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Iowa Statistics Summary | Details |
---|---|
Annual Road Miles | 114,173 Vehicle Miles Driven: 31,414 Million |
Vehicles | Registered in State: 3,409,279 Total Stolen: 4,151 |
Population | 3,156,145 |
Most Popular Vehicle | Silverado 1500 |
Uninsured Motorists | 8.70% State Rank: 38th |
Total Driving Fatalities | Speeding: 330 Drunk Driving: 88 |
Average Annual Premiums | Liability: $299.18 Collision: $219.75 Comprehensive: $183.53 |
Cheapest Provider | USAA |
A land of rolling hills, plains, and cornfields, Iowa lies in the center of the U.S. Midwest and is considered part of America’s heartland. The Hawkeye State isn’t so “middle of the road” when it comes to auto insurance, though, with plenty of options to help you drive safely through its rugged terrain.
It can take a lot of hard work to find the right auto insurance. And it can be harder to find time to research it. Don’t worry! Our comprehensive guide will save you time, and it has all the information you need to make the right choice.
We’ll explore auto insurance coverage, rates, providers, state laws, and much more. Want to start comparing rates today? Use our FREE online tool above to check rates in your area.
Table of Contents
Getting the information you need on the best insurance coverage and rates available in Iowa can be overwhelming. After all, you don’t want to pay for coverage you don’t need or that is too expensive.
We want you to know what you’re paying for, so this is your guide to major coverage types, rates, and Iowa insurance companies.
Read on to learn all about Iowa auto insurance.
Though auto insurance isn’t mandatory in Iowa, if you’re in an accident, according to the Motor Vehicle and Financial Safety Act, you must provide proof of financial responsibility. This proof could be your own liability insurance.
You can also provide a few other forms of financial responsibility, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Iowa is an “at-fault” state. What does this mean?
The person who caused, or is at-fault, for an accident must pay any personal injury or property claims.
If you’re insured, your provider will cover losses up to the minimum liability amount. Iowa law requires drivers to have minimum liability coverage. Learn more here: minimum coverage for auto insurance in Iowa.
Liability insurance pays everyone — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. — who is owed money for property damage and/or injuries resulting from a car accident that you or anyone under your policy has caused. Drivers in Iowa must have the following minimum liability insurance if their licenses have been suspended or revoked:
Remember: these are only the minimum requirements. If the damages cost more, you will need to pay for them. We suggest that you buy more than the minimum liability amount of insurance for greater protection in case of an accident.
This video by the Hupy and Abraham, S.C. law firm explains Iowa insurance laws and the types of coverage you should consider buying:
If you live in Iowa, the state law requires you to have a form of financial responsibility to prove that you have valid insurance on your car or can pay for damages in an accident. Anytime a police officer pulls you over or if you’re in an accident, you must provide proof of financial responsibility.
The following are some acceptable forms of financial responsibility to avoid having your license and registration suspended after an accident:
Iowa insurance laws can be confusing because a few loopholes could save you from having to prove financial responsibility at the time of an accident. According to the DMV, below are a few exceptions:
Wondering what to do? The best thing to do is to be prepared to have proof of financial responsibility with you or on file with the DMV when you drive. Otherwise, fines and suspension of your license and car’s registration could await you.
So, to avoid penalties and confusing laws, it’s easier to have Iowa’s required auto insurance.
In 2014, the annual per capita disposable personal income (DPI) in Iowa, after taxes have been paid, was $39,820.
The average annual cost of auto insurance in Iowa is $684, which is about 1.8 percent of the average DPI.
The average Iowa resident earns $3,318 each month to buy food, pay bills, etc. Auto insurance will take about $56 out of that, which is below other states’ average premiums. The national average annual insurance premium is $981 per month. The money you save could go toward groceries, rent, and other expenses.
Or, if you can and want to, you can pay a little more for coverage beyond the minimum liability amount. Make sure to shop around for the best rates.
Coverage Type | Annual Costs (2015) |
---|---|
Liability | $299.18 |
Collision | $275.28 |
Comprehensive | $183.53 |
Combined | $702.46 |
The above data is from one of the leading sources on the matter, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. You can expect auto insurance rates in Iowa to be significantly higher for 2019 and on.
Remember: though it is important to have the required insurance, you should have additional coverage.
Ready to learn more? Next, we’ll explore auto insurance coverage options and add-ons.
A loss ratio compares how much a company spends on claims to how much money they take in on premiums. A loss ratio of 60 percent indicates the company spent $60 on claims out of every $100 earned in premiums.
Loss Ratio | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
---|---|---|---|
Medical Payments (Med Pay) | 67% | 69% | 79% |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | 50% | 68% | 72% |
The above coverages are optional in Iowa, however, they can provide valuable protection in case of an accident.
For example, if you are in an accident with uninsured or underinsured drivers and they are at fault, they likely won’t be able to pay your medical bills and property damage before going bankrupt. Extra coverage can help save you from high accident bills.
In Iowa, 8.7 percent of drivers are uninsured. Iowa ranks 38th in the nation for uninsured drivers.
This number of uninsured drivers isn’t terrible, but you don’t want to risk getting into an accident with an uninsured driver. That could drain both of you of your resources.
The top companies in the U.S. have loss ratios that range from 94-112 percent. In 2015, Iowa’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage was well below these optimal ratios but has started to rise over the years to a better percentage.
Good news! MedPay loss ratios in Iowa have also increased.
So, if you’re interested in buying the recommended MedPay and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverages, you can rest assured that the loss ratios will improve.
