Iowa Car Insurance Requirements
Figures updated
What every Iowa driver has to carry at minimum, and what that cover pays for.
- $36. average monthly cost for liability.
- 20/40/15. the smallest liability limits allowed.
- 44th of 51most expensive state (1st = highest)
What the state of Iowa requires
| Cover | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, per person | $20,000 |
| Bodily injury, per crash | $40,000 |
| Property damage, per crash | $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Not required |
| Uninsured motorist | Not required |
| Underinsured motorist | Not required |
| Fault system | At-fault |
Source: Iowa Insurance Division, Auto; Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits by State, rev. 7/2024 (Insurance Information Institute table archive 21211, APCIA data; PDF copy hosted by riskeducation.org).
What each number covers
Drivers in Iowa must carry at least 20/40/15 in liability coverage. That coverage pays $20,000 for anyone who gets hurt, $40,000 for everybody hurt in one crash, and $15,000 to cover damage to other people's property.
The cost of medical bills and a newer car often goes above these limits. For anything above them, claims can be made against you, which is why many drivers choose 100/300/100 instead. In Iowa, a liability policy costs $427 a year on average.
If you drive uninsured
If you drive without insurance in Iowa, you risk losing your license and registration. Getting them back may require filing proof of insurance, for several years.
Questions go to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division.
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