Cheapest Auto Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa (2026)
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Des Moines, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $27 per month.
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Written bySarah Sharkey
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Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
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Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
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Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
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Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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Table of contents
Des Moines drivers pay an overall average of $86 per month for car insurance — more than the state average of $72. As the capital city of Iowa and the most populous city in the state, the high number of vehicles on its roads likely influences its above-average car insurance costs.
With more vehicles on the road, more accidents follow, which also increases insurance rates. In 2022, Des Moines logged 5,442 accidents, according to Iowa Department of Transportation data. By comparison, Cedar Rapids — the second-largest city in the state with a population 65% of that of Des Moines — had 1,886 crashes in the same year.[1]
State Farm, Auto-Owners, and State Farm offer some of the cheapest car insurance rates in Des Moines. But you may be able to find even cheaper options by comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
Here’s what you should know about finding affordable car insurance in Des Moines, Iowa.
Quick Facts
On average, drivers in Des Moines pay $65 per month for liability-only car insurance and $107 for a full-coverage insurance policy.
Des Moines has a population of around 211,000,[2] which could contribute to higher insurance costs.
The overall average cost of insurance in nearby South Dakota is $97 per month.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Des Moines
Every driver in Des Moines has a unique situation that affects their insurance premiums. However, some of the top insurance companies consistently offer more affordable car insurance rates than others.
Insurance companies each assess your situation differently, which results in different rates. Shopping around can help you find the cheapest car insurance premiums. To help your search, below is some information about some of the best insurance companies in Des Moines.
Insurance Company  | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Average Quote: Full Coverage | Average Quote: Liability Only | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | 8.2 | $73 | $37 | Cheap coverage |
| USAA | 9.1 | $78 | $40 | Military members and veterans |
| GEICO | 9.2 | $84 | $43 | Families |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for cheap coverage: Auto-Owners
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $44/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $84/mo |
4.3
Best choice in Des Moines, IABased on 312 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing recent national reviews - See all 146 Auto-Owners reviews
Wayne
Verified Review
Cost too much for someone who never had a claim
Reviewed in Florida on March 2, 2026
Never had a claim.
Paul
Verified Review
Auto Owners
Reviewed in Michigan on February 10, 2026
Auto Owners' rates have increased year after year.
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 1, 2026
I have been licensed since two weeks before my 14th birthday, in other words, 65+ years. I had 2 tickets and 1 accident (that was in July 2024). It cost me a $25 fine and no points, yet my rate increased by 60%. This was the only claim against me over the years. I don't drive much, about 10,000 miles a year if that much, and yet I'm being punished for years of no problems. BTW, the patrolman questioned the ability of the on-lookers of the accident.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
For both liability-only and full-coverage policies, Auto-Owners provides Des Moines drivers with the lowest average monthly costs. The insurer pairs its low rates with an above-average customer satisfaction rating. Through this major insurance company, you can also find home insurance, life insurance, and renters insurance policies.
Pros
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Central region
Many available discounts
Cons
Must work with an agent to finalize insurance policy
Limited digital tools
Best insurer for military members and veterans: USAA
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $46/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $90/mo |
4.9
Best choice in Des Moines, IABased on 3,140 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing recent national reviews - See all 1,480 USAA reviews
Charles
Verified Review
Sparks's Review
Reviewed in Texas on March 8, 2026
They are a good company and provide excellent customer service, but they have increased their prices so much! That is my reason for leaving them. We have had them for over 40 years!
Al
Verified Review
Policy Researching as a Fixed Income Retiree
Reviewed in California on March 6, 2026
As a retiree, we don't drive as much. Our driving records are great. We use autopay. We are looking for lower rates at this time.
John
Verified Review
USAA Could Improve Communication
Reviewed in Montana on March 6, 2026
Very good, reliable, steady.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
The capital city of the Hawkeye State is home to more than 9,400 veterans who can tap into the relatively low rates that USAA has to offer. In addition to low rates, USAA earned top marks in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
The catch is that USAA is only available to active-duty, reserve, or retired military members and their immediate families.
Pros
Affordable coverage
Good drivers can save up to 30% with SafePilot program
Cons
No customer service on Sundays
Must meet eligibility requirements
Best insurer for families: GEICO
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $50/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $97/mo |
3.9
A solid option in Des Moines, IABased on 16,091 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Des Moines for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing recent national reviews - See all 7,430 GEICO reviews
Cristi
Verified Review
Price Increases at Renewal
Reviewed in Texas on March 8, 2026
I'm not going to use them again. They raise the price every time I have to renew. It's ridiculous to pay as much as I do for simple liability only.
Andrzej
Verified Review
Lack of contact with agent is a big minus.