These are a few more options to round out your coverage policy.
Lucky you! There are lots of powerful, but cheap extras you can add.
Here’s a list of other useful coverage options available in Iowa.
Add any of the above options to your coverage for greater protection tailored to your specific needs. You can add one or several, so make sure to pick the best ones for you.
Did you know that gender can sometimes affect auto insurance rates? In Iowa, females pay more than males for insurance even if their driving records and background are similar to that of males.
Company | Married 35-year-old Female Annual Rate | Married 35-year-old Male Annual Rate | Married 60-year-old Female Annual Rate | Married 60-year-old Male Annual Rate | Single 25-year-old Female Annual Rate | Single 25-year-old Male Annual Rate | Single 17-year-old Female Annual Rate | Single 17-year-old Male Annual Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate F&C | $1,958.15 | $1,879.95 | $1,740.38 | $1,771.40 | $2,131.19 | $2,192.58 | $5,666.77 | $6,380.74 |
American Family Mutual | $1,947.49 | $1,947.49 | $1,742.43 | $1,742.43 | $1,947.49 | $2,345.27 | $5,205.52 | $7,296.86 |
Farmers Insurance Co | $1,505.56 | $1,534.33 | $1,348.08 | $1,472.79 | $2,038.46 | $2,181.07 | $4,551.35 | $4,851.93 |
Geico Cas | $1,871.32 | $1,677.39 | $1,676.90 | $1,535.68 | $1,767.80 | $1,635.28 | $4,252.86 | $3,954.88 |
Safeco Insurance Co America | $2,110.02 | $2,290.23 | $1,856.34 | $2,255.89 | $2,390.92 | $2,636.91 | $10,248.60 | $11,534.94 |
Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance | $1,773.80 | $1,821.30 | $1,580.35 | $1,687.66 | $2,007.84 | $2,184.45 | $4,078.71 | $5,280.35 |
Progressive Northern | $1,685.12 | $1,622.63 | $1,389.61 | $1,441.50 | $2,027.39 | $2,192.49 | $4,131.25 | $4,663.86 |
State Farm Mutual Auto | $1,445.98 | $1,445.98 | $1,270.07 | $1,270.07 | $1,625.39 | $1,851.50 | $3,914.70 | $4,964.07 |
Travelers Home & Marine Ins Co | $2,442.49 | $2,492.53 | $2,373.90 | $2,380.26 | $2,541.28 | $3,002.33 | $10,858.60 | $17,313.68 |
USAA | $1,239.37 | $1,253.71 | $1,136.98 | $1,159.77 | $1,487.70 | $1,643.44 | $3,345.14 | $3,552.75 |
Age also plays a part in determining rates. In general, the younger you are, the more you pay. Teenage drivers, who have less driving experience, pay thousands more for auto insurance! This is why most parents place teenagers on their own insurance policies for lower rates.
Up first, are where you will find the most affordable ZIP codes in the state.
City | Zip code | Annual Average |
---|---|---|
CORWITH | 52241 | $2,598.27 |
TRAER | 52242 | $2,605.98 |
SOUTH AMANA | 52243 | $2,613.15 |
SIOUX CITY | 50012 | $2,643.57 |
SIOUX CITY | 50014 | $2,651.87 |
SIOUX CITY | 50010 | $2,661.70 |
SIOUX CITY | 50011 | $2,663.37 |
DES MOINES | 50013 | $2,676.23 |
CARLISLE | 50158 | $2,686.15 |
ROSE HILL | 52246 | $2,697.81 |
REDFIELD | 52245 | $2,699.88 |
BLUE GRASS | 52240 | $2,719.12 |
CLARINDA | 50078 | $2,721.11 |
MAGNOLIA | 50236 | $2,725.56 |
ATLANTIC | 50142 | $2,734.13 |
OTTUMWA | 52317 | $2,734.77 |
JOICE | 52411 | $2,735.38 |
BONDURANT | 50248 | $2,759.69 |
KELLERTON | 50122 | $2,762.30 |
STACYVILLE | 52233 | $2,762.69 |
DES MOINES | 50006 | $2,764.17 |
WILLIAMSBURG | 52324 | $2,766.77 |
CENTER POINT | 52404 | $2,768.58 |
TABOR | 50126 | $2,769.51 |
LISCOMB | 52302 | $2,771.54 |
If your mailing address is in the following ZIP codes, you can expect to pay higher than average for auto insurance.
City | Zip code | Annual Average |
---|---|---|
LUTHER | 51501 | $3,633.75 |
BURLINGTON | 51503 | $3,575.94 |
SIOUX RAPIDS | 51510 | $3,421.91 |
OXFORD JUNCTION | 50314 | $3,379.73 |
INDIANOLA | 50309 | $3,367.30 |
RANDALIA | 51534 | $3,356.47 |
WASHINGTON | 51103 | $3,355.94 |
DOUDS | 50307 | $3,350.71 |
READLYN | 51105 | $3,350.44 |
FREDERICKSBURG | 51104 | $3,342.31 |
NICHOLS | 51101 | $3,333.89 |
NEW ALBIN | 50308 | $3,327.01 |
HINTON | 51108 | $3,296.59 |
AMES | 52801 | $3,285.41 |
RICKETTS | 50319 | $3,262.33 |
CHEROKEE | 51109 | $3,260.62 |
MUSCATINE | 51526 | $3,259.16 |
PILOT MOUND | 51561 | $3,249.84 |
WEBB | 51106 | $3,242.81 |
OGDEN | 51654 | $3,239.93 |
HUMESTON | 50316 | $3,230.43 |
REINBECK | 51571 | $3,228.18 |
STANHOPE | 51533 | $3,223.48 |
GRAETTINGER | 50864 | $3,216.99 |
HAYESVILLE | 51532 | $3,212.72 |
Iowa city ZIP codes are among the cheapest places for auto insurance, but it’s the most expensive in Luther. Below, we’ve listed the least expensive Iowa cities for auto insurance.
