Minimum coverage in Iowa
Iowa requires at least $20,000 bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident and $15,000 property damage liability (often written 20/40/15).
Requirements change — several states raised their minimums in 2025. Confirm current limits with the Iowa insurance department or Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division.
Is minimum coverage enough?
Minimum liability is the cheapest legal option and is common for older, low-value cars — including most donated cars. It does not pay to repair your own car. If you cannot afford repairs after an accident, compare the cost of adding collision coverage against the value of the car.
Ways to pay less in Iowa
- Compare at least three quotes every year
- Ask about good-driver, low-mileage, paperless and paid-in-full discounts
- Raise your deductible only if you can cover it
- Try usage-based insurance if you drive little
- Take a defensive driving course where it earns a discount
More tips in our national low-income car insurance guide. Budgeting for a new car? Read the real cost of a donated car.
Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation
Iowa residents can apply for a free car online. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.
Nearby states
Car insurance in Illinois · Car insurance in Minnesota · Car insurance in Nebraska · Car insurance in Missouri