The state of Iowa requires drivers to maintain auto insurance, and they must buy insurance on a vehicle before it can be registered. The minimum liability coverage required by law in IA is $20,000 of bodily injury to, or death of, one person in one accident; $40,000 of bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident, and $15,000 of coverage for property damage.
Other coverages are available in Iowa, like comprehensive or collision but not required by state law. They may be required by your lienholder, however.
Iowa drivers must always have proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
In Iowa, drivers must be insured. They must always carry proof of insurance in the car. The minimum auto insurance requirements are:
You may hear Iowa minimum auto insurance requirements described as “20/40/15.” These numbers refer to your minimum liability coverage.
When talking about insurance, “liability” means financial responsibility. In other words, if you cause damage to other people or their property with your vehicle, it is your responsibility to pay for medical attention or repair damaged property.
No law in Iowa requires drivers to maintain comprehensive coverage or collision. However, if you are making a car payment to a bank, or if there are other liens on the vehicle, the lienholder can make you buy those additional coverages.
Iowa drivers must have basic liability insurance. But there are other types of auto insurance coverage available, and your lienholder may require you to carry them. You may also decide they are valuable, because they help to pay for damage to your vehicle or theft.
Other popular options include rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.
$20,000 Bodily Injury to Others
If you’re responsible for injuring one person, this coverage helps to pay medical costs and more.
$40,000 Bodily Injury Per Accident for More Than One Person
If you’re responsible for injuring several people, the insurer will pay up to $40,000 for medical costs and more.
$15,000 Property Damage
Most vehicle accidents cause some amount of property damage, whether it’s to other vehicles on the road, real estate, or another person’s belongings. This coverage pays for these damages. If these damages are more than $15,000, you may need to pay more. This is an important point, because the value of vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years.
In 2021, Iowa launched a new “Super Speeder Bill.” In short, if you cause a fatal accident while driving more than 25 mph above the speed limit, you will be charged with a Class C felony. If you injure someone while driving 25 mph over the speed limit, you will be charged with a Class D felony.
Felonies are serious charges. They can affect your future ability to find rental housing, find jobs, vote, and own guns.
Iowa lawmakers take auto insurance very seriously. If you’re caught driving without insurance in IA, expect to pay a $250 fine. If you are unable to pay that fine, a judge might allow you to complete some community service, instead.
Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties. Law enforcement can impound your vehicle or take your tags. They may pull your registration and force you to carry additional SR-22 insurance in the future.
Iowa insurers are known to gradually increase your rates over time. If you need to save money on auto insurance, you should shop around every few years. Insurers will usually offer safe drivers low rates to lure new business.
Other ways to save money on Iowa auto insurance are:
Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Save You 90% On Your Car Insurance
Iowa auto insurance companies classify drivers and vehicles into risk categories. So, your price for auto insurance is based on your risk group and your behavior.
In Iowa, electric vehicles (EVs), fast foreign cars, heavy trucks, young drivers, and unsafe drivers tend to cost the most to insure.
When calculating your premium, Iowa auto insurers consider your:
We scoured the web to find the best Iowa auto insurance rates for very safe drivers, age 30 or more, with no claims or DUIs. But remember, your cost will be based on the variables above.
| Insurer | Yearly Price | Monthly Premium Payment |
| Hastings Mutual | $714 | $59 |
| State Farm | $789 | $66 |
| Farm Bureau Financial Services | $915 | $76 |
| Pekin | $1,083 | $94 |
Here are answers to the usual questions we hear about auto insurance in Iowa.
Is auto insurance mandatory in IA?
Yes, always. You must carry basic liability coverage to drive in Iowa. Failure to have auto insurance can lead to expensive fines and community service. Repeat offenders may have their vehicle impounded and be forced to carry SR-22 insurance.
Do I need full coverage auto insurance in Iowa?
While no Iowa law makes full coverage insurance compulsory, many drivers feel more comfortable if they have it. Your lienholder may also require it.
What is the cheapest auto insurance in Iowa?
Our research suggests that Hastings Mutual offers the best prices to experienced, safe drivers in Iowa. But remember, your rates can be affected by many other issues, like the number of auto thefts in your neighborhood and the type of vehicle you drive.
How often should I shop for auto insurance?
If you shop around for auto insurance every few years, you will probably save hundreds of dollars. Insurance companies offer attractive rates to safe drivers to earn new business, but they increase these prices slowly as years go by.
Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/what-is-personal-injury-protection-and-what-does-it-cover-thumbnail.jpg 200 300 EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/Logo.png EINSURANCE2017-05-17 00:00:002023-01-25 14:53:38What Is Personal Injury Protection Insurance and What Does It Cover?
EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/how-to-shop-for-high-risk-auto-insurance-thumbnail.jpg 200 300 EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/Logo.png EINSURANCE2017-04-17 00:00:002022-10-21 12:43:11How to Shop for High Risk Auto Insurance?
EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/Excluded-Driver-thumbnail.jpg 200 300 EINSURANCE https://www.einsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/Logo.png EINSURANCE2017-03-26 00:00:002022-08-10 14:42:05When Will You Have Excluded Driver on Your Car Insurance Policy?
