Iowa • Home insurance • Company shortlist
Ten Home Insurance Companies in Iowa
Comparing ten home insurance companies in Iowa starts with the coverage each one offers for your house, not just the premium. Allstate, American Family, Amica, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers, Grinnell Mutual, IMT Insurance, Nationwide, State Farm, and Travelers are all worth investigating, but the right choice depends on your roof, deductibles, and how each policy handles wind, hail, and water.
Iowa homes face severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and occasional derechos, so roof coverage terms and storm deductibles can matter as much as price. This guide lists the companies alphabetically, explains the provisions to compare, and covers the Iowa FAIR Plan for homes that cannot find coverage elsewhere. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in Iowa. Which companies we can quote depends on our appointments, and inclusion here does not mean a company works with us.
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Ten home insurance companies to investigate in Iowa
The companies below include national insurers and Iowa- and Midwest-based mutuals and regional companies. They are listed alphabetically, not ranked, and statewide presence does not guarantee a company will accept every address, roof, or property.
| Company | Type | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | National insurer with exclusive agents | Roof payment terms, wind/hail deductible, available endorsements |
| American Family | Midwest-based mutual with exclusive agents | Roof settlement method, water backup limits, bundling |
| Amica | National mutual, sold direct | Eligibility, dividend policy options, coverage forms |
| Farm Bureau Financial Services | Iowa-based, member-affiliated | Membership requirement, roof and hail terms |
| Farmers | National insurer with exclusive agents | Roof endorsements, storm deductibles, optional coverages |
| Grinnell Mutual | Iowa-based mutual reinsurer and insurer, sold through independent agents | Rural and farm-adjacent property options, roof terms |
| IMT Insurance | Iowa-based, sold through independent agents | Roof settlement, deductibles, regional underwriting |
| Nationwide | National insurer, agents and direct | Roof terms, water coverage options, bundling |
| State Farm | National insurer with exclusive agents | Wind/hail deductible, roof settlement, bundling |
| Travelers | National insurer through independent agents | Coverage forms, roof terms, optional endorsements |
Company types are general descriptions. Coverage forms, eligibility, and availability vary by property and change over time.
Ask every company for the same coverage amounts and deductibles, then compare the policy forms and endorsements line by line. Two similar premiums can produce very different results after the same hailstorm.
Roof and storm provisions to compare
In Iowa, the roof is often the most important part of the comparison. Watch for these terms:
| Term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement cost on the roof | Pays to replace the roof without deducting for age, minus the deductible | Best protection after a major storm |
| Actual cash value (ACV) roof endorsement | Pays the depreciated value of the roof | An older roof may receive a much smaller payment |
| Roof payment schedule | Pays a percentage based on roof age or material | Payment can drop sharply as the roof ages |
| Cosmetic damage exclusion | Excludes dents that do not affect function, common for metal roofs | Hail dents may not be covered |
| Wind or hail deductible | A separate deductible, sometimes a percentage of the dwelling limit | A 2% deductible on a $300,000 dwelling is $6,000 |
The dollar example is illustrative. Check how your policy defines the deductible basis.
If you are replacing a roof, ask insurers whether impact-resistant shingles could qualify for a discount, and keep records of the installation date and materials. Photos of the roof before storm season also help document its condition if you need to file a claim later.
Water, flood, and property use
- Flood. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding from rivers, heavy rain, and surface water. Iowa has significant river flood history, so check your flood risk and consider National Flood Insurance Program or private flood coverage. NFIP policies usually take 30 days to take effect.
- Sewer and drain backup. Usually excluded unless you add an endorsement. Basements make this a common Iowa claim.
- Sudden plumbing leaks. Generally covered; gradual leaks and maintenance issues usually are not.
- Property use. Renting out part of the home, running a business, or leaving the home vacant can change coverage. Tell your insurer.
Rebuilding costs and household protection
Your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild the home at today's labor and material prices, not its market value or purchase price. After widespread storms, rebuilding costs can rise because contractors are in demand. Ask about extended or guaranteed replacement cost endorsements and building code (ordinance or law) coverage, which helps pay for required upgrades.
Also review personal property limits and whether contents are covered at replacement cost, liability limits (many homeowners choose at least $300,000), and loss of use coverage for living expenses if the home is unlivable. A home inventory checklist makes claims easier.