Reviewed in Florida on March 8, 2026
I am using the GEICO app and constantly getting messages asking me to install this app. Lately, they asked me to pay $7 (and some change) for something I don’t understand. It's impossible to find a phone agent to ask for an explanation.
Jane
Verified Review
Geico will not save you money, only charge you more than any other company
Reviewed in New York on March 8, 2026
Geico’s prices are higher than any other insurance despite their advertising of low prices.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
The company offers a long list of discount opportunities for young drivers. Some discounts are available for good students, multiple vehicles, and driver educational courses. Plus, GEICO offers optional accident forgiveness, which could come in handy if you have new drivers in your household. The downside is that GEICO has a slightly below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking in the Central region.
Pros
Long list of available discounts
Accident forgiveness option
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking in the Central region
Rideshare coverage not available
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Des Moines
Rates start as low as $27 per month for liability coverage
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How to get the cheapest car insurance in Des Moines
Insurance companies take a range of factors into account when determining your premiums, including your age, location, driving record, credit history, and the type of insurance you want.
As you look for the cheapest car insurance option, here are some ways to lock in low rates:
Raise your deductible. A higher deductible usually translates into lower auto insurance premiums. If you have the ability to cover a higher deductible, this might be a good idea.
Ask for a discount. Most insurance companies provide discount opportunities. Find out if you qualify for any savings.
Shop around. Every insurance company looks at your situation differently, which leads to different rates. Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you find cheap car insurance.
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Guide to Car Insurance Discounts (2026)
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Des Moines: State Farm
Liability-only car insurance helps you pay for any damages or injuries you cause to others during an accident. For example, your liability policy could help pay for another party’s medical bills or vehicle repairs after an accident.
The cheapest insurer for liability-only car insurance in Des Moines is State Farm, with an average cost of $27 per month. In general, a liability-only car insurance policy that meets the minimum-coverage requirements is the most affordable option. But this bare-bones approach might not provide enough coverage for your situation, especially if you lease or finance your vehicle.
The following table shows examples of average liability rates from some insurance companies.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $27 |
| Auto-Owners | $44 |
| USAA | $46 |
| GEICO | $50 |
| American Family | $54 |
| Allstate | $56 |
| Safeco | $56 |
| National General | $59 |
| Bristol West | $62 |
| Farmers | $65 |
| Root | $70 |
| Direct Auto | $71 |
| The General | $71 |
| Dairyland | $74 |
| Liberty Mutual | $80 |
| Nationwide | $88 |
| Travelers | $88 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Des Moines: State Farm
A full-coverage auto insurance policy includes comprehensive and collision insurance on top of liability coverage. After an accident, a full-coverage policy will help you get back on the road by paying for repairs.
Most auto lenders require you to carry a full-coverage policy. But even if you aren’t required to carry this coverage, the more robust policy might provide the financial protection you need.
Generally, the cost of this type of a full-coverage policy is more than a liability-only policy. The cheapest insurer for full-coverage car insurance in Des Moines is State Farm, with an average cost of $52 per month.
The following table illustrates the range of quotes for full-coverage car insurance that Des Moines drivers can find.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $52 |
| Auto-Owners | $84 |
| USAA | $90 |
| GEICO | $97 |
| American Family | $104 |
| Allstate | $110 |
| Safeco | $111 |
| National General | $113 |
| Root | $114 |
| Direct Auto | $121 |
| Liberty Mutual | $124 |
| Farmers | $126 |
| Nationwide | $168 |
| Travelers | $168 |
| Bristol West | $174 |
| The General | $184 |
| Dairyland | $218 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near Des Moines, Iowa
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $37/mo for liability only and $53/mo for full coverage in Des Moines and other Iowa cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Des Moines, Iowa within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Des Moines, Iowa within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in Iowa
Des Moines drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to legally use public roads. Below is a breakdown of the minimum-coverage requirements:
Coverage | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
Collision coverage
After an accident, collision coverage can help you pay for repairs to your own vehicle. It can also cover repair costs if you collide with an object like a phone pole, tree, or fence.
Comprehensive coverage
After a non-collision event that causes damage, comprehensive coverage can help you cover repairs. Some non-collision events include severe weather, vehicle theft, and vandalism.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
A mistake on the road could lead to a traffic violation on your driving record. Some serious offenses include speeding tickets, driving under the influence, and at-fault accidents. These incidents on your driving record usually represent a red flag to car insurance companies. In general, insurers offset this risk by raising your insurance premiums.
As the most populous city in the state, Des Moines also sees more traffic issues. For example, Polk County — which covers most of Des Moines — saw 44 traffic fatalities in 2021.[3] That’s significantly more than any other county in the state.
