Average Car Insurance Cost in Iowa (2025)

The average monthly rate for car insurance in Iowa is $82, which is well below the national average monthly rate of $144. Several factors contribute to Iowa’s cheap car insurance costs. The state has a low population density, with around 58 people per square mile, and fewer people on the road mean fewer opportunities for accidents that result in car insurance claims.

But while Iowa’s average annual rate for auto insurance remains low, it’s risen significantly over the past few years. Let’s look at the average monthly rate for Iowa drivers in different demographics and some steps you can take to find cheap car insurance.

How much is car insurance in Iowa?

Iowa drivers pay an average rate of $82 per month for car insurance.

Liability-only coverage, which doesn’t pay to repair your car, costs an average of $55 per month. Full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision, covers your car repairs if you file a claim and costs $109 per month, on average.

In comparison, the national average cost of car insurance is $104 per month for liability coverage and $184 per month for full coverage.

How Iowa car insurance rates have changed over the past two years

The average price for full-coverage car insurance in Iowa rose to $1,600 in 2024, up significantly over rates from just a few years ago. Full-coverage rates also rose nationally, though they remain more expensive than in Iowa.

See how Iowa car insurance prices have changed over the past two years below.

Average Iowa car insurance rates by city

Monthly car insurance rates vary quite a bit from city to city, even within the same state.1 If you live in a densely populated city with high crime rates, you’ll pay higher monthly premiums. On the other hand, drivers in rural areas often have lower car insurance rates because there’s a lower likelihood they’ll have to file a claim.

Factors like car repair costs, medical costs, litigation costs, and weather patterns also affect car insurance rates. The following table outlines average monthly car insurance rates in several Iowa cities.

Average Iowa car insurance rates by age and gender

Your age and gender also play a significant role in your car insurance rates. For example, women are statistically less likely to be involved in a car accident than men and have fewer driving-related incidents like speeding tickets and DUIs.2 As a result, they often pay less for insurance.

Age is another major factor influencing car insurance rates, with young drivers paying the highest average premiums. Teen drivers pay higher insurance rates than older drivers due to inexperience and higher accident risk.3 Your rates decline with age, usually hitting their lowest in your 60s. But while 60-year-old drivers typically have the lowest insurance rates, they increase again at age 70 due to age-related changes in vision and motor function.4

Average cost to insure popular vehicles in Iowa

Your vehicle’s make and model also affect your insurance premium. Iowa’s agricultural economy makes trucks among the most popular vehicles, according to data from Edmunds. This may be due to their versatility, strong resale value, and towing and hauling capabilities.

The table below shows the average monthly rate for each vehicle.

How your driving record affects car insurance rates in Iowa

In Iowa, your good driving record will earn you lower monthly rates on your car insurance. If you have a history of car accidents or speeding tickets, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium to account for the added risk.

For example, a speeding ticket on your record leads to average insurance price increases of 66%. Drivers with a DUI on their record pay an average of 88% more than drivers with a clean record.

The following table shows the average monthly rate for a sample driver profile with various driving-related infractions.

How to lower your insurance costs in Iowa

Iowa drivers pay relatively inexpensive insurance costs overall, but you can find ways to find even cheaper car insurance.6 The following five strategies can help you lower your average rate even more and still get the best insurance: