Iowa Motor Vehicle Accident Laws

Insurance Requirements

System type: Iowa operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver found at fault for causing an accident is responsible for covering damages to other parties. This system determines which insurance policies are activated based on fault allocation, making liability determination critical in accident claims.

Minimum coverage requirements: Iowa law mandates all drivers to maintain liability insurance with the following minimum coverage limits:

• $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $40,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: In Iowa, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is not legally mandatory but is automatically included in most auto insurance policies unless declined in writing by the policyholder. This coverage provides vital financial protection against drivers who either lack insurance or have insufficient coverage to fully compensate for damages caused in an accident. UM/UIM coverage typically addresses medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the insured party and passengers. Although optional, it is strongly recommended for Iowa drivers as a safeguard against the financial risks posed by uninsured or underinsured drivers, especially considering that nearly 10% of Iowa motorists drive without insurance.

Penalties for non-compliance: Driving without the required insurance in Iowa can result in severe penalties. Offenders may face fines of up to $250 for the first offense and risk having their vehicle registration and driver’s license suspended until proof of insurance is provided. For cases involving accidents where damages exceed $1,500, failing to provide proof of financial responsibility can result in a one-year license suspension. To reinstate driving privileges, offenders must pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of future financial responsibility through an SR-22 form, and potentially complete additional requirements depending on the severity of the violation.

Rideshare drivers: Rideshare drivers in Iowa, including those working for companies like Uber or Lyft, are required to maintain insurance coverage that aligns with state and company-specific guidelines:

• Logged into the app, but no ride was accepted:
  • $50,000 bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage per accident
• Ride accepted or passenger on board: Rideshare companies provide $1 million per accident in liability coverage, $1 million in UM/UIM coverage, and comprehensive and collision coverage with deductibles up to $2,500

Drivers must verify that their personal insurance policy does not exclude coverage for rideshare activities to avoid coverage gaps.

Optional coverages: While Iowa’s minimum liability requirements offer basic protection, they may be insufficient for significant accidents. Drivers can enhance their coverage by opting for additional policies, such as:

• Collision coverage: Covers vehicle damage regardless of fault in an accident
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-collision incidents, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Pays for medical expenses for the driver and passengers, regardless of fault
• Gap insurance: Covers the difference between a vehicle’s loan balance and its actual cash value if totaled
• Rental reimbursement: Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is repaired after a covered incident

Fault Laws

Modified comparative negligence in Iowa

Iowa adheres to a “modified comparative negligence” system, also referred to as the “51% rule.” Under this system, an injured party can recover damages as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, their compensation is reduced proportionally by their degree of fault. For instance, if a claimant is 25% at fault for an accident with $20,000 in damages, they can recover $15,000. If their share of fault exceeds 50%, they are barred from recovering any damages. This rule ensures accountability while allowing victims to seek partial compensation for their losses.

Multi-vehicle collisions

In accidents involving multiple vehicles, fault is distributed among all parties based on the circumstances and evidence. Each party’s ability to recover damages is adjusted according to their percentage of fault. Proper documentation, such as police reports, photographs, and witness statements, is critical for determining fault and securing fair compensation in these complex scenarios.

Special considerations for passengers

Passengers injured in Iowa car accidents may seek compensation from any at-fault party, including the driver of the vehicle they were traveling in or another driver. However, passengers’ compensation may be reduced if their own actions, such as failing to wear a seatbelt, contributed to their injuries. Iowa’s comparative negligence laws apply in these cases, potentially impacting the amount recoverable.

Statute of Limitations

Personal injury claims: In Iowa, injured parties have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to claims involving medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Missing this deadline typically results in the loss of the right to pursue compensation.

Property damage claims: For property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs or the replacement of damaged personal items, Iowa law provides a five-year statute of limitations. This allows additional time to address property-related losses while adhering to the legal timeframe.

Wrongful death claims: In cases of fatal car accidents, family members or representatives of the deceased have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This timeline differs from personal injury claims, as it begins on the date of death rather than the accident itself.

Exceptions to the statute of limitations:

• Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations is paused until their 18th birthday, after which the standard filing period begins
• Government claims: Claims involving government entities require filing a Notice of Claim within 180 days for local entities. State-level claims must also adhere to specific procedural requirements
• Delayed discovery: If injuries or damages are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin on the date the harm was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered

Accident Reporting Requirements

When to report an accident

Iowa law requires drivers to report a car accident if it results in death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500. Reporting must be done immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency, such as the county sheriff, local police department, or state patrol. For accidents involving injury or death, drivers must remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives.

