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.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Homeowners in Iowa pay an average of $2,263 per year for a home insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, which is slightly below the national average of $2,529 for the same coverage.
But some insurers serving the Hawkeye State offer significantly lower premiums. In a state that’s susceptible to tornadoes, locking in the right homeowners insurance coverage is especially critical.
As a part of Tornado Alley, Iowa experienced 72 tornadoes in 2023.[1] Standard home insurance usually protects your property against damage from tornadoes and other windstorms.
Westfield, American Family, and Farmers offer some of the best home insurance in Iowa.
A standard home insurance policy doesn’t protect you from flooding. Consider purchasing a flood insurance rider if you live in a high-risk area.
Best home insurance companies in Iowa
Many home insurance companies provide Iowa homeowners with high-quality insurance. As you start your search, it’s helpful to find out which insurers offer the best rates and service.
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 Monthly Premium
Best For
Westfield
N/A
$141
Cheapest rates
American Family
8.6
$131
Young families
West Bend Insurance
N/A
$117
Cash back award
Farmers
8.4
$87
Environmentally conscious homeowners
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.
Cheapest rates: Westfield
cheapest ratesWestfield
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
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.
NR
A.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).
NR
$300,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$141/mo
$500,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$176/mo
On average, Westfield offers the most affordable home insurance rates for Iowa residents. The average annual premium is $1,070 — significantly lower than the state average of $2,120. To save more, homeowners might consider bundling their homeowners coverage with auto insurance, boat insurance, and RV insurance through the company.
Pros
Cheap rates
Bundling options
Cons
Limited digital tools
Must finalize quote with an agent
Best insurer for young families: American Family
young familiesAmerican Family
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
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.
8.6/10
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
638
$300,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$131/mo
$500,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$186/mo
Homeowners who want to work with a large insurer and tap into plenty of discounts should consider American Family. That’s especially true if your parents have an active American Family policy, which means homeowners aged 18–30 can access a generational discount.
Pros
Lots of discounts
Large network of agents
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Average Android app ratings
Best insurer for cash back award: West Bend Insurance
cash back awardWest Bend Mutual
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
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.
NR
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
West Bend Insurance offers relatively affordable insurance to Iowa homeowners. Beyond that, its discounts are likely to appeal to homeowners on a budget. If you don’t have to file a claim during your policy term, West Bend Insurance will reward you with a cash back award.
Pros
Live agents to work with
Claims-free award
Cons
Limited online tools
Must finalize policy with an insurance agent
Best insurer for environmentally conscious homeowners: Farmers
environmentally conscious homeownersFarmers
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
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.
8.4/10
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
609
$300,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$87/mo
$500,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$134/mo
If you’ve made an effort to create an environmentally friendly home, Farmers may reward you for that choice with lower rates. You can tap into discounts for specific green certifications, including ENERGY STAR, LEED, and EPA. While these aren’t the only discounts available, green-minded homeowners may appreciate those savings.
Pros
Green home discounts
Large network of agents
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Find Cheap Home Insurance in Iowa
Compare quotes from the top 120+ insurance companies
The exact cost of your home insurance policy will vary based on the details of your unique situation.
Some factors that influence your cost are out of your control, like the flooding risks for the area, the location of the nearest fire department, the ZIP code, and the age of your home.[2] But other factors, like how much liability coverage you purchase and what deductible you choose, can affect the cost significantly.
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
The dwelling coverage amount of your policy indicates how much the insurer would pay to rebuild your home after a covered loss. Generally, a higher coverage level leads to higher insurance premiums.
The table below highlights the average monthly premium by coverage limit in Iowa. Rates are for a policy with a $1,000 deductible.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
If you have to file a claim against your insurance policy, the home insurance deductible represents the amount you have to pay toward the loss. For example, if you file an insurance claim for $10,000 of damage and you have a $1,000 deductible, you’ll pay $1,000, and the insurance company will pay the remaining $9,000.
In general, a higher deductible results in a lower home insurance premium. But make sure to pick a deductible you can afford in case you need to file a claim.
The table below breaks down the average cost of home insurance in Iowa by deductible amount for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
Deductible Amount
Average Annual Premium
$500
$2,489
$1,000
$2,263
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in Iowa
Most homeowners can’t avoid the cost of home insurance. But that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Use the strategies below to lock in cheap homeowners insurance:[3]
Increase your deductible. When you raise your deductible, insurers tend to reward you with lower premiums. Of course, the catch is that if you have to file a claim, you’ll have to kick in more. Before boosting your deductible, confirm you have the money on hand to cover the cost if you run into an emergency.
Bundle your insurance policies. If you’re buying homeowners insurance, it’s likely that you have other insurance products. Choosing tobundle your insurance policies with the same insurance company often leads to savings.
Prepare your home for disasters. You can take action to protect your home against potential disasters. For example, you could install storm windows or reinforce your roof against strong winds. Many insurers offer lower rates to more prepared homes.
Shop around. Every insurer determines insurance rates with a slightly different method. With that variation, shopping around can help you find the cheapest rates for your unique situation.
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How much homeowners insurance do you need in Iowa?
If you have a mortgage, the lender will probably require you to purchase a home insurance policy. But even if you aren’t required to carry coverage, the right homeowners insurance policy will protect your residence.
In general, you’ll want enough coverage to replace your home and the personal property in it after a complete loss. But the amount of coverage required to accomplish this goal will vary based on your situation. For example, a standard homeowners policy often covers your personal belongings for between 50% and 70% of the dwelling coverage. Homeowners with several expensive items might need more coverage.
Additionally, you’ll need to determine how much liability coverage you want. Liability coverage kicks in to pay for medical expenses of guests and legal costs after an accident on your property. While a standard policy often comes with $100,000 of liability coverage, homeowners who have a large number of assets might prefer more coverage.
Getting clear on the details of your home insurance policy before you buy it is key. A close look at the policy can confirm that you have the coverage that suits your home insurance needs.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Iowa?
Although you might not think of Iowa as a state that’s prone to natural disasters, Iowa homeowners face significant risks, including:
Tornadoes
Tornadoes represent a big risk factor in Iowa. Depending on the situation, a tornado can completely destroy a house. With 72 tornadoes in Iowa in 2023, homeowners in the area are at risk. Luckily, home insurance policies usually cover tornado and other windstorm damage.[4]
Flooding
Iowa has endured seven natural disasters entirely related to floods, including one flooding event that caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in 2023.[5] Unfortunately, standard home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Instead, you’ll need to buy a separate flood insurance policy or pay for an add-on to lock in this coverage.
Winter weather
Harsh winters can cause damage to homes through fallen trees, water damage, frozen pipes, structural damage, and more. A standard homeowners insurance policy usually covers damage from severe winter weather.
Iowa homeowners insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for home insurance in Iowa, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is home insurance in Iowa?
Home insurance in Iowa costs $2,263 per year for a policy with a $1,000 deductible and $300,000 in dwelling coverage, Insurify data shows. But your rates will depend on many factors, including your ZIP code, age of your home, square footage of your home, and the coverage levels you choose.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in Iowa?
Farmers has the cheapest homeowners insurance in Iowa, with average premiums of $87 per month.
Does Iowa require homeowners insurance?
No. Iowa doesn’t require homeowners insurance, but if you have a mortgage on your home your lender will require it. Carrying home insurance coverage is vital because it can help you pay to repair or replace your home if it’s damaged or destroyed. Without insurance, you’d be on the hook financially for all the repair costs.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
Dwelling coverage: $300,000
Deductible: $1,000
Personal property limit: $25,000
Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Sarah has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2022.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Westfield
American Family
West Bend Mutual
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