Car Insurance in Iowa
- State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in IA
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in IA from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
Car insurance quotes in Iowa
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Iowa is $844 for a six-month policy, which is 23% cheaper than the national average.[1] For those looking to save, Travelers offers the lowest rates for full coverage, while GEICO is the most affordable for liability-only policies.
Although 32% of Iowans feel they are overpaying for car insurance, many are willing to spend more for excellent customer service and flexible coverage options.[2] For these customers, Farm Bureau and State Farm are great places to begin your search.
If you're after a good mix of value, cost, and customer service, we suggest considering American Family or GEICO.
- GEICO offered the cheapest liability insurance in Iowa at $20/mo
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Iowa ↓
- Travelers offers the cheapest full insurance coverage in Iowa at $88/mo.Â
- See the other cheapest full coverage insurance companies and best discounts in Iowa ↓
- As a highly rated regional carrier, American Family scored 674 on J.D. Power's 2024 auto study.[3] USAA is also top-rated by J.D. Power for Customer Service for those eligible.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Iowa ↓
- The Zebra used 3rd party reviews from J.D. Power and AM Best as well as thousands of customer ratings in Iowa to name American Family as the best overall company for Iowa drivers.Â
- Read more about why we've ranked American Family as a great fit for many Iowans ↓
Cheap liability insurance in Iowa
In Iowa, the average cost for a six-month liability insurance policy is $170.[1] For our profile, GEICO, USAA, and Progressive provide the most affordable rates for liability coverage.
While these quotes may appear cheap, it's important to keep in mind that liability coverage offers limited protection. It won’t cover damages to your own vehicle if you’re at fault in an accident; instead, it’s meant to cover the other party's expenses. Below is a table outlining monthly and six-month liability quotes from Iowa's top insurance companies.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $122 | $20 |
| USAA | $131 | $22 |
| Progressive | $135 | $23 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $142 | $24 |
| State Farm | $174 | $29 |
| Travelers | $180 | $30 |
| American Family | $240 | $40 |
| Allstate | $353 | $59 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Based on our data, 27% of Iowa drivers opt for liability-only coverage. The Iowa Department of Insurance mandates minimum liability limits of 20/40/15, which covers $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $15,000 for property damage per accident. It's essential to understand what the law requires if you're a driver in Iowa.
Iowa’s minimum required coverage falls on the lower end; while it’s enough to meet legal requirements, it might leave you vulnerable in a serious accident, especially one involving multiple vehicles. If the damages exceed your coverage limits, you could be at risk of being sued for the difference.
If your car is valued at less than $4,000, you might consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage to reduce your insurance costs while still maintaining sufficient liability coverage. However, if you choose to carry only the minimum coverage, it’s a good idea to add uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage to protect yourself from underinsured drivers. If you’re unsure about how much coverage you need, it’s worth consulting with an agent.
Beth Swanson, licensed insurance writer at The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Liability Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $122 | $712 |
| USAA | $131 | $648 |
| Progressive | $135 | $905 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $142 | $806 |
| State Farm | $174 | $753 |
| Travelers | $180 | $530 |
| American Family | $240 | $702 |
| Allstate | $353 | $1,376 |
Source: The Zebra
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Iowa.
Cheap full coverage insurance in Iowa
In 2025, the average cost of full coverage insurance in Iowa is $844 for a six-month policy. Full coverage is a popular option, with 73% of The Zebra’s Iowa customers requesting quotes.[2]
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $530 | $88 |
| USAA | $648 | $108 |
| American Family | $702 | $117 |
| GEICO | $712 | $119 |
| State Farm | $753 | $125 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $806 | $134 |
| Progressive | $905 | $151 |
| Allstate | $1,376 | $229 |
Source: The Zebra
- Payment methods:Â Advance purchase, electronic bill pay, pay-in-full
- Driver discounts: Bundling (multi-policy), multi-car, good driver, good student, homeowner, military
- Vehicle discounts:Â New vehicles, safety devices (consider telematics), anti-theft devices
What are the best car insurance companies in Iowa?
We named American Family the top car insurance company in Iowa based on customer reviews, third-party ratings (including J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), as well as factors like discount opportunities and coverage options.
Below, you'll find the pros and cons of American Family, along with other highly-rated companies in Iowa. To make the best choice for your needs, we recommend getting quotes from several insurers to compare coverage options and make an informed decision.
American Family is known for its excellent service, ranking above average from J.D. Power for Overall Customer Satisfaction in the central United States.[3]Â While there are occasional reports of slow claims processing, the insurer's strong financial stability confirms they can pay out claims reliably and sustain their operations over the long term.[4]
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Excellent customer service ratings
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Variety of discounts for auto coverage
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Offers multiple lines of insurance and bundling options
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User-friendly mobile app
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Fewer offices in rural communities
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Only available in 19 states
Best car insurance in Iowa — honorable mentions
To determine the best companies, we looked at J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews we collected from nearly 3,000 drivers across Iowa and the U.S.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $530 | $88 |
| USAA | $648 | $108 |
| State Farm | $753 | $125 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $806 | $134 |
Source: The Zebra
How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Iowa?
The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:
- The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
- Each company's average cost of car insurance in Iowa
- Available coverage options
- The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience
Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.
