Home Insurance in Iowa
If you own a home in Iowa, you’re in good company — nearly three out of four households here are homeowners. But between tornadoes, blizzards, and flooding, protecting your home is just as important as owning it.
Since 1980, Iowa has faced 86 major weather disasters, costing over $50 billion in damages. And with home insurance rates on the rise, finding coverage that meets your needs can help you feel more prepared when the unexpected hits.
So, how do you find homeowners insurance in Iowa that fits your budget and lifestyle? Let’s break it down.
What is the average homeowners insurance cost in Iowa?
Here’s how the average annual cost of homeowners insurance in Iowa has changed over the past five years:
Year | Average Premium |
|---|---|
2024 | $2,654 |
2023 | $2,642 |
2022 | $2,389 |
2021 | $1,043 |
2020 | $998 |
*Data retrieved from Insurance.com (Jan 29, 2025), Insure.com (April 14, 2025), and III.org.
On average, Iowans pay around $2,654 per year — close to the national average of $2,601.
What factors influence my home insurance rate?
Iowa homeowners insurance rates aren’t the same for everyone. Several factors can influence premiums in the Corn State:
- Severe weather risks: Iowa sees an average of 50+ tornadoes per year, plus blizzards, hailstorms, and flooding. Homes in high-risk areas — like along the Cedar River floodplain — could face higher premiums.
- Home age and condition: Older homes, especially those in historic districts like Dubuque or Burlington, could cost more to insure due to aging infrastructure.
- Claims history: If you’ve filed multiple claims recently — or if you’re buying a home with a history of claims — your rate could be higher.
- Credit score: Iowa allows insurance companies to use credit scores to calculate rates, meaning a higher score could help lower your premium.
Common insurance discounts in Iowa
Home insurance in Iowa might be more affordable if you take advantage of available discounts. Here are some options:
- Storm-resistant upgrades: Given Iowa’s frequent tornadoes and hailstorms, you may want insurance through a company that offers discounts for impact-resistant roofs, storm shutters, and reinforced windows.
- New home discount: Homes built recently could qualify for lower rates if they meet modern building codes.
- Security system discount: Adding a monitored alarm system, deadbolts, or smart security cameras could help lower your premium
- Claims-free discount: Haven’t filed a claim in five years or more? Some insurers might offer a discount.
- Bundling home and auto: Combining policies with one company may help you qualify for savings.
Tips for lowering home insurance rates
Even if your home insurance costs in Iowa have gone up in recent years, there are ways to manage premiums:
- Reinforce your home against storms: Iowa is no stranger to severe storms. Upgrades like impact-resistant roofing may help reduce risks, and potentially your rate.
- Raise your deductible (strategically): In general, a higher home insurance deductible will lower premiums. But only choose what you can afford out of pocket.
- Skip small claims: Filing frequent claims could raise your premium. For minor damage, it might make sense to pay out of pocket.
- Compare quotes at renewal: Rates change often. Compare at least three home insurance quotes in Iowa before renewing.
What does Iowa home insurance cover?
Dwelling coverage
May help repair or rebuild your home after damage from fire, wind, hail, storms, and other perils.
Personal property coverage
May help protect belongings like furniture, snowblowers, hunting gear, and even your Hawkeyes memorabilia from package theft, fire, or storm damage.
Liability protection
Could help pay for medical or legal costs if someone slips on your icy sidewalk or gets hurt on your property.
Loss of use coverage
May help pay for hotel stays, meals, and other costs if your home is damaged in a storm and needs major repairs after a covered loss. This is also called additional living expenses (ALE) coverage.
Not every policy covers the same risks. It could be a good idea to speak with licensed home insurance agents in Iowa to understand what’s included.
Additional Iowa insurance coverage options
A standard home insurance policy covers a lot — but it doesn’t cover everything. Depending on where you live in Iowa, you might want extra protection:
- Flood insurance: Standard policies don’t cover flood damage. Homes near the Cedar River, Des Moines River, or Mississippi River may need a separate policy through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
- Sewer backup coverage: This add-on can help protect finished basements from damage after heavy rain.
