In a Nutshell
We’ve looked at quotes from several different insurers in Iowa to determine the average cost of car insurance and the cheapest insurance options on basic coverage for several different driver profiles. Remember, car insurance costs depend on individual circumstances like your age, driving history, coverage options and credit, so your costs may vary.Note from our editor: Maybe you’re searching for car insurance for the first time or want to do some insurance shopping to help lower your monthly premium? This article can serve as a starting point for your car insurance research. There are a lot of factors when it comes to the cost of car insurance, so while you may not see the exact premiums we’ve researched, they can give you an idea of some of the insurers offering the cheapest rates in your state.
Whether you’re touring the bridges of Madison County or heading to the Iowa State Fair, it’s essential to ensure your ride is protected. But are you paying too much for your car insurance?
We looked at estimated car insurance rates across several insurance companies in Iowa. We calculated the average cost, as well as which insurers offered the cheapest estimated rates on minimum coverage for several driver needs and profiles. Unless otherwise noted and to make an even comparison, we used a relatively neutral driver profile — no accidents, claims or tickets, for example — and calculated rates for minimum coverage (see our full methodology).
Because there are several factors that affect car insurance, like your age, vehicle type, mileage, coverage options and driving history, your rates could be higher or lower.
Read on to learn about Iowa’s average car insurance rates and our findings for the cheapest options.
- Cost of car insurance in Iowa
- 5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
- Cheapest state-minimum car insurance in Iowa
- Cheapest car insurance for good credit in Iowa
- Cheapest car insurance for poor credit in Iowa
- Cheapest car insurance for drivers with multiple claims in Iowa
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Iowa
- Iowa auto insurance requirements
- Is usage-based insurance available in Iowa?
- FAQs about the cheapest car insurance rates in Iowa
- Methodology
Cost of car insurance in Iowa
Average monthly auto insurance premiums in Iowa
| Driver or coverage | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| State-minimum car insurance in Iowa | $26.48 |
| Drivers with poor credit in Iowa | $42.35 |
| Drivers with multiple claims in Iowa | $51.72 |
| Young drivers in Iowa | $50.19 |
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
The rates in this article are calculated based on a specific driver profile, as detailed in our methodology, to ensure an accurate comparison. Unless otherwise noted, our Iowa driver has a credit score between 680 and 719, is between 36 and 45 years old, drives a car worth $20,000 to $30,000 and has no tickets or coverage gaps.
If that doesn’t describe you, don’t worry: We also found the cheapest car insurance companies for other driver profiles — young drivers, drivers with multiple claims and those with different credit histories — so read on to see if you could save money on your Iowa car insurance.
1. Hastings Mutual Insurance
Founded over a century ago, Hastings Mutual offers car insurance policies to customers in six Midwestern states. With Hastings Mutual, drivers can get a comprehensive plan with additional features such as roadside assistance, “multiprotection” for things like rental vehicles, pet injuries or key replacement and free identity theft protection.
2. Pekin
Available in a handful of states, Pekin offers car insurance coverages like bodily injury, property damage, medical payments and coverage for hitting an animal. It also offers optional add-ons such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, new auto replacement, auto loan/lease coverage and more. Pekin offers car insurance policies specifically for high-risk drivers, too.
3. West Bend Mutual
West Bend Mutual offers personal car insurance coverage through independent agents, mostly to those in select Midwestern states. West Bend offers coverage for most vehicles, including motorcycles, motorhomes and collector vehicles. Policyholders can add TravelNet roadside assistance, which covers towing, flat tires, gasoline delivery, battery jumpstarts and more.
4. IMT Insurance Company
Founded in the 1880s, IMT Insurance offers car insurance through independent agents in a few midwestern states. IMT offers a range of coverage options, including unique optional add-ons like identity recovery, new-car replacement, lock replacement, pet injury, glass repair and coverage for theft of clothing, luggage, camping gear and other sporting equipment.
5. Geico
Geico offers a wide range of coverage options and many opportunities to save money for safe driving habits, safety equipment and customer loyalty. Its mobile app allows users to manage their policies, pay bills, request roadside assistance and more. Read reviews of Geico to learn more.
Cheapest state-minimum car insurance in Iowa
Most states set a minimum amount of coverage that drivers must carry on their vehicles. This is usually the least expensive coverage option, and may be a good idea for older cars or drivers looking to have only the basic level of coverage.
