Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa?
If you're a resident of Iowa, you might be interested to know that you have some of the lowest premiums in the nation. A lot of aspects go into determining what your car insurance rate will be, including your driving record, model of your car, and how much you're willing to pay in deductible costs if you get into an accident.
Iowa's cities have thriving cultural scenes, despite being largely rural. Iowans can enjoy long stretches of winding roads on major interstates despite driving in severe weather conditions. Such conditions can include tornadoes and the heavy snowfall Iowa is known for.
If you're looking to save some bucks on your car insurance, there are several ways to find cheaper rates in Iowa without sacrificing quality coverage. And if you shop with Carlay, you can find lower auto insurance quotes in Iowa.
The best way to do both is to shop with Carlay, an all-in-one comparison site for car insurance. Comparison-shopping for car insurance is now made easier by Carlay, a new app that provides you with online quotes from over 50 top insurance providers. Sign-up takes about 45 seconds, and the average Carlay user saves $879 per year on car insurance.
Don't take our word for it— have a look at some examples of savings from the actual customers who switched over to Carlay:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Iowa?
The state average for liability-only car insurance in Iowa is $1,820. If you buy a full vehicle policy, you can expect to pay an average of $1,995 a year.
The average U.S. driver pays $1,783 annually for liability-only car insurance and $2,485 annually for full-coverage car insurance.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Iowa?
Here are a few of the factors that drive up the cost of car insurance in Iowa:
- Low population density
The low population density is one reason why insurance companies can afford to charge less for car insurance premiums. The main reason people pay more for car insurance is that they live in high-population areas, where there are more traffic accidents and thefts. Low population density means less chance of accidents or theft, which ultimately means lower car insurance rates.
- Short commutes
One contributing factor is simply that Iowa residents tend to drive shorter distances than those in other states. Due to its low population density, well-maintained roads, and low incidence of traffic accidents, it's one of America's safest states for road travel. This means drivers can enjoy lower rates without sacrificing a longer commute time.
- Harsh weather
Lower car insurance rates don't tell the whole story about a given state's auto insurance climate. For example, despite lower average car insurance rates, Iowans have to contend with harsh weather conditions and more severe (and more frequent) auto accidents than those living in neighboring states.
Here's a comparison of the average annual insurance premiums in Iowa to the U.S. average:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| IA | $1,901 | $1,272 | $1,263 | $1,125 | $1,800 | $963 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| IA | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $1,901 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,272 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | $1,263 | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | $1,125 | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $1,800 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $963 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Iowa
Iowa drivers can choose among several top car insurance companies—such as Nationwide, Travelers, and State Farm—for their exemplary rates and fine customer service.
Each car insurance provider uses its own formula to set rates. For the same policy, you may receive different quotes from each one. The reason for this is those different providers are interested in different factors before deciding on a rate for your policy.
You can lower the premium by driving a Toyota Corolla Hybrid instead of a Volvo XC60. Iowa drivers choose the former because of its low MSRP and the lower cost of parts and repairs. In contrast, Volvo vehicles are expensive to purchase and will cost more for you to protect with insurance.
Regardless of age, gender, and location, Carlay users in Iowa can find affordable car insurance rates by completing a quote comparison. If you're looking for car insurance in Iowa, check out these great discounts we found for you:
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Iowa?
In Iowa, you are required to have minimum liability insurance before driving a car. Your policy should cover the following:
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident | Pays for any bodily injuries you cause to others as a result of driving your car. |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident | Covers the costs you are liable for when another individual's property is damaged or vehicles are damaged. |
You could be slapped with finse and other penalties if you're caught driving without insurance. These include:
- $250 reinstatement fee
- SR-22 maintenance
It's better to own more than the minimum insurance coverage—liability insurance only protects others if you're in an accident. Iowa drivers should consider the following insurance:
| Coverage | Description |
| Collision insurance | Covers damages to a vehicle when struck by another vehicle or barrier or stationary object |
| Comprehensive insurance | It's for those accidents that are not collisions, such as vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster. |
| Roadside assistance | Covers any costs associated with a breakdown, including towing and fixing your car. |
Carlay provides a personal, worry-free solution for finding the right insurance for you and your family. Carlay Insurance will help you find the most affordable insurance policy regardless of the coverage you choose. All you have to do is fill out a short online form, and Carlay Insurance will match you with a number of top insurance companies and then follow up with those companies to make sure you get the best deal.
Then Carlay Insurance will guide you through the entire process, including all of the paperwork and changeover. You'll even get quotes from Carlay each time your policy is up for renewal—so you know you're always getting the best rates.
Now that you know what insurance to get, here's more about insurance in Iowa.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Iowa?
The first step to reducing cost on car insurance is understanding how your premiums are determined. There are several factors that go into deciding out your rates, and you can start by focusing on three important ones: your driving record, where you live, and what kind of car you drive.
