Iowa Car Insurance

Start a free Iowa car insurance quote online with GEICO. Whether you live in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or anywhere across the Hawkeye State, we make it simple to find personalized and affordable auto coverage for your vehicle. Every driver in Iowa needs reliable protection, and GEICO makes it easy to compare options and get the right policy for your needs. See how quick and straightforward it is to start your Iowa car insurance quote today!

Car Insurance Coverage Requirements in Iowa

Iowa has specific requirements for car insurance that must be in place on all vehicles to be legally driven in the state. These are the minimum levels of coverages and limits required by the state of Iowa:

Coverage Type Minimum Required Limit
Bodily Injury Liability $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident
Property Damage Liability $15,000 minimum
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury* $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury* $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident

* Please note that Iowa allows drivers to reject uninsured and underinsured coverages by returning a form to your insurance company. A GEICO representative can assist you with this decision.

Is Iowa a No-Fault State for Car Insurance?

Iowa is considered an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages and injuries. In practical terms, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically required to cover the costs of property damage and medical bills for the other party involved. This system differs from a “no-fault” state, where each driver’s own insurance pays for their injuries regardless of who caused the accident.

Optional Car Insurance Coverages in Iowa

Iowa Drivers may want to consider optional coverage to protect their vehicle in the event of a loss.

Optional add-ons to consider include:

Coverage Type What It Covers
Collision Coverage Damage to your vehicle from a collision with another car or object, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive Coverage Non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.

Iowa Car Insurance Discounts

Looking for car insurance that delivers exceptional service along with great value? GEICO has you covered with a variety of Iowa car insurance discounts. Discounts on auto premiums that may be available to you in the state of Iowa include:

  • Military Discount: GEICO offers special military discounts on insurance for service members.
  • Multi-Car Discount: Insuring two or more vehicles with GEICO may qualify you for a multi-car discount.
  • Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your insurance policies with GEICO to save on car insurance.
  • Good Student Discount: Full-time students who maintain a minimum of a B+ average may be eligible for lower car insurance premiums.
  • Defensive Driving Course Discount: Drivers who complete an approved defensive driving or driver's education course may qualify for a discount.
  • Clean Driving Record Discount: Indiana drivers with a clean driving record can earn additional savings on their policy.
  • Auto Pay Discount: Sign up for automatic monthly payments to save on your premium.
  • Early Shopper Discount: Apply for a GEICO policy before your current coverage expires to qualify for savings.
  • Paperless Discount: Go paperless with digital statements and documents to lower your premium.
  • DriveEasy Participate in DriveEasy through the GEICO Mobile App. Download GEICO's DriveEasy app to showcase your safe driving habits and save money on car insurance.

Learn more about all of the car insurance discounts that are available to GEICO policyholders in Iowa.

Iowa Teen Driving

Like many states, Iowa now uses a graduated driver's licensing program to ensure that teens receive proper training. There are three stages in Iowa's driver training program: the learner's permit, the intermediate license, and the full license.

Teens can first receive an instruction permit at age 1414 with the written consent of a parent or guardian. Teens will be asked to complete a vision test and written test prior to receiving the permit.

Permit holders may drive only with a parent/guardian, immediate family member older than 21, driver education teacher, or driver older than 25 with the written permission of a parent/guardian. Teens must hold this permit for at least 12 months and complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving, two of which must be at night.

Eligibility for the intermediate license begins at age 16. Teens should complete an Iowa-approved driver's education course and have a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months prior to applying. The intermediate license allows teens to drive unsupervised between 5:00 AM and 12:30 AM. This license must be held for at least twelve months, and ten hours of supervised driving are required, with at least two being at night.

Teens can receive a full license at age 17 if all conditions of the intermediate license have been met. Note that moving violations or at-fault accidents for drivers under age 18 may lead to remedial restrictions including passenger limits, night-driving limits, or suspension of driving privileges.

Iowa Registration Information

Iowa law requires you to register your motor vehicle with the county treasurer's office in your county within 30 days from the date you establish residency. Iowa registration is required even though your license plates may still be valid in another state.

The following documents are required to be surrendered to the county treasurer's office:

  • Your current ownership document (certificate of title).

A completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration. The application must be signed by all owners. If there is a lien against the vehicle, it should be noted on the application.

Iowa Car Insurance FAQs

  • How does the cost of car insurance in Iowa compare to the national average?

    The cost of car insurance in Iowa is generally lower than the national average due to factors like relatively low traffic density, fewer major metropolitan areas, and historically lower accident rates.

  • Why are insurance rates so high in Iowa?

    While Iowa’s car insurance rates remain below the national average, they have been increasing due to rising repair and claims costs as well as ongoing supply chain challenges affecting parts and labor. These factors contribute to higher premiums even in a state that is typically more affordable than many others.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance in Iowa?

    There isn’t a single cheapest insurance company in Iowa, as rates vary depending on factors like driving history and vehicle type. GEICO is known for offering one of the widest selections of discount opportunities in the industry.

  • Is it illegal not to have insurance in Iowa?

    Yes, it is illegal to drive in Iowa without carrying at least the state’s minimum liability insurance. Drivers caught without coverage can face fines, license and registration suspension, and other legal penalties.