Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Iowa (2024)
You may need to file an SR-22 in Iowa if you have a serious driving infraction on your record.
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Written byJess Ullrich
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10+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics
Former associate finance editor for Investopedia
Jess is a subject matter expert in insurance, banking, and other personal finance topics. Her byline has appeared in numerous top web media, including Investopedia.
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Edited byCourtney Mikulski
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Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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Reviewed byAmber Benka
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Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.
Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Both SR-22 and FR-44 forms serve as proof that you meet your state’s car insurance minimums after a serious driving infraction. But different states require different forms, and only Florida and Virginia require FR-44 forms.
In Iowa, you need to file an SR-22 form with the state if you commit a serious driving offense and need to reinstate your driver’s license and car registration.[1] Here’s what to know about SR-22 car insurance in Iowa, how SR-22s affect your insurance costs, and where to get the coverage you need.
Quick Facts
If you receive notice that your license will be suspended or revoked in Iowa, you’ll need to file an SR-22.
Your insurance premiums will most likely increase due to your driving infractions.
An SR-22 needs to stay in place for two years following a suspension.[2]
What is SR-22insurance in Iowa, and when do you need it?
While SR-22 forms serve as proof of insurance, they aren’t actually insurance coverage. You may need to file an SR-22 form to reinstate your license after major offenses on the road, such as reckless driving or driving without insurance. An SR-22 proves you have the minimum car insurance coverage your state requires.
Your insurer may need to file an SR-22 form in Iowa on your behalf if you’re convicted of any of the following offenses and the state suspended or revoked your license:[1]
DUI or DWI
Reckless driving
Driving without insurance
Failure to report an accident
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How can you get SR-22 insurance in Iowa?
You may be able to file an SR-22 form through your insurance company in Iowa. Contact your current insurer and ask it to add an SR-22 form to your policy, which the company will then file with the state on your behalf.
Not all insurers provide this option, though. If your insurer doesn’t provide SR-22 forms, you’ll likely need to buy a policy with a different insurer to get an SR-22 filing. It can be frustrating if your existing car insurance company doesn’t offer SR-22s — but many insurers do, so you won’t necessarily need to spend significant time finding a new company.
How long does Iowa require SR-22 insurance?
Iowa requires an SR-22 on file for two years after your license suspension. Some states require that you have an SR-22 for a longer time period.
Unfortunately, this two-year time frame requirement is fairly strict in Iowa, and it can only be terminated in the event of your death, if you’re not able to drive any longer, or if you surrender your license plates and driver’s license to the Iowa Department of Transportation.[2]
How much is an SR-22 in Iowa?
You’ll typically have to pay a filing fee if you need an SR-22 form in Iowa. Though filing fees vary by state and car insurance company, you can expect to pay around $25 to file an SR-22 form.
Remember, though, that an SR-22 isn’t actually insurance coverage. While you’ll likely pay a nominal filing fee, your insurance premiums could increase significantly with serious infractions on your driving record. Filing the SR-22 itself likely won’t result in higher insurance costs, but the reasons behind the filing probably will.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Iowa
If you’re searching for relatively affordable SR-22 insurance in Iowa, you have a few options. These options probably won’t be as affordable as they would with a clean driving record. While the average liability-only monthly quote for SR-22 coverage in Iowa is around $87, you could pay as little as $29 depending on your car insurance company, according to Insurify data.
