Iowa Car Insurance

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Common questions about Iowa auto insurance

Need car insurance in Iowa? Whether you live by the Cedar Rapids or Des Moines, Liberty Mutual can help you save on car insurance! From Liability Protection to Comprehensive Coverage, we customize your Iowa auto insurance, so you only pay for what you need.

What car insurance is required in Iowa?

Car insurance isn't technically required in the state of Iowa, but this can be a bit misleading. In Iowa, all drivers are required to have Financial Liability Coverage. This means that a driver needs to be able to prove they're able to pay for any damage or injuries they may cause if they're in an accident. According to the Iowa Legislature, proof of Financial Liability Coverage can include a
  • Bond filed with the DMV according to section 321A.24
  • Certificate of deposit filed with the DMV described in 321A.25
  • Valid certificate of self-insurance issued by the DMV noted in section 321A.34

In most cases the easiest way to do this, is by having car insurance from a company like Liberty Mutual.

What's the financial responsibility system in Iowa?

Iowa operates under a financial responsibility system. All this means is drivers need to be able to prove they can pay for damage or injuries if they're in an at-fault accident. The easiest way to prove financial responsibility is to have car insurance. In some cases, like if you have a lease or loan on your vehicle, you may be required by the lender as well.

Here are the minimum auto insurance limits drivers must have in Iowa.1

Coverage

Amount

Bodily Injury to Others$20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability$15,000 per accident
Uninsured Motorist Coverage$20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident

For more information, check out the Iowa Driver's Manual.

What liability insurance is required in Iowa?

Iowa law requires you to have liability car insurance. This coverage protects others if you cause bodily harm or property damage to them. It's important to know this coverage doesn't cover you, your car, or your personal belongings.

Drivers must have a car insurance policy with the minimum coverages of
  • Bodily Injury Liability: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident

You may see this written as 20/40/15.

Remember, this is only the minimum Liability Coverage required by law. You may want to think about increasing your limits for more financial protection. You should also consider other types of coverage that can give you even more protection.

Is Iowa a no-fault insurance state?

No, Iowa is not a no-fault insurance state. This means a driver that causes an accident is also responsible for paying for the damage.

Although many drivers have insurance to help cover these costs, some don't. These drivers can be either underinsured or uninsured. Due to this, Iowa drivers may want to consider additional coverages
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage

These coverages can help cover you if you're in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. While these are optional coverages, it's recommended to have them. In Iowa, drivers must opt out of these coverages in writing when buying a car insurance policy.

What's the average cost of car insurance in Iowa?

The average cost of car insurance in Iowa is $1,2182 in 2021 according to thezebra.com. That's 20% lower than the national average. Of course, your auto insurance cost will depend on many different factors including your age, where you live and your driving history.

Some people get the minimum coverage, while others prefer more protection. Liberty Mutual could save you money on Iowa auto insurance with a customized policy so you only pay for what you need.

Get a free quote to see how much you could save by choosing Liberty Mutual.

U.S. Map with Iowa state highlighted

What Iowa car insurance coverage is right for you?

All Iowa drivers must have the state minimum auto coverages. But, based on your budget and needs, you may want to consider higher limits for more protection. We'll help you customize your Iowa car insurance to get the coverage that fits you. See all of our auto coverage options.

What's the best car insurance in Iowa?

Liberty Mutual knows that everyone has different needs for their Iowa auto insurance. Some may want the cheapest Iowa car insurance, while others want more coverage and an auto insurance company they know they can trust. We can help you customize your Iowa car insurance, so you only pay for what you need.

Start your free quote

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Iowa?

Getting the cheapest car insurance in Iowa may sound great, but it could cost you when you need it most. Beyond cost, you should make sure the company you pick is reliable in case you're in an accident.

A Liberty Mutual auto insurance policy can cost less than you think.3

  • $817 lower than GEICO
  • $731 lower than Progressive
  • $839 lower than State Farm
  • $758 lower than Allstate

Discounts that help you save

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Online Purchase Discount

Buy your policy online and save. It's that simple.4
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Convenience and savings — need we say more? Combine your policies and get a discount.5
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Get rewarded for your good driving behavior by saving up to 30% on your policy.6

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1See Iowa DOI for more information: https://doi.idaho.gov/consumers/auto-insurance/required-auto-coverage/
2https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/iowa-car-insurance/#car-insurance-trends
3Average savings validated by new customers who switched to Liberty Mutual between 10/2021 and 09/2022 and participated in a countrywide survey. Carrier-specific figures reflect average savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual from the listed carriers. Savings may vary. Comparison does not apply in MA.
4NOT AVAILABLE IN CA, NY, HI, MT, WY, ND, SD, AK, NC. Discount amount varies by state and reflects average savings as applied to certain auto coverages.
5Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.
6The RightTrack® discount applies only to the base coverages on the participating vehicle, which may include Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Comprehensive, Collision, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments, Uninsured Motorist, and Underinsured Motorist (subject to state availability), and excludes fixed expenses (where applicable). Initial discount may vary by state and is replaced with a final discount upon completion of a review period. Not available in all states. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. © 2023 Liberty Mutual Insurance