bestauto insuranceIowa2022The Best Car Insurance in Iowa for 2022
The top car insurance companies offer a balance of financial stability, affordability and customer satisfaction. According to MoneyGeek's research, GEICO is the best car insurance company in Iowa, offering the highest ratings in customer satisfaction, financial stability and affordability. This insurance provider also tied for first in claims ratings.
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Last Updated: 5/13/2022
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Mark Fitzpatrick
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MoneyGeek compared car insurance companies based on their average premiums, customer service satisfaction and other factors. While GEICO ranked as the best auto insurance provider in Iowa, you may find better choices based on your specific needs.
MoneyGeek also researched the cheapest car insurance plans in Iowa for drivers who prioritize affordability over service quality.
bestauto insuranceIowa2022The Best Car Insurance in Iowa
Best Car Insurance Companies in Iowa: Overall
MoneyGeek's analysis of the best auto insurance providers in Iowa also considered factors such as claims ratings, customer satisfaction and average rates.
Based on these results, MoneyGeek rated the following two insurance companies as the cheapest in Iowa:
- GEICO: 4.6 out of 5
- State Farm: 3.9 out of 5
USAA received a MoneyGeek score of 4.6 out of 5, as well. However, we did not include them in the list — their policies only apply to active and retired military members, along with their families.
The Top 4 Car Insurance Companies in Iowa
1
GEICO
Score:4.5
On average, GEICO offers full-coverage policies that cost $473 per year. This provider ranked first in affordability, financial stability and customer satisfaction. GEICO also tied for first place in claims ratings. This company provides mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), offering better coverage at a lower cost.
More About GEICO
GEICO's MBI protects cars less than 15 months old that have traveled under 15,000 miles. This unique insurance covers all parts and systems, offering better coverage at lower costs than a dealer's extended warranty. GEICO also offers accident forgiveness benefits to policyholders with clean driving histories and individuals meeting milestone anniversaries. Drivers can include this coverage in their policies or purchase it as an add-on.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review2
State Farm
Score:3.9
State Farm, at second place in our analysis, offers coverage at an average of $616 per year. It also ranked second in affordability, customer satisfaction and claims ratings. The company also features unique rideshare insurance coverage.
More About State Farm
State Farm's rideshare insurance add-on ensures that, except the liability coverage, your auto insurance policy's medical, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage remain in place while working for ridesharing services.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review3
Progressive
Score:3.6
On average, Progressive insurance costs $730 yearly, giving it an average affordability rating. The provider tied for first place in claims and second-best in customer satisfaction and financial stability. Its custom parts coverage protects after-market accessories installed in cars.
More About Progressive
Using Progressive's unique custom parts and equipment add-on coverage, you can repair or replace accessories like stereos, navigation systems or even paint jobs. In addition, its rideshare insurance covers your injuries or losses if you are in an accident while waiting for a ride request.
Read MoneyGeek's Progressive auto Insurance Review4
American Family
Score:3.4
American Family tied for second place in customer satisfaction, claims and financial stability. Its average annual cost of $749 resulted in an average affordability rating. The company's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage is one-of-a-kind.
More About American Family
American Family's unique OEM coverage protects you by ensuring that only original parts are used for your car repairs. Drivers can add ridesharing insurance for protection during the most vulnerable stage of driving for ridesharing apps: waiting for a ride request. American Family also provides gap insurance and accident forgiveness.
Read MoneyGeek's American Family auto Insurance ReviewHOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN IOWA
MoneyGeek determined the best full-coverage car insurance in Iowa by comparing full coverage policy rates from various providers, along with using user satisfaction and claims ratings from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and J.D. Power. However, each insurance provider weighs factors differently. MoneyGeek's methodology page offers additional insight into our rating process.
MoneyGeek's Iowa Car Insurance Resources:
Compare the Best Insurance Options in Iowa
The quality of service, cost and financial stability of the insurers influence the cost of car insurance in Iowa. Factors like your age and driving record also affect your insurance prices. Beyond these elements, consider if the insurer can meet your insurance coverage needs. You can compare the best insurers in Iowa using MoneyGeek's detailed review on each company.
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Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Customer Service
MoneyGeek's analysis also rated the top car insurance providers in Iowa based only on user satisfaction and claims scores. We balanced these considerations to create a customer service rating without factoring in prices:
- Auto-Owners Insurance: 4.8 out of 5
- GEICO: 4.3 out of 5
Allstate tied with GEICO's 4.3 out of 5 score for customer service but features one of the lowest affordability ratings, with an annual average cost of $863.
The Top 2 Car Insurance Companies in Iowa for Service Quality
1
Auto-Owners Insurance Co
Score:4.8
Auto-Owners Insurance ranked the highest in user satisfaction and claims ratings. This provider also tied for first place in financial stability scores for Iowa.