Here’s a look at liability coverage options and costs from different Iowa insurers after an SR-22 filing.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $30 | 9 |
| USAA | $31 | 9 |
| GEICO | $34 | 9 |
| American Family | $37 | 9 |
| Allstate | $38 | 9 |
| Farmers | $44 | 8 |
| Nationwide | $59 | 9 |
| Travelers | $59 | 9 |
| Safeco | $60 | 8 |
| National General | $68 | 7 |
| Progressive | $70 | 8 |
| Bristol West | $75 | 5 |
| Dairyland | $76 | 7 |
| Direct Auto | $81 | 7 |
| Liberty Mutual | $96 | 8 |
| Root | $111 | 8 |
| Foremost | $122 | 7 |
| The General | $122 | 7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest insurance companies in Iowa with SR-22 by city
Your location in Iowa can also affect the cost of your car insurance coverage. For instance, drivers in Cedar Rapids pay slightly lower rates on average than drivers in Des Moines. An average SR-22 car insurance policy with Nationwide in Des Moines is $65 a month, which is $5 more expensive than the same policy in Cedar Rapids, where it’s $60 a month, on average.
The table below shows how your location and the car insurance company you choose in Iowa could affect your car insurance costs.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
City Name ▲▼ | Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | Auto-Owners | $33 |
| Council Bluffs | Auto-Owners | $33 |
| Davenport | Auto-Owners | $33 |
| Cedar Rapids | USAA | $34 |
| Council Bluffs | USAA | $34 |
| Davenport | USAA | $34 |
| Des Moines | Auto-Owners | $34 |
| Sioux City | Auto-Owners | $34 |
| Des Moines | USAA | $35 |
| Sioux City | USAA | $35 |
| Council Bluffs | GEICO | $37 |
| Davenport | GEICO | $37 |
| Cedar Rapids | GEICO | $38 |
| Des Moines | GEICO | $38 |
| Sioux City | GEICO | $38 |
| Cedar Rapids | American Family | $41 |
| Council Bluffs | American Family | $41 |
| Davenport | American Family | $41 |
| Sioux City | American Family | $41 |
| Cedar Rapids | Allstate | $42 |
| Council Bluffs | Allstate | $42 |
| Davenport | Allstate | $42 |
| Des Moines | American Family | $42 |
| Sioux City | Allstate | $42 |
| Des Moines | Allstate | $44 |
| Cedar Rapids | Farmers | $48 |
| Council Bluffs | Farmers | $48 |
| Davenport | Farmers | $48 |
| Des Moines | Farmers | $49 |
| Sioux City | Farmers | $49 |
| Cedar Rapids | Safeco | $63 |
| Council Bluffs | Safeco | $63 |
| Davenport | Safeco | $63 |
| Council Bluffs | Nationwide | $64 |
| Council Bluffs | Travelers | $64 |
| Davenport | Nationwide | $64 |
| Davenport | Travelers | $64 |
| Sioux City | Safeco | $64 |
| Cedar Rapids | Nationwide | $66 |
| Cedar Rapids | Travelers | $66 |
| Des Moines | Safeco | $66 |
| Sioux City | Nationwide | $66 |
| Sioux City | Travelers | $66 |
| Des Moines | Nationwide | $67 |
| Des Moines | Travelers | $67 |
| Cedar Rapids | National General | $75 |
| Council Bluffs | National General | $75 |
| Davenport | National General | $75 |
| Cedar Rapids | Progressive | $76 |
| Council Bluffs | Progressive | $76 |
| Davenport | Progressive | $76 |
| Sioux City | National General | $76 |
| Des Moines | National General | $78 |
| Sioux City | Progressive | $78 |
| Des Moines | Progressive | $79 |
| Council Bluffs | Bristol West | $82 |
| Davenport | Bristol West | $82 |
| Cedar Rapids | Bristol West | $83 |
| Council Bluffs | Dairyland | $83 |
| Davenport | Dairyland | $83 |
| Sioux City | Bristol West | $83 |
| Cedar Rapids | Dairyland | $85 |
| Des Moines | Bristol West | $86 |
| Sioux City | Dairyland | $86 |
| Des Moines | Dairyland | $87 |
| Cedar Rapids | Direct Auto | $90 |
| Council Bluffs | Direct Auto | $90 |
| Davenport | Direct Auto | $90 |
| Sioux City | Direct Auto | $91 |
| Des Moines | Direct Auto | $93 |
| Cedar Rapids | Liberty Mutual | $105 |
| Council Bluffs | Liberty Mutual | $105 |
| Davenport | Liberty Mutual | $105 |
| Sioux City | Liberty Mutual | $106 |
| Des Moines | Liberty Mutual | $109 |
| Council Bluffs | Root | $122 |
| Davenport | Root | $122 |
| Cedar Rapids | Root | $123 |
| Sioux City | Root | $123 |
| Des Moines | Root | $126 |
| Cedar Rapids | Foremost | $134 |
| Cedar Rapids | The General | $134 |
| Council Bluffs | Foremost | $134 |
| Council Bluffs | The General | $134 |
| Davenport | Foremost | $134 |
| Davenport | The General | $134 |
| Sioux City | Foremost | $135 |
| Sioux City | The General | $135 |
| Des Moines | Foremost | $138 |
| Des Moines | The General | $138 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates in Iowa for drivers with an SR-22
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $38/mo for liability only and $59/mo for full coverage in Iowa.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
How an SR-22 affects driving record and future rates in Iowa
A major driving infraction typically precedes an SR-22 filing requirement, which will result in higher insurance costs.
