See average premiums in Des Moines, Iowa, and learn how to save on auto insurance.
The average car insurance rate in Des Moines, Iowa, is $1,088 per year. That's less expensive than the average across Iowa ($1,106) and less expensive than the national average of $1,548. Our guide to car insurance in Des Moines — researched and written by The Zebra's team of licensed insurance experts — includes average premiums based on age, credit score, driving history, and marital status. Read on for more information.
| Des Moines Average (annual) | Iowa Average | National Average |
| $1,088 | $1,106 | $1,548 |
One of the most important determinants of your car insurance rates is the insurance company you work with. For a typical insurance customer, GEICO provides Des Moines's cheapest rates. Reference below the top options for affordable insurance in Des Moines. Don't forget to get car insurance quotes based on your unique driving profile.
| Company | Average Yearly Rate |
| GEICO | $821 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $919 |
| State Farm | $926 |
| Nationwide | $962 |
| IMT | $1,076 |
Read our guide to finding the best cheap auto insurance.
Des Moines drivers in their 50s pay relatively affordable car insurance rates just $897 each year, on average. Rates for Des Moines drivers in their 60s are also relatively affordable, at just $910 per year.
The Des Moines drivers who pay the highest insurance rates are teenagers. When drivers hit their 20s in Des Moines and move out of the teenage age bracket, they reduce their premiums substantially. The difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s in Des Moines is $1,832, the largest such difference between any two age groups.
| Age tier | Average Annual Rate |
| Teenagers | $3,324 |
| 20s | $1,491 |
| 30s | $1,061 |
| 40s | $995 |
| 50s | $897 |
| 60s | $910 |
| 70s | $1,138 |
Learn more about the impact of age on auto insurance rates.
Marital status and gender are contributing factors to car insurance rates in many cases. In most places, single drivers pay more than married drivers based on data that says they're more likely to file claims. Married drivers in Des Moines pay $88 less than single drivers for auto insurance. Rates for those who are widowed are also much cheaper than rates for those who are single. Interestingly enough, in Des Moines, single drivers pay more than those who are widowed.
Gender is yet another factor that can affect auto insurance premiums. In Des Moines, female drivers pay $6 per year more than do male drivers for car insurance.
| Marital Status/Gender | Average Yearly Rate |
| Female | $1,094 |
| Male | $1,088 |
| Single | $1,001 |
| Married | $1,001 |
| Divorced | $1,088 |
| Widowed | $1,046 |
Learn more about the impact gender and marital status have on insurance rates.
Maintaining a clean driving record is an effective way to minimize your auto insurance costs. At-fault accidents, DUIs, reckless driving citations, and speeding tickets all contribute to expensive auto insurance rates, as insurance companies reward low-risk drivers with the gift of affordable rates.
Des Moines drivers found guilty of reckless driving pay the price when it comes to auto insurance, facing a rate increase of $636 per year versus the city average. A ticket for speeding results in a $173 rate hike, on average, while a DUI violation costs $626per year in insurance premiums.
| Violation | Average Annual Rate |
| DUI/DWI | $1,714 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,724 |
| At-fault Accident (damages < $1,000) | $1,407 |
| At-fault Accident (damages > $2,000) | $1,512 |
| Speeding Ticket (16-20 mph over speed limit) | $1,261 |
Learn more about how citations can raise your auto insurance rates.
One of the byproducts of a good credit score is lower car insurance costs. Drivers who keep their credit score up typically pay less for auto insurance than do drivers with less-than-stellar credit histories. Des Moines drivers who improve their credit score from "Very Poor" (300-579) to "Exceptional" (800-850) can save as much as 55% on their auto insurance premiums. Moving from "Very Poor" to "Fair" credit is a great way to save money on car insurance. In Des Moines, improving your credit to "Fair" could help you earn $692 in savings on insurance premiums each year.
| Credit Tier | Average Yearly Rate |
| Very Poor | $2,016 |
| Fair | $1,324 |
| Good | $1,088 |
| Very Good | $996 |
| Exceptional | $906 |
Curious about how your credit score might impact your auto insurance rates? Click here to learn more.