More About Auto-Owners Insurance Co
Becoming involved in an accident can diminish your car's worth, even after undergoing the necessary repairs with OEM parts. However, the company's diminished value coverage add-on, pays for your car's depreciation in value. If you have an active car loan, you can purchase Auto-Owners Insurance’s gap insurance add-on. This coverage waives the difference between your vehicle’s current value and the outstanding balance on your auto loan on the date of an accident.
Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Insurance Co auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:4.3
GEICO ranked the best in user satisfaction and tied for first in claims ratings. It has the lowest average quote in Iowa, often delivering the best quality at the lowest possible price.
More About GEICO
GEICO's roadside assistance covers the cost of flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services. Its rental car and/or travel reimbursement add-on coverage pays up to a specific amount for a rental vehicle when a car is not in a drivable condition for more than 24 hours due to a covered accident.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance ReviewBest Car Insurance in Iowa for Drivers on a Budget
MoneyGeek also evaluated the best insurers in Iowa for drivers on a budget who only want an insurance policy that meets state minimum requirements.
The top-rated car insurance companies in Iowa for drivers on a budget are:
- GEICO: 4.5 out of 5
- Travelers: 4 out of 5
GEICO's advantages and disadvantages for drivers on a budget include:
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
An affordable minimum coverage rate of $232 per year, on average
Discounts for bundling home or renters insurance with car insurance, along with discounts on installation of safety devices, like airbags
Claims rating of 4 out of 5
Satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
cons
Does not provide paperless billing discounts
No discounts for policyholders who make their payments in full
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Iowa drivers can also save 5% on their GEICO insurance premiums by installing anti-lock brakes on their vehicles. GEICO offers a significant 23% discount for drivers with anti-theft systems fitted in their cars. Active and retired federal government employees can also receive discounts.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Poor Driving Records
MoneyGeek also ranked the best auto insurance companies in Iowa for drivers who have committed a serious traffic offense, such as being in an at-fault accident.
According to the research, the top companies for those with an at-fault accident on their driving record are:
- GEICO: 4.6 out of 5
- State Farm: 4.2 out of 5
MoneyGeek assessed the companies that offer a balance of affordability and customer service even after an at-fault accident.
Individuals with poor driving records typically pay higher premiums. Some of GEICO's benefits and drawbacks for drivers with bad records include:
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
An affordable full coverage policy costing an average of $687 per year after an at-fault accident
Claims ratings of 4 out of 5
User satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
Provides roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness benefits
cons
Does not offer new car replacement or better car replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For drivers with a bad driving record, GEICO offers the best car insurance coverage. Its policies cost an average of $687 per year. The company received a claims rating of 4 and a user satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Even if you have a bad driving record, GEICO provides the following coverage:
- Roadside Assistance: This add-on provides help if you become stranded due to a vehicle malfunction.
- Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement: If your vehicle is not drivable for more than 24 hours after a covered accident, this coverage pays up to a preset amount on transportation and car rental costs.
- Accident Forgiveness: Drivers can earn or purchase accident forgiveness to protect their insurance premiums from increasing after a single accident.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for a Military Background
According to MoneyGeek's research, USAA is Iowa’s best car insurance provider for active and retired military members. The company scored a 5 out of 5 for financial stability, claims ratings and customer satisfaction. USAA also features an average affordability rating for full-coverage policies.
While a state minimum car insurance policy from USAA costs an average of $226 for a regular military driver, it costs an annual average of $893 for a driver with an at-fault accident on their record.
For your consideration, here are some of USAA’s benefits and drawbacks to consider:
MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA
pros
An affordable full coverage policy of $893 per year for a driver with an accident on their record
Claims and user satisfaction score of 5 out of 5
Accident forgiveness coverage
New vehicle discount for cars not older than three years
cons
Only available to military personnel and their families
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA has some of the most affordable policies in Iowa, as well as the best customer service in the state. Overall, the company has the best reputation in the country.
Other noteworthy benefits from USAA include:
- Accident Forgiveness: If you are accident-free for five years at USAA, you will not be charged a surcharge for your first at-fault accident.
- Roadside Assistance: With this add-on coverage, USAA pays for towing, unlocking your vehicle, jumpstarting your battery, changing a flat tire or delivering gasoline.
- Legacy Discount: Drivers under the age of 25 who were previously insured on their parent's USAA policy before getting their policies can receive a discount.
