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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Iowans pay an average of $86 per month for car insurance — much lower than the national average of $149. Iowa’s low population density, fewer uninsured drivers, and lower rates of fatal accidents likely contribute to its lower-than-average auto insurance.[1] [2]
But not all companies price policies the same, and you can likely find a cheaper rate from certain insurers. For example, State Farm, Auto-Owners, and USAA offer the lowest rates in Iowa.
In this guide, we break down how different factors affect rates, the cheapest insurers by driver type and coverage level, and how to save money on premiums without cutting essential coverage.cal
State Farm is the cheapest insurance company in Iowa, with average rates of $22 per month.
Average car insurance premiums in Iowa are $57 per month for liability-only coverage and $116 per month for full coverage.
Iowa requires all drivers to have at least 20/40/15 in liability coverage.[3]
Several car insurance companies in Iowa offer rates well below the statewide average, but you still need to shop around to find the best deal for your situation.
In this table, we’ve listed the cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $22 |
| Auto-Owners | $35 |
| USAA | $38 |
| GEICO | $44 |
| American Family | $44 |
| Allstate | $46 |
| Safeco | $52 |
| National General | $53 |
| Farmers | $53 |
| Bristol West | $54 |
| Direct Auto | $64 |
| Progressive | $65 |
| Dairyland | $65 |
| Root | $66 |
| Nationwide | $71 |
| Travelers | $71 |
| Liberty Mutual | $73 |
| The General | $81 |
| Foremost | $91 |
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Iowa, at $22 per month.
But as you’ll see below, the best company for you depends on your coverage levels, age, credit, driving history, and more.
The average premium only tells part of the story. Your car insurance costs depend on a variety of rating factors, from your ZIP code to your driving record.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of Iowa’s cheapest insurers for common driver types and coverage levels, according to Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | State Farm | $22 |
| Full coverage | State Farm | $39 |
| Teens | State Farm | $47 |
| Seniors | State Farm | $17 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | State Farm | $28 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | State Farm | $30 |
| Drivers with a DUI | State Farm | $32 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | State Farm | $20 |
| Drivers with poor credit | State Farm | $30 |
The table above provides a snapshot of average rates. In the sections below, we explore common driver profiles and the cheapest options for each to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
Iowa requires drivers to have a minimum level of liability insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage coverage. While this basic coverage meets state legal requirements, most insurance experts recommend buying higher limits for greater protection after a serious accident.[4]
The average monthly rate for minimum coverage in Iowa is $57, but many insurers offer significantly cheaper rates.
We’ve highlighted the five cheapest insurers for state-minimum liability coverage in Iowa in the table below, according to Compare.com data.
Most Iowa drivers should consider full coverage — especially if you lease or finance your car. Full coverage includes liability, plus collision and comprehensive insurance, which pay for damage to your vehicle caused by accidents, weather events, theft, and more.
The average full-coverage policy in Iowa costs $116 per month, but several companies offer policies for far less. In some cases, you might pay close to the price of a liability-only policy with some insurers.
Drivers in Iowa can find the cheapest full-coverage insurance from one of the insurers in the chart below, according to Compare.com data.
Teen drivers often face the steepest car insurance premiums due to their lack of experience and higher accident risk. Drivers ages 16–19 are nearly four times more likely to get into a car crash than drivers age 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In Iowa, the average monthly rate for a teen driver is $200, but that doesn’t mean affordable options don’t exist. The table below shows the top five cheapest insurance companies for teen drivers in Iowa, according to our data.
Seniors in Iowa tend to enjoy some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the state, thanks to a combination of long driving histories and typically safer driving behaviors. Older drivers tend to limit their driving and get into fewer fatal accidents than younger drivers.[5]
The average senior in Iowa pays $70 per month, according to our research. But you can find even lower rates by leveraging senior-specific discounts and working with the right insurer.
Here are the five cheapest car insurance companies for Iowa seniors, according to Compare.com data.
A single speeding ticket can cause your car insurance rates to spike when it’s time to renew, and the effect can last for years. Nationally, rates increase by an average of 37% after a speeding violation, according to Compare.com data.
In Iowa, drivers with a recent ticket pay an average of $120 per month. Fortunately, some companies are more forgiving than others. We’ve highlighted the five cheapest options on average for Iowa drivers with a speeding ticket in the table below.
An at-fault accident can send your premium soaring. On average, drivers across the U.S. see a 41% jump in rates after a single accident, according to Compare.com data. In Iowa, the average monthly rate after an at-fault accident is $127 per month.
But there are still money-saving strategies you can try to lower your rates, including raising your deductible, dropping unnecessary coverage, and switching insurers. Check out the five cheapest insurers in Iowa for drivers with an at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data.
