Cheapest car insurance carriers in Des Moines
Estimated annual full-coverage premiums for a standard driver profile, ranked cheapest first — the Des Moines average runs about $2,124/yr (median of the top carriers below: $1,892/yr). Enter your ZIP for a ranking tuned to your exact area, vehicle, and coverage.
| # | Carrier | Est. annual | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA | $1,336/yr | Save $556 |
| 2 | State Farm | $1,636/yr | Save $256 |
| 3 | Root Insurance | $1,754/yr | Save $138 |
| 4 | GEICO | $1,815/yr | Save $77 |
| 5 | Travelers | $1,831/yr | Save $61 |
| 6 | Progressive | $1,952/yr | +$60 |
| 7 | The Hartford | $1,996/yr | +$104 |
| 8 | Kemper | $1,999/yr | +$107 |
| 9 | National General | $2,039/yr | +$147 |
| 10 | Safeco | $2,246/yr | +$354 |
Not sure how much coverage you need? Use the free Coverage Calculator →
Directional estimates from public rate filings and NAIC complaint indices — not a quote. Your actual rate depends on your ZIP, vehicle, age, and credit.
Part of our Iowa auto insurance report — statewide rates & carrier rankings.
- Des Moines averages ~$2,120/year for full coverage — -29% vs. the national average
- GEICO and Grinnell Mutual are consistently among the cheapest carriers in this market
- Rate spreads are wide — cheapest carrier can be 40–60% below the most expensive for the same profile
- Iowa requires 20/40/15 liability — minimums leave significant gaps for most drivers
- Rates are rising in 2026 — shopping at renewal is the single highest-ROI move most drivers can make
Des Moines drivers pay roughly $2,120/year for full coverage — -14% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable major metro markets in the country. Carriers compete hard here, and switching at renewal can still save hundreds.
Within Iowa, the Des Moines metro runs differently from rural parts of the state. Urban density increases accident probability, and theft and vandalism rates are higher in most metro cores. Carriers price these risks into their Des Moines rates regardless of an individual driver’s record.
How to find the cheapest carrier in Des Moines
The single most important thing a Des Moines driver can do is compare rates at every renewal. Carriers update their pricing models frequently, and the cheapest option last year may not be cheapest today. The spread between the highest and lowest rate for the same driver profile is typically 40–60% in this market — that’s hundreds of dollars per year on the table.
Iowa coverage rule: Iowa requires 20/40/15 liability. These are legal minimums — full coverage (comprehensive + collision) provides substantially better protection for most Des Moines drivers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Des Moines?
For Des Moines drivers with clean records, GEICO and Grinnell Mutual are frequently the most competitive. Nationwide is also worth comparing. Enter your ZIP above to see current rankings for your specific location — rates vary across Iowa.
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Iowa?
Iowa requires 20/40/15 liability. These are legal minimums — full coverage (comprehensive + collision) is worth the additional premium for most Des Moines drivers.