Iowa Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

Iowa Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Only if you or your car get in an accident or if your license has been revoked, then you need to be able to show minimum coverage of 20/40/15, which means up to $20,000 for one person’s bodily injuries, up to $40,000 for two or more person’s bodily injuries, and up to $15,000 for any property that’s damaged. Of course, since you’d have to be clairvoyant to know whether or not you’re going to get in a wreck or someday get your driver’s license suspended, it’d be a good idea to not bet the corn crop and go ahead and get it.

Q: Is Iowa a "tort" state?

A: Iowa is what is known as a “tort” state, and yes, you can be sued or do your own share of suing. In tort states, there are no restrictions on lawsuits, which means you can sue or be sued by the other driver and/or the other driver’s passengers for pain and suffering in addition to any out-of-pocket medical expenses. You may even have to go get the corn crop in for the victim if you’ve disabled him to the point where he can’t get it in himself.

Q: What should I do if I get into an accident?

A: Whether or not it’s your fault, the Office of Driver Services has to be informed within 72 hours if there were any injuries, property damage of $1,000 or more, or a death. If investigated by a peace officer, however, the report will be filed by the law enforcement agency.

If you were the one at fault because you were thinking about the corn crop instead of watching the road, you will next have to provide proof of insurance or your driver’s license will be suspended.

You can get off the hook (but not out of the cornfield) by:

-- Presenting proof that you are covered by automobile liability insurance at the time of the accident

-- Providing cash, a cashier's check, a certified check, a bank draft or a postal money order made payable to the Office of Driver Services

-- Getting releases from any and all other damaged or injured parties

-- Getting a decision resulting from a civil damage action that relieves you from liability

-- Making a legal agreement to pay the other damaged or injured parties on an installment plan

-- Filing proof of complete settlement regarding any or all damages or injuries

Q: Am I still liable if someone else is driving my car and gets into an accident?

A: Both you and the driver of the vehicle involved in an accident must prove your respective financial responsibility or be at risk of losing all registrations and licenses to operate motor vehicles, and, of course, the corn crop – which the state really doesn’t know what to do with, so just make sure you have the insurance.

Q: Are there any exemptions to having to proof of insurance after an accident?

A: Proof of financial responsibility after an accident isn't needed in these cases:

-- Your car was legally stopped, standing, or parked – like in the corn crop.

-- Your vehicle was driven without your permission – like someone stole it while you were in the corn crop.

-- No damage occurred to any person or property other than yourself – like if they didn’t run down your corn crop when they stole your car, just you.

Q: What happens if my registration and/or license get suspended?

A: Future proof of financial responsibility is required for two years and begins from the very first day of your suspension or revocation for a conviction, unsatisfied judgment, or violation of the OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) law. Failure to show or maintain future proof suspends your license and registrations again. So if you’re using that corn for making liquor, stop.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain an Iowa tag and registration?

A: You do not have to have proof of insurance in order to purchase tags and registration in Iowa, but if you get into an accident, you’d better have it ready – or there goes the corn crop – along with your driver’s license and your registration.

Q: But what if I’m just visiting in Iowa?

A: Proof of insurance after an accident pertains to non-residents as well. Non-residents cannot operate or register any vehicle in Iowa until all requirements are met – and the corn crop gets in.