Iowa Code Title III. Public Services and Regulation [Chs. 80-122C] § 87.1. Insurance of liability required

1. Every employer subject to the provisions of chapter 10A, subchapter III, this chapter, and chapters 85, 85A, and 85B, unless relieved as hereinafter provided from the requirements imposed under chapter 10A, subchapter III, this chapter, and chapters 85, 85A, and 85B, shall insure the employer's liability under chapter 10A, subchapter III, this chapter, and chapters 85, 85A, and 85B, in some corporation, association, or organization approved by the commissioner of insurance.

2. A motor carrier who contracts with an owner-operator who is acting as an independent contractor pursuant to section 85.61, subsection 12, paragraph “c”, shall not be required to insure the motor carrier's liability for the owner-operator. A motor carrier may procure compensation liability insurance coverage for these owner-operators, and may charge the owner-operator for the costs of the premiums. A motor carrier shall require the owner-operator to provide and maintain a certificate of workers' compensation insurance covering the owner-operator's employees. An owner-operator shall remain responsible for providing compensation liability insurance for the owner-operator's employees.

3. Every such employer shall exhibit, on demand of the workers' compensation commissioner, evidence of the employer's compliance with this section; and if such employer refuses, or neglects to comply with this section, the employer shall be liable in case of injury to any worker in the employer's employ under the common law as modified by statute.