - $1,000 deductible |
* Please note that Iowa allows drivers to reject Uninsured and Underinsured coverages by returning a form to your insurance company. (Source – GEICO)
Bodily Injury Liability
Each Iowa motorist must get at least $20,000 of coverage for a single person and $40,000 for multiple passengers.
To pay for medical bills in the event they’re wounded in an accident where the insured individual is revealed to be at-fault. (Source).
Note: The low-cost options for a 25 year old driver in Iowa are with GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings Mutual. The quotes illustrated are for a driver with a fair driving history. Please see table below.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability covers damage to private and public property like buildings, guardrails and road signs as well as the other person’s vehicle.
The minimum quantity of coverage in the state of Iowa is $15,000 per accident. (Source).
Note: Top picks for a 30 year old driver in Iowa are GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings Mutual. State Farm and Farm Bureau Mutual are competitive for a 30 year old driver. Realize your quotes will vary depending on the city and/or zip code you reside in. Please see table below.
The set numbers you may see for the state of Iowa will 20/40/15 which represent thousands of dollars from the figures above respectfully.
Iowa isn’t the same as many states in that it does not have a law which makes auto insurance mandatory for all drivers.
However, it is recommended to have coverage for unforeseen auto accidents or other non-vehicular incidents that may occur.
For that reason the majority of drivers in Iowa opt to have at least minimum coverage.
Note: As illustrated, the best options for a low premium for a 35 year old are with GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings Mutual. Each carrier average 12% to 14% lower than the median quote. Please realize the average rate is much higher in cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids.
Iowa is a Tort State
Iowa is a tort state.
Suggesting that someone who is at-fault in an accident will be financially responsible of the other party’s damages.
These damages can include claims for bodily injury, death or property damage.
If you are involved in an accident in the state of Iowa then your license and registration are going to be suspended on the spot if you do not have insurance.
Note: The lowest insurers for a 40 year old are GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings. Each clustering near the $700 range for a full coverage premium. Which is 14% lower than the median quote for drivers of similar age and profile. More details in the table below.
Furthermore, if you have had a major traffic violation, (which is more common in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and, Iowa City) such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, or running a red light, you will have to show proof of insurance before your license is reinstated.
Note: An older driver is going to have more options. Particularly if you have good driving history. The lowest quotes we found are GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings Mutual. Each carriers offers quotes approximately 15% lower than the median quotes for drivers of similar age and profile.
Inexpensive Car Insurance Companies in Iowa
Below is a list of 16 least expensive carriers for drivers from 25 to 55 years of age.
Overall GEICO is able to offer the cheapest car insurance quotes for all drivers across the age spectrum.
Averaging 14% to 18% lower than the median quote.
Progressive and Hastings Mutual is able to offer quotes approximately 15% lower than the median quote for similar profiled drivers.
If you are driver with a clean record looking for savings you would want to put all three carriers on your list to get quotes.
Other insurers which offer competitive quotes are State Farm, Farm Bureau Mutual, and Farmers.
Each carrier is able to offer quotes from 10% to 14% lower than the median quote for drivers with the same profile.
Another insurer came on the radar in certain cities in Iowa is Partners Mutual.
With 7 insurers on your list you should be able to find a low-cost premium.
Plus you will have a blend of national and regional carriers which is the best option when you are shopping for a cheaper rate.
| Iowa Company | Average Annual Rate 25 Y/O Driver | 30 Y/O Driver | 35 Y/O Driver | 40 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver | 55 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,431 | $1,032 | $736 | $699 | $632 | $531 |
| Progressive | $1,487 | $1045 | $744 | $703 | $631 | $535 |
| Hastings | $1,501 | $1,057 | $755 | $709 | $644 | $567 |
| State Farm | $1,532 | $1,089 | $809 | $755 | $651 | $578 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,544 | $1,099 | $844 | $745 | $654 | $579 |
| Farmers | $1,654 | $1,163 | $879 | $744 | $675 | $600 |
| Allstate | $1,689 | $1,179 | $931 | $786 | $678 | $597 |
| Western National | $1,699 | $1,243 | $956 | $789 | $679 | $598 |
| American Family | $1,805 | $1,308 | $1,008 | $799 | $700 | $600 |
| MetLife | $1,849 | $1,478 | $1,043 | $802 | $699 | $623 |
| Amica | $2,000 | $1,532 | $1,067 | $809 | $700 | $644 |
| Nationwide | $2,010 | $1,554 | $1,121 | $876 | $710 | $611 |
| 21st Century | $2,143 | $1,645 | $1,167 | $900 | $768 | $610 |
| Liberty Mutual | $2,178 | $1,679 | $1,243 | $904 | $799 | $628 |
| Esurance | $2,132 | $1,900 | $1,244 | $899 | $810 | $654 |
| Sentry | $2,167 | $2,089 | $1,277 | $867 | $900 | $674 |
Comprehensive & Collision Coverage
Even though Iowa is a lenient state when it comes to car insurance it is recommended to get comprehensive and collision coverage for your vehicle particularly if your have a new model car.
