Iowa car insurance

Looking for more information about car insurance in the Hawkeye State? Whether driving through Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Davenport, we've got you covered. Learn more about auto insurance requirements in Iowa and optional coverages that might be worth adding. Plus, we'll break down a few discounts you could earn with Progressive.

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Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

What are Iowa's minimum auto insurance requirements?

Drivers in Iowa are required to have auto liability coverage (BI liability and PD liability), at the following minimum car insurance limits:

CoverageWhat it coversMinimum amount
Bodily injury liabilityWhat it coversInjuries you cause to others in an accidentMinimum amount$20,000 per person
$40,000 per accident
Property damage liabilityWhat it coversDamage you cause to other people's property in an accidentMinimum amount$15,000 per accident

While these are Iowa's minimum required car insurance limits, higher coverage amounts may better protect your family's financial wellbeing. Learn how much car insurance you may need based on your circumstances and preferences.

Is Iowa a no-fault state?

No. Iowa is an at-fault state, which means the party responsible for an accident must cover the injuries of the other driver and their passengers. Learn more about what happens if you're at fault in an accident.

How much is car insurance in Iowa?

The average cost of a liability-only auto insurance policy (single driver/single car) from Progressive in Iowa was $77.31 per month in 2023.* Rates vary based on several factors, including your coverage selections, driving history, and ZIP code. Learn more about the cost of car insurance.

Ready to make the switch? Drivers nationwide who switch and save with Progressive save over $800 on average. Get an auto insurance quote today.

What is the best car insurance in Iowa?

Finding the best car insurance in Iowa means taking the time to compare equal coverages, limits, deductibles, and discounts. Progressive offers plenty of incentives to help Iowans get the best car insurance. Our auto insurance customers earn an average of seven discounts, and we're the #1 writer of personal auto insurance in Iowa.**

If you're looking for the cheapest car insurance in Iowa, here's how much drivers nationwide who save after switching to Progressive save on average compared to their previous auto insurer:

  • Allstate customers who switch and save with Progressive save $920 on average††
  • GEICO customers who switch and save with Progressive save $757 on average§
  • State Farm customers who switch and save with Progressive save $661 on average

How do I lower my car insurance cost in Iowa?

To lower your car insurance cost in Iowa, you may qualify for the following discounts through Progressive:

  • Five-year accident-free
  • Multi-car
  • Homeowner
  • Online quote
  • Paid in full
  • Multi-policy
  • Five-year claim-free

See all our auto insurance discounts.

Pro tip:

Save when you bundle! One way to get cheap car insurance in Iowa is to combine your auto and home policies with Progressive — new customers who save bundling home and auto insurance save over 20% on average nationwide.

Additional car insurance coverages to consider

If you're leasing or financing a vehicle, most lenders require you to carry comprehensive auto coverage and collision coverage in addition to Iowa's state-required coverages.

Comprehensive and collision pay to repair or replace your car regardless of fault, if it's in an accident, gets stolen, or is otherwise damaged due to a covered accident. It also makes sense to add these physical damage coverages if you're not sure you can afford a new car or major repairs after an accident.

Explore all our car insurance coverages, and our car insurance calculator, to find which ones are recommended for you.

Iowa driving resources

From Sioux City to Iowa City, get to know Iowa's driving laws and resources. These resources apply to Ames, West Des Moines, and everywhere in between. Local municipalities may have additional laws and resources.

How to get car insurance in Iowa

Go online

We ask easy questions, and you customize your coverages.

Quote auto insurance

Call a rep

Talk with a licensed representative who can guide you through the process.

Call 1-866-749-7436

Through an agent

Connect with an independent agent in your area.

Find an agent in Iowa

Quote car insurance online or give us a call

Learn more about car insurance policies.

Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.