BestAuto InsuranceIowaThe Best Car Insurance in Iowa for 2023
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BestAuto InsuranceIowaThe Best Car Insurance in Iowa
Best Overall - GEICO
Best for Customer Service - Auto-Owners Insurance
Best for Minimum Coverage - GEICO
Best for Young Drivers - GEICO
Best for Seniors - GEICO
Best for Bad Driving Record - GEICO
Best for Military - USAA
Best for New Cars - Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group)
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
MoneyGeek also researched Iowa's cheapest car insurance plans for drivers who prioritize affordability over service quality.
Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in Iowa: Overall
GEICO comes out on top in MoneyGeek's analysis of Iowa's best auto insurance providers. We considered factors such as claims ratings, customer satisfaction and average rates.
Based on these criteria, MoneyGeek rated the following two insurance companies as the cheapest in Iowa:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($473 annually)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($616 annually)
USAA received a high MoneyGeek rating of 92 out of 100 but was not included due to its policies being exclusively available to active and retired military members and their families.
MoneyGeek also evaluated Iowa’s cheapest full-coverage car insurance providers to help you find the best rates.
THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN IOWA
1
GEICOBest Overall
Score:91
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.
Average Annual Cost: $473
More About GEICO
GEICO allows you to add mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) to your policy. Auto insurers rarely offer this coverage, protecting all your car’s parts and systems and eligible items not included in your dealer’s warranty.
You can get an MBI if your car is less than 15 months old and has under 15,000 miles. Keep in mind that GEICO’s MBI is usually more affordable than a dealer’s extended warranty.
Additionally, you can add accident forgiveness coverage to your GEICO policy. This optional coverage prevents a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. You can buy this from GEICO or get it for free if you're over 21 years old and have been accident-free for more than five years.
2
State Farm
Score:78
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.
Average Annual Cost: $616
More About State Farm
You can add rideshare insurance to your State Farm car insurance policy. This optional coverage is particularly beneficial if you’re working for a transportation network company, as it fills the insurance gap that happens while you’re waiting for a passenger.
With State Farm’s rideshare insurance, your auto policy’s medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement remain in effect while you’re working. Likewise, your personal policy deductible remains in effect while driving for work. If you get rideshare insurance, your personal car insurance policy’s coverages are active as long as your app is on and you’re available for hire. Once you’ve matched with a rider, only your liability insurance will become inactive, but all other coverages remain.
3
Progressive
Score:72
On average, Progressive insurance costs $730 yearly, giving it an average affordability rating. This 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.
4
American Family
Score:68
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 scenarios of being in between passengers, waiting for a ride request. American Family also provides gap insurance and accident forgiveness.
HOW 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:
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Customer Service
Auto-Owners Insurance Co is Iowa’s top insurance provider for customer service.
MoneyGeek rated Iowa's top car insurance providers 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 Co: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100
Allstate tied with GEICO's 4.3 out of 5 rating for customer service. However, Allstate features one of the lowest affordability ratings, with an annual average cost of $863.
THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN IOWA FOR SERVICE QUALITY
1
Auto-Owners InsuranceBest for Customer Service
Score:NaN
Auto-Owners Insurance Co 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
MoneyGeek’s research shows Auto-Owners Insurance Co performs excellently in customer service, which is crucial for car insurance providers. After all, you’ll be contacting your insurer during stressful times.
Aside from their top-notch customer support, Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers useful add-on coverages.
Notably, diminished value coverage may be an attractive add-on to your car insurance policy. This optional coverage protects your car from depreciation if you’re involved in an accident. You’ll be compensated if your vehicle suffers a reduction in value.
You can also get gap insurance from Auto-Owners Insurance Co. If you have a leased or loaned car and it’s totaled, this add-on coverage pays for the difference between your car’s value and your loan balance.
2
GEICO
Score:87
GEICO ranked the best in user satisfaction and tied for first place for claims. It has the lowest average quote in Iowa, often delivering the best quality at the lowest possible price.
More About GEICO
Iowa drivers can add mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) to their GEICO insurance policies. MBI is a rare coverage that pays for damages to a car’s parts and systems, extending protection to items excluded in most dealer warranties.
MBI can be added to your policy provided your car is under 15 months old and has less than 15,000 miles. One notable perk of GEICO’s MBI is its lower price compared to a typical dealer's extended warranty.
Aside from that, GEICO offers accident forgiveness coverage as an add-on. With this coverage, you’ll be protected from a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Although you can buy this coverage, you can also get it for free if you’re over 21 years old and accident-free for the past five years.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Minimum Coverage
The top-rated car insurance companies in Iowa for drivers on a budget are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($232 annually)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($273 annually)
GEICO and State Farm are ideal options for those who want an insurance policy that only meets state minimum requirements.
If you’re focused on savings, MoneyGeek also analyzed Iowa's most affordable minimum coverage car insurance.
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
GEICO provides numerous opportunities for discounts, which you can get to bring down your premiums further. If you’ve been accident-free for at least five years, you’re eligible for a discount from this company. Bundling your car insurance with other insurance products from GEICO or insuring more than one car will result in a discount.
Additionally, you can receive a discount from GEICO by installing certain modifications to your car. Adding an airbag, an anti-lock brake or an anti-theft system to your vehicle will help you save on your premiums.
