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.

Jess Ullrich
Written byJess Ullrich
Jess Ullrich
Jess UllrichInsurance Writer
  • 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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Courtney Mikulski
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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Amber Benka
Reviewed byAmber Benka
Amber Benka
Amber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent

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 March 14, 2024

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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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Liability OnlyIQ 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-Owners314.0
USAA324.5
GEICO354.2
American Family384.3
Allstate394.2
Farmers453.8
Safeco533.8
Travelers604.3
Nationwide604.3
Progressive713.9
Dairyland723.3
Bristol West812.2
Liberty Mutual863.8
Direct Auto893.3
The General1243.3
Foremost1343.5
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 NameInsurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Cedar RapidsAuto-Owners33
DavenportAuto-Owners33
Sioux CityAuto-Owners33
Cedar RapidsUSAA35
DavenportUSAA35
Des MoinesAuto-Owners35
Sioux CityUSAA35
Cedar RapidsGEICO38
Council BluffsAuto-Owners38
DavenportGEICO38
Des MoinesUSAA38
Sioux CityGEICO38
Council BluffsUSAA39
Cedar RapidsAmerican Family40
Des MoinesGEICO40
Sioux CityAmerican Family40
Cedar RapidsAllstate42
DavenportAmerican Family42
Sioux CityAllstate42
Council BluffsGEICO43
DavenportAllstate43
Des MoinesAmerican Family43
Des MoinesAllstate45
Council BluffsAmerican Family46
Cedar RapidsFarmers47
Council BluffsAllstate49
DavenportFarmers49
Sioux CityFarmers49
Des MoinesFarmers52
Council BluffsFarmers56
Cedar RapidsSafeco57
Sioux CitySafeco57
DavenportSafeco59
Des MoinesSafeco61
Cedar RapidsNationwide64
Cedar RapidsTravelers64
Council BluffsSafeco65
DavenportNationwide65
DavenportTravelers65
Sioux CityNationwide65
Sioux CityTravelers65
Des MoinesNationwide70
Des MoinesTravelers70
Council BluffsNationwide74
Council BluffsTravelers74
Cedar RapidsProgressive77
Sioux CityProgressive77
Cedar RapidsDairyland78
DavenportProgressive78
DavenportDairyland79
Sioux CityDairyland79
Des MoinesProgressive82
Des MoinesDairyland84
Cedar RapidsBristol West85
DavenportBristol West86
Sioux CityBristol West86
Council BluffsProgressive88
Council BluffsDairyland89
Cedar RapidsLiberty Mutual92
Des MoinesBristol West92
Sioux CityLiberty Mutual93
DavenportLiberty Mutual95
Council BluffsBristol West98
Cedar RapidsDirect Auto99
DavenportDirect Auto100
Des MoinesLiberty Mutual100
Sioux CityDirect Auto100
Des MoinesDirect Auto106
Council BluffsLiberty Mutual107
Council BluffsDirect Auto113
Cedar RapidsThe General132
Sioux CityThe General135
DavenportThe General137
Cedar RapidsForemost142
Des MoinesThe General144
Sioux CityForemost144
DavenportForemost145
Council BluffsThe General153
Des MoinesForemost153
Council BluffsForemost163
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 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]

Sources

  1. Iowa Department of Transportation. "Iowa's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law." Accessed May 8, 2023
  2. The Iowa Legislature. "761—640.6(321A) Proof of financial responsibility.." Accessed May 8, 2023
Jess Ullrich
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 Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
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

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Amber Benka
Reviewed byAmber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent
Amber Benka
Amber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent

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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