City | Annual Average |
---|---|
CORALVILLE | $2,598.27 |
AMES | $2,659.35 |
IOWA CITY | $2,667.19 |
MARSHALLTOWN | $2,686.15 |
FERGUSON | $2,721.11 |
ROLAND | $2,725.56 |
LE GRAND | $2,734.13 |
NORTH LIBERTY | $2,734.77 |
STORY CITY | $2,759.69 |
HUBBARD | $2,762.30 |
HIAWATHA | $2,762.69 |
ALDEN | $2,764.18 |
PALO | $2,766.77 |
IOWA FALLS | $2,769.51 |
MARION | $2,771.54 |
TIFFIN | $2,772.01 |
RADCLIFFE | $2,772.23 |
CLEAR LAKE | $2,774.04 |
POPEJOY | $2,775.99 |
PELLA | $2,778.49 |
MASON CITY | $2,782.99 |
ZEARING | $2,785.76 |
BENNETT | $2,786.21 |
ELDORA | $2,787.19 |
JEWELL | $2,787.93 |
Council Bluffs again emerges as the most expensive place to buy auto insurance.
City | Annual Average |
---|---|
COUNCIL BLUFFS | $3,604.85 |
CARTER LAKE | $3,421.91 |
GLENWOOD | $3,356.47 |
SIOUX CITY | $3,295.84 |
CRESCENT | $3,259.16 |
PACIFIC JUNCTION | $3,249.84 |
THURMAN | $3,239.93 |
SILVER CITY | $3,228.19 |
EMERSON | $3,223.48 |
DES MOINES | $3,218.42 |
VILLISCA | $3,216.99 |
ELLIOTT | $3,212.72 |
HONEY CREEK | $3,209.76 |
BEDFORD | $3,204.32 |
SIDNEY | $3,202.45 |
HENDERSON | $3,201.16 |
RANDOLPH | $3,197.04 |
PERCIVAL | $3,193.43 |
STANTON | $3,192.82 |
BRADDYVILLE | $3,185.36 |
CUMBERLAND | $3,180.65 |
COIN | $3,180.34 |
RED OAK | $3,178.98 |
DAVENPORT | $3,178.04 |
GRAVITY | $3,177.95 |
Though it’s not the largest city in Iowa, it’s one of the state’s ten largest cities. As this data shows, the population size of a city doesn’t determine insurance costs.
So many auto insurance carriers compete for your business these days that it’s hard to know which ones actually come through on their promises.
No need to worry — we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling to find out the 10 best providers across Iowa that can give you the best coverage and the best rates.
We will also feature companies’ financial ratings, customer reviews, and much more.
Ready? Let’s get this show on the road…
A.M. Best offers financial ratings of insurance companies. A good score means these companies are more likely to stay solvent and can pay customer claims.
Company Name | AM Ratings | Direct Premiums Written | Loss Ratio | Market Share |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm Group | A++ | $389,032 | 63.96% | 22.14% |
Progressive Group | A+ | $285,107 | 63.34% | 16.23% |
Nationwide Corp Group | A+ | $180,621 | 51.49% | 10.28% |
Iowa Farm Bureau Group | NR | $119,308 | 67.98% | 6.79% |
American Family Insurance Group | A | $111,227 | 69.86% | 6.33% |
Grinnell Mutual Group | A | $78,945 | 71.86% | 4.49% |
Geico | A++ | $64,044 | 78.07% | 3.65% |
IMT Mutual Holding Group | NR | $57,498 | 70.27% | 3.27% |
Allstate Insurance Group | A+ | $56,702 | 60.70% | 3.23% |
West Bend Mutual Insurance Co | A | $38,498 | 58.38% | 2.19% |
Besides premiums, one of the other components that should factor into your decision when picking an insurance carrier is customer ratings. Want to find out what customers really think about the top Iowa auto insurance carriers?
Here we go!
Customer satisfaction is an important part of a company’s success. J.D. Power studied five customer satisfaction factors — interaction, policy offerings, price, billing process/policy information, and claims — to see which companies scored best.
Up next, we examine customer complaints.
The complaint index of each company compares the number of customer complaints to its share of profits across the state. Companies that have a complaint index higher than one are worse than the average insurer in Iowa, and those with an index below one are better than average.
Company | Complaint Ratio 2017 | Total Complaints 2017 |
---|---|---|
State Farm Group | 0.44 | 1482 |
Progressive Group | 0.75 | 120 |
Nationwide Corp Group | 0.28 | 25 |
Iowa Farm Bureau Group | 2.66 | 3 |
American Family Insurance Group | 0.0 | 0 |
Grinnell Mutual Group | 0.0 | 0 |
Geico | .007 | 6 |
IMT Mutual Holding Group | 2.42 | 1 |
Allstate Insurance Group | 0.98 | 163 |
West Bend Mutual Insurance Co | 0 | 0 |
Bear in mind, some complaints are based on general customer satisfaction, so consider that in your final decision.
We know that rates are one of the biggest factors in your Iowa auto insurance choices. The below chart shows ten of the top carriers in the state, along with their average rates compared to the overall state average.
