Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?

No. Iowa law requires a person operating a motor vehicle with Iowa residencyto have the state s financial insurance. If the driver s residency is in Iowa, the driver must meet Iowa auto insurance guidelines and have the vehicle registered and insured in Iowa following state requirements. The Iowa minimum liability coverage must include bodily injury coverage of a $20,000 minimum per person, a bodily injury coverage of $40,000 minimum per accident, and a property damage liability coverage of a $15,000 minimum per person. Failure to have insurance will result in a fine and possible consequences to a driver s privileges.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?

If moving to another state, the minimum state requirements for car insurance must be met according to the state s requirements. If moving from Iowa, apply for car insurance in the state that the vehicle will be moved to. All states require a vehicle to be registered and insured in the address the vehicle will be used in. Contact the local insurance provider for information on how to apply for car insurance in the new state of residence. Moving the vehicle to a new residency will require a change of insurance and possible cancellation of previous insurance.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?

Iowa law requires a person operating a motor vehicle registered in Iowa to have financial liability car insurancecoverage in effect for the motor vehicle to be operated on Iowa public property. Failure to have insurance may result in a fine and possible consequences to a driver s privileges. The minimum liability coverage must include bodily injury coverage of $20,000 minimum per person, bodily injury coverage of $40,000 minimum per accident, and property damage liability coverage of a $15,000 minimum per person.

Upon stopping a vehicle driver without car insurance, a law enforcement office may:

  • Give a warning.
  • Give a citation.
  • Give a citation and remove the vehicle’s license plates and registration.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?

The property damage liability for a person includes a $15,000 minimum. In the case an accident occurs in Iowa resulting in death, injury or property damage summing up to $1,500 or more, it must be reported to the IA car insurance provider. To report the property damage, complete an Iowa Accident Report form. If investigated by a law enforcement agency, the form does not need to be completed. If the Iowa Accident Report Form is not returned in 72 hours or less, a driver may be subject to driving privilege suspension.

Upon completion of the accident report form, mail the form to:

  • Iowa Department of Transportation

Office of Driver Services

P.O. Box 9235

Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9235

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?

Any car operating in Iowa must have the proper Iowa insurance. If the vehicle is registered in Iowa andparked mainly within the state, at least minimum liability insurance is required. The minimum liability coverage must include bodily injury coverage of $20,000 minimum per person, bodily injury coverage of $40,000 minimum per accident, and property damage liability coverage of a $15,000 minimum per person. Along with the liability coverage, proof of IA car insurance must be carried when operating the vehicle at all times.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?

Iowa minimum liability insurance coverage is mandatory. To operate a vehicle on Iowa roadways legally, insurance for a cars must cover bodily and property damage. The minimum requirements for liability coverage includes:

  • Bodily Injury: $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident
  • Property Damage: $15,000 minimum per person

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?

To register a vehicle, the Iowa Department of Transportation may require proof of insurance. Evidence of Iowa car insurance may be demonstrated by presenting the financial liability card issued for the vehicle by the insurance provider. The minimum liability must include bodily injury coverage of $20,000 minimum per person, bodily injury coverage of $40,000 minimum per accident, and property damage liability coverage of a $15,000 minimum per person.

The financial liability card may be presented at the Iowa Department of Transportation as evidence of Iowa insurance for car. If there are questions regarding insurance coverage and liability contact the local insurance provider.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

What type of car insurance am I required to have?

Iowa law lays out specific guidelines to follow when registering a vehicle. To register a vehicle, proof of Iowa car insurance must be demonstrated to legally drive in the state. The following liability coverage must be met for appropriate, legal car insurance:

  • Bodily Injury: $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident
  • Property Damage: $15,000 minimum

Additionally, Iowa provides the following guidelinesfor minimal coverage:

  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $20,000 minimum per person
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $20,000 minimum per person

Iowa drivers may choose to reject the above additional coverage by giving a form to thechosen insurance company. Contact the current Iowa insurance provider for additional questions.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?

According to Iowa State law, operating a vehicle on public property requires Iowa car insurance. Failure to keep or maintain car insurance in Iowa may result in one or more of the following:

  • $250.00 fine (subject to change)
  • Community service
  • Impoundment
  • Plate or registration removal
  • Warning or citation if pulled over without insurance

To reissue a driver s license or have vehicles returned proof of insurance would be required.

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?

Iowa law requires a person operating a motor vehicle registered in Iowa to have minimum financial liability coverage in effect. Any vehicle that must be registered to operate on Iowa public property requires the minimum liability coverage of the state. When pertaining to cars, keep the following in mind when having to get car insurance:

  • Bodily Injury: $20,000 minimum per person, $40,000 minimum per accident
  • Property Damage: $15,000 minimum per person

For more information: How To: Save on Iowa Auto Insurance