SR-22 in Iowa: What You Need to Know
In Iowa, you’ll need your insurer to file an SR-22 form for you to reinstate your driver’s license after a major driving offense.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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In Iowa, if you’re convicted of a severe driving violation, you’ll need your insurance provider to file an
SR-22 form
on your behalf. This "proof of insurance" guarantees that you meet the state’s mandated minimum auto insurance requirements. RECOMMENDED
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What is an SR-22 in Iowa?
In Iowa, an SR-22 form or certificate is mandatory to reinstate your driver’s license after it has been suspended for a major traffic offense.
Filed by your insurer, the SR-22 offers a "proof of insurance," guaranteeing that you hold insurance that meets (or exceeds) the state’s minimum liability requirements.
Iowa requires all drivers to carry
liability car insurance
. The state’s mandated minimum insurance requirements are as follows:- $40,000 for bodily injury for more than one person in one accident
In Iowa, SR-22 certificates are required for two years from the date of conviction, although the severity of the conviction can necessitate a shorter or longer term, at the discretion of Iowa’s Department of Transportation.
If you fail to renew an insurance policy with SR-22 coverage on time in Iowa, or if your coverage lapses at any time, your license will be suspended.
Need to know: If you're required to file an SR-22 certificate in Iowa but you don't have a car, you can purchasenon-owner SR-22 insuranceinstead.
Who needs SR-22 in Iowa?
If an Iowa driver has their license revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons, they will need their insurance company to submit an SR-22 form on their behalf to legally hit the road again:
- Driving while uninsured
- DUIconviction
- Hit-and-run
- Dangerous driving
- Multiple driving violations in a short time
- Driving with a suspended license
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How to get an SR-22 certificate in Iowa
You’ll need to follow these steps if you need an SR-22 form filed on your behalf.
1. Find an insurer
There are plenty of insurance carriers that won’t file SR-22 forms, as insurers deem drivers requiring one to be high-risk, meaning they’re considered more likely to
file a car insurance claim
. Do your research and find an insurer that files SR-22 certificates in Iowa. 2. Pay the SR-22 fee
Once an insurer agrees to file an SR-22 for you, pay the fee so the form can be processed and filed on time. In Iowa, filing fees are usually about $25.
3. Verify minimum liability coverage
You’ll need to buy liability coverage that meets or exceeds Iowa’s state requirements for your insurer to file the SR-22 form for you.
4. Submit your SR-22
Once you pay your filing fee, your insurer will file your SR-22 with Iowa’s Department of Transportation. When the application is accepted, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from your insurance company confirming this.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost?
Depending on your carrier, you can expect your car insurance with SR-22 coverage to cost roughly $230 more in Iowa than a standard, minimum car insurance policy. Of course, your rate depends on many factors, most notably your personal profile, age, driving history, location, and a slew of other metrics.
Key Takeaway Each insurance company uses a different formula to set premiums, so shop around to ensure you find a policy with SR-22 coverage at an affordable price.
How an SR-22 impacts your insurance in Iowa
If you need car insurance with SR-22 coverage, your insurance premiums will likely be higher than average for as long as you are on probation. Rest assured though, that so long as you complete your SR-22 term without any other violations, your insurance rates will decrease once the probationary term ends.
Even though you’ll be temporarily dealing with higher premiums, those costs can be mitigated by shopping around for the best rate amongst insurers offering SR-22 coverage. Try an insurance comparison tool like the
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