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Cheapest Car Insurance In Iowa (2024)

The cheapest car insurance in Iowa comes from Pekin at $15 per month on average.

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Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
10/09/2024 12:01 AM

Iowa drivers should compare different car insurance options to find the cheapest coverage because insurance costs are increasing. Our reviews team has researched the best car insurance companies nationwide. We carefully examined the reputation, customer satisfaction, coverage options, and average premiums of each provider.

In this review, we will explain the most effective methods to lower the cost of insurance and inform you about where you can find the least expensive car insurance in Iowa based on your driving history.

Key Points

  • Pekin is the cheapest car insurance company in Iowa overall, with an average rate of $15 per month for minimum coverage and $93 per month for full coverage.
  • Progressive and West Bend Mutual also offer affordable car insurance rates for many driver profiles.
  • If you are under 25 years old or have had traffic violations in the past, you can expect to pay more for your car insurance compared to the average driver.
  • You can save on car insurance by opting for minimum coverage, looking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.
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Cheap Car Insurance Iowa

Car insurance companies assess driver profiles differently, meaning that the cheapest provider for one person may not be the cheapest for you. For instance, here’s a glimpse at the most affordable auto insurance providers and their rates for various driver profiles in Iowa.

Cheapest Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Minimum coveragePekin$15$175
Full coveragePekin$93$1,113
16-year-oldsIMT$69$828
45-year-oldsPekin$13$155
High-risk driversProgressive$24$287
After a speeding ticketPekin$18$219
After an accidentPekin$19$234
After a DUIProgressive$21$252
Poor credit driversPekin$15$175

*Unless stated otherwise, average costs are minimum-coverage rates for single male drivers between the ages of 25 and 35 with a clean driving history.


What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Company In Iowa?

Generally, we discovered that Pekin provides the most affordable car insurance in Iowa for the majority of people who drive. The following sections will cover the average monthly costs of both minimum- and full-coverage car insurance from the cheapest companies in Iowa.

These rates apply to drivers in Iowa who are of different ages, living in different places, and have varying driving experiences. The cheapest companies are organized by minimum coverage costs.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage In Iowa: Pekin

Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage that just meets Iowa state minimum requirements may find it at Pekin for about $15 per month or $175 per year on average.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Pekin$15$175
Progressive$18$217
West Bend Mutual$21$248
Farm Bureau$22$266
Auto-Owners$23$280
IMT$24$285
State Farm$25$301
GEICO$29$346
Grinnell Mutual$40$474
Allstate$61$727

Cheapest Full Coverage In Iowa: Pekin

Pekin offers the best coverage for the best price if you’re searching for more comprehensive insurance. The provider offers full-coverage insurance for an average of $93 per month.

Full-coverage insurance policies in Iowa generally include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Pekin$93$1,113
West Bend Mutual$107$1,280
GEICO$145$1,741
Progressive$151$1,812
State Farm$160$1,917
Farm Bureau$162$1,942
IMT$163$1,952
Auto-Owners$167$2,009
Allstate$233$2,792
Grinnell Mutual$284$3,413

Cheapest Car Insurance In Iowa: Age

Below, you’ll find average insurance costs for Iowa drivers ages 16 to 55 as well as the top five most affordable car insurance companies for each age group. Drivers who are between the ages of 30 and 55 usually receive the most affordable car insurance rates. This is because they have a greater amount of road experience and are less likely to be involved in car accidents compared to younger drivers, as shown by statistics.

Average Car Insurance Rates By Age

AgeMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
16$117$505
25$31$183
35$25$150
45$24$143
55$22$130

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance: Young Drivers

As mentioned, teenage drivers and early 20s typically pay the most expensive car insurance rates. This is mainly because these drivers don’t have much experience driving and are more likely to break traffic rules and get into accidents.

In fact, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for teen drivers was nearly three times the rate for drivers 20 years old and older in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds: IMT

If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, IMT may be your best bet for finding the most affordable car insurance in Iowa.

The company’s cheapest average rates for 16-year-old drivers are $69 per month or $828 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. If you’re looking for full coverage, the average is $271 per month or $3,246 per year from Pekin.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
IMT$69$300
GEICO$72$365
Pekin$75$271
Auto-Owners$86$413
West Bend Mutual$90$381
State Farm$106$485
Farm Bureau$107$610
Progressive$114$623
Grinnell Mutual$131$833
Allstate$322$772

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For 25-Year-Olds: Pekin

Car insurance rates for young drivers in their 20s are noticeably lower than what teen drivers pay. However, the rates for this age group can still be quite high depending on the insurance company you choose.