The following companies may offer the cheapest state-minimum coverage in Iowa.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for state-minimum coverage
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $12.33/month |
| 2 | Pekin | $14.23/month |
| 3 | West Bend Mutual | $17.33/month |
| 4 | IMT Insurance Company | $19.33/month |
| 5 | Geico | $20.73/month |
Cheapest car insurance for good credit in Iowa
Your credit is one of several factors affecting car insurance costs. Generally, drivers with good credit will pay less for car insurance than those with poor credit.
Here are the five cheapest car insurance companies for Iowa drivers with good credit looking for minimum coverage.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for those with good credit
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $10.61/month |
| 2 | Pekin | $11.68/month |
| 3 | Western National | $15.19/month |
| 4 | West Bend Mutual | $15.31/month |
| 5 | State Farm | $16.89/month |
Cheapest car insurance for poor credit in Iowa
Conversely, having a lower credit score may mean you pay more for car insurance. But note that your credit is just one factor determining your premium cost. You can keep costs low by maintaining a safe driving record or seeking other discounts.
You may find the cheapest car insurance quotes for basic coverage from these five companies if your credit isn’t great.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for those with poor credit
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $21.08/month |
| 2 | Pekin | $24.32/month |
| 3 | Geico | $27.34/month |
| 4 | IMT Insurance Company | $29.58/month |
| 5 | West Bend Mutual | $30.50/month |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with multiple claims in Iowa
Your driving and claims history also plays a role in your premium cost. Generally speaking, drivers with more claims may pay more for car insurance than those with a clean driving record.
The following insurers may have the lowest estimated rates for drivers with multiple claims who are seeking minimum car insurance.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for multiple claims
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $19.83/month |
| 2 | Western National | $23.08/month |
| 3 | Cameron Mutual Group | $24.50/month |
| 4 | Pekin Insurance | $25.40/month |
| 5 | West Bend Mutual | $26.33/month |
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Iowa
Many insurers view young and new drivers as riskier to insure. That means young drivers may end up paying more for car insurance than older drivers.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable car insurance for young drivers. Here are the five cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 who want basic coverage.
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa for young drivers
| 1 | Hastings Mutual Insurance | $29.83/month |
| 2 | Geico | $32.26/month |
| 3 | Pekin | $32.71/month |
| 4 | Westfield | $40.33/month |
| 5 | West Bend Mutual | $40.42/month |
Iowa auto insurance requirements
Iowa law requires minimum liability coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. If you’re leasing your car or have a car loan, your lender may require you to carry coverage beyond the state minimum.
Is usage-based insurance available in Iowa?
Usage-based insurance is a type of vehicle insurance that allows customers to pay premiums based on their driving behavior. Iowa drivers may be able to take advantage of their insurers’ UBI (also called telematics or pay-as-you-drive) programs to save money on their car insurance for driving safely.
FAQs about the cheapest car insurance rates in Iowa
Iowa requires 20/40/15 car insurance. Your coverage requirements may be more extensive if you have a car loan.
Iowa is considered a no-pay, no-play state, meaning an at-fault driver with insurance isn’t required to pay noneconomic damages to an uninsured driver in the event of an accident.
Methodology
The estimated rates in this article are the lowest estimated rates based on the profile of a driver age 36 to 45 living in Iowa. Unless otherwise noted, the rates displayed assume a single driver on the insurance policy with no tickets on their driving record and no claims or coverage lapses. The vehicle used in this estimate is valued between $20,000 and $30,000 and has annual mileage of 12,000 to 15,000. Estimated rates for insurance for good credit apply to scores of 720 or higher. Estimated rates for insurance for poor credit apply to scores from 350 to 579. Estimated rates for young drivers include those age 18 to 21. Estimated rates for those with multiple claims are calculated based on two claims.
Note that the rates are provided every six months by Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant Information Services doesn’t include all insurance companies in its rate data. These are estimated rates meant only to provide a frame of reference and comparison. Your rates may vary depending on a range of factors, such as your age, vehicle driving habits and history.
The average monthly premium for full coverage car insurance includes bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, collision and comprehensive coverages. The average monthly premium for state-minimum car insurance includes an Iowa-mandated 20/40/15 insurance policy.