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Iowa: shared fault rules

Whether you can still recover money if you were partly at fault for an accident, and how much your share of fault costs you.

Fault systemModified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When fault bars recoveryBarred if you are 51% or more at fault
LawIowa Code 668.3

Your share of fault usually reduces what you can recover by the same percentage. Insurers use this rule when negotiating, so it matters even if you never sue.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Iowa.

How Iowa compares

35 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Modified comparative negligence): Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Alaska: Pure comparative negligenceAKMaine: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)MEVermont: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)VTNew Hampshire: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NHWashington: Pure comparative negligenceWAIdaho: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)IDMontana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MTNorth Dakota: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)NDMinnesota: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MNIllinois: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)ILWisconsin: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)WIMichigan: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MINew York: Pure comparative negligenceNYRhode Island: Pure comparative negligenceRIMassachusetts: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MAOregon: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)ORNevada: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NVWyoming: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)WYSouth Dakota: Slight/gross negligence comparisonSDIowa: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)IAIndiana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)INOhio: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)OHPennsylvania: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)PANew Jersey: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NJConnecticut: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)CTCalifornia: Pure comparative negligenceCAUtah: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)UTColorado: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)CONebraska: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)NEMissouri: Pure comparative negligenceMOKentucky: Pure comparative negligenceKYWest Virginia: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)WVVirginia: Contributory negligenceVAMaryland: Contributory negligenceMDDelaware: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)DEArizona: Pure comparative negligenceAZNew Mexico: Pure comparative negligenceNMKansas: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)KSArkansas: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)ARTennessee: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)TNNorth Carolina: Contributory negligenceNCSouth Carolina: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)SCDistrict of Columbia: Contributory negligence (51% bar for pedestrians and cyclists)DCOklahoma: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)OKLouisiana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)LAMississippi: Pure comparative negligenceMSAlabama: Contributory negligenceALGeorgia: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)GAHawaii: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)HITexas: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)TXFlorida: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)FL
  • Modified comparative negligence (35)
  • Pure comparative negligence (10)
  • Contributory negligence (5)
  • Other (1)

Also for Iowa: Car insurance by state in Iowa · Claim deadlines in Iowa · Small claims limits in Iowa · Total loss rules in Iowa · Dog bite rules in Iowa · Accident reporting rules in Iowa · Phone-while-driving laws in Iowa · Motorcycle helmet laws in Iowa · Uninsured drivers in Iowa · All Iowa rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from a statute-cited 2026 personal injury table and match a defense firm's 51-jurisdiction chart, including Florida's 2023 change to a 51% bar. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.