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Iowa Auto Insurance
There are specific auto insurance requirements and rates in Iowa. If you’re looking for quality, cheap auto insurance in Iowa, you need to be informed of the laws and requirements there. Here are some of the most pertinent pieces of information on Iowa driving laws and auto insurance statistics.
Car Insurance Requirements in Iowa
Iowa minimum auto insurance requirements are not the same as other states. For example, you can choose whether you want to have car insurance or not. But if you don’t have insurance and you get into an accident, you have to be able to show proof of financial responsibility. There are a number of ways to do that, and the majority of people just choose to have car insurance so they don’t have to worry about how to pay for an accident. But it’s important to know that there is more than one way to comply with Iowa car insurance laws.
Is Iowa a No-Fault State?
Iowa is a fault state, so the driver who caused the problem is the one responsible for compensating the injured party. Whether they do that through insurance or their own funds, they are still liable.
Insurance rates change constantly. Find out if you’re eligible for lower premiums from leading providers.
Car Insurance Prices in Iowa
Car insurance prices in Iowa generally range from just over $500 per year for minimum coverage levels to more than $1,400 for full coverage. Teen drivers will pay more than adults, and senior citizens will also see higher rates. The average car insurance premium in Iowa is just under $1,000 annually. For drivers between 35 and 75 years old, this is the most common rate.
| Age | Most Popular Vehicle | Gender | Most Common City | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 – 24 | Chevrolet | Male – 56% | Female – 44% | Des Moines | ||
| 25 – 54 | Chevrolet | Male – 46% | Female – 54% | Des Moines | ||
| 55 – 64 | Chevrolet | Male – 40% | Female – 60% | Des Moines | ||
| 65 + | Chevrolet | Male – 42% | Female – 58% | Des Moines | ||
* This information is based on Pretected.com users.
Auto Insurance for Good Drivers
Good drivers are those that have good driving habits, and their driving records reflect that. They usually don’t get into accidents, and they don’t get tickets or have a DUI on their record. Because of that, insurance companies give them lower rates for the lower risk they pose.
Auto Insurance for Bad Drivers
Bad drivers are usually still good people, but they have made some mistakes behind the wheel. They might have a DUI on their record, and they could have tickets and accidents, too. With those things on their driving record they are a higher risk for insurers. That means they’ll pay higher rates, but some companies still charge less than others. It pays to shop around.
Traffic Violations and Fines in Iowa
Speeding Ticket Cost in Iowa
Speeding ticket costs are determined by the county, but they will generally cost several hundred dollars. They could also mean points on the driver’s license, although many drivers go to traffic school to avoid that. For a conviction of reckless driving in Iowa, there will be more points on the driver’s license and a higher level of expense in taking care of the ticket.
Driving While High Laws in Iowa
DUI laws in Iowa mean alcohol but also other drugs. Even if drivers can legally use a drug, driving while high is not legal and can result in fines and penalties.
Driving Without Car Insurance in Iowa
Drivers have to have either car insurance or proof that they can pay for the accident and the damage they caused. Most drivers simply get insurance, but for those who don’t there are a number of ways to show that you will take financial responsibility when an accident occurs. As long as you comply with one of those options, you will not be fined for not having insurance.
Texting and Driving in Iowa
Distracted driving often encompasses texting, but it also involves other cell phone use while driving, eating while driving, getting distracted by passengers, and a lot of other activities behind the wheel. Not every distraction behind the wheel of a car is illegal, but any distraction can mean that the driver isn’t paying enough attention and causes an accident.
Did someone pass away? Don’t use their handicapped plate or placard to park in a handicapped spot. It’s illegal.
Iowa Car Accidents
There were a total of 318 people killed in car accidents in Iowa in 2025, which is 12 fewer than the year before according to car accident statistics. But while there were fewer deaths on Iowa roads, there were more traffic accidents overall.
Reasons for Car Accidents in Iowa
The two biggest reasons for car accidents in this state were distracted driving and speeding. When those two come together it becomes a very serious problem, but even one of them by themselves can be a real issue for drivers, passengers, and others who share the roadway.
Car Accident Statistics by Vehicle Type in Iowa
Over half of all the car accidents in Iowa were due to passenger cars. But SUVs and trucks also caused accidents. Motorcycles and mopeds caused few of the accidents, but were more likely to have fatalities when they were involved in a traffic crash.
Car Accidents in Iowa – More Facts
On average, there is a car accident in Iowa every year minutes. With 318 people killed on the state’s roadways in 2025, that’s nearly one person every day. Most of the accidents were in more urban settings, but accidents in rural locations were often more serious due to the faster speeds on many rural roads.
Bonus: Most Weird, Funny and Ridiculous Traffic Laws in Iowa
- In Marshalltown, your horse isn’t allowed to eat a fire hydrant. Maybe don’t park him next to one.
- Planning to throw bricks into the roadway in Mount Vernon? You’ll need written permission from the City Council.
Looking for Auto insurance in Iowa? Compare Between Relevant Insurance Quotes And Save Money Using Pretected’s “Smart Match”:
Insurance rates change constantly. Find out if you’re eligible for lower premiums from leading providers.
Sources and References
- https://www.dmv.org/ia-iowa/car-insurance.php
- https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance.aspx
- https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2025/12/31/iowa-traffic-deaths-2025-department-transportation-texting-distracted-driving-safety-road-condition/2435132002/
- http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/iowa