Office address: 1963 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
Website: iid.iowa.gov
Year established: 1913
Employees: 100+
Key people: Doug Ommen (commissioner), Chance McElhaney (COO), Xuanning Huang (CFO), Carrie Mears (chief investment specialist), Kristin Griffith (director), Julie Pearce (holding company specialist), Sonya Sellmeyer (consumer advocate)
Operating budget: $14.9 million (FY 2023)
The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) oversees over 1,500 licensed insurance companies and thousands of professionals across the state. In 2023, the Division recovered more than $6.3 million for Iowans through fraud investigations, lost policy searches, and complaint resolutions.
The agency traces its roots to 1856, when the State Auditor first handled insurance regulation. In 1913, the office of Commissioner of Insurance was created, formally establishing IID as a separate agency.
In 1986, it became part of the Department of Commerce during a major state reorganization. Here are some key moments in the Iowa Insurance Division’s history:
In 2025, the Division began enforcing a new law to regulate pharmacy benefit managers and protect rural pharmacies. The rule has faced legal pushback but remains a major step in consumer protection.
IID is the state agency responsible for regulating insurance, securities, and related industries across Iowa. Its legal authority comes from Iowa Code chapters 505–523I. This empowers the Iowa Insurance Division to enforce insurance laws, oversee financial practices, and safeguard the public.
Notable divisions within the IID include:
The Iowa Insurance Division is led by the insurance commissioner, currently Doug Ommen, who is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate.
The Iowa Insurance Division oversees several important areas to keep the insurance and financial markets fair and reliable:
These responsibilities help Iowans trust their insurance and investments. Iowa Insurance Division works to protect the public while keeping the market strong.
The agency recently reviewed over 115 homeowners rate filings after severe weather and inflation pushed insurance claims and costs higher. It used oversight and advocacy to manage insurer solvency and access to coverage as companies raised rates and tightened underwriting.
In 2025, the Iowa Insurance Division helped enforce a new state law setting clear rules for auto glass repairs and insurance claims. The law bans repair incentives, limits post-loss benefit transfers, and adds new rules for ADAS calibrations and invoice transparency.
These actions show the Division’s focus on fair pricing, honest claims, and market stability. It continues to respond quickly as risks and needs change.
The Iowa Insurance Division helps Iowans understand and use insurance through public service, clear tools, and direct support. Key programs include:
filing complaints: lets consumers report insurance issues for review and action
Its Consumer Advocate answers questions, explains rights, and helps fix problems with insurers. These efforts make insurance easier to understand and help Iowans protect their rights and money.
The court ruled that the state's regulations did not violate constitutional protections
Agreement lowers retention per claim excluding key specialty lines
Shops face ADAS rules, claim filing mandates, and bans on gifts to attract customers
Premium hikes follow mounting catastrophe claims, inflation, and reinsurance cost pressures
Improved combined ratio, strong rate increases, and higher investment income drive gains
