Does a OWI raise car insurance rates in Iowa?

With a clean driving record, car insurance in Iowa costs $1,630. However, after a OWI, the average rate rises to $2,540, which is $910 higher.

Auto insurers raise premiums significantly when they view you as a high-risk driver. If you receive multiple OWIs, average rates rise sharply to $3,447.

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in Iowa?

The cheapest insurer after a OWI is State Farm, with average premiums of $1,394. The next most affordable option is Progressive, where rates are $283 higher than those of State Farm. Travelers offers the third-lowest car insurance rates for drivers with a OWI.

Driving under the influence is both dangerous and expensive. You'll face substantial fines and increased car insurance rates for many years. Because each insurer handles a OWI differently and sets its own pricing, comparing quotes from several companies is essential.

The table below lists theaverage car insurance rates after a OWI in Iowa.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm$1,306$1,394$1,394
Progressive$1,589$1,677$2,206
Travelers$1,238$1,889$2,651
Allstate$2,126$2,794$3,801
GEICO$1,716$3,087$3,643
Auto-Owners$1,461$3,547$6,170
USAA$1,165$1,922$2,271

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Iowa?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Iowa, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and the OWI will stay on your record for life.

If someone gets a OWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the OWI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a OWI. Your vehicle may also be treated as a crime scene after the crash, meaning you won't be able to access it until the police release it.

How long does a OWI affect your insurance in Iowa?

Although a OWI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A OWI influences car insurance in Iowa and stays on your record for life. Your premiums should start to go down after several years of maintaining a clean driving record with no additional violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a OWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a OWI increases rates significantly, younger driver's car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a OWI is $3,438.

These are the cheapest companies after a OWI by age:

  • For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $3,438.
  • For young adults: State Farm offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $1,648.
  • For adults: State Farm, with an average rate of $1,394.
  • For seniors: State Farm has the most affordable average rate at $1,215.

This table shows how a OWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
State Farm$3,170$3,438$2688%
Progressive$4,146$4,170$241%
Travelers$3,233$4,634$1,40143%
GEICO$4,306$7,118$2,81265%
Allstate$5,661$7,911$2,25040%
Auto-Owners$3,454$9,412$5,958173%
State Farm$3,170$3,438$2688%
Progressive$4,146$4,170$241%
Travelers$3,233$4,634$1,40143%
GEICO$4,306$7,118$2,81265%
Allstate$5,661$7,911$2,25040%
Auto-Owners$3,454$9,412$5,958173%
USAA$2,730$4,630$1,90070%
USAA$2,730$4,630$1,90070%

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in your city?

The most affordable city in Iowa for car insurance after a OWI is Iowa City, while the most expensive is Centerville, with an average premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. of $2,622. Where you live affects your insurance costs even without a OWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft pay more because their cars face a greater risk. A OWI then pushes those already high rates even higher.

This table lists the average car insurance rates after a OWI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Altoona$1,441$2,288$84759%
Atkins$1,618$2,508$89055%
Cedar Falls$1,562$2,478$91659%
Centerville$1,741$2,622$88151%
Des Moines$1,585$2,543$95860%
Ely$1,580$2,456$87655%
Iowa City$1,351$2,116$76557%
Kalona$1,554$2,405$85155%
Lawton$1,567$2,426$85955%
Story City$1,461$2,254$79354%
Altoona$1,441$2,288$84759%
Atkins$1,618$2,508$89055%
Cedar Falls$1,562$2,478$91659%
Centerville$1,741$2,622$88151%
Des Moines$1,585$2,543$95860%
Ely$1,580$2,456$87655%
Iowa City$1,351$2,116$76557%
Kalona$1,554$2,405$85155%
Lawton$1,567$2,426$85955%
Story City$1,461$2,254$79354%

How to get car insurance after a OWI in Iowa

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver after a OWI, but that doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a OWI conviction may require a little work.

If you have car insurance and get a OWI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a OWI or want to find the most affordable rates, take the time to compare different policies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the cheapest option in Iowa, as each company sets its own rates after a OWI.

Iowa OWI insurance requirements and penalties

A OWI in Iowa means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Iowa, you will need an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company that shows the state that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. While an SR-22 doesn't increase your car insurance rates, the cause behind the form does.

A OWI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.

The table below indicates Iowa OWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
0.15180 daysAfter 30 daysHighly incentivized for all convictionsYesYes
0.15180 daysAfter 30 daysHighly incentivized for all convictionsYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a OWI does your insurance go down?

A OWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a OWI can affect rates for 10 years.

Iowa drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a OWI and expect it to stay on their record for life.

Tips to save money after a OWI

A OWI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a OWI.

Ways Iowa drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a OWI include:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two OWI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Iowa OWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a OWI?

OWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a OWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a OWI in Iowa?

Most insurers won't drop you after one OWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple OWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.

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