Best homeowners insurance in Iowa (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Iowa.

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By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
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Reviewed by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Updated|4 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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What to do if you’ve been impacted by 2024 tornadoes

Over 100 tornadoes swept through several states at the end of April, 2024, including parts of Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa. Homeowners impacted by these tornadoes may need to file a claim with their insurance company for damage caused by the storms. Policygenius has several resources available to help guide homeowners through the claims process. Homeowners looking for a new insurance policy can reach out to our expert home insurance agents to compare quotes from multiple companies.

How to file a storm damage insurance claim

Does homeowners insurance cover tornado damage?

Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage?

Does homeowners insurance cover spoiled food from a power outage?

Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?

Iowa doesn’t suffer from that many natural disasters, but with its location near Tornado Alley and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, damage from heavy winds and flooding isn’t uncommon. For that reason, Iowa residents should consider a solid home insurance policy and additional flood protection. 

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Iowa is $1,686 per year or $141 a month. This is comparable to the national average of $1,754 per year, making Iowa a relatively affordable state for home insurance.

Compare home insurance rates in Iowa

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Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Iowa

According to our analysis, Auto-Owners, State FarmNationwide, American Family, and Farmers are the best homeowners insurance companies in Iowa.

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes across the state to find the average cost of homeowners insurance from each company. We then looked at J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of the state's residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Iowa.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

Auto-Owners Insurance

$119

5.0 out of 5

State Farm

$197

4.8 out of 5

Nationwide

$168

4.5 out of 5

American Family

$100

4.5 out of 5

Farmers

$101

4.5 out of 5

Compare home insurance rates in Iowa

We don't sell your information to third parties.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Auto-Owners Insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange star

5.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Auto-Owners Insurance is the best homeowners insurance company in Iowa thanks to its extensive policy and coverage options, its high marks for financial strength, and its customer experience ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers a slew of extra coverage add-ons

  • Rates are cheaper than average in Iowa

  • Flood insurance through the NFIP

Cons

  • Not able to get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for best overall company

Auto-Owners Insurance is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa, especially if you want to add more protection to a basic policy. Auto-Owners offers endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and more.

In Iowa, Auto-Owners' rates are cheaper than average. Plus, Auto-Owners offers more than a dozen discounts, including many that are easy to qualify for, like signing up for automatic payments and paperless billing.

How much does Auto-Owners home insurance cost in Iowa?

The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Iowa is $1,425 per year, which is 15% cheaper than the statewide average.

How to get quotes

To get a homeowners insurance quote, you’ll have to call a local Auto-Owners Insurance agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Offers earthquake insurance

Wind/hail deductible

Offers wildfire insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

  • Big discount for bundling home and auto coverage

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers

  • Rates are more expensive than average in Iowa

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm

State Farm is one of our picks for the best home insurance in Iowa, especially if you want to add protection to a basic policy. With State Farm homeowners can get extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, and more.

State Farm's customer service is highly rated, too. The company has received high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. It has also received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.

How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Iowa average?

The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Iowa is $2,367 per year, which is 40% more expensive than the statewide average.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

Nationwide is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa for its top-rated customer service. Nationwide also offers a range of add-ons that you can use to personalize your coverage, though its rates are more expensive than average.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Receives fewer complaints than average

  • Multiple high-quality coverage options

Cons

  • Below-average digital experience ratings

  • Rates are more expensive than average in Iowa

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Nationwide

Nationwide is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa for its great customer service. Nationwide ranks fifth on J.D. Power's Property Claims Satisfaction Study from 2022 and receives far fewer complaints than other insurers, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

We also like Nationwide's many coverage options, including guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverages, better roof replacement, new belongings coverage, water backup protection, and equipment breakdown coverage.

How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the Iowa average?

The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Iowa is $2,018 per year, which is 20% more expensive than the annual statewide average.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

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2024 Policygenius award winner

American Family

American Family home insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.6

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Bundle home & auto

Why we chose itchevron icon

American Family is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa, especially for people who want to add coverage to a basic policy. AmFam also has high customer service ratings and several discounts.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Several one-of-its-kind coverage endorsements and policy perks

  • High customer satisfaction and digital shopping satisfaction scores with J.D. Power

  • Rates are cheaper than average in Iowa

Cons

  • Requires you to work with an agent to purchase a policy

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose American Family

American Family is one of the top home insurance companies in Iowa. You can customize your American Family policy with up to 15 additional coverage options — including inland flood, equipment breakdown, and service line coverage.

