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Iowa Car Insurance

There are more golf courses per capita in Iowa than any other state in the United States. With many other reasons to want to get around in the state as well, such as visiting family, getting to work, seeing friends, and more, having a car is a smart plan. Driving legally in the state of Iowa with your vehicle involves more than just purchasing it, however. One of the expenses related to driving in the state is making sure that you have a valid car insurance plan. Iowa law requires people to show proof of financial responsibility but does not require that they specifically buy an auto insurance policy. Buying a car insurance plan, however, is the easiest way to fulfill the requirements, and what most people choose to do. Finding cheap car insurance in Iowa can be done at General. The free car insurance quotes here allow you to compare plans, prices, and strengths from multiple companies.

Auto Insurance Requirements In Iowa

In the state of Iowa, drivers must have bodily insurance coverage in the amount of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This coverage can help cover another drivers medical expenses, as well as your lawyers' fees. Even though this is the minimum amount required by law, many people do opt to buy higher limits. This provides further financial protection. Property damage coverage is also required in the state of Iowa, in the amount of $15,000 for each accident. If property damage expenses you are responsible for exceed $15,000, you may be required to pay the difference out-of-pocket unless you have more insurance coverage than this. Many professionals suggest getting higher limits for both this and bodily injury protection for further protection.

There are other ways people can provide proof of financial responsibility if they would prefer not to purchase an insurance plan. Drivers can get issued a Bond Insurance Card or a Security Insurance Card, as an example.

There are numerous types of optional coverage in the state as well, including uninsured motorist coverage, UIM coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, collision insurance coverage, rental car coverage, roadside assistance, lease gap insurance, and numerous others. Some leasing and lending companies require people to have collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage and lease gap insurance coverage in the terms of their lease or loan.

There are fines, fees, and penalties for driving without an insurance plan in the state of Iowa, but the expenses can be a lot larger if you are caught driving without an insurance plan. They can rise even more if you are found to be at fault in an accident and financially responsible for paying the damages of the crash out-of-pocket.

Average Cost Of Coverage In Iowa

Professionals recommended getting three or more quotes from different companies to help you find the best rates available. Different car insurance providers use different formulas to determine the amount a person will pay on automobile insurance. Other variables, like a person’s driving record, credit score, age, marital status, and the model of car they drive, can also have an impact on what a person pays for insurance.

Iowa’s auto insurance rates are lower than the national average in many areas. Use the free quote tools at General to find the top car coverage prices in your area.

Age Average Premium (yearly)
16 $4,072
17 $3,574
18 $3,231
19 $2,503
20s $1,412
30s $997
40s $945
50s $847
60s $863
70s $1,019

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Iowa

Starting with the cheapest auto insurance companies for quotes is a smart plan. Some of the best prices for car insurance available can be found at Allstate, Metromile, and Progressive. Nationwide is also popular auto insurance providers in the state. Consider which types of car insurance you are interested in when getting quotes. The free car insurance quote tools at General allow you to adjust your deductible, policy amounts, and policy types, so you can compare a wider range of rates and policies quickly and easily.

In addition to the price that is quoted to you by an insurance provider, customer service and financial strength are also important. Also, keep in mind that some companies offer more discounts than others. Still, it is possible to get the cheapest car insurance quotes from companies that do not offer you any discounts. This is yet another reason that it can be highly impactful to shop around for the best rates at General. Consider which types of car insurance you want to purchase as well and if you would like to have roadside assistance added to your plan.

Rank Company  Avg. Premium (annual)
1 Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) $831
2 Travelers $1,012
4 Nationwide $1,064
5 USAA $1,092

Unique Car Insurance Rules And Penalties In Iowa

According to the Financial and Safety Responsibility Act of Iowa, every registered motorist must be financially responsible before driving on roads in the state. People who fail to provide proof of financial responsibility can be subject to hefty penalties.

This can include up to $250 or more in fines, community service, suspension of driving privileges, removal of license plates and registration, reinstatement fees, potential vehicle impoundment, and the requirement to carry an SR 22 form. People may also be required to pay vehicle towing and storage fees in some cases, as well as civil penalties. Depending on the circumstance, a driver may also need to pass a driving exam, knowledge test, and vision screening tests.

Violation Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate % Insurance Rate Increase $ Insurance Rate Increase
Hit and Run $1,703 72% $715
Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test $1,612 63% $624
DUI $1,612 63% $624
Racing $1,703 72% $715
Reckless Driving $1,703 72% $715
Driving with a Suspended License $1,668 69% $681
At-Fault Accident $1,483 50% $496
Driving with an Open Container $1,508 53% $520
Operating a Vehicle Without Permission $1,398 42% $410
Passing a School Bus $1,376 39% $388
Improper Passing $1,221 24% $234
Following Too Closely $1,177 19% $190
Speeding $1,195 21% $207
Failure to Stop at a Red Light $1,210 23% $223
Illegal Turn $1,210 23% $223
Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane $1,221 24% $234
Failure to Yield $1,210 23% $223
Speeding in a School Zone $1,198 21% $210
Driving Too Slowly $1,187 20% $199
Distracted Driving $1,170 18% $182
Driving with Expired Registration $1,051 6% $64
Failure to Show Documents $1,051 6% $64
Not-at-Fault Accident $1,092 11% $105
Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint $1,021 3% $33
Failure to Wear a Seat Belt $995 1% $7
Driving Without Lights $1,013 3% $26

How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Iowa 

The most recommended way to save money on an auto insurance plan is by shopping around. There are several other ways to save money, and looking into them all can prove beneficial. Many car insurance providers offer discounts for people with good driving records, multiple cars on a policy, multiple types of policies on a plan, and more. Some people choose to take defensive driving courses to help them save even more money on a policy.

Next, make sure to double-check what types of car insurance you require. Some people purchase too much car insurance for their situation, and others purchase too little. Using the free quote tools here, you can experiment with how much it will cost you to get different amounts of automobile insurance from the wide array of companies available. Auto insurance is a competitive industry, so shopping around can prove highly beneficial. General is here to assist you in getting the top automobile insurance rates. This can lead to a thicker pocketbook and more full bank account. Take advantage.

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