A wooden covered bridge with red siding at the end of a paved road at sunset, with Queen Anne's lace and purple clover wildflowers in sharp focus in the foreground.

Iowa SR-22 Insurance After a DUI or Violation

Iowa requires 20/40/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Find Coverage After a Traffic Violation

Iowa at a Glance

20/40/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

No

A defensive driving course does not remove points here

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division requires SR-22 filing for drivers convicted of DUI, multiple moving violations, at-fault accidents without insurance, or license suspensions. SR-22 filing demonstrates continuous coverage and must be maintained for the full 2-year requirement period without lapse.

Liability Insurance

Iowa's 20/40/15 minimums are among the lowest in the nation and may be insufficient if you cause a serious accident. After a DUI or major violation, maintaining continuous liability coverage is mandatory to satisfy SR-22 requirements filed with the Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division. Many high-risk drivers carry 50/100/50 or higher to avoid personal asset exposure and reduce the chance of a coverage gap that restarts the 2-year SR-22 clock.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate your insurer files electronically with the Iowa DOT proving you carry at least state minimum liability coverage. If your policy lapses or cancels during the 2-year requirement, the insurer notifies Iowa DOT within 10 days, triggering immediate license suspension until you refile.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk drivers and typically offer SR-22 filing when standard insurers decline coverage after a DUI, multiple violations, or suspension.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive and is required by lenders if you finance or lease a vehicle.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Iowa does not require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but insurers must offer it and you must reject it in writing.

What Drivers Pay in Iowa

$229–$296/mo

Typical monthly rate in Iowa, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Type of violation: DUI/OWI increases rates more than speeding or minor violations
  • Time since violation: rates decrease gradually after 3 years for most offenses
  • Driving record: multiple violations or accidents compound rate increases
  • Age and gender: younger high-risk drivers face steeper surcharges
  • Location within Iowa: urban areas like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have higher base rates due to accident frequency
A man in a cap, dark jacket and jeans leans against the open tailgate of a dark pickup truck on gravel ground, with a field and sunset sky behind him.

See Who Will Insure You After a Ticket

Find Coverage After a Traffic Violation