Riding a motorcycle in Iowa is arguably the best way to take in the rolling plains and fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Get the right motorcycle insurance before you head out to cover accidents or unforeseen events, and check out what you need to know about the Hawkeye State’s motorcycle laws.
To legally ride a motorcycle in Iowa, you must be at least 14 years old and have a Class M license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. If you’re under the age of 18, you’re required to take a rider’s safety course. In addition, you must follow the state’s rules of the road:
Helmets: The state of Iowa doesn’t legally require you to wear a helmet, but we strongly recommend wearing one anytime you ride. Find the helmet that works best for you and provides both safety and comfort.
Headlight: If your bike is a 1977 model or newer, it must have a headlight that’s on anytime you ride.
Passengers: To carry a passenger on your motorcycle, your bike must have a permanent passenger seat and footrests for the passenger.
Riding position: You and your passenger must sit astride the motorcycle facing forward, with one leg on either side of the bike.
Iowa has specific minimum motorcycle insurance requirements, like most states. Here’s what you need to ride in the state of Iowa:
$20,000 for bodily injury liability or death of one person
$40,000 for bodily injury liability or death of two or more persons
$15,000 for property damage liability
Yes. We offer several motorcycle insurance options to help you hold more coverage—and more protection—than just the state’s minimum requirements. Here are some coverages you can add to help cover yourself and your bike while on the road:
If your motorcycle is involved in a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object—or even if it just tips over and is damaged—your collision coverage can help pay for the costs of the resulting damage.
If your motorcycle breaks down while you’re on the road, you may need to request roadside assistance to bring it to a mechanic. This coverage can provide 24-hour towing assistance to help you.
If you’ve customized your bike with aftermarket accessories, consider getting custom equipment coverage to help cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged custom equipment.
Check out our guide to buying motorcycle insurance to learn how it works.
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
We’ll help you get the most value from your coverage. Check out the list of motorcycle insurance discounts available in Iowa and see which ones you may qualify for.
Multi-cycle
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member
Loyalty
Rider group
Transfer
Homeownership
Iowa is home to the eastern edge of the Great Plains and miles of twisting, winding roads. Check out some Iowa destinations and plan a road trip on your motorcycle.
The Iowa Great Lakes, which includes East and West Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake, is a fantastic location with stunning lakes primed to fascinate local and out-of-towners alike. Every year, thousands of people visit the lakes to go swimming, boating, and water skiing, and to visit Arnolds Park, one of the longest operating amusement parks in the world.
Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, so rest assured you'll be visiting a place with rich history and culture. Ride your motorcycle along the streets day and night and visit some of the great locations this city has to offer—from the Fenelon Place Elevator Car to the Dubuque Star Brewery and the Five Flags Center.
The city also follows along the Mississippi River, so if you’re planning to ride a river route, Dubuque is a great place to stop and explore.
If you want to get away from the city, visit Maquoketa Caves State Park. It's home to one of the most interesting caves in Iowa, with humongous bluffs sprawling all around the park's premises.
Located in Jackson County, this 111-acre park is also listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The trails and caves around the park can be quite wet, even during the summer, so if you’re considering going hiking or spelunking, wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little dirty.
Get the coverage you need and get a step closer to the motorcycle journey that awaits you with reliable Iowa motorcycle insurance. To get a free quote, enter your information below or give us a call at 866-324-7952.