If you cannot find coverage: the Iowa FAIR Plan
The Iowa FAIR Plan is a market of last resort for homeowners who were canceled or nonrenewed and cannot find coverage in the regular market. According to the Iowa Insurance Division, it covers fire, lightning, wind, and hail, but with less coverage than most standard homeowners policies. A licensed Iowa agent must submit the application. The Division lists the FAIR Plan's phone number as 515-255-9531.
If your coverage lapses, your lender may buy force-placed insurance, which the Division describes as typically very expensive and possibly less protective. Surplus lines insurers are another option for hard-to-place risks, but the Division does not review their rates or forms, and some state protections may not apply.
Cost factors and quote preparation
Premiums depend on the home's age, construction, roof age and material, location, claims history, coverage amounts, deductibles, and endorsements. To keep costs down without losing important protection:
- Compare several companies using the same coverage and deductibles.
- Bundle home and auto where it lowers the total.
- Consider a higher all-peril deductible you can afford, but understand any separate wind/hail deductible.
- Ask about discounts for new roofs, security systems, and claims-free history.
For a broader comparison of policy options, see our home insurance comparison guide.
Rural homes, acreages, and outbuildings
Many Iowa homes sit on acreages with detached garages, machine sheds, barns, or shops. Standard homeowners policies include some coverage for other structures, often a percentage of the dwelling limit, but it may not be enough for large or valuable buildings. Ask each company how it handles:
- Other structures limits and whether you can schedule specific buildings at higher amounts.
- Farm or business use. Buildings used for farming, livestock, or a business are often excluded from a homeowners policy and may need a farm or commercial policy.
- Distance to a fire station and hydrant. Rural properties can receive a lower protection class, which raises premiums. Ask how your property is rated.
- Equipment and tools. Mowers, tractors, and tools may have limited coverage under personal property; larger equipment may need separate coverage.
- Trees and windbreaks. Coverage for trees and debris removal after a storm is usually limited, so review the dollar caps.
Iowa-based and regional companies, including some sold through independent agents, often write rural properties and may offer options designed for acreages. Compare those options alongside national companies.
What you need for an Iowa home insurance quote
Roof and property details have the biggest effect on Iowa quotes, so gather these first.
- Property details. Address, year built, square footage, construction type, and foundation.
- Roof information. Installation year, material, and any receipts or inspection reports.
- Current declarations page. Your dwelling limit, deductibles, and endorsements.
- Claims history. Any property claims in the past five years.
- Mortgage information. Lender name and loan number for the mortgagee clause.
Iowa home insurance company FAQs
Is this list a ranking of the best Iowa home insurers?
No. The companies are listed alphabetically as a starting point. The best fit depends on your property and the coverage each company offers for it.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage in Iowa?
Usually, yes, subject to the deductible and roof terms. Check whether your roof is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value and whether cosmetic damage is excluded.
What is a wind or hail deductible?
A separate deductible for wind or hail losses, sometimes set as a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat amount.
Is flood covered by Iowa homeowners insurance?
No. Flood requires a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
What is the Iowa FAIR Plan?
A market of last resort for homeowners who cannot find standard coverage. It covers fire, lightning, wind, and hail with less coverage than most standard policies. A licensed Iowa agent must apply.
Does roof age affect my premium?
Yes. The Iowa Insurance Division notes that insurers weigh roof age, and older roofs may also be covered at actual cash value.
Do I need sewer backup coverage?
If you have a basement, it is worth considering. Backup from drains and sewers is usually excluded unless you add an endorsement.
Are my machine shed and detached garage covered?
Usually up to the policy's other structures limit, often a percentage of the dwelling limit. Large buildings or farm and business use may need higher limits or a separate policy.
Related guides
Important information
Compensation. Links in the partner quote box near the top of this page are sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16117464. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Independent comparison. Company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. The list is not a ranking or an endorsement, and inclusion does not mean a company will insure every property or that Blake Insurance Group represents it.
Availability. Coverage, eligibility, and prices vary by company and property and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls. Information about the Iowa FAIR Plan comes from the Iowa Insurance Division and can change.
Your next step
Gather your property and roof details and current declarations page, then request a quote. We will compare roof terms, storm deductibles, and water coverage, not just price.
