Auto Insurance in Des Moines, IA

Driving in the State Capital of Iowa

Des Moines is both the capital and largest city of Iowa. Although a little more than 200,000 live within the city limits, over three times that many lives in the six-county metropolitan area. Originally called Fort Des Moines, the city is named for the river. Loosely translated as “from the monks”, it is believed that this name refers to a group of monks that used to live in present-day Illinois, nearly 200 miles from the river. The city was incorporated in the mid-1800s and expanded after completion of a railroad link after the Civil War. With roots in mining and transportation, Des Moines now is widely considered to be one of the world’s biggest insurance capitals. Many insurance companies are headquartered here, causing some to regard Des Moines affectionately as the “Hartford of the West.”

Besides major employers in the insurance and financial sectors, Des Moines stands as the cultural center of the Hawkeye State. Several art and history museums as well as performing arts organizations can be found here. Residents and visitors have plenty of things to get into year-round, especially with the Des Moines Art Center, the Pappa John Sculpture Park and music festivals at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater. Sports fans can get into basketball, hockey and indoor football games offered by the Iowa Wolves, the Iowa Wild and Iowa Barnstormers respectively. Hop on Interstate 35, US 65, and US 6 to get here on four wheels or more. There’s much to do in this part of Iowa and there are many roads in and around the place. This city might be an insurance capital as well as the capital of Iowa, but there’s so much to know about having car insurance in Des Moines.

Required Coverage

Iowa requires drivers to carry liability insurance. You shouldn’t be driving if you don’t have car insurance in Des Moines or any other part of the Hawkeye State. If you ever get into a car accident or have your car stolen, insurance protects you from having to repair or replace a vehicle out of pocket. Driving without car insurance in Des Moines could result in a fine of $250 or removal of license places for up to 12 months. You could even have your vehicle impounded, especially if you’re in an accident. The typical auto policy includes these coverages:

• Collision: This covers damages for vehicle repair or replacement after a collision.
• Comprehensive: This addresses any losses that didn’t result from a collision such as a theft, explosion, or other incident.
• Bodily injury: This covers medical bills for people in an accident that aren’t on your policy. Iowa requires drivers to have at least $20,000 in coverage per person, or $40,000 for two or more people.
• Personal injury: This pays for your medical expenses and that of anyone else named on your policy for car insurance.
• Property damage: This covers the destruction of property in an incident. You’ll need to carry at least $15,000 in Iowa.
• Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage: With over 600,000 people living in Greater Des Moines, you could find yourself in an accident with another driver who has no insurance or too little insurance. This benefit covers you.

Keep in mind that these minimum coverage limits may not be sufficient protection. Considering that new vehicles can easily run into the six figures, it’s important to make sure you have ample car insurance in Des Moines.

This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.