SR-22 Requirement in Iowa

If you require an SR-22 certificate in Iowa to reinstate your driver’s license, you are not alone. This legal requirement is necessary after egregious traffic offenses, such as:

• Driving with no insurance
• Causing a crash under eligible circumstances
• OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction
• Driving with a suspended license
• Collecting too many points on your driver’s license (multiple offenses)
• Hit and run conviction
• Driving dangerously

Finding affordable coverage with an SR-22 form in Iowa may take some work; however, it is worth the effort. Keep on reading to learn more about the SR-22 requirement in Iowa.

An SR-22 certificate or form in Iowa is a certificate that is filed with the state in order to get your driver’s license back after it has been revoked following an eligible offense. Even though Iowa does not have a mandatory car insurance liability law, Iowa motorists must be able to prove they have insurance coverage in the amounts of:

• $15,000 property damage in any one accident
• $20,000 bodily injury or death injury for one person in one accident
• $40,000 bodily injury or death for two or more people in any one accident

The SR-22 certificate provides proof of insurance assuring the state that you hold coverage liability that meets or exceeds these amounts.

SR-22 forms in Iowa are usually in force for two years from the time of conviction, although the severity of the event can necessitate a longer or shorter term, at the discretion of the state’s Department of Transportation or a judge. Another offense during this time can result in an extension of the length of the SR-22 or a complete reset of the time.

If the driver fails to pay the premium on time or fails to renew it, their driver’s license will be revoked.

Drivers in Iowa who have their driver’s license suspended or revoked will require their car insurance provider to submit an SR-22 certificate on their behalf to hit the highway again lawfully.

Follow the steps below if you need to file an SR-22 certificate:

• Look for a Reliable Insurer
  Many insurance companies will not provide insurance to someone who needs to file an SR-22 form. Such drivers are considered high risk and more likely to file a claim. However, there are insurers who will insure you, although you can expect to pay a much higher premium. Shop around, compare prices and above all, make sure the insurance company is legally operating in Iowa.
• Pay the Fee
  If the certified car insurance company agrees to fill out a form on your behalf, pay the charge so the certificate can be processed, as well as filed in a timely manner. In this state, filing charges are normally $25.
• Check Minimum Liability Coverage
  You will have to purchase liability coverage that meets or exceeds the state requirements for the insurance company to file the certificate on your behalf.
• Submit the Form
  After paying the fee, the insurance company will file the form with the state’s Department of Transportation. Once the form is accepted, you will receive a letter from the insurance provider confirming this.

Depending on the insurance provider, you can look forward to paying anywhere from 9 to 40 percent more than a driver who has the same factors as you (age, credit history, address) but is not considered high risk. This can be as much as $300 to $800 more than what a normal driver would pay.

Always bear in mind that insurance providers utilize a diverse formula in setting premiums; therefore, you need to shop around to make sure you get the cheapest SR-22 car insurance.

If you want auto insurance with an SR-22 certificate, your insurance premium will be higher than the average. However, rest easy that once you complete the SR-22 coverage term without any offenses, your insurance premium should be closer to normal.

Even if you are temporarily dealing with a high premium due to an SR-22 mandate, you can mitigate those expenses by looking around for the best rate among car insurance providers who offer SR-22 coverage.

You won’t know the answer to this question until you start shopping around for your coverage. Insurance companies who offer insurance to high-risk drivers typically charge more for this service. This is because these drivers represent a segment of the population that files more claims due to risky driving and lifestyle behaviors.

In some cases, drivers are required to file an SR-22 certificate even if they no longer have a car. If you caused a very serious accident due to driving under the influence and your car was totaled, you may still be required by the state to buy insurance – even without a car to drive. The state is asking you to prove that if you get involved in an accident again, you will have the financial means in place to pay for injuries and damage to the other driver(s) if the accident is your fault.

Those who don’t have a car, but drive by borrowing or renting a vehicle must prove they have enough insurance through an SR-22 certificate.

Comparing SR-22 quotes from different car insurance companies is the best way to save a considerable amount of money on car insurance in Iowa. Each company has its own way of computing premiums, meaning you may witness considerable disparities from one quote to another. In addition, always:

• Maintain your coverage – a lapse could cost you a lot of bucks
• Make sure your insurance carrier is legally allowed to operate in Iowa

Check in periodically with your insurer. If you’ve kept out of trouble and have made some strides in things like credit and work history, your agent might be able to lower your SR-22 premium. Don’t be discouraged. Continue working toward improving your circumstances and you’ll see your premiums go down naturally as time elapses.

Now you know why shopping around can save money on your SR-22 insurance. But did you know that competitive rates are just a click away?

Here at SR-22 Adviser, we’re happy to help you save money each month. To get started, visit our partner site for an online quote today!