“If you're classified as a high-risk driver, you may have a few options for reducing your insurance costs,” says John Espenschied, insurance expert and owner of Insurance Brokers Group in St. Louis, Missouri. “One [option] is to simply wait it out — many insurers will only consider your driving history for the past three to five years, so if you maintain a clean record during that time, you may eventually be reclassified as a lower-risk driver.”
While your insurance rates in Iowa will likely increase if you have to file an SR-22, you could lower your premiums over time by taking the following steps:
Drive responsibly. While the driving incidents preceding your SR-22 filing are in the past, you can work toward maintaining a safe driving record in the present. Avoiding future infractions is a good step toward lower insurance costs.
Take a defensive driving course. To help with maintaining a safe record, consider taking an approved defensive driving course. Courses like these may also help you lower your insurance premiums once completed.
Bundle coverage. Many insurers offer lower premiums if you bundle your coverage. For instance, if you have renters or homeowners insurance with one company, consider bundling your auto policy with the same company.
Ask about discounts. Look for car insurance discounts for paying your premiums in full, automatic payments, low mileage, paperless statements, and more to lower your premiums with SR-22 insurance.
Iowa SR-22 FAQs
If you’re required to get SR-22 insurance in Iowa, you may be confused about the process. Here’s some additional information about Iowa SR-22 requirements that can help.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Iowa?
You must have an SR-22 on file in Iowa for two years after your last license suspension. The only exceptions are if you surrender your license and plates, become physically incapable of driving a car, or if you pass away.[2]
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Iowa?
Your SR-22 will remain in place for two years following your last license suspension. When that time is up, you’ll receive a form in the mail from the Iowa Department of Transportation indicating that you no longer need your SR-22. Once you have this form, you can contact your insurance company to confirm your SR-22 requirements have been met.[2]
What happens to your SR-22 in Iowa if you move?
If you move out of Iowa, you may need an SR-22 form in your new state. But since state requirements related to SR-22s vary, it’s best to contact your new state’s department of motor vehicles to determine if you need a new SR-22 filing.
Do you need an SR-22 in Iowa if you don’t have a car?
It depends. You may still need an SR-22 in Iowa if you don’t have a car — known as nonowner SR-22 insurance. Maintaining this proof of insurance is a requirement for reinstating your license after a serious driving violation.
If you surrender your license and license plates to the Iowa Department of Transportation, you may not need an SR-22. Per Iowa laws, this is one exception to the two-year rule for SR-22 filings.[2]
Related articles
More cities in Iowa
Sources
- Iowa Department of Transportation. "Iowa's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law."
- The Iowa Legislature. "761—640.6(321A) Proof of financial responsibility.."
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Jess UllrichInsurance Writer
Jess is a personal finance writer who's been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work is published on Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and more. Prior to freelancing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in
Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.
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