Getting quotes in the state of Iowa is easy. The zip code form box above will provide you with quotes from top insurance companies to help you find the lowest rate possible and in less time.
Once you have a selection of three or more quotes be sure to compare each of them and find the policy that is right for you.
If you find one online you can purchase it immediately, but it is always a good idea to go over the type of coverage with an insurance agent.
Note: A 55 year old driver will find quotes clustering between $531 and $579 with GEICO and Progressive offering the lowest quotes. Hastings Mutual, State Farm, and Farm Bureau Mutual are competitive with quotes less than 5% higher.
Best Insurers by Consumer Rating & Rate Change Percentage
Below is a list of insurance companies by consumer rating, written premiums, and rate change over a 12 to 18 month period.
It includes complaints too, which should not discourage you when looking for a reputable insurance firm.
Any reputable company will have complaints filed against it.
The rate change is from 2.1% to 4.1% depending on the company.
This is typical.
If you get a traffic violation your premium could increase dramatically for a period of 3 years.
Your best option to keep your premium as low as possible is to maintain a clean driving record.
And try not to file claims.
| Iowa Company | Premiums | Rate Change > 18 Months | # of Complaints | Consumer Rating out of 5 Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $221,659,344 | +2.4% | 7 | 4.4 |
| IMT Group | $41,528,000 | +2.9% | 1 | 3.9 |
| GEICO | $49,701,791 | +2.1% | 3 | 4.4 |
| USAA | $21,117,743 | +2.1% | 2 | 4.6 |
| Progressive | $244,275,206 | +2.3% | 13 | 4.6 |
| Farmers | $21,702,542 | +2.9% | 3 | 4.3 |
| Allied | $9,920,209 | +3.1% | 0 | 4.0 |
| MetLife | $24,293,753 | +3.1% | 0 | 4.0 |
| Nationwide | $45,911,924 | +3.6% | 1 | 4.2 |
| Liberty Mutual | $56,145,789 | +3.3% | 5 | 4.4 |
| Allstate | $98,012,635 | +3.3% | 11 | 4.5 |
| Sentry | $693,992 | +3.7% | 4 | 4.2 |
| AIG | $500,011 | +3.1% | 3 | 4.1 |
| American Family | $519,715,033 | +2.9% | 8 | 4.4 |
| Esurance | $6,331,911 | +4.1% | 3 | 4.5 |
| Safeco | $17,448,310 | +3.8% | 3 | 3.8 |
| Secura | $31,010,361 | +3.1% | 5 | 4.1 |
| State Auto | $16,292,539 | +2.6% | 5 | 3.9 |
| AAA | $10,125,841 | +4.1% | 3 | 3.8 |
| Auto-Owners | $35,380,259 | +4.1% | 5 | 3.8 |
| Hartford | $28,261,658 | +3.7% | 2 | 4.0 |
Discounts in Iowa
- Safe driver discount
- Student discount for good grades
- Up to twenty percent off for taking a defensive driver course
- Pleasure use – if you only drive your car for pleasure; not to and from work
Note: In the illustration the biggest percentage discounts are good driver, 12%, and safety features, at 10%. And if you combined any two or all of your discounts you could save nearly 20% at times.
Note: As illustrated, with one discount you may get 10% in savings. Combined them and you may get 22% in savings. This is important to ask your insurer about any discounts which are available.
Average Premium by City in Iowa
Location, company, and credit are the main determining factors behind the cost of auto insurance for drivers in Iowa.
One thing to point out is the cost of auto premiums in populous cities, such as Des Moines, is higher than average.
This doesn’t mean you are not getting the lowest rates.
It means the cost in other cities is low bringing the average down.
The cost of premiums vary dramatically city to city.
Below are 36 cities in Iowa and the average premium.
If you would like a detailed comparison of the most populous cities in the state please read further below.
| City | Average Rate | City | Average Rate | City | Average Rate | City | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona | $812 | Charlotte | $1,089 | Estherville | $1,008 | Newton | $1,053 |
| Ames | $867 | Chelsea | $1,097 | Grinnell | $854 | Norwalk | $1,097 |
| Ankeny | $900 | Clinton | $1,100 | Indianola | $879 | Oskaloosa | $994 |
| Atlantic | $931 | Clive | $899 | Johnston | $941 | Pella | $854 |
| Bettendorf | $945 | Council Bluffs | $1,099 | Knoxville | $995 | Sac City | $931 |
| Brighton | $878 | Cumberland | $1,071 | Le Mars | $1,061 | Tipton | $907 |
| Burlington | $1,009 | Delhi | $1,378 | Marion | $963 | Waterloo | $1,021 |
| Carroll | $1,054 | Dubuque | $1,106 | Mt. Pleasant | $993 | Waverly | $1,038 |
| Cedar Falls | $1,067 | Elridge | $969 | Newell | $994 | Webster City | $1,091 |
Des Moines
The average car insurance rate in Des Moines is $1,378 per year. We were able to find 7 carriers below the “mean” rate.
