Iowa Auto Insurance
Whether you live in the center of the state in Des Moines or have a farm in a small town, affordable auto insurance coverage is a must for every Iowa resident. So, take a few minutes to learn about cheap car insurance in Iowa. Find out which coverages are mandatory, which ones are optional, and how a Direct Auto Insurance policy could be your cheap Iowa car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much money you can save.
Iowa Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in Iowa?
Iowa law requires all drivers to have an auto insurance policy that at least meets the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in Iowa are 20/40/15, as shown below under Iowa Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
Iowa Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to fulfill Iowa’s insurance requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $20,000 bodily injury per person/$40,000 bodily injury per accident. |
|
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $15,000 property damage per accident. |
|
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage. |
Not required. |
|
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required. |
|
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability coverage ensures you fulfill legal requirements, it provides no protection for your own injuries or damage to your own vehicle. You would need to add additional coverage, like UM/UIM, comprehensive, and collision, to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, there may be add-on services and other insurance products available to Iowa drivers:
Iowa Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet Iowa’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Iowa takes a strict stance on uninsured drivers. The penalties for driving without insurance vary depending on the nature of the violation. However, they can include things like large fines and the loss of driving privileges. Therefore, it’s important to maintain continuous coverage and always carry proof of insurance.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Iowa
Driving without a valid license can lead to serious penalties for Iowa drivers. The infraction can lead to an increased license suspension and a steep fine. Therefore, if your license is ever suspended for any reason, it’s important to follow the steps to get it reinstated before getting behind the wheel again.
SR-22 Insurance in Iowa
Some states require high-risk drivers to keep an SR22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers might be required to keep one on file if:
- They have committed serious driving violations.
- They have failed to maintain proper liability coverage or have broken state insurance laws.
- They were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in Iowa
Many individuals do not have a flawless driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.
We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to find quality, affordable coverage for every driver, regardless of their past.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in Iowa?
Car insurance costs vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The amount & type of coverage you choose
- The year, make and model of the vehicle you drive
- How much you drive, where you drive and where you live
- Your demographics
- Your driving record
- Your credit history
Other Iowa Auto Insurance Resources
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Iowa with Direct Auto!
Looking for affordable auto coverage in Iowa? Get a free car insurance quote for a policy that meets your state’s requirements, fits your needs, and includes any discounts you’re entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible.
*Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.
**The “Direct Auto Insurance” brand is used by insurers in the National General Group, Winston-Salem, NC to describe their direct-to-consumer auto insurance programs. Direct Auto Insurance branded policies are produced by Direct General Insurance Agency, Inc. dba “Direct Auto Insurance” and by National General Insurance Marketing Inc.