If you're driving in Burlington, Iowa, you need auto insurance. That's not just common sense—it's the law. But here's what most people don't realize: the minimum coverage Iowa requires probably isn't enough to protect you if something serious happens. Burlington sits right on the Mississippi River at the crossroads of US-34 and US-61, making it a busy hub for both local traffic and travelers passing through. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands downtown, or heading out for a weekend trip, understanding your insurance options can save you thousands if the unexpected happens.
Burlington has about 23,600 residents and sits in Des Moines County along the Mississippi. The city's river port location and connection to major highways means you'll see everything from local drivers to long-haul truckers sharing the road. That mix of traffic, combined with Iowa's winter weather, makes having the right coverage essential. Let's break down what you need to know about auto insurance in Burlington.
Iowa's Minimum Insurance Requirements
Iowa law requires you to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of 20/40/15. Here's what those numbers actually mean: $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for all injuries combined, and $15,000 for property damage. That's it. That's the bare minimum to legally drive in Iowa.
Here's the problem: those minimums haven't kept pace with reality. A single emergency room visit after a car accident can easily cost $20,000 or more. If you cause an accident that seriously injures someone, $40,000 won't come close to covering their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. And if you hit a newer pickup truck or SUV? $15,000 might not even cover the property damage. If your coverage runs out, you're personally responsible for the rest—and that can mean wage garnishment, liens on your property, or even bankruptcy.
Most insurance agents recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage if you can afford it. That's $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage. Yes, it costs more each month, but it's worth considering given how quickly costs can spiral after a serious accident.
What Auto Insurance Actually Costs in Burlington
Here's some good news: Burlington is one of the most affordable cities in Iowa for car insurance. The average monthly premium in Burlington runs around $97, which makes it the cheapest city in the state. Compare that to Iowa's statewide average, and Burlington drivers are catching a break. Progressive tends to offer particularly competitive rates here—some drivers report paying as little as $16 per month for minimum coverage or $63 for full coverage.
Even better news: Iowa saw the biggest rate decrease of any state in 2026, dropping 6.19%. That's unusual when most states are seeing increases, and it means your insurance dollar goes further here than almost anywhere else in the country. Your actual rate depends on factors like your age, driving record, the car you drive, and how much coverage you choose. A 25-year-old with a speeding ticket will pay more than a 45-year-old with a clean record. That's just how it works.
Shopping around matters more than most people realize. Different insurers use different formulas to calculate risk, which means you might get wildly different quotes for the exact same coverage. Get quotes from at least three companies before you commit. It takes an hour and could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
How Iowa's Fault-Based System Affects You
Iowa is an at-fault state, which means the person who causes an accident is financially responsible for the damage. If someone runs a red light and hits you, their insurance should pay for your repairs and medical bills. If you cause the accident, your liability coverage pays for the other person's damages. This is different from no-fault states where everyone goes through their own insurance regardless of who caused the crash.
Iowa also uses a modified comparative fault system. Here's what that means in plain English: if you're partially responsible for an accident, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found to be 30% at fault and the damages total $10,000, you'd receive $7,000. But there's a cutoff—if you're 51% or more at fault, you get nothing from the other driver's insurance. This system makes determining fault really important, which is why you should always call the police after any accident with injuries or significant damage.
One more critical point: not everyone on Iowa roads carries insurance, even though they're supposed to. That's where uninsured motorist coverage comes in. It's not required by law, but it protects you if you're hit by someone without insurance or someone who flees the scene. Given that Burlington sits on major highways with significant truck traffic and out-of-state drivers, uninsured motorist coverage is worth considering.
What to Do After an Accident in Burlington
If you're in an accident in Burlington that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,500, you must report it. If law enforcement doesn't come to the scene, you have 72 hours to file an Iowa Accident Report form. Miss that deadline and your license could be suspended—Iowa doesn't mess around with this requirement.
At the scene, exchange information with the other driver: names, phone numbers, insurance details, license plate numbers. Take photos of the damage, the vehicles' positions, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. All of this becomes important when filing your claim.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours. They'll open a claim and start the investigation process. Be honest and thorough when describing what happened, but stick to the facts. Don't admit fault or apologize excessively, even if you think you caused the accident. Let the insurance companies and police determine fault based on the evidence.
Beyond the Minimum: Other Coverage to Consider
Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to other people. It doesn't do anything for your own vehicle. That's where collision and comprehensive coverage come in. Collision pays to repair your car after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. Comprehensive covers non-collision damage—theft, vandalism, hail, hitting a deer on Highway 34, that kind of thing.
If you're still making payments on your car, your lender probably requires collision and comprehensive coverage. Even if your car is paid off, these coverages might make sense if your vehicle is worth enough that you couldn't easily afford to replace it out of pocket. On the flip side, if you're driving a 15-year-old car worth $2,000, paying for comprehensive and collision might not make financial sense—you'd be better off saving that premium money.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is another option worth considering. It pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. If you don't have health insurance or have high deductibles, MedPay can fill the gap. It's relatively inexpensive and can save you from out-of-pocket medical costs while you're waiting for a fault determination and claim settlement.
Getting Started with Auto Insurance in Burlington
Finding the right auto insurance starts with knowing what you need. Take stock of your situation: What's your car worth? Could you afford to replace it if it's totaled? Do you have substantial assets that could be at risk in a lawsuit? How much can you comfortably afford each month? These questions help you figure out the right balance between coverage and cost.
Get quotes from multiple insurers. Progressive, State Farm, Nationwide, and regional companies all operate in Burlington. Each one evaluates risk differently, which means their prices will vary. Don't just compare the total price—look at what you're actually getting. A cheaper policy with higher deductibles and lower limits might not be the better deal if you end up needing to use it.
Auto insurance isn't the most exciting purchase you'll make, but it's one of the most important. The right coverage protects not just your car, but your financial future. Take the time to understand your options, shop around for the best rate, and choose coverage that actually protects you—not just the legal minimum. Your future self will thank you if the worst happens on Burlington's roads.
