Car insurance rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that Travelers offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,238 per year.
We’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the right car insurance in Iowa. The team at CarInsurance.com has done all the hard work by researching and analyzing insurance prices for different kinds of drivers.
Keep reading to learn how car insurance works in Iowa and how much you need.
- The average cost of car insurance in Iowa is $1,630 a year or $136 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in Iowa costs around $260 annually for limits of 20/40/15, while liability-only coverage costs $320 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- Travelers provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Iowa, costing $1,238 per year.
- In Iowa, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 28%, a DUI raising rates by 44%, and an at-fault accident by up to 40%.
How much is car insurance in Iowa?
According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in Iowa pay about $136 per month for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you budget effectively for your coverage. Remember that insurance premiums can differ significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving history.
See how rates change in Iowa based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in Iowa pay the most — about $369 a month or $4,422 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $215 monthly or $2,575 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $122 monthly or $1,468 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $180 monthly or $2,164 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $197 a month or $2,366 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $283 monthly or $3,400 annually.
Average cost of auto insurance in Iowa by coverage level
In Iowa, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in Iowa are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 20/40/15 to drive legally.
Liability-only policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
Full coverage car insurance policies are the most expensive but provide much more protection. They cover your own vehicles from accidents, theft, natural disasters and animal strikes. With a full-coverage insurance policy, drivers can be confident that they’re protected in the event of an accident up to the limits of their policies.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below are the Iowa car insurance costs for three different coverage levels.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $22 | $260 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $27 | $320 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $136 | $1,630 |
State minimum car insurance in Iowa
In Iowa, minimum car insurance requirements include $20,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $15,000 of property damage liability.
In Iowa, you can get state minimum car insurance for $260 per year. However, this minimum coverage doesn’t offer enough protection. Drivers can add other types of insurance, such as comprehensive and collision, increase their liability limits and buy personal injury coverage for added protection.
Drivers in Iowa must be aware of the minimum car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in Iowa
The average cost of liability-only insurance in Iowa is $320 for the coverage limits of 50/100/50, based on a recent data analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Liability-only insurance helps cover the costs if you damage someone else’s car or injure someone in an accident. It’s more affordable than full coverage insurance, but remember, it doesn’t pay for repairs to your vehicle or cover injuries to your passengers.
Full coverage car insurance in Iowa
On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in Iowa cost $1,630 per year for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, with a deductible.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in Iowa
Insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. An affordable policy for someone in one area might be more expensive for someone living elsewhere.
Insurance companies assess various factors, such as crime rates, traffic conditions, car theft incidents and population density, to evaluate the level of risk in different areas and determine car insurance premiums.
As a result, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in Iowa pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
Use our simple tool to see how much you’ll have to pay for car insurance. Just type in your ZIP code, and you’ll get quotes for different coverage options quickly.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in Iowa
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Liability - Minimum)
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Estimate car insurance in Iowa by car model
In Iowa, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
For instance, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche, and Audi usually have higher insurance costs. Cars like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are often cheaper to insure.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in Iowa.
Insurance rates by car model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in Iowa
As drivers age, their auto insurance premiums change – with younger and teen drivers paying higher rates than experienced drivers. The crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than that of drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Car insurance companies know teen drivers are less experienced and riskier to insure. Iowa drivers aged 30 to 60 have the lowest average auto insurance rates at $1,575 annually.
Iowa drivers aged 16-19 pay $2,847 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $4,422 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,480 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,575 per year in Iowa.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $1,468 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Iowa
Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In Iowa, a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 44% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in Iowa, you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 28% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 28% increase
- DUI conviction: 44% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 40% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in Iowa for high-risk drivers
In Iowa, if you’re a high-risk driver, you’ll pay more for car insurance. Factors such as past accidents, speeding tickets, and having a low credit score can increase your insurance costs.
Fortunately, high-risk drivers have several options to lower their insurance premiums. A good first step is to shop around and compare quotes, as each insurance provider has a unique rate structure designed to meet individual needs.
Use the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its average annual full coverage rates.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in Iowa
Drivers in Iowa can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Start your search for the best car insurance policy in Iowa by getting quotes from several insurers for comparison.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in Iowa and their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $310 | $369 | $1,238 |
| State Farm | $199 | $258 | $1,306 |
| West Bend Mutual | $199 | $230 | $1,311 |
| Auto-Owners | $189 | $219 | $1,461 |
| Progressive | $174 | $249 | $1,589 |
| IMT Insurance | $232 | $244 | $1,634 |
| GEICO | $254 | $325 | $1,716 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $262 | $304 | $1,796 |
| Allstate | $508 | $591 | $2,126 |
| Grinnell Mutual | $362 | $468 | $2,591 |
| USAA | $166 | $264 | $1,165 |
Car insurance rates by city in Iowa
Bedford is Iowa’s most expensive city for car insurance at an average cost of $2,053 annually. Coralville is the state’s least expensive city, with an average car insurance rate of $1,311 annually.
Car insurance premiums differ across cities in Iowa and are influenced by traffic conditions. Cities with heavier traffic often experience more frequent accidents and insurance claims, which results in higher insurance costs.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for Iowa’s largest cities.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
How much does car insurance cost in Iowa per month?
Car insurance in Iowa costs an average of $136 a month for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
While paying your car insurance in full upfront at renewal can sometimes get you a discount, the best choice will depend on your situation.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $22 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $27 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $136 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Iowa
When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.
Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in Iowa. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 20/40/15.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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