Does a OWI raise car insurance rates in Iowa?
Yes. If you get a OWI in Iowa, your car insurance rates will go up because insurers see you as a higher risk. If you have a clean record, the average rate is $2,460. After one OWI, the average rate jumps to $4,443, an increase of $1,983.
Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple OWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $8,189.
How much does a OWI raise your insurance in Iowa?
The cheapest insurer after a OWI is Progressive, with rates averaging $2,583. The next cheapest insurer is Farmers, a difference of $1,048 from Progressive. GEICO has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a OWI.
Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a OWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.
This table shows average car insurance rates after a OWI in Iowa.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,930 | $2,583 | $3,690 |
| Farmers | $2,693 | $3,631 | $5,084 |
| GEICO | $1,923 | $3,632 | $4,379 |
| Allstate | $3,047 | $4,007 | $5,455 |
| IMT Insurance | $2,334 | $4,139 | $12,907 |
| West Bend Insurance Company | $2,326 | $4,163 | $12,616 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,245 | $6,065 | $10,894 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $3,195 | $7,348 | $10,540 |
People ask
What happens when you get a OWI in Iowa?
If you're convicted of a OWI in Iowa, the consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, and car insurance rates will increase for 12 years.
If someone gets a OWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
If someone else gets a OWI while driving your car, the OWI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their OWI. However, your rates could increase if that driver causes an accident and you file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing.. Your insurer may also review your policy if that person lives with you or regularly drives your car.
Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.
How long does a OWI affect your insurance in Iowa?
A OWI affects your insurance rates in Iowa for about 12 years., but it may stay on your driving record longer. Your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. will slowly go down if you avoid more violations and maintain continuous coverage.
Insurance companies look at your recent driving history when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a OWI.
As time passes, your rates will improve, depending on your insurer and your overall record.
It is a good idea to compare quotes at renewal because another company may stop charging extra for your OWI sooner.
People ask
Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a OWI?
It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a OWI, 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 OWI, 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 drivers' car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a OWI is $8,135.
These are the cheapest companies after a OWI by age:
- For teens: IMT Insurance is the cheapest at $8,135.
- For young adults: Progressive offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $3,103.
- For adults: Progressive, with an average rate of $2,583.
- For seniors: Progressive has the most affordable average rate at $2,007.
This table shows how a OWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.
| Company | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMT Insurance | $4,565 | $8,135 | $3,570 | 78% |
| GEICO | $5,107 | $8,750 | $3,643 | 71% |
| Progressive | $7,572 | $8,983 | $1,411 | 19% |
| Allstate | $6,790 | $9,473 | $2,683 | 40% |
| Farmers | $9,935 | $12,271 | $2,336 | 24% |
| Auto-Owners | $5,909 | $16,940 | $11,031 | 187% |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $7,795 | $18,171 | $10,376 | 133% |
| West Bend Insurance Company | $6,547 | $18,386 | $11,839 | 181% |
How much does a OWI raise your insurance in your city?
A OWI will affect your insurance differently depending on your city in Iowa. Iowa City has the lowest average rate, while Council Bluffs has the highest at $4,945, largely due to local risk factors. Insurers consider traffic levels, accident frequency, theft rates, weather risks and repair costs when setting premiums.
This table shows average OWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $2,044 | $3,671 | $1,627 | 80% |
| Ames | $2,067 | $3,727 | $1,660 | 80% |
| Ankeny | $2,126 | $3,855 | $1,729 | 81% |
| West Des Moines | $2,201 | $3,959 | $1,758 | 80% |
| Davenport | $2,296 | $4,128 | $1,832 | 80% |
| Cedar Rapids | $2,314 | $4,180 | $1,866 | 81% |
| Des Moines | $2,383 | $4,318 | $1,935 | 81% |
| Waterloo | $2,418 | $4,388 | $1,970 | 81% |
| Sioux City | $2,504 | $4,522 | $2,018 | 81% |
| Council Bluffs | $2,751 | $4,945 | $2,194 | 80% |
How to get car insurance after a OWI in Iowa
Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a OWI in Iowa. You can stay with your current insurer or look for companies that cover high-risk drivers. Start by checking if you need to file any state forms, then compare quotes from several insurers.
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 lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in Iowa, since each insurer offers different 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. 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 BAC | 0.15 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 180 days |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | After 30 days |
| Ignition interlocks | Highly incentivized for all convictions |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*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 it may be longer depending on the carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims.. Rates may decline at each renewal after the OWI, as long as you have no additional violations.
Keeping continuous coverage and avoiding further violations will help your rates improve over time.
Even after your insurer stops factoring in the OWI, it may still appear on your driving record.
Review your policy and compare quotes at each renewal to find better rates over time.
Tips to save money after a OWI
You can save money after a OWI by actively managing your policy and improving your risk profile. The most effective ways include comparing quotes from multiple insurers, increasing your deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim., maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of available discounts.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay over time.
- Raise your deductible to lower rates
- Look for car insurance discounts, like multi-policy and vehicle safety feature savings
- Keep your driving record clean going forward
- Take a defensive driving course
- Improve your credit score
- Compare rates from multiple companies
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through our data partner, Quadrant Information Services. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
Base rate averages are based on our full coverage data setand the following parameters:
- 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:
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
- Rates after a OWI
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.
Do you need an SR-22 after a OWI in Iowa?
Yes, you are required to obtain an SR-22 after a OWI in Iowa as proof that you carry the minimum insurance required by law. Your insurer files the form with the state. The filing fee is generally small, but the OWI conviction that triggered the requirement can substantially increase your premium.
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a OWI?
Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a OWI, but it will generally cost more and fewer insurers may be willing to offer it. Full coverage includes liability, collision and comprehensive insurance. Comparing quotes from several companies can help you find the best coverage at a more affordable rate.
Compare Iowa DUI car insurance rates with other states
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