Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in Iowa and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average cost of car insurance for a 65-year-old driver in Iowa is $1,404 per year for a full coverage policy.
- According to CarInsurance.com’s research, a 70-year-old driver in Iowa pays 3% more for full coverage than more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver.
- Finding the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 70 becomes more important as rates increases significantly. For instance, a 75-year-old driver in Iowa pays 10% more more a full coverage policy than a 65-year-old driver.
- Reviewing and comparing car insurance quotes every six months or at renewal can help you find the most affordable rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Iowa
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in Iowa for drivers of different ages below.
- Overall cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60: Travelers, $97 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Travelers, $90 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Travelers, $95 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: State Farm, $103 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Iowa
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Iowa from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
It also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Iowa?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
According to the CDC, drivers aged over 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to those aged 35-54. NHTSA data also shows that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, marking a 26% increase since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In Iowa, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,404 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $1,446.
In Iowa, 70-year-old drivers pay 3% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-olds pay 10% more for a full coverage policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Find below the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Iowa by age and different coverage limits.
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $252 | $312 | $1,404 |
| 70 | $277 | $340 | $1,446 |
| 75 | $321 | $388 | $1,555 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Iowa
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance premiums regardless of age. Insurers value statistics, and the data show that drivers who have tickets are more likely to be involved in accidents that might lead to claims.
The rate increase will vary by insurance company, but Iowa drivers can expect a 37% rise in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for going 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,215 | $101 |
| Travelers | $1,705 | $142 |
| Progressive | $1,729 | $144 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,994 | $166 |
| Allstate | $2,088 | $174 |
| GEICO | $2,415 | $201 |
| USAA* | $1,317 | $110 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Iowa
A DUI is a serious driving violation; your insurance rates will soar once it hits your driving record. In most cases, your insurance premium will double if you have a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com in some states, the increase can be as much as 63% after your first DUI. If you manage to rack up a second DUI, the increase could be as much as 126%.
Getting affordable coverage (or any coverage) becomes challenging after a DUI, but our data show these are some affordable insurers for seniors with a DUI in Iowa:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,215 | $101 |
| Progressive | $1,381 | $115 |
| Travelers | $1,782 | $149 |
| Allstate | $2,519 | $210 |
| GEICO | $2,822 | $235 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,276 | $273 |
| USAA* | $1,747 | $146 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Iowa
Just like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will push up your insurance rates. The increase will vary by insurance company but according to our data, drivers should expect their premium to jump 52% with one at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Iowa.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,296 | $108 |
| Travelers | $1,656 | $138 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,723 | $144 |
| Progressive | $2,036 | $170 |
| GEICO | $2,647 | $221 |
| Allstate | $2,810 | $234 |
| USAA* | $1,695 | $141 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Iowa?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 3% on their car insurance in Iowa. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Iowa.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Iowa
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors reduce their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | 2% |
| Daily commute | 9% |
| Days advanced purchase | 7% |
| Days per week driven | 8% |
| Defensive driver | 3% |
| Education | 3% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% |
| Homeowner | 7% |
| Lower annual mileage | 6% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 6% |
| Marital status | 5% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 3% |
| Payment type | 10% |
| Primary use | 10% |
| Profession | 16% |
| Safety devices | 2% |
| Telematics | 12% |
| Years insured | 20% |
| Years licensed | 25% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Iowa
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Iowa
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Iowa?
Our data show that Progressive provides the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Iowa, at around $178 per year. State Farm and Auto-Owners also rank highly for affordable state minimum coverage for seniors in Iowa.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Iowa?
Progressive offers the cheapest liability car insurance for senior drivers in Iowa, with an average annual premium of $243. According to a CarInsurance.com data analysis, State Farm and IMT Insurance also provide cheap liability insurance for seniors in Iowa.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Iowa?
State Farm does not offer a senior discount in Iowa, but it provides many discounts that seniors can use to lower their premiums. It includes discounts for defensive driving courses, safe driving, long-term customer loyalty, bundling policies and advanced safety feature discounts.
Bottom line
A CarInsurance.com analysis found that Travelers provides the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Iowa.
Shopping around and comparing online rates from different insurers can help seniors find the best car insurance deals. Additionally, senior drivers might qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with another policy.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed July 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed July 2025.
Behind the rates: How we analyzed cheapest costs for seniors in Iowa
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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