Living in Burlington means you're part of a historic Mississippi River community with stunning views, the world-famous Snake Alley, and a rich manufacturing heritage. But your location on the river and in southeastern Iowa also means you face unique insurance challenges. Between flood risks from the Mississippi, severe weather that rolls across the plains, and an economy in transition, understanding your insurance options isn't just smart—it's essential for protecting everything you've worked for.
Whether you're a longtime resident of Des Moines County or just moved to Burlington, this guide breaks down what you need to know about home, auto, and flood insurance in your area. We'll cover the real risks you face, what coverage actually costs, and how to make sure you're protected without overpaying.
Why Burlington's Location Matters for Insurance
Your home's proximity to the Mississippi River is probably the biggest factor affecting your insurance needs. The river is central to Burlington's economy and identity, but it also brings flood risk that standard homeowners insurance simply doesn't cover. At Burlington, moderate flooding starts at 16.5 feet and major flooding begins at 18 feet on the river gauge. If you live in a low-lying area or near the riverfront, you've likely seen what high water can do.
FEMA recently updated flood insurance rate maps for Iowa and Missouri with an effective date of December 26, 2025. If you haven't checked your property's flood zone status recently, now's the time. You might discover you're in a higher-risk zone than you thought, or conversely, you might find your risk has been reassessed downward, which could lower your flood insurance premiums.
Beyond the river, Burlington sits in an area of Iowa that experiences regular severe weather. Des Moines County sees thunderstorms with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes throughout spring and summer. The good news? Tornado and wind damage are typically covered under your standard homeowners policy. The challenge is that these frequent severe weather events are driving up insurance costs across the state.
Home Insurance in Burlington: Costs and Coverage
Here's what's happening with home insurance rates in Iowa, and it's not great news. The average Iowa homeowner pays around $2,381 per year for coverage, which is still 31% cheaper than the national average. But rates are climbing fast. Industry analysts predict Iowa home insurance premiums will jump 19% in 2025, the third-highest increase in the nation. That translates to an average increase of $624 annually, pushing the typical policy from $3,201 to $3,825 by year's end.
Why the spike? Severe weather damage is the main culprit. Iowa experienced significant hail, wind, and tornado events over the past few years, and insurance companies are adjusting premiums to reflect the increased risk. If you've noticed your renewal premium creeping up, you're not imagining things.
When shopping for coverage, pay attention to whether you're getting replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. Replacement cost covers what it would actually cost to rebuild your home or replace your belongings at today's prices. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation, which means if your 10-year-old roof gets damaged, you'll only receive what that worn roof was worth, not what a new roof costs. Replacement cost coverage costs more upfront but saves you from major out-of-pocket expenses after a loss.
Your standard homeowners policy covers wind and tornado damage, but remember—it doesn't cover flood damage. That's a separate policy, which we'll cover next.
Flood Insurance: What Burlington Homeowners Need to Know
Let's clear up a common misconception: you don't automatically need flood insurance just because you live near the Mississippi River. However, if you have a mortgage from a federally backed lender and your property is in a high-risk flood zone, flood insurance is mandatory. Even if it's not required for your property, it's worth considering given Burlington's location.
The National Flood Insurance Program, managed by FEMA, is the primary source for flood coverage. More than 50 insurance companies deliver NFIP policies, so you can typically add flood insurance through your current insurance agent. Policies generally take 30 days to go into effect, so don't wait until you see the river rising to purchase coverage.
With FEMA's updated flood maps effective December 2025, some Burlington properties may see their flood zone designations change. If you're reclassified into a lower-risk zone, you might qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy, which offers lower premiums. Conversely, if your risk level increases, you might face higher costs but also gain better protection against a real threat to your property.
Keep in mind that flood insurance covers your building structure and can also cover contents, but you need to purchase contents coverage separately. If you have a finished basement with furniture, appliances, or personal belongings, contents coverage can be a lifesaver after a flood event.
Auto Insurance Requirements and Costs in Iowa
Iowa's auto insurance requirements are straightforward but have one quirk you should know about. You need minimum liability coverage of 20/40/15, which means $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. That's pretty standard. What's less common is that Iowa also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage, unless you reject it in writing.
Before you consider rejecting that coverage to save money, think about what it actually protects. If you're hit by someone without insurance or someone with inadequate coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills and vehicle damage. Given that medical costs and vehicle repair expenses continue to climb, keeping this coverage is usually smart.
The good news is that Iowa remains an affordable state for auto insurance. The average cost is $1,700 annually or about $142 per month for full coverage, well below the national average of around $2,300. Minimum coverage runs about $341 per year compared to $742 nationally. With Burlington's relatively short average commute time of 17 minutes, you might even qualify for low-mileage discounts if you're not driving much.
If you're shopping for new coverage, companies like GEICO and Travelers consistently offer competitive rates in Iowa. Don't settle for your first quote—comparing three or four insurers can save you hundreds of dollars annually for identical coverage.
Protecting Yourself After Storm Damage
When severe weather strikes Burlington—and it will—knowing what to do immediately after can make the difference between a smooth claims process and a nightmare. First, document everything. Take photos and videos of damage to your home, vehicle, and belongings before you start cleanup. Modern smartphones make this easy, and visual evidence is invaluable when filing your claim.
Keep your insurance company's name, policy number, and contact information saved in your phone. Paper documents stored in your home might be destroyed in a severe storm, so having digital access ensures you can file a claim even if you've lost everything else. Most major insurers also have mobile apps that let you file claims and track their progress from your phone.
If you believe your insurance company isn't handling your claim properly, you have options. Iowa residents can file complaints with the Iowa Insurance Division if they have wind or tornado coverage and feel they're not receiving fair treatment. Don't hesitate to use this resource if you're getting the runaround.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
Insurance isn't one-size-fits-all, especially in a community like Burlington where your specific location and property type matter so much. If you live in a historic home near downtown, you might need specialized coverage for older construction materials and higher rebuilding costs. If you're renting an apartment, renters insurance is affordable and protects your belongings plus provides liability coverage if someone gets injured in your home.
With Burlington's economy transitioning as manufacturing jobs shift, many families are looking for ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing protection. The key is reviewing your coverage annually and getting multiple quotes. Don't just renew automatically—rates vary significantly between companies, and you might find better coverage at a lower price just by shopping around.
Start by checking your current policies. Make sure your home coverage limits reflect current rebuilding costs, not what your house is worth on the market. Verify that your auto coverage includes uninsured motorist protection. And if you haven't looked into flood insurance because you assume it's too expensive, get a quote—you might be surprised at how affordable coverage can be, especially if you're not in a high-risk zone.
Living in Burlington means embracing both the opportunities and challenges that come with this Mississippi River community. The right insurance coverage gives you the peace of mind to enjoy everything this historic city offers, knowing you're protected when severe weather rolls through or the river rises. Take the time now to review your coverage, ask questions, and make sure you're prepared for whatever comes next.