For more information, see our editorial standards page.
Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Iowa
Young drivers often struggle to find affordable car insurance in Iowa. Insurance companies see age as a reflection of driving experience, which is why teens typically pay over 100% more than drivers in their 20s and nearly 200% more than those in their 30s.[1]Â
In Iowa, teen drivers face particularly high costs, averaging $2,035 for a six-month policy, or about $339 per month — roughly 19% lower than the national average for teens.
If you're a teen driver or a parent of one, USAA and Travelers offer some of the most affordable insurance options.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,421 | $237 |
| Travelers | $1,516 | $253 |
| American Family | $1,629 | $271 |
| GEICO | $1,790 | $298 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $2,251 | $375 |
| Progressive | $2,474 | $412 |
| State Farm | $2,480 | $413 |
| Allstate | $3,272 | $545 |
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,873 | $312 |
| American Family | $1,930 | $322 |
| GEICO | $2,046 | $341 |
| Travelers | $2,093 | $349 |
| Progressive | $2,856 | $476 |
| State Farm | $3,287 | $548 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $3,494 | $582 |
| Allstate | $4,220 | $703 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
- Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and lower your risk of accidents.
- Opt for a less expensive vehicle with solid safety ratings and lower repair costs instead of high-performance models.
- Stay on a parent's insurance policy to save money and take advantage of their good insurance history.
Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.
Iowa auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
Finding affordable car insurance in Iowa after an accident can be challenging. Insurers consider your accident history and tickets to assess your risk as a customer. If you're found at fault in an accident, your annual insurance premium could rise to as much as $2,279.
Below is a breakdown of how much top insurance companies in Iowa may charge following an at-fault accident.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $693 | $115 |
| State Farm | $917 | $153 |
| USAA | $923 | $154 |
| American Family | $998 | $166 |
| GEICO | $1,191 | $198 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $1,227 | $205 |
| Progressive | $1,237 | $206 |
| Allstate | $1,742 | $290 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction
While we hope you never have to use your insurance, a smooth claims experience is essential when you do. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we measured satisfaction among claim filers, and USAA stood out as an excellent option for military members. AAA and American Family are strong alternatives worth considering for those not in the military.
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra's guide to Iowa car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
Certain violations, like a DUI or driving without insurance, can result in more severe insurance consequences. For a deeper understanding of Iowa’s car insurance laws and how these violations affect your coverage, check out the detailed explanations below.
Explore more about Iowa's insurance requirements in our comprehensive guide.
Iowa DUI laws
In Iowa, a DUI is known as an OWI (operating while intoxicated). An OWI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,449. Finding affordable auto insurance after an OWI violation isn’t simple. An OWI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after an OWI in Iowa
If you're convicted of an OWI violation in Iowa, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following an OWI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with an OWI in Iowa, Travelers, advertises annual rates 52% less than the statewide average insurance rate with an OWI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after an OWI in Iowa is American Family, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with rates 8% above average.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $753 | $125 |
| American Family | $879 | $146 |
| Progressive | $1,004 | $167 |
| State Farm | $1,021 | $170 |
| USAA | $1,062 | $177 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $1,674 | $279 |
| GEICO | $1,675 | $279 |
| Allstate | $1,686 | $281 |
Source: The Zebra
There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap OWI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a OWI citation is to shop around.
Iowa SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as an OWI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Iowa to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Iowa might require some research, but it could ultimately pay off.
Â
How to acquire an SR-22 in Iowa
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you must look for a new insurer.
Â
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
Â
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owner car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owner auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.
Find an affordable policy in Iowa in minutes!
Car insurance in popular Iowa cities
Where you live in Iowa can significantly impact your car insurance costs. Given the increased number of drivers and claims, rates tend to be higher in bigger cities like Des Moines or Iowa City.
Updating data...
| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ankeny | $745 | $124 |
| Cedar Rapids | $790 | $132 |
| Davenport | $829 | $138 |
| Des Moines | $847 | $141 |
| Sioux City | $917 | $153 |
Source: The Zebra
How have car insurance costs in Iowa changed?
Over the past decade, car insurance rates in Iowa have experienced notable fluctuations, showcasing a dynamic market. In 2024, the average annual premium reached $1,687, marking a significant rise of $372 from the previous year. Although part of a general upward trend, rates have varied year to year, with both increases and decreases.
These shifts underscore the influence of regulatory changes, economic factors, and market conditions on insurance costs in Iowa and nationwide. If you've encountered higher quotes this year, you're not alone. Be sure to compare multiple insurers to find the best coverage that fits your budget.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium | Yearly Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,687 | $372 |
| 2023 | $1,315 | -$43 |
| 2022 | $1,358 | $140 |
| 2021 | $1,218 | $67 |
| 2020 | $1,151 | $57 |
| 2019 | $1,094 | $84 |
| 2018 | $1,010 | -$786 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 |
If your rates are increasing faster than the state average, it’s a good time to compare quotes and seek a better deal. The Zebra’s car insurance comparison tool provides personalized quotes tailored to your profile. Simply enter your ZIP code below to begin your search for the best rate.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
Iowa car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Iowa auto insurance.
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra
Recent questions about car insurance in Iowa
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.