Company | Average Annual Cost | Amount Compared to State Average | Percentage Compared to State Average |
---|---|---|---|
Allstate F&C | $2,965.14 | $6.95 | 0.23% |
American Family Mutual | $3,021.87 | $63.67 | 2.11% |
Farmers Insurance Co | $2,435.45 | -$522.75 | -21.46% |
Geico Cas | $2,296.51 | -$661.68 | -28.81% |
Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance | $2,551.81 | -$406.39 | -15.93% |
Progressive Northern | $2,394.23 | -$563.96 | -23.56% |
Safeco Insurance Co America | $4,415.48 | $1,457.29 | 33.00% |
State Farm Mutual Auto | $2,223.47 | -$734.72 | -33.04% |
At some companies, how far you commute regularly can affect your insurance rates.
Companies | 10-mile commute. 6,000 annual mileage. | 25-mile commute. 12,000 annual mileage. |
---|---|---|
USAA | $1,784.77 | $1,919.94 |
State Farm | $2,169.94 | $2,277.01 |
Geico | $2,251.26 | $2,341.77 |
Progressive | $2,394.23 | $2,394.23 |
Farmers | $2,435.45 | $2,435.45 |
Nationwide | $2,551.81 | $2,551.81 |
Allstate | $2,894.65 | $3,035.64 |
American Family | $2,986.61 | $3,057.13 |
Liberty Mutual | $4,415.48 | $4,415.48 |
Travelers | $5,425.63 | $5,425.63 |
At some companies, like Geico, the more you drive, the more you pay. Fortunately, some of the companies listed don’t increase their costs with higher mileages traveled, and commute times, in general, don’t affect your rates much compared to other factors.
Factor in how much you drive and how often to find companies with the best rates for you.
Generally, the more you pay, the better your insurance coverage. Let’s take a closer look at the price differences at Iowa companies.
Companies | Low | Medium | High |
---|---|---|---|
USAA | $1,757.16 | $1,858.31 | $1,941.61 |
State Farm | $2,115.69 | $2,236.04 | $2,318.68 |
Geico | $2,180.55 | $2,297.14 | $2,411.84 |
Progressive | $2,258.89 | $2,402.19 | $2,521.62 |
Farmers | $2,332.54 | $2,443.15 | $2,530.66 |
Nationwide | $2,660.79 | $2,539.43 | $2,455.20 |
Allstate | $2,853.70 | $2,968.91 | $3,072.83 |
American Family | $3,035.16 | $3,189.92 | $2,840.53 |
Liberty Mutual | $4,237.62 | $4,407.47 | $4,601.36 |
Travelers | $5,103.05 | $5,507.84 | $5,666.01 |
It pays to shop around. Some companies, like USAA, have only a $184 increase from low to high coverage, which means it would cost only $15 more per month for better coverage!
According to a study by Experian, the average Iowan has a credit card VantageScore of 695 (among the highest in the nation), around three credit cards in their name, and a credit card balance of $5,155.
Companies | Good | Fair | Poor |
---|---|---|---|
USAA | $1,449.06 | $1,673.05 | $2,434.97 |
State Farm | $1,544.99 | $1,958.88 | $3,166.55 |
Geico | $1,833.13 | $2,296.52 | $2,759.89 |
Progressive | $2,069.08 | $2,284.84 | $2,828.78 |
Nationwide | $2,127.45 | $2,427.31 | $3,100.67 |
Farmers | $2,195.20 | $2,317.58 | $2,793.56 |
American Family | $2,380.74 | $2,831.65 | $3,853.23 |
Allstate | $2,533.59 | $2,817.56 | $3,544.28 |
Liberty Mutual | $3,061.08 | $3,889.40 | $6,295.97 |
Travelers | $4,964.86 | $5,210.35 | $6,101.70 |
Your credit score can certainly play an important part in determining your auto insurance rates. Next, we’ll cover another important factor that insurers use to determine rates: driving record.
A clean driving record can definitely help you cut insurance costs. Just one accident could make your rates soar. For example, at Travelers, all it takes is one DUI to increase your rates to over $7,000 a year.
Company | Clean record | With one speeding violation | With one accident | With one DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
USAA | $1,414.93 | $1,624.60 | $1,899.66 | $2,470.24 |
Geico | $1,739.14 | $1,865.34 | $2,430.59 | $3,150.98 |
Nationwide | $1,845.32 | $2,088.61 | $2,653.56 | $3,619.74 |
Progressive | $1,925.00 | $2,409.88 | $3,153.79 | $2,088.27 |
State Farm | $2,058.27 | $2,223.47 | $2,388.67 | $2,223.47 |
Farmers | $2,075.02 | $2,479.99 | $2,574.18 | $2,612.59 |
American Family | $2,181.69 | $2,564.80 | $3,194.70 | $4,146.29 |
Allstate | $2,520.15 | $2,818.27 | $3,051.76 | $3,470.40 |
Liberty Mutual | $3,813.55 | $4,318.32 | $4,718.68 | $4,811.37 |
Travelers | $3,954.60 | $5,414.68 | $5,272.67 | $7,060.59 |
Domestic | Foreign | Total Number of Licensed Insurers |
---|---|---|
73 | 860 | 933 |
Domestic insurance is formed under Iowa law, but foreign insurance is formed under the laws of any state in the U.S.
To keep your auto insurance rates low, you should know the laws in your state.
Don’t worry! We’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn about the laws specific to Iowa.
As we’ve said before, Iowa doesn’t require all drivers to have auto insurance, but the Motor Vehicle and Financial Safety Act makes having at least the minimum liability coverage appealing to buyers.
