Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In Iowa For 2024

SR-22 insurance serves as proof of financial responsibility that certain drivers must provide to the state following serious offenses such as DUIs or reckless driving. In Iowa, adding SR-22 to your car insurance policy comes with an extra cost.

Drawing from my experience in the insurance industry, these additional expenses can vary significantly, and some insurers may decline to cover SR-22 requirements altogether. Finding the right insurer involves navigating through eligibility criteria and pricing details, but I’ve already done the research for you.

This article highlights the top Iowa insurers offering SR-22 insurance and outlines their average premiums. While actual costs may vary depending on your specific circumstances, this guide will help steer you in the right direction. Keep reading for more insights into SR-22 insurance in Iowa.

Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In Iowa

Without a car but needing an SR-22? Go for a non-owners insurance policy. Here are the cheapest non-owner SR-22 policies available in Iowa:

• Travelers: $420 per year
• State Farm: $220 per year

How To File An SR-22

If you receive a directive from a court, state government, or the DMV to file for an SR-22, your initial step is to contact your insurance provider. If you’re not insured, you’ll need to acquire a policy. Some insurers may reject drivers needing SR-22s, so it’s essential to confirm this beforehand. Non-compliance could lead to state penalties. Alternatively, consider purchasing a non-owner policy with an attached SR-22.

You can keep your current auto policy active without issues, even if you don’t own a car but require an SR-22 for license maintenance. Once you’ve chosen an insurer accepting SR-22s, add it to your policy and provide any necessary details, such as the reason for needing the SR-22 or a formal request. The insurer will then file the SR-22 with the state and notify them of any policy cancellations. If changing insurers during this period, avoid coverage gaps and promptly secure the SR-22 with the new insurer.

Cheapest Companies For SR-22 Car Insurance In Iowa

The following companies provide the most affordable SR-22 insurance in Iowa, limited to liability only:

• State Farm: $180 per year
• Western National: $250 per year
• Progressive: $220 per year

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With a DUI (Liability Only)

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage

Here are three low-cost options for SR-22 insurance in Iowa that provide full coverage, suitable for individuals seeking more than just basic liability protection:

• State Farm offers coverage for $560 annually.
• American Family provides coverage at an annual rate of $860.
• Progressive offers full coverage for $920 per year.

Cheapest SR-22 Auto Insurance Policies With a DUI

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 insurance, despite its name, isn’t insurance per se; instead, it’s a certificate submitted by your insurer to verify that you meet your state’s mandated coverage levels. States often mandate an SR-22 after serious infractions such as license suspensions, DUIs, or reckless driving.

Consequently, auto insurance companies impose higher premiums on those requiring SR-22s because they are considered high-risk drivers. Failing to furnish an SR-22 can lead to the state revoking your driving privileges, highlighting the importance of compliance.

What Is SR-22a Insurance?

Some states require an SR-22a instead of the standard SR-22. This is often for drivers who have repeatedly violated financial responsibility laws or faced serious citations. Missouri, Georgia, and Texas are states where this specific form might be needed.

How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates

Typically, drivers can expect their car insurance premiums to rise by around $993 annually with an SR-22 requirement. This increase is often tied to previous driving incidents that necessitated the SR-22, rather than the SR-22 itself directly causing it. For instance, if you were convicted of a DUI and required an SR-22, the higher premiums would likely stem from the DUI offense.

Additionally, there’s a filing fee for an SR-22, typically ranging from $15 to $25, in addition to the premium hike. Removing the SR-22 from your policy once it’s no longer mandatory can help reduce the premium increase.

SR-22 Insurance State Requirements

Each state imposes its own conditions for SR-22 filings. Some states, including Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, do not enforce SR-22 requirements. On the other hand, states like Florida and Virginia may require drivers to demonstrate they hold insurance coverage that surpasses the minimum legal thresholds. These states might also request an FR-22 form for DUI or DWI incidents.

Arkansas and Indiana have their own unique procedures. For instance, Arkansas mandates an SR-21 form to verify insurance coverage after serious accidents, whereas Indiana uses an SR-50 form to authenticate insurance dates post-DUI.

Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In Iowa

How Long Do I Need To Have SR-22 Insurance?

The length of time you need an SR-22 varies by state. In Iowa, the minimum filing period is three years, but depending on the reason for needing it, it could be required for up to five years. You must also continue to hold the SR-22 even if you move out of the state.

Alternatives to SR-22

When a state requires an SR-22, there’s no way around filing for it. Some states offer alternatives such as SR-21, SR-50, or FR-22. To find out exactly what’s needed, contacting a local independent agent is recommended.

Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance

Besides influencing your car insurance prices, SR-22 filings can also affect your ability to drive legally. If you fail to secure an SR-22 within the specified timeframe or maintain it for the required period, the state could suspend your driver’s license or vehicle registration.

This may incur financial penalties and reinstatement costs. Additionally, not all insurers are willing to provide coverage to drivers requiring SR-22s, which can restrict available options.

How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs?

Your credit score is pivotal in determining your auto insurance rates. Insurers see lower scores and the need for an SR-22 as signs of increased risk. Therefore, if you have poor credit and require an SR-22, expect to pay substantially more—usually 72% higher than those with good credit.

SR-22 filings can independently raise premiums by an average of 18% or more, depending on the insurance provider.

How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance In Iowa After A DUI

Following a DUI, your car insurance rates may increase, but there are strategies to keep costs under control. Start by comparing quotes from different insurers; some may offer lower premiums for DUI cases.

Switching insurers could lead to significant savings. Also, consider discounts like defensive driving courses or bundling policies. Lastly, staying accident-free can help reduce rates over the 3-5 year period affected by a DUI.