Iowa: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Iowa on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Iowa compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	5 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$20,000 / $40,000 / $15,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	15 days
Accept or deny	30 days after proof of loss
Pay	30 days after the claim is accepted

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$6,500
Filing fee	$115
Lawyers	Allowed

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	70% of actual cash value

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	Strict liability
Details	Strict liability

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or $1,500+ damage, unless police investigated
Deadline	3 days (if required)

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary; tickets from 2026)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	None
Who must wear one	No helmet law

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	11.4%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)