In the sections below, you’ll see how an incident can affect car insurance costs for Des Moines drivers.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: State Farm
In 2021, Polk County — which covers most of Des Moines — saw 16,272 speeding convictions.[4] That accounts for approximately 13% of speeding tickets in the entire state. After a speeding ticket, most drivers see their car insurance costs increase.
On average, Des Moines drivers see their overall car insurance premiums rise from $86 per month to $120 after a speeding ticket. Below is a breakdown of costs by insurance companies for drivers with a speeding ticket in Des Moines.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $27 | $36 |
| Auto-Owners | $44 | $60 |
| USAA | $46 | $63 |
| GEICO | $50 | $69 |
| American Family | $54 | $74 |
| Allstate | $56 | $77 |
| Safeco | $56 | $78 |
| National General | $59 | $78 |
| Bristol West | $62 | $82 |
| Farmers | $65 | $88 |
| Root | $70 | $98 |
| Direct Auto | $71 | $94 |
| The General | $71 | $100 |
| Dairyland | $74 | $97 |
| Liberty Mutual | $80 | $107 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $120 |
| Travelers | $88 | $120 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm
An at-fault accident often leads to higher rates. In fact, Des Moines drivers could find an at-fault accident affects their car insurance premiums for three years or longer.
In Des Moines, car insurance can average $163 per month for full coverage following an accident and $99 for liability-only coverage.
Below is a closer look at some of the cheapest auto insurance companies for Des Moines drivers with an at-fault accident in their past.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $27 | $38 |
| Auto-Owners | $44 | $63 |
| USAA | $46 | $66 |
| GEICO | $50 | $70 |
| American Family | $54 | $78 |
| Allstate | $56 | $81 |
| Safeco | $56 | $84 |
| National General | $59 | $84 |
| Bristol West | $62 | $88 |
| Farmers | $65 | $93 |
| Root | $70 | $101 |
| Direct Auto | $71 | $104 |
| The General | $71 | $105 |
| Dairyland | $74 | $105 |
| Liberty Mutual | $80 | $115 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $127 |
| Travelers | $88 | $127 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm
Iowa refers to driving under the influence as OWI — operating while intoxicated. Penalties for OWI convictions in Iowa range from license suspension for at least 180 days for a first offense, license revocation for six years for a third offense or any level of offense if someone dies in an accident you caused while intoxicated.[5] It’s also possible to face criminal penalties for an OWI in Iowa, and the courts will determine the penalty.
A driving under the influence (DUI) violation is arguably the most serious driving offense you can get. If you have an DUI/OWI on your record, you’ll likely face significantly higher auto insurance premiums. The rate increase is tied to the higher risk of insuring you. Your current insurer may even drop you after an OWI, and it may be difficult to find new insurance.
Des Moines drivers with an OWI on their records can expect to face car insurance rates of $104 per month for liability coverage and $171 for full coverage, on average. Explore some of the cheapest rates for Des Moines drivers with a DUI below.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $27 | $41 |
| Auto-Owners | $44 | $67 |
| USAA | $46 | $70 |
| GEICO | $50 | $76 |
| American Family | $54 | $83 |
| Allstate | $56 | $86 |
| Safeco | $56 | $91 |
| National General | $59 | $90 |
| Bristol West | $62 | $95 |
| Farmers | $65 | $100 |
| Root | $70 | $108 |
| Direct Auto | $71 | $109 |
| The General | $71 | $109 |
| Dairyland | $74 | $113 |
| Liberty Mutual | $80 | $123 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $135 |
| Travelers | $88 | $135 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: State Farm
Insurance companies usually take your age into account when determining car insurance premiums. While more experience behind the wheel tends to lead to car insurance costs trending downward after age 25, drivers often start to see slightly higher insurance costs around age 70.
Car insurance for senior drivers in Des Moines costs $88 per month for full coverage and $54 for liability only, on average.
Shopping around can help senior drivers find the best rates. Start your search by exploring the cheapest average monthly rates for Des Moines’ older drivers.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $21 | $40 |
| Auto-Owners | $34 | $65 |
| USAA | $36 | $71 |
| GEICO | $39 | $75 |
| American Family | $42 | $81 |
| Allstate | $44 | $87 |
| National General | $45 | $87 |
| Safeco | $48 | $95 |
| Farmers | $50 | $98 |
| Bristol West | $50 | $141 |
| Direct Auto | $56 | $95 |
| Root | $57 | $93 |
| The General | $58 | $151 |
| Dairyland | $61 | $181 |
| Liberty Mutual | $65 | $101 |
| Nationwide | $66 | $125 |
| Travelers | $69 | $131 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: State Farm
Teen drivers have the least amount of experience on the road, are more likely to get into accidents, and are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors. This can generally lead to higher insurance costs for young drivers.[6]
It’s impossible to age overnight. But you can tap into more affordable rates as a teen driver by getting good grades, driving a safer vehicle, increasing your deductible, choosing safe driving habits, and sticking with your parents’ insurance company.
