Best Auto Insurance in Iowa of 2026

Why we chose it

Iowa’s cost of living ranks ninth most affordable in the nation, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.¹ That affordability translates to auto insurance rates, but they can still be pricey. State Farm has some of the cheapest full coverage insurance rates in Iowa and also offers below-average rates for minimum coverage.

State Farm doesn’t sacrifice customer service in favor of its low auto insurance rates. The company ranked second in the Central region in overall customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 survey. This may be in part due to its reliance on local exclusive agents, who know the products and the city or town they serve. With State Farm, you can add more robust coverage to your policy if you wish, including roadside assistance, rideshare coverage, and car rental reimbursement.

Who it’s best for

People who want to work with a local agent, drivers prioritizing customer service

State Farm Iowa Pricing

Why we chose it

USAA is an extremely popular provider due to its low rates and high customer satisfaction ratings; however, you are eligible only if you (or certain family members) are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

Iowa is home to tens of thousands of active-duty service members, spouses, and children, as well as National Guard and reserve members, spouses, and children — not to mention veterans and their families.² Military families are best served through USAA, which offers discounts for teen drivers and perks for members.

Notably, former dependents save up to 10 percent on their policy if their parents have a USAA insurance policy. Children must establish eligibility through a USAA group sponsor’s policy, be 25 years old or younger, and have no major violations within the last three years.

USAA also offers a lot of perks alongside affordable rates and auto insurance discounts, including 24/7 membership support for insurance, deployment questions, and transitions to life abroad or back home; advice on banking, loans, investing, debt management, saving, and retirement; and discounts on travel, hotels, and cruises.

Who it’s best for

Military families, teen drivers on their parents’ insurance or transitioning to an independent plan, safe drivers

USAA Iowa Pricing

Why we chose it

While Iowa only requires liability coverage in order to legally drive in the state, it’s usually a good idea to add more coverages to your policy for robust financial protection.

Progressive offers a wide range of optional coverages to help you customize your policy, including accident forgiveness. Small accident forgiveness is automatically included in your policy — with this perk, Progressive won’t increase your rates after your first claim that’s less than or equal to $500. You can also purchase this coverage to forgive your first claim over this amount.

Progressive has the cheapest rates for drivers with DUIs in Iowa, at 43 percent cheaper than the state average. In addition, its usage-based auto insurance program, Snapshot, which earns you discounts for safe driving, even if you’ve committed a driving violation in the past. The company also offers many different ways to save, regardless of your driving record.

Who it’s best for

Drivers looking for specific add-on coverages, those convicted of a DUI, anyone looking for accident forgiveness

Progressive Iowa Pricing

Why we chose it

Iowa’s scenic landscapes and rural communities make it especially advantageous for off-roading. Nearly 40 percent of Iowa’s population lives in rural areas, where you can travel on roadways in an ATV provided you have insurance.³ Auto-Owners offers coverage options, discounts, and perks to bolster your ATV insurance  — especially if you just bought a new one.

Auto-Owners also offers numerous discounts you can apply to your ATV policy, including for having multiple policies with Auto-Owners, having a favorable loss history, and paying your policy in full.

It also provides coverage for the total loss of a new ATV or off-road vehicle, which will replace it with a new one of equal value or pay you the original purchase price if it’s deemed a total loss within the first 90 days of purchase. In addition, coverage for safety riding apparel, such as helmets and boots, is included in your collision and comprehensive insurance.

Who it’s best for

Those needing to insure an ATV or off-road vehicle, drivers looking for minimum coverage

Auto-Owners Iowa Pricing

Why we chose it

West Bend is a regional insurer that sells personal insurance policies in six states, including Iowa. It has excellent customer satisfaction ratings, including a B grade from the CRASH Network Report Card, where it ranked 20th out of 97 insurers and earned a spot on the Honor Roll. It also has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.48, which is quite low and indicates that it receives fewer customer complaints than average.

West Bend sells policies through local independent agents. It doesn’t offer an exhaustive list of coverages, but it does offer gap coverage, which you will likely be required to purchase if you lease or finance your car.

It also has a variety of discounts to help you save, including safe driver, good student, and multi-car discounts. In addition, its Claim Free Award program gives you a portion of your premium back every year if you don’t file a claim.

Who it’s best for

Drivers with leased or financed vehicles who need gap coverage, those who want to work with a regional insurer

West Bend Iowa Pricing