Additional discounts apply to drivers over 50 and those who drive newer vehicles. Fortunately, these discounts can add more value to GEICO’s already affordable rates.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Young Drivers and Students
MoneyGeek’s analysis revealed that the following companies are the best in Iowa for young drivers:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($1,118 annually)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($1,515 annually)
MoneyGeek's recommendations can help brand-new drivers, young drivers and students find the best 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 steeper premiums. For instance, a 16-year-old buying a policy in Iowa pays an average of $1,87, while a 25-year-old pays $763 on average.
MoneyGeek’s analysis for this category included premiums for drivers in their late teens or early 20s, including high school and college students.
MoneyGeek also evaluated Iowa’s most affordable auto insurers for young drivers and students if you're looking for the lowest rates.
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
Insurance companies consider young drivers risky clients due to their lack of driving experience, so they’re charged higher premiums. Nonetheless, GEICO offers affordable rates to students while maintaining outstanding customer service.
When a young driver joins an insurance policy or purchases their own coverage, excellent customer care is essential. After all, inexperienced drivers are more likely to file claims and interact with a company’s customer support.
If you have a young driver in your family, GEICO may offer you various discounts. For example, the good student discount provides discounted rates to full-time students with an average of B or better.
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 Seniors
MoneyGeek studied Iowa's highest-performing auto insurance companies based on their rates for seniors and customer service reputation. Our analysis found these providers to have the top scores:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($489 annually)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($594 annually)
These ratings are based on the company’s ability to balance affordability and customer service.
We also ranked Iowa’s most affordable car insurance companies if savings is a priority.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
One of the most affordable companies for seniors at $489 per year
Offers coverages for roadside assistance, rental cars and accident forgiveness
Has a MoneyGeek claims rating of 4 out of 5
Has a MoneyGeek user satisfaction score of 5 out of 5
cons
Doesn’t offer senior or defensive driving discounts
Doesn’t offer new car coverage, gap insurance and deductible modification
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Seniors typically pay higher car insurance premiums compared to the average driver. However, older adults will find affordable car insurance rates and excellent customer support from GEICO. This provider has achieved a perfect score for user satisfaction.
Beyond their affordable rates and top-notch customer service, GEICO offers optional coverages that senior drivers may find helpful.
For example, you can include roadside assistance coverage in your GEICO policy. This insurance covers expenses related to flat tires, towing, jump-starts and lockout services. You can also buy rental car coverage, which pays for your rental vehicle expenses in case your car becomes unusable for more than 24 hours due to a covered accident.
Lastly, you can earn or purchase accident forgiveness coverage. This protects you from a rate increase following your first at-fault accident.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Bad Driving Records
GEICO is the top insurer in Iowa for drivers with poor records.
MoneyGeek also ranked the best auto insurance companies in Iowa for drivers who have committed a serious traffic offense, such as an at-fault accident. The top two companies are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($687 annually)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($725 annually)
MoneyGeek assessed the companies that offer a balance of affordability and customer service even after an at-fault accident.
To help you find the best rates, we also evaluated Iowa’s most affordable car insurance providers for drivers with a DUI or a bad record.
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
GEICO offers the best car insurance coverage for drivers with bad driving records. The company received a claims rating of 4 out of 5 and a user satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.
On avergae, GEICO’s policies cost $687 annually for those with poor driving records.
Even if you have a violation or an at-fault accident on your record, GEICO provides the following:
- 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 maximum 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 92 out of 100 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 drivers with clean records, it costs an annual average of $893 for drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
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 and 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, jump-starting your battery, changing a flat tire or delivering gasoline.
- Legacy Discount: Drivers under 25 who were previously insured under their parent's USAA policy before getting their own policy can receive up to a 10% 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 Those With New Cars
Farm Bureau Mutual has the highest MoneyGeek rating for new car owners, scoring 68 out of 100.
MoneyGeek assessed the best car insurance companies for individuals with new cars. Drivers with new vehicles should 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.
In some states like Iowa, new car replacement extends to vehicles as old as five years. Drivers typically pay extra for this add-on coverage.
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
Based on our analysis, Farm Bureau Mutual is Iowa's best car insurance provider if you have a new car. Remember, your vehicle loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot. If your vehicle is totaled, this insurer provides options.
For instance, Iowa drivers can include new car replacement coverage on their policy. It can be added to vehicles up to four model years old. With this optional coverage, you receive an amount that allows you to replace your vehicle with a new one if yours is totaled.
You can also get emergency roadside assistance coverage from Farm Bureau Mutual. This add-on coverage ensures that you aren’t left stranded during emergencies.
Best Car Insurance in Iowa for Low-Mileage Drivers
Nationwide SmartMiles offers the best pay-per-mile program in Iowa.
Most insurance companies are extending their services to low-mileage drivers through pay-per-mile coverage. This insurance allows you to pay based on the miles you drive, giving an edge to individuals who drive less frequently.
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
If you don’t drive often, Nationwide SmartMiles allows you to get affordable car insurance in Iowa. This product combines driving behavior and pay-per-mile insurance and is a significantly more affordable alternative to traditional insurance policies.
With SmartMiles, you only pay a base rate and a variable rate based on how many miles you drive. Your premium ends up being significantly lower than a standard car insurance policy.
SmartMiles features exceptions for road trips — in such cases, only your first 250 miles are counted in a single day. Any mileage you get after that won’t be included in determining your rate.
You also get rewarded for good behavior on the road, as you can earn up to a 10% discount for safe driving.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Iowa 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:
About Mark Fitzpatrick
