Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Iowa

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In Iowa, the cheapest SR-22 insurance options are offered by Nationwide at $848 per year and State Farm at $1,008 per year. The cost of SR-22 insurance depends on your location, driving history, and insurance provider.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. It’s often required after serious driving violations, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. If you’ve been ordered to file an SR-22, you might be worried about the impact on your car insurance costs.

Unfortunately, having an SR-22 on your record usually leads to higher premiums, and some carriers won’t cover such drivers, so finding affordable options is essential.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly policy or just trying to learn more about SR-22s, this guide has the information you need to get back on the road without breaking the bank.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility proves you have the minimum liability insurance coverage your state requires. If you’re considered a high-risk driver because of traffic violations, a DUI/DWI conviction, or other reasons, your state or a court might require you to get an SR-22. This is a certificate your insurance company files on your behalf with your state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance, but it’s often required after serious offenses. Having an SR-22 can make your insurance more expensive, and not all insurers will cover you because you’re considered a high-risk driver.

Do I need to buy SR-22 insurance in Iowa?

As mentioned earlier, an SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy; it’s a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV. This form informs the state that you still carry the minimum required insurance despite certain driving offenses on your record. The filing fee is generally inexpensive, though insurance with an SR-22 can be costly.

Examples of offenses that might require an SR-22:

• DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
• Reckless driving
• Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
• Accumulation of too many driving violation points
• Driving without insurance

If you have any of these offenses on your record, you may need an SR-22. Once you buy an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, request your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV.

You usually need to keep an SR-22 for at least three years. Failing to do so could lead to a license suspension.

Average SR-22 car insurance cost in Iowa

The average cost of SR-22 car insurance in Iowa is $1,363.

This is $348 higher than in New Hampshire, which has the cheapest SR-22 insurance.

However, it’s also $2,678 less expensive than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

The cost of SR-22 insurance depends on several factors, such as why you need the SR-22, your driving history, and where you live.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Iowa

Insurance rates usually increase if you have an SR-22. But not all insurance companies have the same rates for people with an SR-22. The companies listed below have some of the lowest rates available in Iowa.

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Cheap SR-22 insurance in Iowa by city

As mentioned earlier, where you live can also make a big difference in the cost of SR-22 insurance. Below, you’ll find the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance for most cities in Iowa.

SR-22 insurance requirements in Iowa

The Iowa DMV mandates all drivers in Iowa to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

• $20,000 for injury or death per person
• $40,000 for injury or death per accident
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

These are only the minimum requirements. Experts suggest getting more coverage than the mandated coverage levels. While it might increase your premium, the extra coverage can be very helpful if you’re in a costly at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Iowa cost with a DUI?

Some insurance companies are much more forgiving than others if you have a DUI. Some charge a few hundred dollars more, while others charge thousands more per year.

Note: In the table below, “filing only” represents the cost of a policy including the fee to file the SR-22 – without considering the reason why someone needed an SR-22.

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Iowa

You may face sky-high insurance premiums if you need an SR-22 in Iowa. However, there are ways to save on car insurance whether or not you require an SR-22.

First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer you better SR-22 rates.

Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.

You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.

There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, Iowa, recommends the following:

• Shopping around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
• Pay upfront: Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
• Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Iowa

Some states might require you to get an SR-22 even if you don’t own a car. This proves you have the minimum liability insurance your state requires, which is often needed to get your driver’s license back after a suspension or revocation for violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses.

Non-owner insurance policies are for people who don’t own a car but still drive and need to meet SR-22 requirements or maintain coverage. This type of insurance provides liability protection when driving someone else’s car and helps you meet state requirements to get your license back after violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses.

It’s generally a cheaper option than a standard car insurance policy since it only covers liability.

Read more about how non-owners car insurance works in Iowa

Who needs SR-22 insurance?

Remember, an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. It’s a certificate that proves to your state’s DMV that you have the required minimum insurance coverage.

For example, if you have a DUI, the state will require you to show that you have enough insurance to meet financial responsible.

Remember, not all driving offenses need an SR-22. You’ll be notified if you do. If you’re unsure, check with your local DMV office or a lawyer who specializes in traffic law.

How long do you need SR-22 insurance in Iowa?

You usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years.

During this time, you must have continuous insurance coverage with no lapses. If your policy gets canceled or lapses, your insurer has to inform the state, which could lead to penalties or a suspended license.

The bottom line on SR-22 in Iowa

The average SR-22 insurance rate in Iowa is $1,363, while the average cost of car insurance in Iowa is $1,241. This means SR-22 insurance in Iowa costs $123 more per year.

Keep in mind that there are numerous factors that affect the auto insurance premiums.

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.

“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

Bob Haegele

Contributing Researcher

 

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Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.