A DUI is one of the most serious offenses you can have on your driving record. And it often results in large premium hikes. On average, car insurance rates rise by 61% after a DUI conviction, according to our research.
In Iowa, drivers with a DUI pay an average of $124 per month. But a DUI conviction won’t leave you paying high rates forever.
Here are the five most affordable car insurers for Iowa drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
In many states, including Iowa, insurers may consider your credit history when determining your rate.[6] That’s because studies show a correlation between credit and the likelihood of filing a claim — though it remains a controversial practice.[7]
On average, Iowa drivers with poor credit pay about 20% more for car insurance than people with excellent credit. The statewide average premium for drivers with poor credit is $104 per month, according to our data.
But some insurers don’t use credit to determine your rates. Here are five insurers with cheaper rates, regardless of your credit history, according to our research.
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No single company will be the best car insurer for every driver in Iowa because the rate you pay depends on various factors. That said, Iowans want more than just a great price. They want great customer service, valuable coverage options, and generous policy terms.
With that in mind, we picked the following three insurers in Iowa based on a combination of average rates, customer reviews, and more.
Compare.com Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Great customer and claims satisfaction scores[8]
Personalized service from a designated agent
Erie Auto Plus endorsement
Low mobile app ratings[8]
Limited customer service hours
Fewer customizable options than competitors
Erie Insurance is a standout regional insurer known for its top-tier customer service and consistently affordable, high-value policies. Backed by an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and strong J.D. Power claims satisfaction scores, it’s a trusted choice for many Iowans.[9]
The Erie Auto Plus program adds value for Iowa drivers with extras like a diminishing deductible, death benefit, and extended coverage. You can also get optional features, such as rate lock, with or without the upgrade.
Compare.com Rating: 4.88 out of 5
High claims satisfaction scores
Excellent discount program
Highly rated pay-per-mile insurance
Low Trustpilot rating[10]
Rideshare coverage not available
Below-average customer satisfaction
Nationwide combines broad national availability with strong claims satisfaction, as reflected in its J.D. Power scores. The company also offers telematics discounts and usage-based insurance, leveraging its highly rated mobile apps.
With high marks for financial strength — a rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best — and flexible policy options, it’s a solid pick for Iowa drivers who want reliable coverage from a well-established insurer. It also offers strong bundling discounts and robust online tools.
Compare.com Rating: 4.85 out of 5
Low average rates
Strong financial rating
Low customer complaints
Lesser-advanced online tools than larger companies
Fewer discounts than national insurers
Gap insurance not available
COUNTRY Financial delivers strong customer service and financial stability, making it a great choice for Iowa drivers who want personal attention and solid value. It receives fewer complaints than the national average from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), holds an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior), and offers customizable coverage options.
With COUNTRY, you’ll find cheaper-than-average rates, a large selection of insurance products, and plenty of discounts.
Local rates start as low as $22 per month.
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Like most states, Iowa sets minimum car insurance requirements that all drivers must have to legally operate a vehicle. Here’s what state law requires:
$20,000 per person for bodily injury liability
$40,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
$15,000 per accident for property damage liability
Iowa automatically includes uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at limits matching your liability coverage, but you can reject it in writing if you don’t want it. As an at-fault state, Iowa doesn’t require medical payments coverage, but you can add it to help pay medical bills immediately after an accident, regardless of fault.
While Iowa’s minimums meet legal requirements, they may not cover the full cost of a serious crash. For example, if you’re found at fault in an accident that injures multiple people, $40,000 in bodily injury coverage could fall short, leaving you responsible for the rest.
Though comprehensive and collision coverage is optional, lenders require both if you finance or lease your vehicle.
The Iowa Insurance Division recommends working with a licensed insurance agent when choosing your policy limits and encourages drivers to consider purchasing more than the minimum.
Car insurance seems straightforward, but it rarely is. Here are some fast answers to the most common questions Iowans ask about getting a great car insurance policy.
Iowa drivers pay an average of $86 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. That breaks down to a monthly average of $57 for a liability policy and $116 for a full-coverage policy.
State Farm is the cheapest insurance company in Iowa, averaging $22 per month, according to our data. Keep in mind that your rate could differ depending on your address, coverage levels, and driving history.
No. Iowa’s average car insurance rate is $86 per month, compared to the national average rate of $149, according to our research. But many factors will affect your actual premium, including your age and credit history. Shopping around will help you get the best rate for your needs and budget.
Iowa drivers must have liability coverage in minimum limits of 20/40/15. That’s $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. The state also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of 20/40 unless you reject it in writing.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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