Pekin provides the cheapest car insurance costs on average at $15 per month or $186 per year for minimum coverage. Pekin costs $97 per month or $1,160 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$15$97
Progressive$20$163
West Bend Mutual$22$112
Farm Bureau$25$173
IMT$28$174
Auto-Owners$28$191
State Farm$28$177
GEICO$31$158
Grinnell Mutual$44$322
Allstate$65$260

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance: Adult Drivers

People who are in their 40s usually have to pay less money for car insurance. You can compare average auto insurance premiums of drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from the top five cheapest companies for each age group below.

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For 35-Year-Olds: Pekin

Drivers in their mid-30s may insure their cars at the cheapest cost by getting a minimum coverage car insurance policy from Pekin. The company offers average minimum-coverage costs of $14 per month or $165 per year. For full coverage, Pekin’s rates average $89 monthly or $1,066 annually.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$14$89
Progressive$16$139
Auto-Owners$19$144
West Bend Mutual$19$101
Farm Bureau$20$150
IMT$20$151
State Farm$22$143
GEICO$27$132
Grinnell Mutual$35$247
Allstate$56$205

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For 45-Year-Olds: Pekin

Forty-five-year-old drivers may find the most affordable minimum coverage from Pekin, with average rates of $13 per month or $155 per year. The cheapest full coverage comes from Pekin at $85 per month or $1,021 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$13$85
Progressive$14$122
IMT$17$145
West Bend Mutual$18$96
Auto-Owners$18$139
Farm Bureau$19$143
State Farm$23$138
GEICO$24$138
Grinnell Mutual$34$231
Allstate$56$195

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For 55-Year-Olds: Progressive

Progressive usually offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Iowa for drivers who are in their 50s. The insurer’s average premiums are $12 monthly or $146 annually for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage option is from Pekin, costing $85 monthly or $1,021 annually

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Progressive$12$101
Pekin$13$81
Farm Bureau$16$123
West Bend Mutual$17$88
Auto-Owners$17$127
IMT$17$140
State Farm$22$129
GEICO$24$126
Grinnell Mutual$29$203
Allstate$53$186

Cheapest Car Insurance In Iowa: High-Risk Drivers

Apart from the kind of coverage you have and how old you are, how safely you drive greatly affects how much you will have to pay for car insurance. Auto insurers typically determine if you’re a high-risk driver by looking at how many infractions are on your driving record, including fines for speeding, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions.

Average Car Insurance Rates For High-Risk Drivers

Drivers who are considered to be high-risk are charged car insurance rates that are higher than the average rates. This is because they have multiple violations on their driving records. On average, Iowa motorists who are deemed high-risk may find the most affordable rates from Progressive for minimum coverage or Pekin for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Progressive$24$184
Pekin$25$149
State Farm$29$173
West Bend Mutual$35$177
IMT$36$238
GEICO$37$215
Farm Bureau$37$271
Grinnell Mutual$52$374
Auto-Owners$53$301
Allstate$80$304

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Pekin

Drivers with a speeding citation on their record can generally find the most affordable coverage from Pekin, with average rates of $18 per month or $219 per year for minimum coverage and $113 per month or $1,359 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$18$113
Progressive$23$185
West Bend Mutual$27$138
Farm Bureau$27$198
State Farm$28$170
IMT$29$192
GEICO$30$190
Grinnell Mutual$40$284
Auto-Owners$50$290
Allstate$67$257

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident: Pekin

Getting into a car accident in Iowa can make your car insurance rates go up. Pekin tends to offer the most affordable rates on average at about $19 per month or $234 per year for minimum coverage and $119 per month or $119 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$19$119
Progressive$28$205
State Farm$31$180
Auto-Owners$33$219
Farm Bureau$36$263
West Bend Mutual$37$189
GEICO$37$202
IMT$39$235
Grinnell Mutual$40$284
Allstate$90$346

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI: Progressive

If you’re a motorist with a DUI on record, you may find the cheapest minimum car insurance in Iowa from Progressive for $21 per month or $252 per year on average. They also have rates of $163 monthly or $1,956 annually for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Progressive$21$163
State Farm$28$170
Pekin$37$215
IMT$40$288
West Bend Mutual$41$204
GEICO$43$255
Farm Bureau$49$353
Auto-Owners$76$395
Grinnell Mutual$77$553
Allstate$81$309