Though you could get by with providing proof of financial responsibility, not having auto insurance is risky, so it’s best to buy at least the minimum. Keep reading for information about high-risk insurance.
Higher premiums are the last thing anyone wants to pay for. But, if you’re in an accident, you may have to fill-out an SR-22 form to buy high-risk insurance. In Iowa, that means you’ll need to have the minimum liability coverage.
Again, in Iowa, drivers aren’t required to have minimum auto insurance, just proof of financial responsibility if they are in an accident.
Fortunately, the cost of minimum auto insurance in Iowa is fairly low compared to other states. We highly recommend you have auto insurance, so make sure you buy the minimum amount for high-risk insurance before you ever get in an accident!
The state of Iowa doesn’t currently offer any special low-cost insurance programs. As we discussed above, it’s best to have at least the minimum liability coverage, as penalties for not having proof of financial responsibility can be severe. You can’t afford not to have insurance.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Iowa law doesn’t require insurers to replace cracked or broken windshields. If you want windshield coverage, you will need comprehensive insurance and you will have to examine carefully how the different insurance providers handle windshield claims. So, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will likely pay for the repairs.
While some states mandate a waived deductible for windshield repairs, and others specify the use of only manufacturer replacement parts, Iowa does allow replacement with aftermarket parts. That is if it’s stated on the estimate and if the parts are “at least equal in kind and quality…in terms of fit, quality, and performance, or that the part complies with federal safety standards” — if mentioned in the policy. The consumer can refuse but will pay the difference in the quote.
Having good insurance almost pays for itself in the end. Otherwise, you may have to pay for a damaged windshield yourself.
It’s no wonder that insurance fraud is a crime. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are two ways to commit insurance fraud:
Insurance fraud can lead to fines and jail time. It’s better to be honest in your claims. Simply put, avoid insurance fraud, and you’re good to go.
If you’re in an accident, you’re subject to the statute of limitations, meaning that your time to file a claim in Iowa is limited. This time begins running out the day of your accident.
As shown below, Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage are fairly lenient. Regardless, it makes sense to file a claim as soon as possible, because if you don’t file in time, you won’t receive the money owed to you.
So, don’t wait! Time passes quickly, and before you know it, you could miss your chance to collect money owed to you.
Iowa law requires insurers to respond to claims their customers submit. Insurers that don’t respond to claims can be held legally responsible. Though the law requires insurers to respond to claims, insurers may fail to pay benefits.
Be aware! In case of an accident, get familiar with your insurance policy to make sure that you receive all the benefits owed to you.
As we said before, drivers in Iowa aren’t required to have auto insurance. But, if you’re in an accident, you must show proof of financial responsibility. Otherwise, the Iowa Department of Transportation will suspend your license and registration.
Again, the following are acceptable as proof of financial responsibility in Iowa:
Unless the police already file a form, if you are in an accident, you must also fill out an accident form within 72 hours. If you can’t provide insurance or another form of financial responsibility, you will be fined $500. You could also have your license and registration suspended and your vehicle impounded.
Anytime you are pulled over, you must show proof of financial responsibility or face penalties.
To receive a license or a restricted license, driver education is required if the applicant is younger than 18. Teens in Iowa can start driving with a learner’s permit at age 14. Teens must meet the requirements below.
Requirements for Getting a License or Restricted License in Iowa | Time Limits |
---|---|
Mandatory holding period | 12 months |
Minimum supervised driving time | 20 hours (2 of which must be at night) |
Minimum age | 16-years-old |
In Iowa, driver’s education graduates who have held an instruction permit for at least six months and are at least 14 years and six months old may apply for a school license that allows unsupervised driving between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The school license limits drivers to direct routes to and from school for classes or school-sponsored activities, at other schools hosting activities, school bus stops, and gas stations.
Holders of a minor school license may not use electronic or entertainment devices (permanently installed equipment exempted), carry more than one unrelated passenger or drive to another school district without an extra-curricular sharing agreement.
Young drivers in Iowa with restricted licenses must also follow the rules below.
Intermediate License Restrictions in Iowa | Details | Removal Time Limit |
---|---|---|
Nighttime restrictions | 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. | May be lifted after 12 months and age 17 or until age 18 (whichever occurs first) |
Passenger Restrictions (family members excepted) | At parental discretion | May be changed at parental discretion |
Next are restrictions for older drivers, another group that has special driving requirements.
Iowa law requires drivers over 72 years old to renew their licenses every two years. Below are a few more rules:
So, if you are an older driver, plan to visit your eye doctor and the DMV every two years.
If you want to drive in Iowa, you need auto insurance or proof of financial responsibility. You can opt out of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but you should have bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. As a reminder, these are the minimum amounts in Iowa:
Make sure to contact your current provider to change the rates to match Iowa’s minimum. You will also need updated insurance cards with your new address.
Don’t forget! Though auto insurance isn’t legally required in Iowa, you could face penalties for driving without it. So, when you move to Iowa, make sure that you have adequate coverage.
Iowans under age 70 must renew their licenses every eight years. And you don’t need to go to the DMV every time!
Iowa drivers under 70 years old can renew their licenses by mail or online at every other renewal. That’s 16 years without a trip to the DMV!
But, when you renew your license in person at the DMV, the law requires proof of adequate vision. So, you will need to take a vision test or provide proof of one when you’re there.
According to Iowa state law, reckless or negligent driving that endangers property and people is classified as a misdemeanor.
Potential penalties:
The vehicular laws and penalties are much more severe when a driver causes the death of another person through reckless driving.
