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 premiums for car insurance in Iowa range from about $27 a month up to nearly $55 for basic coverage, depending on driver profile.
Average monthly auto insurance premiums in Iowa
| Driver or coverage | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| State-minimum car insurance in Iowa | $27.17 |
| Drivers with poor credit in Iowa | $44.10 |
| Drivers with multiple claims in Iowa | $54.48 |
| Young drivers in Iowa | $43.51 |
5 cheapest car insurance companies in Iowa
We found that Hastings Mutual Insurance Company offered the cheapest estimated rates on basic coverage for several different driver profiles.
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
Our Iowa driver profile could find car insurance through Hastings Mutual for as low as $14.08 per month for basic coverage. Hastings sells insurance through independent agents and offers several potential discounts, including an away-at-school discount, good student discount, defensive driving course discount, claim free discount and multipolicy discount. Drivers may also select optional roadside assistance coverage, which includes emergency fluid delivery, tire changes, towing and minor mechanical first aid.
2. West Bend Mutual
West Bend Mutual could offer our Iowa driver profile minimum-coverage car insurance for around $17.67 per month. This insurance company covers your auto and home insurance under one policy with one premium. For an additional premium, drivers can also cover their classic cars or add extra coverage options, including 24-hour roadside assistance through TravelNet.
3. State Farm
With State Farm, our Iowa driver profile could see basic car insurance for as low as $18.46 per month. State Farm offers collision and comprehensive insurance, plus extras like rental reimbursement, emergency roadside assistance, rideshare insurance and more. And drivers have several ways to save, including safe driver discounts, vehicle equipment discounts and discounts for bundling multiple vehicles or policies.
Check out our full review of State Farm auto insurance.4. Westfield
Our Iowa driver profile could see a car insurance quote from Westfield for as low as $19.25 a month for minimum coverage. Westfield offers all the standard coverage options like liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and personal injury protection — plus additional coverages like loan/lease gap insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and RV and camper insurance. Roadside assistance is also available.
5. IMT Insurance Company
Finally, with IMT Insurance, our Iowa driver profile could be paying as little as $19.33 per month for basic-coverage car insurance. Standard coverage options with IMT include liability coverage, medical payments, personal injury protection, physical damage, rental car coverage, transportation expense, identity recovery, new car replacement, lock replacement, pet injury insurance, glass repair and guaranteed auto repairs. IMT also offers several possible discounts for safe driving and customer loyalty.
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 | $14.08/month |
| 2 | West Bend Mutual | $17.67/month |
| 3 | State Farm | $18.46/month |
| 4 | Westfield | $19.25/month |
| 5 | IMT Insurance | $19.33/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 | $12.11/month |
| 2 | State Farm | $14.65/month |
| 3 | Westfield | $15.72/month |
| 4 | Auto-Owners Insurance | $15.80/month |
| 5 | West Bend Mutual | $15.89/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 | $23.63/month |
| 2 | Geico | $26.07/month |
| 3 | IMT Insurance | $29.58/month |
| 4 | Partners Mutual Insurance | $30.38/month |
| 5 | West Bend Mutual | $31.96/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 | $21.83/month |
| 2 | West Bend Mutual | $26.83/month |
| 3 | Western National | $29.33/month |
| 4 | State Farm | $30.92/month |
| 5 | Cameron Mutual Group | $36.58/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 | Geico | $25.68/month |
| 2 | Westfield | $27.75/month |
| 3 | State Farm | $29.21/month |
| 4 | Partners Mutual Insurance | $32.42/month |
| 5 | Pekin Insurance | $32.94/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
We found that Hastings Mutual Insurance offered the cheapest car insurance policies for several different Iowa driver profiles.
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.