Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Iowa From $32
The average rate for liability insurance with an SR-22 on your record is $76 per month in Iowa.
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If you have a suspended driver’s license, Iowa law requires your auto insurance company to file an SR-22 form showing “proof of financial responsibility” that you’re properly insured in order to reinstate your license.1 Not all companies offer this form for customers, so you’ll need to find one that does.
Here’s what you should know about SR-22s and your requirements in the state of Iowa.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Iowa
The following car insurance companies offer the cheapest SR-22 insurance in the Hawkeye State.
What is SR-22 insurance in Iowa?
In Iowa, like many other states, the state may revoke or suspend your driver’s license for certain driving-related offenses or other legal situations, such as not paying court fines. To reinstate a suspended license, you’ll need to meet several requirements, including complying with Iowa’s financial responsibility laws.
These laws require you to have a way to pay for any property damage or injuries you cause in an accident. Most people do that by purchasing liability auto insurance, and after a suspension, you’ll need to proactively prove this before you can have your license reinstated.
You can do that by filing a certificate of financial responsibility (form SR-22) with the state through your insurer.
“SR-22 insurance” is a bit of a misnomer since it’s not different from any other standard car insurance policy. The only difference is that your insurance company will file a certificate with the state saying that you’re insured. Many, but not all, insurance companies will do this for clients. If they do provide this service, they’ll typically charge a small filing fee ranging from $15 to $30.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
In Virginia and Florida, some drivers may need to file an FR-44 instead of an SR-22 after certain driving infractions and offenses. FR-44s operate similarly to SR-22s, though they generally require you to carry insurance coverage above the required minimum.
That’s not the case in Iowa, though: It only uses an SR-22 insurance form, not an FR-44.
When you need SR-22 insurance
You’ll need to file an SR-22 certificate with the Iowa Department of Transportation if it revokes your license. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as:
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Not paying fines, penalties, or other government-imposed fees
Failure to show proof of insurance coverage within three days of an accident (whether you cause it or not) if it causes more than $1,500 in property damage or kills or injures someone
You’ll receive a notice if the state revokes your license, along with an explanation of how you can reinstate it. You can also check the reinstatement requirements for your case online on the Iowa DOT’s website.3
How to get SR-22 insurance in Iowa
Decide on the type of policy you need. You’ll need a policy meeting the minimum liability requirements in Iowa (a 20/40/15 policy), although you can purchase additional coverage.4 If you won’t be insuring a motor vehicle that you own, you’ll need to buy a non-owner insurance policy to ensure you’re covered when driving someone else’s car.
Find insurers that can file an SR-22. Some insurers won’t file an SR-22 to help you meet state requirements to reinstate your license. You’ll need to locate insurers that will provide this service. An insurance agent who works with multiple insurers can help you do this if you don’t want to shop around on your own.
Check your rate and coverage options. Get a quote from at least three companies if you’re not purchasing a policy through an insurance agency. This can help you find the best auto insurance premiums.
Purchase a policy. Choose the most affordable option and complete your policy purchase. Remember, it’s a good idea to shop around for rates with other companies each time your policy is up for renewal. Set a goal to do this every six months.
Ask your insurer to file an SR-22. If your insurance company hasn’t done so yet, you’ll need to ask it to file the correct certification document with the Iowa DOT on your behalf. You won’t be able to get your license reinstated until you meet this requirement.
How long Iowa requires SR-22 insurance
If a state agency suspends your license, you’ll generally need to meet SR-22 filing requirements for two years. Keep in mind that it’s important to maintain coverage during this time since any lapses in coverage can result in the state canceling your car registration and revoking your license again.
If you move out of state, you can apply for an SR-22 waiver, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re free to drive in another state. Your driving record follows you around the country, and you’ll need to check with your new state to see if you’ll still need to meet SR-22 requirements to get a new driver’s license.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Iowa
People who need to meet SR-22 certificate requirements have a reputation as having some of the highest car insurance rates around, but that’s not always the case. In fact, most drivers only see a monthly insurance cost increase of $17, on average, when they need to buy an SR-22 auto insurance policy.
The rise in car insurance costs isn’t due to the SR-22 itself; rather, it depends on the reason why you needed to meet the SR-22 in the first place. If you have a DUI conviction — one of the most common reasons drivers need to file an SR-22 — you’re considered a high-risk driver for the next 12 years while the mark stays on your driving record.
You can find opportunities in every bad situation, though, even if you’re paying a high cost for car insurance. You have several ways you can save on insurance coverage, including: