For drivers, car insurance rates start to increase around age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. That’s not surprising. Older drivers have higher crash deaths than drivers between the ages of 35 and 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data also shows that 20 older adults are killed every day in car crashes.
Even though rates may rise, seniors can still find good car insurance deals. Our guide will help find the most affordable rates for senior drivers in Iowa and suggest other ways to save on your auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Iowa is $1,404 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in Iowa pays 3% more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In Iowa, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 10% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in Iowa – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Iowa
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in Iowa for drivers of different ages below.
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: 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
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
Full coverage 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.
Below are the cheapest Iowa rates the major car insurance companies offer for three different coverage levels: The state minimum, liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage car insurance with liability limits of 100/300/100.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Iowa?
As drivers age, car insurance typically becomes more expensive. This is largely because statistics reveal that seniors, on average, are more involved in accidents than younger drivers, excluding teenagers, 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.
The CDC found that drivers older than 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-54 and NHTSA statistics show that senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents in 2020, which is up 26% from 2011.
In addition, seniors are more likely to require medical care, even after a less severe accident, and expensive hospital bills will increase the insurance cost.
“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.
70-year-old drivers pay 3% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-old drivers pays 10% more for a full coverage policy
The table below highlights the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Iowa based on age and different coverage levels:
| 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 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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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 hike will differ between insurance companies, but Iowa drivers can expect a 37% increase in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for driving 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors who have a speeding ticket or minor moving violation can expect increased insurance costs. Based on our analysis, the best insurance providers for seniors with tickets are shown in the table below.
| 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 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Iowa
A DUI is a serious offense and your insurance rates will skyrocket once it appears on your driving record. Typically, your insurance premium will double after a DUI. According to our data, in some states, the increase can be as high as 63% after your first DUI. If you get a second DUI, the insurance rates could increase by 126%.
After a DUI, finding affordable or any coverage can be difficult, but based on our data, the companies below are the best 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 rates by state for senior drivers
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via 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.
Typically, the premium increase remains for three to five years, making it essential to find an affordable insurer. According to our data, the following companies provide the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Iowa after an accident.
| 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
Seniors can take advantage of these car insurance discounts to reduce their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| 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 pay higher premiums than young adult drivers (excluding teens, of course). To find an affordable policy, assess your needs and determine the right amount of coverage.
When comparing insurance options, consider the cost, customer service and discounts offered. Search for the best auto insurance companies with affordable rates and user-friendly websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Iowa
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Iowa?
According to our data, Progressive offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Iowa at about $178 a year, on average. State Farm and Auto-Owners also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in Iowa.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Iowa?
Progressive has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in Iowa at an average annual premium of $243. State Farm and IMT Insurance also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in Iowa, based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Iowa?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in Iowa, but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Iowa for a full coverage policy, based on a CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
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 November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Iowa