Affordable Iowa car insurance that puts you first
Root rewards Iowa drivers with lower rates, makes managing insurance simple, and gives you flexibility to choose auto insurance coverage that fits your needs.
Better auto insurance rates
Drivers who switch can save up to $1,300 a year on car insurance with Root. Get your personalized Iowa auto insurance quote. It’s easy to see if you could save.
Customizable coverage options
Choose the coverage options and limits that work for you, your car, and your budget. Available coverages vary by state, and you can adjust your policy as your needs change.
Manage your policy in the app
Access your Iowa auto insurance policy, view your insurance cards, and file a claim in as little as 3 minutes right from Root’s convenient mobile app.
Driving in the Hawkeye State
From Des Moines interstates to rolling farmland and Mississippi River crossings, Iowa gives drivers plenty of room to move. Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Council Bluffs all add their own routes to the Hawkeye State.
At the center: I-35 and I-80 meet around Des Moines, putting the capital at the intersection of two major interstate corridors.
River to river: I-80 crosses Iowa from Council Bluffs toward the Quad Cities, while I-380 connects Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Check the drive: Iowa 511 provides current road conditions and traveler information across the state.
From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids and beyond: Explore Iowa car insurance from Root.
Iowa's minimum auto insurance requirements
To meet Iowa’s minimum requirements for auto insurance, you must carry Liability coverage and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (which can be declined in writing).
The minimum coverage amounts for liability and UM/UIM car insurance required for drivers in Iowa are [1]:
Bodily injury liability
$20,000 per person
$40,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$15,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
$20,000 bodily injury per person
$40,000 bodily injury per accident (multiple people injured)
Types of Iowa auto insurance we offer
Explore our Iowa car insurance coverage options available below. You can update your policy anytime in the Root app.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage pays for another person’s injuries or property damage when you’re responsible for an accident.
Collision coverage
Get your car repaired or replaced after a collision with another vehicle or object regardless of who was at fault. Add optional rental coverage.
Comprehensive coverage
Protect your car from damage beyond collisions, including theft, vandalism, severe weather, fire, and falling objects.
MedPay coverage
MedPay insurance helps cover eligible medical expenses like hospital or ambulance bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Stay protected if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage to pay for eligible injuries or damages.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance gets you back on the road when you're stranded, with services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Iowa?
The average Iowa driver pays $2,460 per year for full coverage car insurance [2].
Root customers looking to purchase Iowa car insurance could save up to $1,300 a year.
Get a quote in under 5 minutes.
Iowa Auto Insurance FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance required in Iowa?
To legally operate a vehicle in Iowa, you must carry liability insurance.
To avoid serious expenses in the event of a major accident, you should consider coverage that protects:
You and your passengers (MedPay coverage)
Your vehicle (collision and comprehensive)
However, liability insurance is the only coverage you are legally required to select when purchasing auto insurance in Iowa.
Is it legal to drive without insurance in Iowa?
No, you cannot legally drive without auto insurance in Iowa. State law requires every driver and vehicle owner to maintain continuous liability and UM/UIM insurance and carry proof of it inside the vehicle. If you’re found driving without insurance, your driver’s license or vehicle registration could be suspended.
Do you need insurance to register a vehicle in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires vehicles to be insured in order to be registered, and you’ll need to keep that coverage in place for as long as the vehicle is registered. Letting your insurance lapse on a registered vehicle can lead to penalties, including suspension of your registration.
How do I lower my car insurance rate in Iowa?
The easiest ways to save on your Iowa car insurance premium are to drive safely, compare car insurance quotes, and review your coverage and deductible to find opportunities to save. With Root, you can get a personalized car insurance quote in minutes and explore coverage options that fit your needs and budget in the Hawkeye State.
Is Iowa a no-fault car insurance state?
No, Iowa is not a no-fault state. It is an at-fault (or fault-based) state for car accidents. The driver who causes the crash is responsible for paying for medical bills, car repairs, and other damages through their insurance.
Is auto collision insurance required in Iowa?
Iowa law does not require drivers to carry collision coverage. The state only requires minimum liability insurance. Still, when comparing auto insurance quotes, consider adding collision protection to help pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Is uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage required in Iowa?
No, Iowa drivers are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Like all auto insurance companies, Root offers optional UMPD and UM / UIM coverage in Iowa to help pay for injuries or vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Insurers in Iowa must offer this coverage, so if you don’t want it, you’ll need to reject it in writing. We make it easy to choose your coverage in our app.
Does Root offer full coverage car insurance in Iowa?
There’s actually no such thing as “full coverage” in the auto insurance industry, but the term usually refers to combining liability (Bodily Injury and Property Damage), collision, and comprehensive. Root offers all of these coverages.
Who needs SR-22 insurance in Iowa?
High-risk Iowa drivers may be ordered by a court or the Iowa DOT to provide an SR-22 after serious violations such as DUI, DWI, or driving without insurance.
An SR-22 is not insurance, but a certificate your auto insurer files to prove you carry the state-required minimum coverage. For high-risk drivers, failing to maintain it can result in license suspension.
Does Iowa have a hands-free driving law?
Yes, Iowa has a hands-free driving law that took effect July 1, 2025, and the warning period ended December 31, 2025. Drivers can't hold or manually operate a phone or other electronic device while driving, though voice-activated and hands-free use is allowed. Tickets can go on your driving record and affect your car insurance rate.
What happens if I'm partly at fault for an accident in Iowa?
Iowa uses a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages as long as you're not more at fault than the other party, though your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you're found 51% or more at fault, you can't recover damages.
Helpful resources for Iowa drivers
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division
The Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division issues driver's licenses and ID cards and oversees vehicle titles and registrations.
Iowa Department of Transportation
The Iowa DOT maintains the state's highways and oversees transportation services across Iowa.
Iowa Insurance Division
The Iowa Insurance Division regulates insurance in the state and helps consumers with insurance questions and complaints.
Start saving on car insurance
Get a quote and get on the road in less than 5 minutes with Root. It’s practical, simple, and fast car insurance for drivers who have more important stuff to do.
References
Iowa Insurance Division. Auto Insurance.
Insure.com. Annual average rates were compiled in 2026.