Cheap Car Insurance in
Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines, is one of the Midwest’s most popular cities, offering an exciting cityscape and several nature reservation areas. One of our favorite things to do is attend the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market, which hosts close to 300 vendors every week offering everything from handicrafts to baked goods.
We appreciate Des Moines attractions, including the Salisbury House and Gardens, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Blank Park Zoo, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and The Science Center of Iowa.
To drive in Des Moines and West Des Moines, you must carry the state minimum required auto insurance coverage. Keep reading to learn more about car insurance in Iowa, including average rates paid by age and zip code in the region.
Quick Facts
- Des Moines’ original name was Fort Raccoon before becoming Fort Des Moines and, eventually, simply Des Moines.
- Ronald Reagan was the chief sports announcer for WHO in Des Moines.
- Des Moines’ capitol building is one of its most visited attractions.
- Des Moines was incorporated as a city on September 22, 1851.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Des Moines, IA?
The monthly average for full coverage car insurance in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $119 per month, which is well below the national average monthly rate of $140 and slightly above Iowa’s monthly average overall at $105. The state-required minimum liability car insurance in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $36 on average per month, lower than the national average of $47 and higher than the state’s average of $21.
Residents of a large, congested city will likely see higher rates than those who live in rural areas. The chance of a claim for an auto accident or auto theft is higher in the city, so insurance companies charge more for those residents. To find the cheapest car insurance in Des Moines a driver should look for the minimum liability car insurance required and have a good driving record.
How does Des Moines-West Des Moines compare with other cities in Iowa? Here is a breakdown of monthly average car insurance costs for other cities within the state:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $119 | $36 |
| Cedar Rapids | $109 | $32 |
| Iowa City | $100 | $29 |
| Council Bluffs | $135 | $35 |
Affordable Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code in Des Moines, Iowa
Some zip codes have a higher incidence of theft and other acts that elevate the region’s risk profile. Each resident will ultimately pay higher premiums as a result.
See our breakdown below of the monthly average car insurance rate by zip code in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 50010 | $96 | $28 |
| 50038 | $108 | $28 |
| 50250 | $118 | $27 |
| 50307 | $115 | $34 |
| 50309 | $114 | $36 |
| 50310 | $109 | $35 |
| 50311 | $109 | $34 |
| 50312 | $107 | $34 |
| 50313 | $114 | $35 |
| 50314 | $119 | $36 |
| 50315 | $114 | $35 |
| 50316 | $113 | $35 |
| 50317 | $109 | $34 |
| 50319 | $109 | $35 |
| 50320 | $114 | $35 |
| 50321 | $108 | $35 |
| 50322 | $104 | $33 |
| 50325 | $103 | $31 |
| 50327 | $107 | $33 |
| 50332 | $119 | $36 |
| 50339 | $119 | $36 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, drivers ages 16-19 have the highest average monthly rates versus drivers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, who enjoy the lowest average monthly rates. This is because younger drivers collectively pay more due to a higher incidence of accidents and reckless behavior.
See our breakdown below of the monthly average car insurance rate by age in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA:
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers | $399 | $137 |
| 20s | $136 | $41 |
| 30s | $119 | $36 |
| 40s | $98 | $34 |
| 50s | $98 | $33 |
| 60s | $99 | $34 |
| 70s | $99 | $38 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Iowa. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Iowa Today!
Driving Conditions in Des Moines, Iowa
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
In 2020, there were 18 fatal accidents in Des Moines and 1 in West Des Moines.
In 2019, there were 15 fatal accidents in Des Moines, resulting in 15 fatalities with a total of 23 people involved.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Des Moines, IA?
All Des Moines-West Des Moines drivers are supported by the Public Works department, which provides day-to-day maintenance on all of its sanitation, road, city storm, emergency response systems, and more. Past projects have focused on increasing on-time performance of scheduled preventative maintenance at pump stations and improving its asphalt pavement conditions, which included reconstructing more than 30,000 square yards of streets.
For more information on the Des Moines-West Des Moines’s Public Works department, visit City of Des Moines – Public Works.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Des Moines, Iowa
All Des Moines-West Des Moines drivers must carry the following minimum liability car insurance:
- Bodily injury/death liability insurance: $20,000 per person
- Bodily injury/death: $40,000 per accident
- Property damage liability insurance: $15,000 per accident
Although purchasing the minimum liability is the cheapest car insurance in Des Moines-West Des Moines, it won’t afford you much protection if you cause an accident. All drivers should consider purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in case they are hit by a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run driver.
We recommend obtaining comprehensive car insurance and collision auto insurance in addition. Comprehensive protects against scenarios other than accidents, such as theft, hail, vandalism, and weather-related incidents. Collision will help you repair your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault.
No matter what, do not go a day without coverage. All insurance companies must report lapsed coverage to the state, which may decide to enforce fines and other administrative penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Des Moines, IA?
Expect trouble if you do not show financial responsibility when pulled over at a traffic stop in Iowa.
First-time offenders can expect to pay a $250 fine and serve a 12-month license and registration suspension until proof of insurance is provided. On top of that, you will be on the hook for a $15 administrative fee, a $2,000 civil penalty, and a $20 license renewal fee. Worst of all, your rates will increase, doubling or tripling in some instances based on your driving history.
Lastly, you will need to file an SR-22, which serves as proof of financial responsibility that you are carrying the state’s minimum required insurance. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance is possible, but you will be automatically labeled as in the high-risk driver category, where your rates can explode.
Factors Allowed in Des Moines Car Insurance Rates
All Des Moines-West Des Moines drivers are evaluated for rates based on age, gender, zip code of residence, safe driving behaviors, and more.
Expect the following factors to play a role as well:
- Claim history
- Credit score
- Education
- Occupation
- Make and model of vehicle
The make and model of your vehicle is a heavy consideration. For example, a $37,000+ Genesis G70 could cost $2,000 more in annual premiums versus an older Toyota Camry which would require a lower sum. Rates for vehicles are based on the cost of parts and labor, plus how likely a car is to be stolen.
Discounts for Car Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa
If you have a clean driving record for the last three to five years, expect to be eligible for a good driver discount from your insurance provider. Qualifying for car insurance discounts is an excellent way to save money on your policy without adjusting your coverage limits or deductibles.
Discounts available to Des Moines drivers include but are not limited to:
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Discount for installing anti-theft vehicle safety features
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Paperless billing or autopay discount
Check in with your insurance agent regularly to stay on top of savings, especially as your life circumstances change. For example, bundling your homeowners and auto insurance policy could result in 5% savings from each one.
Get a Quote for Low-Cost Car Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa Online Today!
To drive legally in Des Moines-West Des Moines, you must have car insurance. Freeway Insurance is here for you whether you are looking for the state’s minimum required coverage or a full coverage policy.
To get started, request a fast and free car insurance quote online, visit an Iowa location near you, or call one of our friendly service representatives at 800-777-5620 for a free, no-obligation quote.