Cheapest Iowa Car Insurance For Drivers With Poor Credit: Pekin

Car insurance costs are higher for drivers who have a low credit score. Those who don’t have the best credit history may want to check out Pekin, which has an average minimum-coverage rate of $27 per month or $318 per year and an average full-coverage rate of $188 per month or $2,257 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in IowaMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Pekin$27$188
Progressive$28$253
IMT$34$214
West Bend Mutual$37$191
GEICO$37$219
Farm Bureau$41$284
Auto-Owners$62$426
Grinnell Mutual$69$500
Allstate$80$347
State Farm$126$795

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In 10 Iowa Cities

Another aspect that affects the cost of your car insurance in Iowa is your place of residence. Auto insurance companies consider drivers riskier to cover in areas with:

  • Larger groups of people
  • There are a larger number of cars being driven on the roads.
  • More frequent occurrences of car crashes
  • More instances of breaking traffic laws
  • More incidents of car theft and slashed tires
  • Extreme weather conditions

Certain factors that increase the chances of experiencing risk are more common among people who own cars in big cities. That’s why drivers in busy cities tend to pay the highest average price for car insurance with basic coverage. On the other hand, drivers in rural areas with lower crime rates and smaller populations are more likely to have access to more affordable insurance rates.

CityMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Cedar Rapids$31$136
Sioux City$33$152
Des Moines$34$138
Iowa City$27$119
Ames$26$118
Bettendorf$33$131
Mason City$26$127
Davenport$33$133
Clinton$29$135
Muscatine$25$130

Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In Iowa

Besides the price, we’ve examined more than 40 insurance companies in terms of their coverage, service, and reliability to discover the top five insurers for people living in Iowa. Based on our research, we found Pekin to be the best provider for most drivers in Iowa. Here are our ratings for the options we recommend.

Overall RatingCostCoverageReliabilityService
#1 State Farm4.74.34.65.04.5
#2 GEICO4.54.24.24.94.3
#3 Progressive4.54.04.84.84.1
#4 Allstate4.43.84.64.84.2
#5 Auto-Owners4.44.54.74.64.4

*The overall and category ratings above are based on nationwide factors.


How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Iowa

In Iowa, you can find different ways to decrease how much you pay for car insurance. These include:

  • Opting for minimum coverage: If you only get the lowest amount of coverage that your state requires, your car insurance will be the least expensive.
  • Seeking out discounts: Most insurance companies have multiple discounts that can help cut down on premium costs, from military and good student discounts to discounts for drivers that remain accident free for five years.
  • Raising your deductible: A higher deductible will lower your premium costs, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
  • Bundling your auto insurance: You can often bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners insurance policy or other type of coverage to earn a discount.
  • Comparing quotes: By comparing quotes from different companies, you can figure out which provider is offering the best deal.

Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs as a way for people to save money. These programs use telematics to monitor your driving habits–from your speed and braking to the time of day you drive. If you drive safely, you may qualify for a significant discount. However, some programs may increase your rates if you engage in risky driving behaviors.

Some companies also offer diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. A diminishing deductible option decreases your deductible amount each time you renew your policy. Accident forgiveness ensures that your rates won’t increase after your first accident with the company.

What Does Iowa Require For Car Insurance?

Drivers in Iowa must meet minimum insurance requirements as outlined by state law, which include basic liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:

  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Liability coverage only takes care of other parties’ injuries and property damages in an accident that you cause. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property damages, but only in the case that the at-fault driver has little to no auto insurance.

Getting comprehensive insurance will ensure that your car is covered if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by floods, fire, animals, or other natural disasters. Collision insurance covers your car repairs after an accident.


Our Take: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Iowa

When it comes to both minimum and full coverage, Pekin is the best and cheapest auto insurance company for most drivers in Iowa. While the above costs can give you an idea of what you’d pay for car insurance in Iowa, getting a personalized quote will help give you a more accurate picture of what you’ll pay.

Many companies offer quick and free online tools for getting insurance quotes. Alternatively, you can directly contact an insurance agent or representative from the company. Once you have gathered quotes from three or more providers, compare them to find the best option for you.

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Best Cheap Car Insurance In Iowa: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Iowa:

How much is car insurance per month in Iowa?

The average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Iowa is $28 per month or $332 per year. For full coverage, the average is $166 per month or $1,997 per year.

Is Iowa Car Insurance Cheaper?

Iowa auto insurance is typically cheaper than the national average. Nationwide, the average cost of minimum-coverage insurance is $670 per year, while the average in Iowa is $332 per year. For full coverage, residents of Iowa pay about $1,997 per year on average, which is less than the national average of $2,216 per year.


How We Rate Insurers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.

*Data accurate at time of publication.