Iowa applies the federal Part 387 schedule to intrastate for-hire tow operators: $750,000 CSL at 10,001+ lbs GVWR. Iowa law states no dollar figure for for-hire nonhazardous operations using only vehicles under 10,001 lbs, and no on-hook, garagekeepers, or cargo minimum.
Law: Iowa Code § 325A.6 (adopting 49 CFR Part 387); 49 CFR § 387.9; § 321A.33 · § 325A.3(2)(g); 761 IAC 524.7(1), 524.3(2)(a)
A for-hire tow operator is a 'motor carrier of property' under § 325A.1(12), falls under ch. 524's 'all other property' category, and is subject to § 325A.6. Because ch. 524 is the intrastate authority chapter, Iowa's § 325A.6 adoption extends the Part 387 dollar schedule to intrastate for-hire tow operators — unlike Michigan, Iowa has no carve-out exempting non-CMV intrastate vehicles. No state on-hook, garagekeepers, or cargo minimum (761 IAC ch. 524 read; word-find for 'cargo' returned zero matches; §§ 321.89–321.90 are procedural/lien only). Do not use the J.J. Keller figures ($300,000 under 10,000 lbs; $10,000 cargo) — neither is supported by § 387.9 or any Iowa primary source. Municipal contract schedules (e.g., City of Dubuque) are city-level only. Verified 2026-10-14: all fields resolved (figure or confirmed absence), with the sub-10,001-lb gap stated as a resolved absence.
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Message us on Messenger Typically responds within 15 minutes during business hours. Prefer to talk now? Call · Text Get a quote for Iowa →Independent-contractor test: Common-law employee-vs.-independent-contractor test; no enumerated factor list in Iowa Code § 85.61(11). Courts weigh two overlapping lists together — the five employer–employee factors and the eight Mallinger factors — plus the parties' intent, with control over the details of the work as the primary focus; no single factor controls. Claimant must prove employee status by a preponderance of the evidence.
Not required doesn’t mean not liable: if you don’t carry workers’ comp — even where it isn’t required for you — an injured worker may be able to sue you in court instead of being limited to comp benefits, because the exclusive-remedy shield generally depends on having coverage.
Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more. Your operation (light-duty, heavy-duty, repo, rotation, motor club) decides which coverages fit. Take the coverage quiz →
Rotation is a local contract, not state law. Rotation agreements commonly require auto liability around $1,000,000 CSL, on-hook/cargo $50,000–$100,000, garagekeepers $50,000–$500,000, and the agency named as additional insured — check your agency’s agreement for its exact terms. Rotation readiness checklist →
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Informational only — not legal advice and not a quote. Requirements change — confirm the exact limits with your state DOT / public utilities commission and your rotation agreement before you buy. Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more.