Car insurance that fits the way you drive
Whether you commute on Highway 100 into Cedar Rapids, drive the kids across Marion to practice, or put serious miles on a work truck, your auto policy should match how you actually use your vehicles. As an independent agency, Bouslog Insurance doesn’t work for a single insurance company. We compare coverage and price from the companies we represent and explain the differences in plain English, so you can choose with confidence.
What auto insurance covers
An auto policy is really a bundle of coverages. Here are the main pieces and what each one does:
Liability
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Required in Iowa.
Collision
Repairs or replaces your vehicle after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
Comprehensive
Covers theft, hail, fire, flooding, vandalism and hitting a deer.
Uninsured / underinsured motorist
Protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.
Medical payments
Helps with medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident.
Roadside & rental
Optional towing, lockout help and a rental car while yours is repaired.
Iowa’s minimum requirements, and why they’re rarely enough
Iowa requires every driver to carry liability coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Iowa is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the damages.
The problem is that $15,000 doesn’t go far when a new pickup can cost more than $50,000, and a hospital stay can quickly exceed $20,000. If a serious accident costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the difference. We usually recommend higher liability limits, and an umbrella policy for households with significant assets.
Deer season is real. Iowa consistently ranks among the states with the highest odds of hitting a deer. A deer collision is covered under comprehensive, not collision, so it’s worth making sure you carry it, especially if you drive rural roads around Linn County at dawn and dusk.
Coverage for every driver in your household
- Teen drivers: Adding a new driver is a big change. We’ll look at good-student and driver-training discounts and help you choose the right vehicle and limits.
- Commuters and high-mileage drivers: Usage-based programs from some carriers can reward safe driving habits.
- Classic and collector cars: Agreed-value coverage can protect a vehicle that’s worth more than a standard policy would pay.
- Business use: If you use your vehicle for work, you may need a commercial auto policy instead.
Ways to save on auto insurance
Every company prices risk differently, which is exactly why comparing matters. Depending on the carrier, you may qualify for discounts for:
- Bundling home and auto
- Insuring multiple vehicles
- A clean driving record
- Good students
- Paying in full or by auto-pay
- Anti-theft and safety features
Companies we compare
We represent several well-established insurance companies, so we can shop your auto coverage without you having to call around. See the companies we work with.
Auto insurance questions
What auto insurance does Iowa require?
Iowa requires liability coverage of at least $20,000 for injury to one person, $40,000 for injuries to two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (often written 20/40/15). These minimums are low compared with the cost of today’s vehicles and medical care, so most drivers are better protected with higher limits.
Do I need uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Iowa requires insurance companies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your policy unless you reject it in writing. We recommend keeping it. It protects you and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
Common ways include bundling your auto and home policies, choosing a higher deductible, keeping a clean driving record, and asking about good-student, safe-driver, multi-vehicle and paid-in-full discounts. Because we compare several companies, we can also show you which carrier rewards your situation best.
Do I need full coverage on an older car?
Not always. Collision and comprehensive pay to repair or replace your own vehicle, so on an older car worth only a few thousand dollars the premium may not be worth it. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will usually require both. We’ll help you run the numbers.
What should I do after an accident?
Make sure everyone is safe, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take photos of the vehicles and the scene. Then call our office at 319-377-7321 and we’ll help you start your claim.