Cheap auto insurance for teenagers in Iowa

Whether the car in registered in your teen’s name or your name, the mandatory automobile insurance laws of Iowa still require you to carry the minimum liability auto insurance. The Iowa mandatory auto insurance laws require you to carry $20,000.00 of insurance for each individual injured in an accident, $40,000.00 for all injuries incurred in an accident and $15,000.00 for any property damage incurred in an automobile accident to cover your teenager when they are behind the wheel. Insurance companies in Iowa may suggest you carry more than the minimum state requirements because of the higher risk of accidents posed by inexperienced teen drivers. Furthermore, following their advice may actually reduce the cost of insuring your teenager. There is no doubt that adding your teenagers to your policy will increase your premiums but it will generally cost less than putting them on their own policy. Encouraging your teen to maintain a “B” grade point average and drive sensibly will help to reduce these added costs to your premiums.

Since Iowa is a Torte state with no limits on law suits, the person causing the accident can be sued for pain, suffering, lost wages and medical costs which result from the accident. For this reason, it is a good idea to carry more than the minimum required auto liability insurance on teens. Liability insurance will cover the injuries and deaths which are inflicted on all other persons involved in the accident. It will also cover all property damage whether it is another vehicle or a fence. It is strongly suggested that collision and comprehensive insurance be carried for young drivers. Collision covers the damages and replacement costs to the car your teen drives in the case of an accident involving another car, reckless driving, etc even if your teen was at fault. Comprehensive auto insurance covers accidents involving acts of nature such as four legged animals and accidents caused by bad weather.

The auto insurance coverage must come from a company which has been approved by the state of Iowa. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you at all times. This proof must include the VIN number of your vehicle, the make and model of your vehicle, the name of those covered as well as the policy holder and the name of the insurance company and the current effective dates of coverage. If your teen does not provide proof of insurance, they will be fined, could loose their license and the registration to the vehicle. They will have to provide proof of the minimum liability insurance in order to restore their license and registration at the end of their suspension.

Proof of proper liability auto insurance coverage includes an insurance card from the company, a form from the state proving you have funds on deposit with the state, or a bill of sale for a recently purchased vehicle along with proof that the former vehicle was insured. Should your teen become involved in an accident or be stopped for a traffic violation and they do not have the required liability policy, they will be cited as an uninsured motorist. Even if the accident is not your teen’s fault, they can still be cited for lacking proof of insurance. This will result in fines and points being added to their driving record. Lack of proof can result in the loss of the car’s registration and plates as well as a suspension of your teenager’s license.



Younger drivers can get discounts for maintaining good grades, and completing a driver safety course approved by the state. Insuring multiple vehicles will also reduce your premiums. Anti theft devices and safety mechanisms such as airbags and seat belts will contribute to the reduction of your auto insurance premiums. Do not put your teenager in a sports car or a luxury car. It may also be useful to know which cars are frequently targeted by thieves. The list of the top ten most often stolen cars in the state of Iowa are listed below.



1. 1995 Ford F150
2. 1999 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup (full size)
3. 1995 Pontiac Grand Am
4. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
5. 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass
6. 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
7. 1991 Chevrolet Lumina
8. 1994 Ford Taurus
9. 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup
10. 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix