Drivers from all around Iowa now have a unique opportunity to save on their car insurance premiums. Many insurance companies are giving consumers the ability to get quotes online instantly. This makes shopping for insurance products easier, as you can quickly compare rates between different companies without having to spend hours on the phone or meeting with someone at an office. This means there's a lot less sales pressure and you can take time to select the company with the best coverage and cheapest rates.

General info on Iowa rates: In 2008, the average car insurance rate in the state of Iowa was $579.95. Rates actually went down that year when compared to 2007, who had an average rate of $580.54. This represents a change of -0.10%.

A more detailed analysis of auto insurance rates in Iowa shows that in 2008, liability coverage had an average rate of $302.61, collision coverage had an average rate of $209.86 and comprehensive coverage averaged $173.55. One fact that Iowa drivers will be happy to know, is that it is the state with one of the cheapest rates in the whole nation. In 2007, there was only 1 state which had higher rates than Iowa.

By looking at more long-term trends, we see that the average premium for car insurance was $478.75 in 2000 and $512.66 in 2005. In the year 2000, Iowa was yet again the state with the least expensive average rates.

Factors which influence insurance premiums in Iowa:

• Speed limit inside cities: 55 mph
• Speed limit on Iowa highways: 70 mph
• Blood alcohol limit (%): 0.08%
• Open container laws: All occupants of a vehicle, whether they are a passenger or driver, are prohibited from having an open alcohol container in their possession.
• Hand held cell phone bans: No statewide ban is currently in effect concerning the use of a hand held cell phone while driving.
• License suspension period for DUI offense: License is suspended for 180 days (6 months) following a first conviction for DUI or DWI.
• Restoration of drivers license after DUI: In limited cases, driving privileges may be reinstated after 90 days of suspension.

Quick look at Iowa car insurance information:

• 2008 - Average premium: $579.95
• 2007 - Average premium: $580.54
• Change percentage between 2007 & 2008: -0.10%
• 2008 - Average collision cost: $209.86
• 2008 - Average liability cost: $302.61
• 2008 - Comprehensive cost: $173.55
• 2008 - Nationwide premium rank: 50th