- Safe Driving Discount: Individuals who maintain good driving records for five years can qualify for safe driving discounts.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Young Drivers and Students
MoneyGeek's recommendations can help brand-new drivers, young drivers and students find the car insurance policies in Iowa that offer a balance of affordability and quality service. Insurers typically consider young and new drivers as high risk, due to their inexperience on the road, and usually charge them higher premiums. For instance, a 16-year-old buying their own policy in Iowa pays an average of $1,877. A policy for a 25-year-old in Iowa is $763, on average.
Our analysis revealed that following companies are the best in the state for young drivers:
- GEICO: 4.6 out of 5
- Progressive: 3.8 out of 5
Young drivers can consider the following advantages and disadvantages of GEICO coverage:
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
Affordable rates for young drivers at an average of $1,118 per year
Offers student and driver's education discounts
4 out of 5 score for claims ratings
4.5 out of 5 rating for user satisfaction
cons
No distant student discount
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Young drivers can be costly to insure, but GEICO offers affordable rates while maintaining outstanding customer service. When a young driver joins an insurance policy or purchases their own coverage, excellent customer care is essential. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to file claims and interact with customer service as a result.
If you have a young driver in your family, GEICO may offer you various discounts. For example, the good student discount offers discounted rates to full-time learners with good grades. GEICO also offers discounted rates for drivers who have completed driver's education courses. Young drivers can also take advantage of the provider's discounts for insuring new cars.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Those With New Cars
MoneyGeek's research also assessed the best car insurance companies for individuals with new cars. It’s best for drivers with new vehicles to have new car replacement coverage. If your new car is damaged within the first few years, new car replacement coverage can pay for the cost of replacing it with a similar model and brand.
If your insurer provides better car replacement coverage, you may be able to replace your damaged car with a newer model. Most insurers offer this coverage for cars that are not older than five years. Drivers typically have to pay extra for this add-on coverage.
Farm Bureau Mutual has the highest MoneyGeek rating for this category, with a score of 3.4 out of 5.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Farm Bureau Mutual
pros
Affordable policies at an average of $736 per year
Offers new car replacement coverage
cons
Does not offer better car replacement
Claims rating of 3.5 out of 5
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Farm Bureau Mutual’s new car replacement coverage makes it an excellent choice for drivers who have purchased new vehicles. As soon as you drive your car off the lot, its value begins to decline. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident shortly after purchasing the vehicle, you can obtain a new one with this coverage. This coverage applies to cars up to four model years old.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Low-Mileage Drivers
Most insurance companies offer pay-per-mile coverage. This insurance allows you to pay for car insurance based on the number of miles you drive, giving an edge to the individuals who drive less frequently. Nationwide SmartMiles is the most popular pay-per-mile program in Iowa.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide
pros
Provides low-mileage drivers with affordable car insurance
cons
Can be more expensive than standard car insurance for people who drive frequently
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
SmartMiles, Nationwide's pay-per-mile program for Iowa’s drivers, offers a base rate and a variable rate based on the total miles driven. For road trips, only the first 250 miles are counted in a single day. Furthermore, for safe driving, you can earn up to a 10% discount. This coverage can benefit individuals who drive less frequently but take occasional road trips.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Iowa in For You
Drivers looking for the best car insurance plan in Iowa should consider several factors. Aim to pick a company that strikes a balance between service quality, affordability and financial stability.
MoneyGeek researched the best companies in the state based on these criteria, but drivers should still receive quotes from multiple companies to find plans that best meet their individual needs.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in Iowa
MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to collect car insurance quotes from various providers, which they combined with NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores to determine the best insurers in Iowa. In addition to our recommendations, you can use the J.D. Power ratings and NAIC complaint index to find the best provider for your specific needs. For additional information on insurance, check the state department of insurance's website.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
For this analysis, MoneyGeek analyzed prices for a sample driver in Iowa. However, rates vary from city to city. Compare quotes from at least three insurance providers to better understand prices in your area to get the best coverage.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverages You Want in Iowa
Before buying car insurance, determine whether or not the company you are considering offers the sort of discount or coverage that you require. Some insurers offer specific discounts or coverage but will not always mention if it's available in Iowa.
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
Large insurance companies are more likely to pay claims swiftly and fairly due to their financial soundness. Regional insurance firms in Iowa may be less financially stable than national insurance carriers and may not handle their claims as quickly.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Iowa
MoneyGeek answered some of the most frequently asked questions concerning auto insurance in Iowa:
Methodology
MoneyGeek collected Iowa’s car insurance rates in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. We used a sample driver of a 40-year-old male with a clean driving record who drives a 2010 Toyota Camry LE. The driver has comprehensive and collision coverage of 100/300/100 with a $1,000 deductible.
AM Best, J.D. Power and the NAIC provided ratings on customer satisfaction, financial strength and claims. MoneyGeek gathered details on discounts and coverages from each insurer's website.
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