Car insurance shopping in Iowa may seem easy on the surface, however, there are many caveats. BuyCarInsurance.com is here to assist you! We have put together this guide that lists what you need to know so that you can easily get the car insurance policy that fits your personal needs - at the lowest rate.

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Minimum Requirements

In Iowa, the minimum required car insurance coverage is right on par with most other states. It is important to comply with the laws in Iowa, no one wants to waste money on unexpected penalties and out-of-pocket costs. Here is a list of the minimum required car insurance coverages and their limits: 

Do I Need More Than the Minimum Coverage?

If you want your bodily injuries and property damages covered in the event of an accident you are found to be at fault for, then yes. The minimum required car insurance coverages in Iowa will cover the opposing party in an accident of you are found at fault, but not you. There are many additional coverages that can be added to the minimum required car insurance to round out your policy. 

Additional Coverages Available

Here is a list of additional coverages to add to your minimum required car insurance in Iowa:

• Collision Coverage- Collision insurance will cover repairs to your vehicle in an accident you are at fault for. 

• Comprehensive Coverage- Comprehensive insurance covers you for other situations than a car accident; if you hit an animal, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, or of your car is stolen. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists- Optional coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the accident. 

• Medical Coverage- Optional coverage that will pay for medical bills when health insurance exceeds coverage amounts and covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. Do you walk or bike? This policy offers additional coverage if you are struck by a car in those instances. 

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars. 

• Personal Injury Protection- Depending on your state this type of insurance can be a requirement or an add on. Regardless of fault personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Iowa Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are held to the same car insurance requirements as an adult. At 14 a teen can start driving with their permit in Iowa. This means it is time to get car insurance. Unfortunately insuring teen drivers, either adding them to an existing policy or starting a new policy, is expensive. There are a few discounts offered that can help keep the cost as low as possible, but the truth is even with the discounts it will still be much more. For more information on the whole teen driver’s license process visit the Iowa Department of Transportation. 

Multiple Drivers in Iowa 

In most households, there is more than one driver. It is important to disclose all drivers in your house to your insurance company to avoid lack of coverage and additional charges. Letting your insurance agent know about all drivers will give you peace of mind.

If you do not want to add all the drivers in your house to your policy you can exclude them. By doing this the insurance company will not cover them or your vehicle while they are driving. Do not let an excluded driver use your vehicle, because you will be responsible for any damages out-of-pocket.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Iowa

If you are caught without car insurance in Iowa you are in for a slew of penalties. It is always best to be in compliance with car insurance laws to avoid additional costs. We have a list of the penalties for driving without car insurance in Iowa: 

• You will pay a $250 fine. 

• You may be required to complete community service.

• Your Vehicle could be impounded.

• License and Registration suspension for 12 months if damages to other party exceed $1,500.

Car Insurance Discounts in Iowa

So many discounts are offered in Iowa for car insurance. The easiest way to find what discounts are offered and what you meet the criteria for is to ask your car insurance agent for a complete list of discounts. We have included a short list of common discounts in Iowa:

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of accidents, tickets, and any moving violations. 

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or motorcycle insurance. 

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount.

Get a Quote

Shopping for car insurance in Iowa is something that has to be done if you drive a car. But, it does not have to take up your entire day or days. Let BuyCarInsurance.com help you get car insurance coverage from top providers that meet your needs. We will get a quote for you within minutes, freeing you up for the rest of the day. Just follow these three easy steps to get started.