Compulsory Car Insurance for Iowa Drivers

Automobile accidents often lead to vehicle damage, and vehicle damage has the potential to be expensive. If an Iowa motorist is responsible for damages or injuries, state law requires that the offending driver be able to cover the losses. Although the Hawkeye State does not have compulsory car insurance laws, drivers are still required to prove they can be financial responsible if necessary. Residents have the option of filing a surety bond, cash, or security that is equal to $55,000 among other options, though the majority of motorists in Iowa choose to purchase automobile coverage. When someone buys a policy, however, there are certain conditions that must be met to be classified as financially responsible.

Of the 4,141,397 registered vehicles in the Hawkeye State as of 2010, the majority of them are covered with Iowa auto insurance that meets specific minimum requirements. Policyholders must carry bodily injury liability with limits of $20,000 for one person and $40,000 for two people or more in a single accident. Property damage liability is also required with a minimum limit of $15,000. Coverage providers must offer residents the option of purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, but drivers can choose to reject this offer in writing. With an average daily traffic count on the Interstate Highway System being 21,734 automobiles in rural areas and 45,726 automobiles in municipal areas as of 2009, motorists may want to consider purchasing a policy that includes more than just basic liability.

Shop for Additional Iowa Car Insurance

State financial responsibility laws only require motorists to carry coverage designed to pay for damages that occur are the result of the policyholder’s own negligence, but not damages to a resident’s own automobile or other potential losses. Of the 10 Things You Should Know About Buying Auto Insurance it is particularly important for drivers to be aware of any optional coverage that may be available, as well as how to obtain a more comprehensive policy. Shopping around and exploring estimates from multiple companies can help decrease coverage costs by finding a competitively priced plan. Searching online can help gather quotes quickly and may allow for a broader range of estimates. After locating several affordable insurers, drivers may want to contact them directly to discuss additional coverage.

Because bodily injuries can occur during an accident it may be a good idea to explore the possibility of adding MedPay coverage. This additional form of protection typically covers a wide range of necessary medical expenses that may follow a crash, and usually includes family members living in the policyholder’s household in addition to any passengers injured in the covered vehicle. Comprehensive coverage may also be helpful by covering damages other than collision, which usually includes theft, broken windows, falling objects, vandalism, fire, or even flooding. Comprehensive is also typically paired with collision coverage to cover many of the damages to the policyholder’s own vehicle after an accident. Not only do motorists in Iowa have the option of purchasing a policy to meet the state’s financial responsibility requirement, but these plans can be very extensive and with a little research they can be affordable as well.