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.
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.
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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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: Thursday, March 14 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-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Auto-Owners
31
4.0
USAA
32
4.5
GEICO
35
4.2
American Family
38
4.3
Allstate
39
4.2
Farmers
45
3.8
Safeco
53
3.8
Travelers
60
4.3
Nationwide
60
4.3
Progressive
71
3.9
Dairyland
72
3.3
Bristol West
81
2.2
Liberty Mutual
86
3.8
Direct Auto
89
3.3
The General
124
3.3
Foremost
134
3.5
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
City Name
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Cedar Rapids
Auto-Owners
33
Davenport
Auto-Owners
33
Sioux City
Auto-Owners
33
Cedar Rapids
USAA
35
Davenport
USAA
35
Des Moines
Auto-Owners
35
Sioux City
USAA
35
Cedar Rapids
GEICO
38
Council Bluffs
Auto-Owners
38
Davenport
GEICO
38
Des Moines
USAA
38
Sioux City
GEICO
38
Council Bluffs
USAA
39
Cedar Rapids
American Family
40
Des Moines
GEICO
40
Sioux City
American Family
40
Cedar Rapids
Allstate
42
Davenport
American Family
42
Sioux City
Allstate
42
Council Bluffs
GEICO
43
Davenport
Allstate
43
Des Moines
American Family
43
Des Moines
Allstate
45
Council Bluffs
American Family
46
Cedar Rapids
Farmers
47
Council Bluffs
Allstate
49
Davenport
Farmers
49
Sioux City
Farmers
49
Des Moines
Farmers
52
Council Bluffs
Farmers
56
Cedar Rapids
Safeco
57
Sioux City
Safeco
57
Davenport
Safeco
59
Des Moines
Safeco
61
Cedar Rapids
Nationwide
64
Cedar Rapids
Travelers
64
Council Bluffs
Safeco
65
Davenport
Nationwide
65
Davenport
Travelers
65
Sioux City
Nationwide
65
Sioux City
Travelers
65
Des Moines
Nationwide
70
Des Moines
Travelers
70
Council Bluffs
Nationwide
74
Council Bluffs
Travelers
74
Cedar Rapids
Progressive
77
Sioux City
Progressive
77
Cedar Rapids
Dairyland
78
Davenport
Progressive
78
Davenport
Dairyland
79
Sioux City
Dairyland
79
Des Moines
Progressive
82
Des Moines
Dairyland
84
Cedar Rapids
Bristol West
85
Davenport
Bristol West
86
Sioux City
Bristol West
86
Council Bluffs
Progressive
88
Council Bluffs
Dairyland
89
Cedar Rapids
Liberty Mutual
92
Des Moines
Bristol West
92
Sioux City
Liberty Mutual
93
Davenport
Liberty Mutual
95
Council Bluffs
Bristol West
98
Cedar Rapids
Direct Auto
99
Davenport
Direct Auto
100
Des Moines
Liberty Mutual
100
Sioux City
Direct Auto
100
Des Moines
Direct Auto
106
Council Bluffs
Liberty Mutual
107
Council Bluffs
Direct Auto
113
Cedar Rapids
The General
132
Sioux City
The General
135
Davenport
The General
137
Cedar Rapids
Foremost
142
Des Moines
The General
144
Sioux City
Foremost
144
Davenport
Foremost
145
Council Bluffs
The General
153
Des Moines
Foremost
153
Council Bluffs
Foremost
163
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.
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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 ofInsurance 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]
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.
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.
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.