Homicide Offense | Felony Type | Jail time | License Revocation | Additional Penalties |
---|---|---|---|---|
Reckless driving while intoxicated | Class B Felony | Up to 25 years | 6 years | Complete drinking and driving program; may have to complete substance abuse program |
Recklessness and/or fleeing from an officer | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to 1 year | $1,000 to $10,000 in fines |
Drag racing | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to 1 year | $750 to $7,000 in fines |
Reckless driving doesn’t just endanger you but everyone around you! And reckless drivers could end up killing someone.
It’s unwise to break driving laws; it’s best to know the rules of the road to keep yourself and other drivers safe and to prevent fines and points from appearing on your record. Read on for rules you should follow.
Iowa is an “at-fault” state, which means the person who caused an accident is liable for paying all personal injury and property damage claims.
If you don’t have insurance or the right coverage, the costs of an accident can quickly drain your resources if you caused it. Be prepared! Though Iowa law doesn’t legally require you to have insurance, the Motor Vehicle Financial and Safety Responsibility Act has strict penalties for drivers in accidents who don’t have insurance. And it makes sense to buy more coverage beyond the minimum requirements.
Iowa’s “move over” laws are fairly simple.
If you drive slower than the speed of surrounding traffic, keep to the right lane. You would, of course, pass on the left, but in some cases, you can pass on the right:
But, be careful! If you pass on the right when it’s unsafe to do so, you could be convicted of a misdemeanor.
It makes sense, for courtesy and safety, though the law requires it, to slow down or move over if you see a vehicle with flashing lights parked on the road.
You also must move over to the right and stop for vehicles with flashing lights. Some examples are below:
The video below describes the “move over” laws regarding vehicles parked along the side of the road:
These laws keep everyone safe. So, don’t forget to slow down or move over at the right time!
Take note that these are only the maximum speed limits for each road type.
Rural Interstates | Urban Interstates | Other Limited Access Roads | Other Roads |
---|---|---|---|
70 mph | 55 mph | 75 mph | 65 mph |
No one likes to get speeding tickets. Get familiar with Iowa’s speed limits and pay attention to signs to avoid a ticket.
Iowa wants drivers on its roads to stay safe, so they have rules for buckling up. Read the mandatory seat belt laws below to avoid a fine.
Safety Belt Rules | Details |
---|---|
Effective Since | July 1, 1986 |
Primary Enforcement | Yes |
Age/Seats Applicable | 18+ years old in front seat |
1st Offense Fine | $25 plus fees |
Primary enforcement means that a police officer doesn’t need another reason to pull you over — he or she can give you a ticket just for not wearing a seat belt.
Car seat safety for infants and toddlers is another of Iowa’s priorities. If you have children, follow the rules below to protect them while you drive.
Required Car Seats | Age |
---|---|
Rear-Facing Seat | Younger than 1-year-old and less than 20 pounds |
Child Restraint or Booster Seat | 1 through 5-years-old |
Adult Seat Belt Allowed | 6 through 17-years-old |
1st Offense Fine | $25 |
Iowa doesn’t have any laws against riding in the cargo areas of pick-ups but make sure you take care to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
You might be familiar with ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. Working for these companies requires ridesharing insurance and usually a vehicle inspection.
If you want to join a ridesharing service, insurance is available from the following providers in Iowa:
In Iowa, ridesharing drivers must have properly registered vehicles with the minimum liability insurance amount and ridesharing insurance. And, remember your driving record. Ridesharing companies will check it, and any accidents or suspensions in the last three years will disqualify you from driving for them.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),
Automation is the use of a machine or technology to perform a task or function that was previously carried out by a human. In driving, automation involves using radar, camera and other sensors to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which computer programs then use to do some or all of the driving on a regular basis.
Currently, Iowa has no restrictions on autonomous vehicles.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s dig deeper into the safety laws in Iowa to protect you on the open road.
In 2017, there were 88 alcohol-related deaths in Iowa. Drunk driving is a major problem nationwide, and to save lives, laws are in place to protect everyone. Details about Iowa’s drunk driving laws are below.
Impaired Driving Law in Iowa | Details |
---|---|
Name for Offense | Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) |
BAC Limit | 0.08 |
High BAC Categories | 0.15 |
Criminal Status | 1st serious misdemeanor 2nd aggravated misdemeanor 3rd+ class D felony |
Look Back Period | 12 years |
Below are the specific penalties in place for drunk driving.
Number of Offense | License Suspension or Revocation and IID lock | IID Lock | Imprisonment | Fine | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st Offense | 180 days (may apply for temporary restricted license) | Must install IID if crash occurred or BAC > .10 | 48 hours up to 1 year Min 48 hours may be served in OWI program with law enforcement security | $625 up to $1,250 OR community service | Complete substance abuse evaluation and treatment program Might be assigned a reality education substance abuse prevention program |
2nd Offense | 2 years (not eligible for temporary restricted license for 45 days) | Not specified | 7 days to 2 years | $1,875 to $6,250 | Same as 1st offense |
3rd Offense | 6 years (not eligible for temporary restricted license for 45 days) | Not specified | 30 days to 5 years | $3,125 to $9,375 | Same as 1st offense |
4th Offense | Same as 3rd offense | Same as 3rd offense | Same as 3rd offense | Same as 3rd offense | Same as 1st offense |
Drunk driving can lead to fines, jail time, and a suspended license. Drunk drivers endanger themselves and everyone else, so don’t drink and drive.