- Farm equipment coverage: Equipment like tractors or livestock trailers may require a separate farm insurance policy.
- Hail and windstorm coverage: Iowa ranks sixth in the U.S. for hailstorms. Some insurers separate these perils under different deductibles. Review your policy to see what applies.
What coverage is recommended in Iowa?
Home insurance needs in Iowa can vary by location. For example, if you're in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Davenport, you might want to double-check that your policy covers wind and hail damage. Iowa sees its fair share of tornadoes and wind storms, and some insurers have separate deductibles for these risks.
Flooding isn’t just a problem for homes near the Cedar or Des Moines Rivers. Over 40% of flood claims happen outside of high-risk zones. If heavy rain has caused flooding near you before, it might be worth looking into flood insurance.
If your home is older or custom-built, rebuilding it could cost more than expected. Extended replacement cost coverage helps add a cushion in case construction prices spike after a major storm.
Standard home insurance also limits coverage for valuables like jewelry, firearms, and rare collectibles. If you have high-value items, consider scheduling them separately for fuller protection.
Insuring your home in Iowa
Wherever you live in Iowa — whether it’s historic Des Moines, rural countryside, or a flood-prone area — here’s what to consider when shopping for Iowa homeowners insurance.
- Start with dwelling coverage: Make sure your limits match rebuild costs.
- Next, look at deductibles: This is how much you’ll pay if you file a claim. Choose an amount that you could comfortably cover in a worst-case scenario.
- Understand exclusions: Standard policies don’t cover flooding; many have sub-limits for certain high-value items, like jewelry. Consider your full financial picture and what you need to insure when you take out a policy.
- Compare quotes: One way to find cheap homeowners insurance in Iowa is to get quotes from at least three companies. This will give you a better sense of pricing.
💡 Check out Iowa’s Insurance Division Claims Guide for what to do if you experience a disaster.
Is Iowa homeowners insurance required by law?
No, Iowa doesn’t require homeowners insurance by law, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require it. Once your loan is paid off, you’re not legally obligated to keep coverage — but dropping it could be risky.
Iowa sees tornadoes, hailstorms, and harsh winters every year. In 2024 alone, tornadoes tore through towns like Greenfield, leaving homeowners with major damage. Without insurance, you could be on the hook for every repair or rebuild out of pocket.
Even if your home never sees storm damage, you most likely need liability coverage. If someone slips on your icy front steps in February, you could be sued for medical bills. Home insurance can help you cover these unexpected costs.
Looking for homeowners insurance in a different state?
If you're moving out of Iowa or just curious about home insurance in another state, you’ll want to check out state-specific coverage options. Click on a state below to learn about costs for that area.
Still have questions?
Is home insurance going up in Iowa?
Yes, home insurance rates are rising in Iowa and nationwide. If your premium jumps at renewal, comparing quotes from reputable Iowa insurers and adjusting your coverage can help keep costs down.
What home insurance companies are leaving Iowa?
As of now, most major insurance companies still offer policies in Iowa. However, some insurers have pulled out of high-risk states like California and Florida due to rising claims.
How much is homeowners insurance in Des Moines, IA?
Home insurance in Des Moines typically runs right in line with the state average, around $2,654 per year. Prices can vary based on home value, location, and coverage, so getting quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find an affordable policy.
How much is Iowa condo insurance?
Condo insurance in Iowa averages around $435 per year. Policies typically cover personal property, liability, and the interior of your unit. Your condo association’s master policy typically covers common areas. Condo insurance is also known as an HO-6 policy.
Is mortgage insurance required in Iowa?
Mortgage insurance is different from homeowners insurance. If you put less than 20% down on a home, your lender will likely require private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you reach enough equity. This insurance protects the lender, not you, and is separate from homeowners insurance.