What young drivers in Iowa need to know
Young drivers in Iowa are considered high-risk drivers, but young people can keep their insurance premium costs low by taking a defensive driving course. And good students may be eligible for a good student discount on their auto insurance rates for being above-average students.
Young drivers should shop around for quotes when purchasing car insurance and maintain a clean driving record.
Carlay, helps young drivers save money by comparing quotes from top providers. Average rates for drivers in Iowa:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,423 | $697 |
| 21-24 | $2,972 | $938 |
| 25-34 | $1,964 | $691 |
| 35-44 | $2,253 | $887 |
| 45-54 | $1,716 | $630 |
| 55-64 | $1,829 | $911 |
| 65+ | $1,800 | $896 |
- Cost to insure your car in Iowa with a poor driving record
Your driving record affects your car insurance rates. If you are in an accident, speed, or commit a DUI/other major driving infraction, you will pay more in your Iowa car insurance rates. Because you have a record of past accidents and infractions, insurance providers consider you a high-risk driver and quote more premiums.
Because of Carlay's extensive list of providers, drivers with previous infractions have no trouble finding affordable coverage.
Here are some of Carlay's past customers— drivers with past infractions who were able to find lower insurance rates:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,038 | $671 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $3,826 | $1,082 |
| DUI | $2,798 | $951 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $3,234 | $904 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,491 | $827 |
| Careless Driving | $2,474 | $709 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,976 | $700 |
| Improper Passing | $3,055 | $519 |
| Illegal Turn | $996 | $240 |
| Other | $2,152 | $463 |
- Cost to insure your car in Iowa based on where you live
Iowa car insurance premiums are affordable, but prices may vary depending on your location. Residents of cities like Sioux City or Council Bluffs may see a bit higher insurance premiums because of their higher populations, but residents of Iowa City may see lower-than-average rates.
Carlay offers the best rates for Iowa insurance in the state. Regardless of where you call home, Carlay can help you save money.
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Bettendorf | $2,719 | $1,056 |
| Camanche | $3,450 | $1,275 |
| Cedar Rapids | $2,115 | $688 |
| Clarinda | $3,348 | $512 |
| Council Bluffs | $2,538 | $1,027 |
| Des Moines | $2,413 | $965 |
| Dubuque | $3,406 | $1,080 |
| Maquoketa | $1,320 | $464 |
| Sioux City | $2,350 | $644 |
| West Des Moines | $2,328 | $760 |
- Cost to insure your car in Iowa based on the type of car you drive
When you buy a car, it's worth considering the impact the kind of car will make on your insurance costs. If you drive a Toyota Camry, you can save money on car insurance by choosing a less expensive sedan and by shopping for other discounts.
However, those in Iowa who buy a luxury car, like a Mercedes-Benz GLC, will pay more for car insurance than those who choose a less pricey vehicle because the cost of replacing the fancy car will be higher in the event of an accident.
Here are some sample insurance estimates for Carlay and various other cars in Iowa.
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Iowa?
While auto insurance in Iowa is less expensive than the national average, take a look at these helpful tips to save even more.
- Shop around for quotes
Shopping around for the best price on car insurance can save you money. It can take hours to find the lowest prices if you're searching on your own—especially with mountains of paperwork and hours of phone calls.
Carlay makes comparison shopping easy. Carlay is a free app that helps users save money on car insurance. Sign-up takes less than a minute; Carlay will help you find quotes from over 50 top insurance providers. Choose a policy, and Carlay will help with the rest—from helping to cancel your old policy to sending you helpful reminders about when to renew your insurance. That's not all; the average Carlay user saves $879 on car insurance.
After you've signed up with your new provider, Carlay will work for you by compiling quotes each time you renew your policy.
- Look for discounts
Shopping for discounts can reduce your auto insurance rate. Your insurer may offer a discount you don't know about. Ask your agent what type of discounts are available to you.
Here are some discounts popular with Iowans:
In Iowa, auto insurance carriers give discounts to people who are homeowners, married, or members of other organizations.
- Increase your deductible
If you raise your car insurance deductible, you can save money. A higher deductible means you pay less each month in car insurance premiums but more if you actually have an accident. While you may save on your monthly premium by choosing a policy in which the deductible is high, you could wind up paying a big amount when it comes time to file a claim. It's important to make sure that you can afford to pay the deductible each time you need to file a claim.
Registering Your Car in Iowa
If you want to register your car in Iowa, you will need the following:
- A driver's license or ID card
- A car title or signed lease agreement
- Current odometer reading
- Damage disclosure statement—if required
- Payment and fees
If you want to get your vehicle registered quickly, it's a good idea to make an appointment before going to the
Department of Motor Vehicles. You'll likely have to fill out extra paperwork, including personal and vehicle
information.
Iowa drivers must renew their vehicle registrations annually.