Iowa is trying to curtail drunk driving. This video shows how police there are involved in a pilot program, “Place of Last Drink,” together with the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association, to crack down on drunk driving and overserving of liquor.
Iowa is among the few states with zero tolerance for marijuana-impaired driving.
On top of that, marijuana, like other substances, can remain in your urine for up to a month, and be detected in hair samples for several months. If officers suspect marijuana use, they can still charge you for driving under the influence even if you used it weeks before.
Avoid the possibility of being caught. Driving under the influence of marijuana can result in fines, jail time, and other penalties.
Distracted driving has become just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Smartphone use is often to blame. These are the following restrictions on cellphone use in Iowa:
Laws on Cellphones while Driving | Details |
---|---|
Hand-held ban | None |
All use ban | Learner's permit and intermediate license holders |
Texting ban | All drivers |
Enforcement | Primary |
Primary enforcement simply means that an officer can pull you over just for texting on your phone.
This Iowa Department of Transportation video details how someone who was texting while driving caused the unfortunate and untimely deaths of two young boys:
You now have a good understanding of the laws in Iowa, so let’s dive into the risks and statistics of the road.
Keep reading for fascinating facts about Iowa’s vehicle theft, driving fatalities, teen drinking, and EMS response time.
Some cars in Iowa are stolen more than others. If your car is stolen, comprehensive insurance may cover the costs of the car. That’s just one of the many reasons why it’s good to have auto insurance.
Vehicle Make and Model | Vehicle Year | Total Stolen |
---|---|---|
Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 2002 | 258 |
Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 2001 | 198 |
Chevrolet Impala | 2005 | 101 |
Dodge Pickup (Full Size) | 2004 | 93 |
Ford Taurus | 2003 | 77 |
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee | 2005 | 65 |
GMC Pickup (Full Size) | 2007 | 60 |
Toyota Camry | 1997 | 59 |
Dodge Caravan | 2005 | 56 |
Pontiac Grand Prix | 1999 | 56 |
Where you live is also a crucial risk factor in vehicle thefts. The FBI has collected data on 2013 vehicle theft by city, which we included below.
City | Number of Vehicle Thefts |
---|---|
Des Moines | 850 |
Council Bluffs | 541 |
Cedar Rapids | 297 |
Sioux City | 240 |
Davenport | 239 |
Fort Dodge | 84 |
Iowa City | 82 |
West Des Moines | 76 |
Ottumwa | 69 |
Dubuque | 60 |
Risky and harmful behavior plays a big role in driving fatalities. We will take a closer look at Iowa’s traffic fatalities and some of the main factors in those accidents, such as speeding and underage drinking.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) included one Iowa city on its list of traffic fatalities by city.
City | Total Killed 2016 | Pedestrians Killed 2016 | Fatality Rate per 100,000 Population |
---|---|---|---|
Des Moines City | 20 | 5 | 9.28 percent |
More deaths generally occur on rural than urban roads but make sure you drive carefully wherever you are. Below, you’ll find NHTSA data on moving averages of fatalities by road type.
Road Type | 2003-2005 | 2004-2006 | 2005-2007 | 2006-2008 | 2007-2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rural | 345 | 348 | 364 | 347 | 335 |
Urban | 82 | 78 | 81 | 86 | 75 |
Total | 427 | 426 | 445 | 432 | 410 |
Person type (vehicle type and pedestrian vs. occupant) also plays a part in fatality rates.
Person Type | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Car | 130 | 117 | 111 | 152 | 109 |
Light Truck - Pickup | 38 | 53 | 71 | 53 | 54 |
Light Truck - Utility | 43 | 32 | 42 | 54 | 42 |
Light Truck - Van | 26 | 17 | 12 | 32 | 17 |
Light Truck - Other | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Large Truck | 10 | 11 | 6 | 11 | 18 |
Bus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Other/Unknown Occupants | 6 | 15 | 4 | 8 | 10 |
Total Motorcyclists | 41 | 52 | 41 | 60 | 48 |
Pedestrian | 20 | 19 | 25 | 22 | 23 |
Bicyclist and Other Cyclists | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
Other/Unknown Non-occupants | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Total | 317 | 322 | 320 | 402 | 330 |
Crash type is also an important factor in fatality rates.
Crash Type | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Vehicle | 169 | 167 | 168 | 203 | 182 |
Involving a Large Truck | 61 | 48 | 61 | 70 | 67 |
Involving Speeding | 51 | 45 | 49 | 94 | 70 |
Involving a Rollover | 109 | 110 | 115 | 110 | 124 |
Involving a Roadway Departure | 185 | 208 | 185 | 231 | 207 |
Involving an Intersection (or Intersection Related) | 78 | 85 | 102 | 113 | 85 |
Total Fatalities (All Crashes) | 317 | 322 | 320 | 402 | 330 |
Up next, crash statistics by counties in Iowa.
Below is the five-year trend for the top 10 counties in Iowa, which have some of the highest fatality rates in the state.
County | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Hawk County | 12 | 5 | 10 | 11 | 8 |
Cerro Gordo County | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
Dubuque County | 4 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
Iowa County | 2 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 9 |
Johnson County | 7 | 8 | 5 | 16 | 8 |
Linn County | 12 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 16 |
Marshall County | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
Polk County | 26 | 19 | 20 | 28 | 27 |
Pottawattamie County | 9 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Scott County | 11 | 13 | 21 | 19 | 8 |
Top Ten Counties Total | 113 | 111 | 124 | 151 | 122 |
All Other Counties Total | 203 | 209 | 196 | 251 | 208 |
Overall Total | 316 | 320 | 320 | 402 | 330 |
Speeding is a major cause of death in Iowa. Read on for the number of speeding fatalities in each county.