If law enforcement does not investigate the accident, drivers must file an Iowa Accident Report Form with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) within 72 hours. Failing to report a qualifying accident can lead to the suspension of driving privileges or vehicle registration. Accurate and timely reporting is essential to avoid penalties and ensure proper documentation for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Filing accident reports

If law enforcement responds to the scene, officers will prepare an official accident report. In cases where law enforcement does not investigate, it becomes the driver’s responsibility to submit a report. These are the general steps to take in that case:

1. Obtain the Iowa Accident Report Form from the Iowa DOT website or local DMV office
2. Complete the form with details such as the accident date, time, location, involved parties, and insurance information
3. Submit the completed form, along with pages 3 and 4 of the report, to the Iowa DOT’s Systems & Administration Bureau by mail

Drivers must ensure the form is filled out completely, including insurance coverage information.

How to access accident reports

In Iowa, accident reports can be accessed for insurance claims, legal purposes, or personal records through various methods. The availability and process differ depending on whether the report was prepared by law enforcement or filed by the driver.

Online access: The Iowa State Patrol Crash Reports website provides free access to crash reports produced by the Iowa State Patrol for the last 15 days. Reports can be searched by date, type, or county. For crashes older than 15 days, contact the respective Iowa State Patrol District Office.

Officer’s report: Copies of reports prepared by law enforcement agencies, such as local police or county sheriffs, can be requested for $4. Only authorized parties (e.g., involved drivers, attorneys, or insurance companies) can obtain these reports. To request, submit the Request for Copy of Investigating Officer’s Report of an Accident form (Form #431007) along with payment to:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Systems & Administration Bureau
P.O. Box 9204
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204

Driver’s report: If you submitted an accident report to the Iowa DOT within the past 10 years, you can obtain a copy for 50 cents by sending a written request with your driver’s license number, mailing address, and accident date to the same address above.

Limited accident information: For basic details about an accident (e.g., date, time, and location), contact the Iowa DOT’s Systems & Administration Bureau. A $4 fee applies for limited information requests. You may email inquiries to Accident.Support@iowadot.us.

Reports are typically processed within 3-10 business days after submission, and all requests should include accurate identifying information to ensure timely access.

Additional considerations

Private property accidents: Accidents occurring on private property, such as parking lots, may not always require a police report but should still be documented for insurance purposes.

Failure to report: Neglecting to report a required accident can result in severe penalties, including license suspension and additional fines.

Deer-related accidents: With Iowa’s high frequency of deer collisions, drivers should report such incidents for insurance documentation if significant damage or injury occurs.

Compensation Limits

Economic damages: Iowa does not impose a cap on economic damages, allowing car accident victims to recover the full extent of their measurable financial losses. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other costs directly attributable to the accident. However, recovery is typically limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. Victims whose damages exceed these limits may need to pursue additional compensation through their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or legal action.

Non-economic damages: Iowa generally does not place caps on non-economic damages, which are designed to compensate victims for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and diminished quality of life. These damages are calculated based on the specific circumstances of each case, and there is no predetermined limit on how much victims can recover. However, non-economic damages may still be subject to reductions under Iowa’s comparative negligence system if the victim is found partially at fault for the accident.

Punitive damages: In Iowa, punitive damages are awarded only in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, serving to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. These damages are not capped but are subject to strict legal scrutiny. Plaintiffs must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of egregious behavior to obtain punitive damages. 

Claims against the government: When filing claims against state or local government entities in Iowa, compensation is subject to statutory caps. As of 2024, the maximum recovery for claims against a governmental entity is $300,000 per individual per incident, with a total cap of $5,000,000 for claims arising from a single occurrence. Punitive damages are not recoverable in cases involving government entities. Additionally, claims against the government must follow specific procedures, including filing a notice of claim within a designated timeframe, typically 90 days for municipal entities and two years for state entities.

Medical Coverage Considerations

Navigating medical coverage after a car accident in Iowa is crucial for managing treatment costs and ensuring access to necessary care. Understanding the available insurance options, legal frameworks, and financial tools can help alleviate the burden of medical expenses and aid recovery.

