To reinstate your license after suspension, you’ll need to buy SR22 insurance Iowa, and carry it for a certain period of time. This high risk insurance is also called a financial responsibility filing. It guarantees the state that you’ll maintain liability insurance in exchange for reinstating your driving privileges.
How much does SR22 insurance Iowa cost?
Minimum liability insurance requirements for all vehicle owners in Iowa are:
- $20,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $40,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
- $15,000 coverage for property damage
When you need an SR22 filing, you’ll still be required to carry this level of insurance coverage. However, your insurance rate will likely increase. Several factors are considered in how SR22 costs are determined, and how much your premiums will increase. Your insurance provider usually charges a fee for filing your certificate.
How does SR22 insurance work?
The SR22 certificate will be attached to your vehicle insurance policy and filed with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). This certificate is a guarantee that you’ll maintain the required liability insurance coverage during your suspension period. You’ll have to carry SR22 insurance Iowa without interruption for a specified time; usually two years from the date of license suspension. The policy is monitored during this time to make certain it stays current. If it lapses even once, the Iowa DOT is notified. This results in immediate suspension of your license.
SR22 insurance without a car
If you own a car, you’ll purchase an SR22 owner/owner-operator policy. If you don’t own a vehicle, you’ll buy non Owner SR22 Insurance Iowa. Non owner’s insurance is liability-only coverage that insures you when you operate a non-owned vehicle. If you cause an accident when driving a borrowed vehicle, SR22 insurance Iowa pays claims after the owner’s auto insurance coverage has paid its maximum limits. An article on our website describes the difference between Non Owner SR22 vs SR22 insurance.
Another option for SR22 insurance in Iowa is broad form vehicle insurance. It is usually less costly, but carries very strict limitations.
Common reasons people require high risk insurance
- Refusing to submit a breath or blood alcohol test (BAC)
- Iowa OWI or DUI offense or conviction
- Child support or neglect cases
- Legal judgments
- Multiple driving offenses (excessive points on a driving record)
- Uninsured motorist / Uninsured accidents
Iowa DUI / OWI
The most serious offenses requiring SR22 insurance Iowa involve violating drunk driving laws. Iowa uses a BAC calculator to determine your legal impairment limit. The blood alcohol (BAC) limits in the state are:
- 0.08% for all drivers
- 0.04% for commercial drivers
- 0.01% for minor drivers under age 21
Iowa enforces Implied Consent Laws, which means that it’s a crime to refuse a chemical breath, BAC or urine test. Refusing to comply even once results in immediate one-year license suspension and installation of an ignition interlock device. You may be able to obtain a restricted license after 90 days. If you’re stopped for DUI or OWI a second time or more, there is a two-year license revocation. You may become eligible for a restricted license after one year, with an ignition interlock requirement.
The Iowa DOT website has many more details concerning license suspensions/revocations, OWI, financial responsibility requirements and other related topics.
UltraCar Insurance is a licensed provider of SR22 insurance Iowa. We offer low rates, quick quotes and fast filing of your SR22 certificate. Start by clicking the quote button or call to talk with an agent today!
This article was last updated on March 9th, 2023 by UltraCar Insurance
