Iowa Auto Property Regulation and Rate Standards
Private-Passenger Automobile Property Regulation
Iowa Code 321A.2 through .11; Iowa Code 516A.1 through .4; Iowa Admin Rule 191-15.45
Iowa regulates private-passenger auto property coverage under several statutory chapters. The Property exam tests the property-related aspects of auto insurance:
- Iowa Code 321A.2 through .11. Iowa’s financial responsibility framework — the requirement that drivers demonstrate ability to pay for accidents they cause.
- Iowa Code 516A.1 through .4. Iowa’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage framework, including the right of rejection.
Iowa Admin Rule 191-15.45 — Aftermarket Parts Regulation
Iowa permits the use of aftermarket crash parts in repair of private-passenger automobiles, subject to:
- Disclosure to the insured. The repair estimate must clearly identify any non-OEM parts.
- Quality standards. Aftermarket parts must be of like kind and quality to OEM parts.
- Insurer responsibility. The insurer is responsible for the cost of correcting any inadequacy in aftermarket parts.
- Consumer choice. The insured generally has the right to insist on OEM parts at additional cost if desired.
Iowa Rate Standards (Iowa Code 515F.4(1); 515F.5(1)(a))
Iowa Code 515F.4(1) and 515F.5(1)(a) establish the standards by which Iowa property and casualty rates are evaluated:
- Excessive. Rates cannot be unreasonably high in relation to the benefits provided.
- Inadequate. Rates cannot be too low to support the obligations being undertaken — protecting against insurer insolvency.
- Unfairly discriminatory. Rates cannot differ based on characteristics that have no actuarial basis or that are prohibited by Iowa Admin Rule 191-15.11.
Iowa uses a file-and-use rate regulation system for most P&C lines: insurers file rates with IID and may begin charging them immediately, subject to IID’s after-the-fact authority to disapprove a rate that fails the three standards.