Liability insurance: Iowa follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is responsible for covering the medical expenses and damages of other parties. The minimum required coverage in Iowa includes $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Victims, however, may face delays in receiving compensation, as liability claims are paid out only after fault is established and claims are resolved.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay is an optional auto insurance feature in Iowa that covers medical expenses for the policyholder and passengers, regardless of fault. It may include emergency services, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and therapy. MedPay ensures prompt financial support without waiting for liability determinations. However, policyholders may need to reimburse their insurer if they receive a settlement or judgment.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): UM/UIM coverage, while not mandatory in Iowa, is highly recommended. It protects against at-fault drivers who lack sufficient insurance to cover damages. This coverage can provide critical financial relief for medical expenses and other losses when the responsible party is underinsured or uninsured.

Health insurance: Health insurance can serve as a secondary source of coverage, helping to pay for medical expenses not covered by auto insurance. However, insurers often seek reimbursement (subrogation) from any settlement or judgment obtained from the at-fault driver. Understanding this process is essential to avoid unexpected financial obligations.

Government assistance programs: Medicaid, Medicare, and other government assistance programs can help eligible individuals manage medical costs when other insurance options are unavailable. However, these programs typically require reimbursement from any settlement received, and recipients must document all medical expenses for the claims process.

Medical Liens and letters of protection: Iowa healthcare providers may place liens against any settlement or judgment to secure payment for medical services. Alternatively, attorneys may issue letters of protection promising providers payment from future settlements, enabling victims without immediate funds or insurance to receive care. Both options must be carefully negotiated to minimize repayment and maximize the victim’s recovery.

Additional considerations:

• Payment plans: Some medical providers offer installment payment plans to uninsured or underinsured patients
• Prompt treatment: Seeking immediate medical care ensures proper documentation of injuries, which is vital for claims

Unique Local Factors

Weather and road conditions: Iowa’s seasonal weather presents significant challenges to drivers throughout the year.

• Winters: Heavy snowfall, icy roads, and freezing rain are common across Iowa during winter months, especially in northern regions. Black ice is a frequent hazard on highways like I-80 and I-35, increasing the risk of accidents
• Spring and summer: Severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and flash flooding often affect rural and urban areas alike. Low-lying areas and bridges are particularly prone to flooding, making them hazardous during heavy rains
• Autumn: Wet leaves and morning fog reduce traction and visibility, creating dangerous conditions on rural roads. Deer activity peaks during the fall mating season, leading to increased wildlife collisions, especially at dawn and dusk

To mitigate these risks, Iowa drivers should regularly inspect their tires, ensure the proper functioning of windshield wipers and lights, and maintain a safe speed during adverse weather conditions.

Traffic hazards and wildlife: Urban areas such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City experience heavy traffic during peak hours, particularly on interstates and major highways like I-380 and I-235. Road construction is common during warmer months, causing delays and requiring extra caution.
In rural regions, wildlife crossings are a significant concern. Iowa ranks among the top states for deer-related collisions, particularly in heavily wooded areas and near agricultural fields. Additionally, slow-moving farm equipment often shares rural roads, requiring drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe distances. Drivers should be particularly cautious near wildlife crossing signs and remain vigilant in areas where farming equipment is present.

Tourism and events: Iowa hosts numerous attractions and events that draw increased traffic and heighten accident risks.

• Iowa State Fair: Held annually in Des Moines, the fair attracts thousands of visitors, leading to congestion on I-80 and surrounding local roads
• Field of Dreams: Tourists visiting the Field of Dreams Movie Site near Dyersville often create additional traffic on rural roads, especially during summer and event weekends
• RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa): This state-wide cycling event increases vehicle and bicycle interactions, requiring heightened caution from drivers on affected routes

Drivers should plan ahead, avoid high-traffic routes during major events, and remain alert for tourists unfamiliar with local roads.

Local Resources & Contacts

State agencies:

• Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT): Provides road condition updates, traffic reports, and accident reporting resources 
  • Website: iowadot.gov
  • Phone: (515) 239-1101
• Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS): Offers public safety guidance and maintains traffic incident records
  • Website: dps.iowa.gov    
  • Phone:  (515) 725-6090

Iowa State Patrol: Provides crash reports and safety enforcement across the state.

• Website: accidentreports.iowa.gov    
• Phone:  Contact local State Patrol District Offices through the main website

Legal assistance: Consulting an Iowa personal injury attorney is highly recommended for navigating accident claims. Experienced attorneys can assist in establishing liability and recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. They can also ensure compliance with Iowa’s statute of limitations and other legal requirements. Many Iowa personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate cases. Connecting with a professional early in the process can protect your rights and maximize potential recovery.