On average, car insurance for teen drivers in Des Moines costs $228 per month for full coverage and $138 for minimum coverage policies. But you can explore the average car insurance cost for teen drivers by insurance company below.
The below rates in Des Moines, IA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $57 | $109 |
| USAA | $92 | $181 |
| Auto-Owners | $95 | $182 |
| GEICO | $97 | $189 |
| American Family | $111 | $213 |
| Allstate | $120 | $235 |
| Bristol West | $120 | $338 |
| Safeco | $122 | $241 |
| National General | $129 | $247 |
| Root | $132 | $215 |
| The General | $136 | $351 |
| Dairyland | $137 | $404 |
| Farmers | $140 | $271 |
| Direct Auto | $148 | $252 |
| Liberty Mutual | $154 | $238 |
| Nationwide | $186 | $355 |
| Travelers | $197 | $375 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Des Moines car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Des Moines may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Des Moines car insurance quotes by credit tier
Although some states prohibit the practice, Iowa insurance companies can look at your credit when determining your premiums. Drivers with excellent or good credit typically pay less for car insurance than drivers with poor credit.
You can use this trend to your advantage by improving your credit score. Strategies to boost your credit score include paying your bills on time, reducing the amount you owe on credit cards, and removing mistakes from your credit report.
Explore the average monthly quote by credit score tier below.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in Des Moines?
Des Moines drivers pay an overall average of $86 per month for car insurance. When compared to the state average of $72, Des Moines drivers pay a bit more for car insurance. But when compared to the national average of $136, Des Moines drivers enjoy relatively affordable car insurance costs.
Des Moines is one of the most expensive places to insure a vehicle in Iowa. The city’s relatively high population and accident rates compared to other areas of the state are likely factors. In general, areas with more traffic congestion face higher insurance premiums.
More cities in Iowa
Council Bluffs — which sits next to Omaha, Nebraska — has the highest average car insurance costs for Iowa drivers. Other towns situated near state borders, like Davenport and Sioux City, also face higher car insurance costs than Des Moines, which is situated in the middle of the state.
Here’s a comparison of average monthly car insurance rates in other Iowa cities.
City | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $100 | $62 |
| Council Bluffs | $110 | $63 |
| Davenport | $102 | $66 |
| Sioux City | $102 | $61 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Des Moines quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Des Moines car insurance FAQs
Des Moines car insurance rates compare favorably to the national average cost of car insurance, although they’re a bit higher than in other Iowa cities. To help get you started comparing car insurance quotes, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about Des Moines car insurance.
How much is car insurance in Des Moines?
The overall average cost of car insurance in Des Moines is $86 per month. Full coverage for the year averages $1,286, while liability is less, at $778 per year.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Des Moines?
Liability coverage is generally cheaper than full coverage, and State Farm offers the lowest liability rates in Des Moines, starting at $27 per month. Auto-Owners and USAA also offer cheap liability rates in Des Moines, at $44 and $46 per month, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Des Moines?
While many insurers offer affordable rates in Des Moines, Auto-Owners, USAA, and GEICO stand out as among the best car insurance companies serving the city. All three have Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores of at least 4, and all three received high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power in its 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
With a range of available coverage options and discounts, all three insurers provide a combination of strong product offerings, solid customer service, and numerous ways to save money.
Is auto insurance expensive in Iowa?
Car insurance in Iowa is comparatively inexpensive, at an average rate of $91 for full coverage and $52 per month for liability-only insurance. By comparison, the national averages for car insurance are $173 and $99, respectively. Rates in neighboring states vary significantly. For example, the average monthly cost of liability insurance in South Dakota is $60. But head north to Minnesota, and average liability rates climb to $88.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Iowa?
To drive legally in Iowa, you’ll need to have a minimum of $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person and $40,000 per accident, as well as $15,000 for property damage. Carrying the minimum required amount of car insurance can help you avoid running afoul of the law. But it could leave you on the hook financially if you cause an accident in which the other party’s damages exceed your policy limit.
For example, let’s say you have the state’s minimum coverage and cause an accident in which the other driver’s new car, worth $60,000, is totaled. Assuming your insurer pays out to the policy limit of $15,000, you could be financially responsible for the difference between the value of the other driver’s car and the insurance payout — $45,000.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Iowa Department of Transportation. "Iowa Crash Analysis Tool."
- U.S. Census Bureau. "Quick Facts: Des Moines, Iowa."
- Iowa Department of Transportation. "Yearly Fatalities by County."
- Iowa Department of Transportation. "Speeding Convictions by County of Occurrence 2012-2021."
- Iowa Department of Transportation. "Suspensions/Revocations."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
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Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer
7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
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A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.