Iowa Property & Casualty Exam Overview

Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Iowa Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Iowa-specific regulations, licensing requirements, agricultural insurance considerations, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exams in 2026.

About the Iowa P&C Exams

The Iowa Property & Casualty insurance examinations are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Iowa Insurance Division. Unlike most states, Iowa requires TWO SEPARATE EXAMS - there is no combined P&C option.

What the Exams Test

• Iowa Insurance Code (Chapters 505-507B)
• Property insurance principles (homeowners, farm, commercial property)
• Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
• Agricultural insurance (critical for Iowa)
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Iowa-specific consumer protections

Exam Structure

Important: Iowa does NOT offer a combined P&C exam. You must pass BOTH the Property exam AND the Casualty exam separately to obtain a full Property & Casualty license.

Exam Fees (Best Deal in the Nation!)

Pro Tip: Take advantage of the $69 back-to-back option! You can schedule both Property and Casualty exams for the same session at Pearson VUE and save $29 compared to scheduling them separately.

No Pre-Licensing Education Required

Iowa is one of the most accessible states for entering the insurance profession because it has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement.

What This Means For You

Why It's Still Important to Study

• The 70% passing score is still required
• You must pass TWO separate exams
• Combined 168 questions require comprehensive knowledge
• Iowa-specific content includes agricultural insurance
• Thorough preparation saves money on retakes

Exam Tip: While no pre-licensing is required, plan to spend 40-60 hours studying. Many candidates underestimate the exams and fail on their first attempt.

NEW: Fingerprinting Requirement (Effective June 2, 2025)

Major Change: Beginning June 2, 2025, Iowa requires fingerprinting for all resident insurance license applicants.

Fingerprinting Details

Fieldprint Locations

Fieldprint operates multiple locations throughout Iowa for convenient fingerprinting access. Schedule online at fieldprint.com and select "Iowa Insurance Division."

Note: Non-resident applicants from states with reciprocal agreements may be exempt from Iowa fingerprinting if their home state has already conducted a background check.

Iowa Insurance Market Context

Why Iowa Is Unique

Iowa's insurance market has distinctive characteristics:

1. Agricultural Focus

   • #1 in Corn Production nationally
   • #1 in Pork Production nationally
   • Significant farm property and equipment coverage needs
   • Crop insurance is a major market segment
   • Livestock coverage considerations

2. Weather Risk

   • Tornadoes: Iowa is in Tornado Alley
   • Severe Storms: Derechos, hail, and wind damage
   • Flooding: Mississippi and Missouri River exposure
   • Winter Weather: Blizzards and ice storms

3. Regulatory Approach

   • Iowa Insurance Division oversees all licensing
   • Commissioner is appointed by Governor
   • Consumer protection under Chapter 507B
   • Moderate regulatory environment

4. Auto Insurance Requirements

   • Minimum liability: 20/40/15 (among lowest in nation)
   • At-Fault state (tort system)
   • No mandatory PIP
   • UM/UIM offered but not required

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Process

1. Study and Prepare (Recommended first)

   • Complete this FREE study guide
   • Review national P&C concepts
   • Take practice quizzes
   • Focus on Iowa agricultural insurance topics

2. Schedule and Pass BOTH Exams

   • Register with Pearson VUE online
   • Pay $49 each OR $69 for back-to-back (save $29!)
   • Take Property exam (83 questions, 120 minutes)
   • Take Casualty exam (85 questions, 120 minutes)
   • Pass BOTH with 70%+ score
   • Results valid for 90 days

3. Complete Fingerprinting (Required as of 6/2/2025)

   • Schedule at Fieldprint location
   • Select "Iowa Insurance Division"
   • Processing takes 3-5 business days
   • Background check conducted

4. Wait for Results Transfer

   • Allow 3 business days for exam results to transfer to NIPR
   • Don't apply before results are in the system
   • Check NIPR to confirm results received

5. Apply for License

   • Submit application through NIPR
   • Pay $50 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee
   • Total: $55.60
   • Must apply within 90 days of passing exams

6. Receive License

   • Iowa Insurance Division reviews application
   • Background check processed
   • License issued upon approval
   • Valid for 2 years
   • Begin selling P&C insurance in Iowa

Exam Retake Policy

Note: If you pass Property but fail Casualty (or vice versa), you only need to retake the failed exam. Your passing score remains valid for 90 days.

Total Costs Summary

Note: Iowa has one of the lowest total licensing costs in the nation due to no pre-licensing requirement and the back-to-back exam discount.

License Maintenance

Continuing Education Requirements

Iowa P&C producers must complete:

• 24 total CE hours every 2-year licensing period
• 3 hours of ethics included in the 24 hours
• CE must be from Iowa-approved providers

Iowa Auto Insurance Requirements

Minimum Liability Limits

Iowa requires the following minimum auto liability coverage:

Memory Tip: Iowa minimums are 20/40/15 - among the lowest in the nation. Remember "Iowa = I-O-W-A = 20/40/15" (approximately!).

Key Iowa Auto Insurance Laws

1. At-Fault (Tort) State

• Iowa follows the traditional tort system
• The at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages
• Injured parties can sue at-fault drivers
• Modified comparative fault (51% rule)

2. Modified Comparative Fault

• You can recover damages if you're less than 51% at fault
• If you're 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault

3. Financial Responsibility Law

• All drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage
• Proof of insurance required for vehicle registration
• SR-22 may be required after certain violations

4. UM/UIM Coverage

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is offered
• Not mandatory but recommended
• Protects against uninsured drivers

Iowa Insurance Division Contact

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide focuses on Iowa state-specific content for the P&C exams:

Chapter 1: Iowa Insurance Regulation & Licensing

• Iowa Insurance Division structure
• Commissioner (appointed by Governor)
• Producer licensing requirements and CE
• Iowa Code Chapters 505-507B overview

Chapter 2: Iowa Property Insurance Laws

• Homeowners insurance requirements
• Farm property and agricultural coverage
• Commercial property regulations
• Iowa FAIR Plan
• Severe weather coverage (tornado, derecho, hail)

Chapter 3: Iowa Casualty Insurance Laws

• Auto insurance minimums (20/40/15)
• At-Fault state rules
• Modified comparative fault (51% rule)
• Workers' compensation requirements
• Agricultural liability

Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection

• Unfair trade practices (Chapter 507B)
• Claims handling requirements
• Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association
• Producer conduct standards

national Property & Casualty exam prepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor

Study Tips for Success

Key Numbers to Memorize

Iowa-Specific Topics to Master

1. Two Separate Exams - No combined P&C option in Iowa
2. Back-to-Back Discount - $69 saves $29 over separate scheduling
3. Agricultural Insurance - Iowa's #1 corn and pork production
4. Modified Comparative Fault - 51% rule for recovery
5. New Fingerprinting Requirement - Effective June 2, 2025

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

1. Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
2. Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
3. Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
4. Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule BOTH exams back-to-back ($69)
5. Pass BOTH exams - With 70%+ score each
6. Complete fingerprinting - Through Fieldprint
7. Wait 3 business days - For results to transfer to NIPR
8. Apply for license - Within 90 days of passing

Remember: Take advantage of the $69 back-to-back pricing! Schedule both exams for the same session and save $29 compared to taking them separately.

Let's get started with Chapter 1: Iowa Insurance Regulation & Licensing!