American Family is cheaper than average in Iowa, plus with AmFam's many discounts (including paying your premiums all at once, opting for paperless billing, and signing up for automatic payments) your premiums may be even cheaper.

How do American Family home insurance rates compare to the Iowa average?

The average annual cost of American Family home insurance in Iowa is $1,199 per year, which is 29% cheaper than the statewide average.

How to get a quote

Online with American Family or by contacting a local agent

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa for those who want to add coverage to their policies. Farmers also has a range of discounts, cheaper-than-average rates, and high claims satisfaction scores.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

  • Receives few complaints from policyholders and has a high claims satisfaction score

  • Cheaper than average in Iowa

Cons

  • Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Farmers

Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Iowa, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. Optional coverages from Farmers include guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.

Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it scored below average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Iowa?

The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Iowa is $1,206 per year, which is 28% cheaper than the state's average annual premium.

How to get a quote

Online through Farmers

How much is homeowners insurance in Iowa?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Iowa is $1,686 per year, or $141 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This means insurance in Iowa is 4% cheaper than the national average per year.

Iowa homeowners insurance rates by city

We calculated the cost of home insurance in Iowa largest cities and found that Ankeny is the cheapest big city for homeowners insurance in the state, while Council Bluffs is the most expensive.

Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Iowa.

City

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

Des Moines

$136

$1,633

-3%

Cedar Rapids

$135

$1,616

-4%

Davenport

$132

$1,588

-6%

Sioux City

$145

$1,736

3%

Iowa City

$133

$1,592

-6%

Ankeny

$126

$1,512

-10%

West Des Moines

$129

$1,547

-8%

Ames

$135

$1,623

-4%

Waterloo

$145

$1,734

3%

Council Bluffs

$162

$1,948

16%

Dubuque

$133

$1,599

-5%

Urbandale

$132

$1,578

-6%

Marion

$133

$1,594

-5%

Cedar Falls

$133

$1,591

-6%

Bettendorf

$132

$1,582

-6%

Waukee

$134

$1,604

-5%

Marshalltown

$136

$1,628

-3%

Mason City

$144

$1,727

2%

Ottumwa

$145

$1,738

3%

Fort Dodge

$145

$1,745

3%

Collapse table

Iowa homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount

The table below highlights the average annual premium in Iowa for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.

Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.

Compare home insurance rates in Iowa

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Iowa

After analyzing home insurance rates in all of the state's ZIP codes, we found that the cheapest home insurance companies in Iowa are West Bend Mutual, Westfield, American Family, Farmers, and Pekin Insurance.

City

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

Des Moines

$136

$1,633

-3%

Cedar Rapids

$135

$1,616

-4%

Davenport

$132

$1,588

-6%

Sioux City

$145

$1,736

3%

Iowa City

$133

$1,592

-6%

Ankeny

$126

$1,512

-10%

West Des Moines

$129

$1,547

-8%

Ames

$135

$1,623

-4%

Waterloo

$145

$1,734

3%

Council Bluffs

$162

$1,948

16%

Dubuque

$133

$1,599

-5%

Urbandale

$132

$1,578

-6%

Marion

$133

$1,594

-5%

Cedar Falls

$133

$1,591

-6%

Bettendorf

$132

$1,582

-6%

Waukee

$134

$1,604

-5%

Marshalltown

$136

$1,628

-3%

Mason City

$144

$1,727

2%

Ottumwa

$145

$1,738

3%

Fort Dodge

$145

$1,745

3%

Collapse table

Cheapest Iowa homeowners insurance if you have poor credit

Poor credit can be bad news when it comes to home insurance rates. Insurance companies consider a bad credit score to be an indicator of risky behavior and an increased risk of filing an insurance claim.

With an average rate of $1,442 per year, Pekin Insurance has the cheapest home insurance rates in Iowa for a homeowner with poor credit.

Company

Average annual cost

Pekin Insurance

$1,442

West Bend Mutual Insurance

$1,634

American Family

$1,989

Westfield Insurance

$1,990

IMT Insurance

$2,314

USAA

$2,386

Shelter Insurance

$2,480

Farmers

$2,551

Nationwide

$2,563

Allstate

$2,662

Farm Bureau Insurance

$3,571

Encova Insurance

$3,748

State Farm

$4,069

Celina Insurance

$8,518

Auto-Owners Insurance

$14,004

Collapse table

Cheapest Iowa homeowners insurance if you have an older home

It can cost a lot to insure older homes. That's because they're more prone to structural damage than new homes. Older homes are also often constructed out of materials and with features that would be expensive to replace if they were damaged.