Start by getting quotes from GEICO and Progressive.
Each queried at $1,187 and $1,199 respectfully.
This is 12% lower than the average rate for a 30 year old driver.
If your are older, then get quotes from GEICO, Progressive, Hastings, and State Farm.
If you have a good driving history you should be able to save nearly 20% by comparing quotes with the 4 companies illustrated in the table.
| Des Moines Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,187 | $903 |
| Progressive | $1,199 | $904 |
| Hastings | $1,244 | $926 |
| State Farm | $1,267 | $987 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,321 | $1,007 |
| Farmers | $1,367 | $1,043 |
| Allstate | $1,401 | $1,087 |
Des Moines, Iowa has over 200,000 residents making it the most populous city in the state.
The are many things to enjoy in Des Moines for the outdoor enthusiast, cultural types, and history buffs.
The Gortz Haus Gallery features numerous Iowa artists and is housed in a church made of stone.
Cedar Rapids
You are able to find cheap car insurance in Cedar Rapids if you know where to get quotes from.
Start with GEICO, Progressive, and Hastings. Each are below the $1,000 mark for a 30 year old driver.
And more than 12% lower than the average rate of $1,089.
For a 45 year old driver we found the top three clustering at the $800 range.
Progressive, GEICO, and Hasting are the top picks if you want to save 15% on your yearly auto premium.
| Cedar Rapids Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $941 | $799 |
| Progressive | $944 | $809 |
| Hastings | $967 | $816 |
| State Farm | $1,008 | $865 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,045 | $904 |
| Farmers | $1,099 | $899 |
| Allstate | $1,145 | $878 |
Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and was originally named Rapids City after the rapids on the Cedar River.
Started in 1849, the city began to grow economically with the arrival in 1871 of T. M. Sinclair, who established one of the nation’s largest meat packing companies.
Today, it has flourished into a city with nearly 130,000 residents.
Davenport
Davenport has an average auto insurance rate of $1,071 or “mean” rate which includes all age of drivers.
In our analysis we were able to find 4 insurers below the “mean” rate.
Start by getting quotes from State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive.
Each were approximately 10% below the average rate.
Farm Bureau Mutual should be included in your quest for a lower premium too.
| Davenport Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $903 | $789 |
| GEICO | $932 | $800 |
| State Farm | $989 | $854 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,031 | $878 |
| Hastings | $1,078 | $897 |
| Farmers | $1,145 | $904 |
| Allstate | $1,177 | $971 |
Davenport, Iowa is situated along the Mississippi River and is included in the “Quad Cities” with Bettendorf and the Illinois cities, Moline and Rock Island.
The conglomerate of 4 cities makes the city of Davenport unusual and a sought out place to live for families.
Full of vibrate culture and quaint shops throughout downtown, Davenport has many events throughout the year.
Sioux City
If you are hunting for cheaper auto insurance in Sioux City then start with Progressive, GEICO, and Farm Bureau Mutual.
Each queried at $978, $1,044, and $1,078 respectfully.
This is 14% lower than Sioux City average rate for a 30 year old driver.
For a 45 year old we found the quotes clustered at the $900 range for a full coverage premium.
However, Progressive stood out at $807 per year for a 45 year old.
| Sioux City Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $978 | $807 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,044 | $890 |
| GEICO | $1,087 | $878 |
| Allstate | $1,098 | $903 |
| State Farm | $1,132 | $899 |
| Hastings | $1,178 | $961 |
| Farmers | $1,200 | $960 |
Sioux City is the 4th largest city in Iowa with approximately 84,000 residents.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the area which include Stone State Park for hiking and mountain biking.
The Sioux City area is known for its opportunities for hunting pheasant, wild turkey, deer, quail, duck and geese.
Iowa City
With our analysis of auto insurance firms in Iowa City we found the lowest rates are with Progressive, Farm Bureau Mutual, and Partners Mutual.
All three clustered near the $900 range for a 30 year old driver.
It was the same three companies for a 45 year old driver too.
It would be smart to get quotes from all 7 companies illustrated to find additional savings while maintaining the same out of coverage.
| Iowa City Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $890 | $678 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $904 | $700 |
| Partners Mutual | $916 | $714 |
| GEICO | $1,001 | $765 |
| Allstate | $945 | $841 |
| State Farm | $989 | $878 |
| Farmers | $1,021 | $880 |
Founded in the late 1830’s, Iowa City was the state’s first city capital from 1842 to 1857.
After 1857, Des Moines was chosen to replace Iowa City as the state capital.
Partially compensating for this loss was the establishment in Iowa City of the University of Iowa.
Resources & Iowa MVD information
| Department of Insurance | Department of Transportation | Department of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 601 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 281-5705 | 5455 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 364-0235 | 6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021 (515) 244-8725 |
| Website | Website | Website |
Sources
https://iid.iowa.gov/automobile-insurance
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-r-0258.htm
