The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2026
With an average monthly rate of $27, State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company in Des Moines.
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Written byMandy Sleight
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Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
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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In This Article
Des Moines drivers pay around $87 per month for car insurance. The city’s high vehicle theft rates may be why its rates exceed the state average.[1]
That said, you can still find affordable premiums in Des Moines from multiple companies. Some of the cheapest companies in the city include State Farm, Auto-Owners, and USAA, with rates starting at just $27 per month.
Below, we highlight the cheapest car insurance companies in Des Moines for various driver and coverage types and give tips on ways to find the best deal on coverage.
Key Takeaways
State Farm offers the lowest average rates in Des Moines, at $27 per month.
On average, Des Moines drivers pay around $66 per month for liability-only coverage and $108 for full coverage.
State Farm, American Family, and Auto-Owners are some of the best insurers for Des Moines drivers.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Des Moines, Iowa
Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to get the cheapest auto insurance rates in Des Moines. Before you settle on a policy, it’s a good idea to gather quotes from at least three different insurance companies to compare factors like coverage options, discounts, affordability, and customer service.
Check out the table below to see the five cheapest car insurance companies in Des Moines, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, January 28 at 11:00 AM PST.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $27 |
| Auto-Owners | $45 |
| USAA | $47 |
| GEICO | $52 |
| American Family | $55 |
| Allstate | $59 |
| Safeco | $59 |
| National General | $61 |
| Bristol West | $65 |
| Farmers | $67 |
| Root | $71 |
| Direct Auto | $73 |
| Dairyland | $76 |
| The General | $78 |
| Liberty Mutual | $81 |
| Nationwide | $89 |
| Travelers | $89 |
| Foremost | $100 |
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on {{lastUpdated}}.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Des Moines by Driver and Coverage Type
Car insurance rates in Des Moines can differ quite a bit depending on your age, driving record, and coverage needs. Knowing the average for drivers with a similar profile to yours can help you determine whether you’re getting a good deal.
The table below breaks down the cheapest insurers by driver and coverage type in Des Moines, according to Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Liability only | State Farm | $27 |
| Full coverage | State Farm | $52 |
| Teens | State Farm | $57 |
| Seniors | State Farm | $21 |
| Recent speeding ticket | State Farm | $36 |
| Recent at-fault accident | State Farm | $38 |
| DUI conviction | State Farm | $41 |
| Excellent credit | State Farm | $22 |
| Poor credit | State Farm | $38 |
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on {{lastUpdated}}.
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State-minimum car insurance is the bare-minimum coverage required by Iowa law. It helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others, but it doesn’t cover your own vehicle repairs or medical bills.
In Des Moines, the average cost for state-minimum liability is about $66 per month, according to our data. Buying just the state minimum may be the best option if you drive an older car or can afford to pay for your own repairs and medical expenses.
Below, you’ll find the cheapest state-minimum insurers in Des Moines, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Liability Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Full-coverage car insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle. You can also customize it with optional add-ons, like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
Our research shows that drivers pay an average of $108 per month for full coverage in Des Moines. Full coverage is ideal if you drive a newer car, have an auto loan or lease, or just want extra peace of mind.
Here are the cheapest insurers in Des Moines for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Teens are the most expensive age group to insure. This is due to a lack of experience and risky behaviors like speeding and phone use while driving that lead to a higher accident rate.[2]
The average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in Des Moines is $189 per month, according to our research. That said, you aren’t necessarily stuck with sky-high premiums with a young driver on your policy.
Let’s take a look at the chart below, which shows the cheapest companies for teens in Des Moines, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates for Teens
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Senior drivers typically pay the least for car insurance coverage thanks to their extensive driving experience and caution while behind the wheel.
Older drivers pay around $71 per month for auto insurance in Des Moines, according to our analysis. But with the right insurer, you could get an even better deal.
The chart below highlights the cheapest insurers in Des Moines for senior drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates for Seniors
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Getting a ticket can raise your car insurance rates because insurers see you as a higher risk of filing a claim.
