Auto insurance laws and regulations in Iowa
Car insurance quotes for Iowa residents should comply with the insurance coverage requirements or financial responsibility at a minimum as shown below:
20/40/15 – This is shorthand for the liability policy limits required which means you need a minimum coverage of:
- $20,000 for death or injury to one person;
- $40,000 for death or injury to two or more people; and
- $15,000 for property damage to others
Nearly all car insurance policies have a provision that will adjust your coverage from the minimums required in your state to the minimum insurance or proof of financial responsibility in another state. So you do not need to get a new insurance policy for each state you are driving through. However, if you buy a policy in a low limits state (say Indiana or Iowa) but live in a high limits state (for example Alaska, which has one of the highest limits), insurers will only write a policy where your car is principally garaged. So if your home is in Alaska, you should buy the minimum limits for Alaska.
Iowa’s required insurance limits are low, considering the cost of repair and damages likely to occur in an accident. If you are in a serious collision and the damages you caused are greater than the coverage limits you purchased, you may be personally liable to pay for those damages that exceed your insurance coverage.
Iowa Auto Insurance Regulations
Iowa is a modified comparative fault state with a 50% rule. This is a legal defense that means that a plaintiff can recover for an injury, reducing the amount that the plaintiff can recover based on the percentage of which the plaintiff is at fault if it is determined that his or her fault in causing the injury is 50% or less. If the plaintiff’s fault level reaches 51% or more, he or she cannot recover any damages resulting from the accident.
Iowa and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) / Operating Under Influence
In Iowa, a first time offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is a misdemeanor offense. If you are 21 years or older, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08% or higher while driving, Iowa law presumes you are driving under the influence. If you are under 21, a lower BAC may apply to you.
1st OUI
You can be sentenced to jail for the minimum of 48 hours days up to 1 year. Your license may be suspended for up to 180 days. However, if your BAC is .10 or greater, you will be required to use an ignition interlock device after your suspension or if granted a restricted license. If your BAC is .15 or greater, you may not be eligible for a restricted license for 30 days. Fines can vary from $625.00 to $1250.00 plus court fees. Additionally, community service, attendance at a victim impact panel, substance abuse education, and/or an ignition interlock device may be ordered. A SR-22 is required for restoration of license after suspension.
2nd OUI
A second time OUI within 12 years of your first OUI is treated as an aggravated misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties. You will have your license suspended for up to 2 years. You can be sentenced to jail for the minimum of 7 days to up to 2 years in jail. A fine of $1,875.00 to $6,250.00 may be imposed. Additionally, community service, attendance at a victim impact panel, substance abuse education, vehicle impoundment, and/or an ignition interlock device may be ordered. You may also be subject to probation for up to 2 years. A SR-22 is required for restoration of license after suspension.
Top Eight Car Insurance Companies in Iowa
These are the top eight car insurance companies in Iowa as ranked by their respective market share in the state:
- State Farm Mut Auto Ins Co
- Progressive Northern Ins Co
- Farm Bureau Mut Ins Co
- American Family Mut Ins Co
- Nationwide Mut Ins Co/Allied Property and Casualty
- Farmers Ins Co Inc
- Allstate Ins Co
- Viking Ins Co Of WI