With an average annual premium of $1,158, Westfield Insurance offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Iowa for an older home.

Company

Average annual cost

Westfield Insurance

$1,158

West Bend Mutual Insurance

$1,219

Farmers

$1,222

Pekin Insurance

$1,252

American Family

$1,313

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,343

IMT Insurance

$1,428

USAA

$1,776

Allstate

$2,024

Shelter Insurance

$2,049

Nationwide

$2,096

Encova Insurance

$2,308

State Farm

$2,367

Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,387

Celina Insurance

$3,886

Collapse table

Cheapest Iowa homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims

If you have multiple claims on your record, you'll typically pay more for home insurance, as insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.

With an average annual premium of $1,307, Westfield Insurance offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Iowa if you've filed three claims within a five-year period.

Company

Average annual cost

Westfield Insurance

$1,307

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,425

Pekin Insurance

$1,550

West Bend Mutual Insurance

$1,655

Farmers

$1,841

American Family

$2,091

IMT Insurance

$2,093

USAA

$2,313

State Farm

$2,367

Encova Insurance

$2,565

Shelter Insurance

$3,236

Nationwide

$3,237

Allstate

$3,247

Farm Bureau Insurance

$4,344

Celina Insurance

$5,717

Collapse table

Coverage options in Iowa

In addition to looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also know what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

When buying homeowners insurance in Iowa, you may need additional insurance to protect yourself against strong winds and floods.

Windstorm insurance

Storms in Iowa can bring strong winds and even tornadoes. Even though homeowners insurance usually covers damage from wind and tornadoes, it's more complicated in Iowa, where tornadoes are more common than other parts of the country.

Some home insurance companies in the state may charge a separate wind deductible, while others won't cover wind damage at all. If you're not covered, you would need to get a separate windstorm policy or find a company that covers wind damage.

Hail insurance

Iowa's storms can bring hail with strong wind and rain. Most home insurance policies cover hail damage, along with other falling objects that can damage your property.

There are some exceptions in states like Iowa that experience lots of hailstorms. Some home insurance companies may charge a separate hail deductible — or may exclude coverage altogether.

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a part of Iowa experiences flooding, you should consider flood insurance along with your regular home insurance.

In addition to comparing home insurance quotes, homeowners in Iowa can also compare private flood insurance rates with Policygenius, or choose a policy through a government entity like the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to buy homeowners insurance in Iowa

One of the best ways to buy home insurance in Iowa is by comparing quotes online. But how do you know which insurer to choose? We’ve included our favorite tips in the list below to help you find the best coverage solutions at the best price.

Steps to getting home insurance in Iowa

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our home insurance experts are ready to help you find affordable coverage that protects you and your valuables against damage or loss, and can even suggest add-on coverages tailored to your needs.

  2. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Iowa doesn’t experience a lot of natural disasters, but with its location between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, flooding can be an issue. A Policygenius agent can explain how flood insurance is separate from a homeowners policy and recommend how to obtain flood insurance for your home.

  3. Figure out how high of a deductible you can afford.A higher deductible means you’ll pay less upfront for your insurance, but a more significant chunk when it's time to file a claim. A Policygenius agent can help you choose a deductible that works best with your budget.

  4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent.Once you’ve identified your coverage needs, limits, and deductibles, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from top companies, and answer any questions you may have about the quotes.

  5. Sign the policy, and pay your first premium. After you’ve settled on the company that works best for you, Policygenius will do all of the paperwork for you. We’ll even cancel your old policy if it isn’t expired yet.

Compare home insurance rates in Iowa

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average home insurance cost in Iowa?

The average home insurance rate in Iowa is about $153 a month for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. That’s almost comparable to the national average of $158 a month, meaning homeowners in Iowa are getting their home insurance at a relatively affordable price.

Is it required for me to have home insurance in Iowa?

It is not legally required to have home insurance in Iowa, but many mortgage lenders require it before extending a home loan to protect their investment. Even though you don’t have a loan on your home, without a home insurance plan, any damage to your home will come out of your pocket.

How can I pay less for my homeowners insurance in Iowa?

One of the easiest ways to lower your homeowners insurance in Iowa is by asking about available discounts with your insurance company. For savings up to 25% with some insurers, consider bundling your home and auto policies into one plan and choose autopay and e-billing for further discounts. Comparing online quotes can save you even more money when you’re ready to search for a new insurance provider.

Author

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

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