Our data shows that drivers with a recent ticket pay an average of $120 per month for auto insurance. But you can often avoid a rate hike by switching to a company that caters to drivers with a ticket.
The chart below shows the five insurance companies with the lowest rates for Des Moines drivers with tickets, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates With a Ticket
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Causing an accident means your insurance company has to pay for the injuries or damage you cause. In response, insurers typically increase your rates to help cover the loss.
People with a recent at-fault accident typically pay around $131 per month for car insurance, according to our research. But you can usually get a better price and avoid a rate hike with your current insurer if you shop around.
If you have a recent accident on your record in Des Moines, consider getting quotes from the companies in the chart below. These are the cheapest options, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates With an Accident
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Driving under the influence (DUI) can significantly increase your auto insurance rates, as insurers classify people with DUIs as high-risk drivers.
The average car insurance cost for drivers with a DUI in Des Moines is $134 per month. But you might be able to avoid a rate increase by switching to an insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers.
Check out the chart below to get quotes from the cheapest insurance companies in Des Moines for drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates With a DUI
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Credit history is another factor that can affect your car insurance rates. Research suggests that drivers with lower credit file more claims, making them riskier to insure than those with excellent credit.[3]
Drivers with poor credit pay around $103 per month in Des Moines, according to our research. Still, not all insurers consider credit, and some offer more affordable premiums regardless of your credit history.
The table below shows Des Moines’ cheapest insurers for people with poor credit, according to Compare.com data.
Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Des Moines
You won’t find one single best insurance company for all drivers. Your ideal insurer depends on your budget, driving history, and coverage needs. We selected the following companies based on a mix of average Iowa rates, available discounts, coverage customization options, and customer ratings and reviews.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $24/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $45/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 660 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
Reviews (309)
Arthur
Verified Review
The Save & Drive Pod Doesn't Save Much
Reviewed in Illinois on January 25, 2026
Not sure where to place the Drive Safe app on the fob in the vehicle. One month I save a little, the next month it's up again. I don't drive every day like most. I'm retired and have this new truck, which I don't see ever putting on the national average miles. I may drive it once or twice a month. Yet my savings don't reflect that. I've been insured with State Farm since I was 17. I'm 62. I should be saving a lot more.
Joann
Verified Review
Not good at all
Reviewed in Georgia on January 22, 2026
Bad customer service, no discounts, overpriced, and they do not care about their customers. My mom had been with them for 56 years, and they would not assist her or give her time to get the information she needed. They talked really horribly to her. I got coverage for 3 cars for less than the amount they were charging me for 3. I have no tickets or DUIs, and they gave me no discounts. I will never use their service again or refer anyone I know.
David
Verified Review
Unhappy
Reviewed in Nevada on January 10, 2026
No tickets, no claims, 60 years of safe driving. Now retired on a fixed income, driving about 10 miles a week. Corporate price gouging.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
647NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you value local agent support and personalized service, consider State Farm. In Des Moines, 10 local agents are available to help drivers get the coverage they need to be safe on the road. It also offers multiple ways for teens and young drivers to save, including its Steer Clear driver training course and Drive Safe & Save telematics program.
State Farm also provides generous savings of up to 20% if you own multiple vehicles with multi-car discounts and up to $1,356 when you bundle home and auto insurance.
Pros
Many local agents
Above-average customer service rating[4]
Rideshare coverage available
Cons
Rates can be higher for some drivers
Gap insurance not available
Few discounts available
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $47/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $90/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 20 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about American Family
Drivers value the friendly staff but are disappointed by the high premiums and significant rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
How drivers feel about American Family
Drivers value the friendly staff but are disappointed by the high premiums and significant rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
Reviews (11)
Elmer
Verified Review
Bait and switch when time to renew after a year.
Reviewed in Nevada on December 21, 2025
It started out with a good price and policy coverage, but when it was time to renew a year later, despite having no tickets or accidents, the price went up by $150.00. It was not right and became unaffordable after that.
