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Best car insurance in Iowa for 2023

Updated Sep 21, 2023
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Best car insurance companies in Iowa

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Iowa is $1,315 per year, while minimum coverage averages $223 per year. Although these are far lower than the national averages of $2,014 and $622 for full and minimum coverage, respectively, many drivers may still be looking to save on their Iowa car insurance premiums. 

We began our search for the best car insurance companies in Iowa by analyzing average rate data from Quadrant Information Services for dozens of carriers writing policies in the Hawkeye State. From there, we rounded out our list of top companies in Iowa by looking at customer service scores from J.D Power, financial strength ratings from AM Best, coverage options, discount availability and digital tools. 

These factors and more were translated into a Bankrate Score for each carrier. With a maximum of 5 points, the Bankrate Score may give you an overview of how well a carrier may be able to meet your insurance needs. Carriers with lower scores fell short in one or more of our rating categories.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
847
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$88
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,053
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
843
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$68
Average annual full coverage premium
$813
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
820
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$115
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,375
Auto-Owners
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
821
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$120
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,440
Nationwide
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
800
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$79
Average annual full coverage premium
$949
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
847
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$14
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$172
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
843
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$13
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$153
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
820
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$17
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$207
Auto-Owners
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
821
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$17
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$204
Nationwide
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Central region)
800
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$22
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$264
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
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Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Best for discounts

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 847/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,053 for full coverage
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Why Geico made our list: In addition to fairly low average rates in Iowa, Geico offers a long list of potential discounts that may help policyholders save on their premiums. Some advertised savings opportunities include affiliation discounts for businesses and organizations, student discounts, military service discounts and multi-vehicle savings. Although Geico doesn't have as many local agencies as some other carriers on our list, it does offer robust digital tools for policy management on the go.  

Who Geico may be good for: Drivers looking for low rates and fairly basic coverage options might consider Geico as their carrier of choice. 

Read full Geico Insurance review

Best for low average rates

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 843/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 813 for full coverage
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Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why State Farm made our list: State Farm is the largest car insurance company in the nation and offers some of the lowest average rates of all the Iowa carriers we assessed. Policyholders may be able to build a more robust policy with add-ons for roadside assistance, rideshare coverage, car rental reimbursement and more. However, the carrier does not offer gap insurance and accident forgiveness coverage must be earned, not purchased. State Farm offers two telematics programs, including one developed specifically for young drivers. 

Who State Farm may be good for: State Farm may be a good fit for drivers looking for low rates and in-person service with a local agent. 

Read full State Farm Insurance review

Best for digital policy management

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 820/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 1,375 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why Progressive made our list: Between its mobile app and web tools, Progressive offers extensive digital management options for policies and claims. Although it doesn't offer the lowest average rates on our list, policyholders may save on their premiums with potential discounts for setting up automatic billing, bundling and enrolling in its telematics program, Snapshot. Homeowners may be particularly interested in Progressive as the carrier offers a discount for homeowners, even if they insure their home with another carrier. Progressive did come in below the segment average in the Central region of J.D. Power's customer satisfaction region, so you may want to speak with existing policyholders about their experience. 

Who Progressive may be good for: Progressive may be a good fit for drivers prefer using digital tools to access customer service and policy management.

Read full Progressive Insurance review

Best for personalized service

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 821/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,440 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why Auto-Owners made our list: Auto-Owners is a more regional carrier offering coverage in 26 states. Although its digital tools are not as robust as the other carriers on our list, local agents are available to assist with face-to-face policy management. Average full coverage rates from Auto-Owners are slightly higher than the Iowa average, but the carrier offers numerous discounts including potential savings for automatic billing, students and bundling. Potential endorsements with the company include gap insurance, diminished value coverage and roadside assistance. 

Who Auto-Owners may be good for: Auto-Owners may be a good fit for drivers interested in high levels of personalized service and policy customization.

Read full Auto-Owners Insurance review

Best for robust coverage options

Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 800/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 949 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why Nationwide made our list: Nationwide offers low average rates for full coverage in Iowa and is one of the largest car insurers in the country. Although it has a below-average customer satisfaction score in the Central region of J.D. Power's study, Nationwide offers a less common SmartMiles pay-per-mile program that may appeal to low-mileage drivers. Nationwide offers coverage options for antique and muscle cars, as well as accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible endorsements. 

Who Nationwide may be good for: Nationwide may be a good fit for drivers looking for less common coverage options, like pay-per-mile insurance or classic car coverage. 

Read full Nationwide Insurance review

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Iowa

Bankrate's insurance editorial team understands that price isn't the only factor for many Iowa drivers looking for the best auto insurance. That's why our Bankrate Scoring model takes into account many metrics beyond just price. Each Score, out of a possible 5 points, accounts for coverage options, discounts, customer service, financial strength and more. We hope you can use these Scores to narrow down your search for the best car insurance company for you.

How much is car insurance in Iowa?

Drivers in Iowa pay, on average, significantly less than the average driver in the United States. National average premiums are $2,014 for full coverage and $622 for minimum coverage. In Iowa, average car insurance rates are $1,315 for full coverage and $223 for minimum coverage. However, your personal premium may vary from these averages based on your personal rating factors like your age, vehicle type, driving record and ZIP code. 

Average rates in Iowa are also cheaper than the nearby states of Nebraska and Illinois. Average annual full coverage rates in Nebraska and Illinois are $1,624 and $1,806, respectively. Large swaths of Iowa are rural and sparsely populated, which may lower the risk of collisions and could be a factor in the state’s low cost of insurance.

Average annual premium for minimum coverage in Iowa Average annual premium for full coverage in Iowa
$223 $1,315

How to find the best car insurance in Iowa

Evaluating your needs and rating factors may help you find the best car insurance in Iowa. Since each individual brings a unique mix of rating factors and priorities to their car insurance search, the best car insurance company for your neighbor may not be the best car insurance company for you. 

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Iowa

Like almost all other states, Iowa requires mandatory minimum levels of auto insurance. If you live in Iowa, you must hold the minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage. While minimum coverage may be the most affordable option, most insurance professionals recommend carrying full coverage car insurance if you can afford to do so. Minimum coverage does not offer coverage for your own vehicle and may not be enough to prevent substantial out-of-pocket costs if you cause an accident. 

Consider lender requirements

If your car is loaned or leased, your financial institution may require that you carry full coverage to protect their financial interest in your vehicle. You might also want to consider gap insurance, which would pay the difference between the value of your vehicle and your remaining loan balance if the vehicle were to be totaled or stolen and nonrecoverable. 

Consider your individual needs

Ultimately, your insurance company of choice will vary based on your preferences and circumstances. You may be looking for the cheapest premium possible, or perhaps you are more interested in high customer service scores or specific coverage options. Understanding what you want from an insurance company might help you to narrow your options. Once you have chosen companies that fit your needs, you can request quotes from each company to compare premiums. 

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Joshua Cox-Steib
Contributor, Personal Finance

Joshua Cox-Steib has two years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, Coverage.com, The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, and more. His work has also been featured on such sites as MSN and BBB (Better Business Bureau). His insurance writing career has spanned across multiple product lines, with a primary focus on auto insurance, life insurance, and home insurance.

Edited by Editor, Insurance