County Name | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adair County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Adams County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Allamakee County | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Appanoose County | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Audubon County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Benton County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Black Hawk County | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Boone County | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Bremer County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Buchanan County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Buena Vista County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Butler County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Calhoun County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Carroll County | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cass County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Cedar County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Cerro Gordo County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
Cherokee County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Chickasaw County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Clarke County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Clay County | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Clayton County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Clinton County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Crawford County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Dallas County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Davis County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Decatur County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Delaware County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Des Moines County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dickinson County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Dubuque County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Emmet County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fayette County | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Floyd County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Franklin County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fremont County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Greene County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Grundy County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Guthrie County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hamilton County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Hancock County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hardin County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Harrison County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Henry County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Howard County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Humboldt County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ida County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Iowa County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
Jackson County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Jasper County | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Jefferson County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Johnson County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Jones County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Keokuk County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kossuth County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Lee County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Linn County | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 |
Louisa County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Lucas County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Lyon County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Madison County | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Mahaska County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Marion County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Marshall County | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mills County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Mitchell County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Monona County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Monroe County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Montgomery County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Muscatine County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
O Brien County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Osceola County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Page County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Palo Alto County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Plymouth County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Pocahontas County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Polk County | 8 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 5 |
Pottawattamie County | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Poweshiek County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Ringgold County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Sac County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Scott County | 4 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
Shelby County | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Sioux County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Story County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Tama County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Taylor County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Union County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Van Buren County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wapello County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Warren County | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Washington County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wayne County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Webster County | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Winnebago County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Winneshiek County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Woodbury County | 5 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Worth County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wright County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Another major contributor to crash fatalities from drunk driving. Below, we’ve taken a look at deaths involving an alcohol-impaired driver.
County Name | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adair County | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Adams County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Allamakee County | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Appanoose County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Audubon County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Benton County | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Black Hawk County | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Boone County | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Bremer County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Buchanan County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Buena Vista County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Butler County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Calhoun County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Carroll County | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Cass County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Cedar County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Cerro Gordo County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
Cherokee County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Chickasaw County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Clarke County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Clay County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Clayton County | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Clinton County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Crawford County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dallas County | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Davis County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Decatur County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Delaware County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Des Moines County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Dickinson County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Dubuque County | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Emmet County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fayette County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Floyd County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Franklin County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Fremont County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Greene County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Grundy County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Guthrie County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Hamilton County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Hancock County | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Hardin County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Harrison County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Henry County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Howard County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Humboldt County | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Ida County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Iowa County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Jackson County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Jasper County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Jefferson County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Johnson County | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
Jones County | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Keokuk County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kossuth County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Lee County | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Linn County | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
Louisa County | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Lucas County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Lyon County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Madison County | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Mahaska County | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Marion County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Marshall County | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
Mills County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Mitchell County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Monona County | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Monroe County | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Montgomery County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Muscatine County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
O Brien County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Osceola County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Page County | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Palo Alto County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Plymouth County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Pocahontas County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Polk County | 7 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 6 |
Pottawattamie County | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Poweshiek County | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Ringgold County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sac County | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Scott County | 6 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 1 |
Shelby County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sioux County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Story County | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Tama County | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Taylor County | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Union County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Van Buren County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wapello County | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Warren County | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
Washington County | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Wayne County | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Webster County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Winnebago County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Winneshiek County | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Woodbury County | 6 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Worth County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wright County | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
A sobering fact of drunk driving is that a percentage of the drivers are teens. In 2016, law enforcement arrested 71 underage Iowa drivers for drunk driving.
Iowa’s fatality rate for underage drunk driving is 0.8 deaths per 100,000 people, which is below the national average of 1.2 fatalities.
Iowa did, however, rank 20th in the U.S. for the number of underage alcohol-impaired arrests. Regardless of age, it’s important to never drive impaired.
Now that we have covered drunk driving fatalities and arrests, let’s look at EMS response times in Iowa.
Accident victims need help to arrive quickly, so the lower the EMS response time, the better.
Type of Crash | Time of Crash to EMS Notification | EMS Notification to EMS Arrival | EMS Arrival at Scene to Hospital Arrival | Time of Crash to Hospital Arrival |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rural | 6.21 min. | 12.11 min. | 32.39 min. | 50.57 min. |
Urban | 3.88 min. | 6.28 min. | 19.72 min. | 28.20 min . |
Transportation takes us where we need to go and the residents of Iowa are definitely on the go.
Iowa has a fair number of cars on the road: the average household owns two cars. The next largest population is three-car owners followed by those that own a single car.
How many long do you spend in the car daily? In Iowa, the average person drives 18 minutes to work, which is below the national average of 25.3 minutes. 1.35 percent of Iowa’s commuters spend 90 minutes or more driving to work.
We’ve looked at how many cars people own and commute times, but now we’re going to see how people commute. Driving alone is the most popular choice. Carpooling is the travel choice for 8.17 percent of workers in the state. Nearly five percent of Iowans work from home.
Now, let’s cover the average amount of time an Iowan spends in traffic. Good news! None of Iowa’s cities made INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard, which lists the worst cities for traffic congestion worldwide.
Because Iowans spend only 18 minutes on average commuting, they don’t sit in traffic for a long time.
Wow! We’re now at the end of this comprehensive guide, and you’re ready to drive through Iowa’s beautiful state. Start comparing auto insurance rates today by entering your ZIP code below in our FREE online tool!
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