Wendy
Verified Review
AmFam EXPENSIVE
Reviewed in Minnesota on May 2, 2025
I wouldn't recommend AmFam to any of my friends. My full coverage jumped from $220 to $277 after dropping a car. Way too expensive for full coverage on a 2019 Ford sedan!
Cindy
Verified Review
Happy, but Looking for a Better Price
Reviewed in Colorado on February 23, 2025
I have been happy with them, but I am looking for a better price on the policy.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
674NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NRAM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
If you need basic full-coverage car insurance, American Family may be a good fit. Though it doesn’t offer gap insurance, it does offer diminishing deductibles. You can bank $100 toward your deductibles each year you go without an accident, allowing you to choose a higher deductible to get immediate savings if you’re on a tight budget.
You can also customize your policy with optional coverages like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and uninsured motorist coverage. American Family also makes policy management and claims processing easy with its highly rated mobile app.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.1 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $38/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $73/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 14 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners Insurance
Drivers value the excellent customer service and coverage but feel the prices, especially for homeowners, can be high.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners Insurance
Drivers value the excellent customer service and coverage but feel the prices, especially for homeowners, can be high.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (9)
Elizabeth
Verified Review
Good but expensive
Reviewed in Alabama on January 31, 2025
Good but expensive
Elizabeth
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in Alabama on January 31, 2025
Good, but expensive.
Elizabeth
Verified Review
Good but expensive
Reviewed in Alabama on January 31, 2025
Good but expensive
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
663NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you’re looking for a customizable full-coverage policy, Auto-Owners may be a good choice. It offers optional coverages like diminished value, rental reimbursement, loan/lease gap, and rental auto gap. Auto-Owners offers other benefits, including accident forgiveness, common loss deductible, collision deductible waiver, and rental car coverage.
The company’s quotes are only available through independent agents, but there are many to choose from in the Des Moines area.
Pros
Many local agents
Highly customizable policy options
Many discounts available
Cons
Quotes not available online
Poor digital shopping experience rating[7]
Customer experience can vary by agency
Find the Best Company for You
Local rates start as low as $27 per month.
Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 469 reviews
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Iowa Auto Insurance Requirements
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In Iowa, you must have liability coverage to legally drive. The state’s minimum liability limits requirements are:[8]
$20,000 per person for bodily injury liability
$40,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage
$15,000 per accident for property damage liability
Insurance companies must also offer uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in Iowa, though you can decline it in writing. This coverage can provide valuable protection. It helps pay for your injuries or vehicle damage if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run or struck by a driver who has no insurance or too little coverage.
Is minimum coverage enough in Des Moines?
Minimum coverage may not be enough for many drivers. Iowa’s minimum limits meet the legal requirements, but they don’t go far if you’re in a serious crash or total someone else’s vehicle.
The Iowa Insurance Division and many insurance experts find that most drivers need higher liability limits to protect their finances — especially in states where people can sue you if you’re at fault.[9]
Des Moines Auto Insurance FAQs
We answered common questions people ask about car insurance in Des Moines, Iowa.
Car insurance in Des Moines averages $87 per month. It costs around $66 per month for liability-only insurance and $108 for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
State Farm is the cheapest auto insurance company in Des Moines, averaging $27 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Not really. While rates in Des Moines are higher than the statewide average, the city’s rates still fall below the national average. Des Moines drivers pay around $87 per month for car insurance, while the national average is $137, according to our data. Remember, your actual rates will depend on factors like your age, driving record, and ZIP code.
The cheapest car insurance company in Iowa is State Farm. Its average rate is $24 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Methodology
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.
Sources
- CrimeGrade.org. "Des Moines, IA Vehicle Theft Rates and Vehicle Theft Maps."
- Teen Drivers. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Apple Store. "American Family Insurance App."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study."
- Iowa Insurance Division. "Auto Insurance."
- The People's Law Library of Iowa. "Automobile Insurance."
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Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
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.