All Iowa drivers must have liability insurance. Car insurance is a financial necessity. There are many advertisements that emphasize the importance of car insurance. Drivers should also be aware of how rates can change. Speeding is considered a risky driving behavior because it can cause serious or fatal accidents. Speeding was responsible for over 9400 deaths in 2019. This is why a speeding ticket can have a significant impact on your car insurance premium.
What is the cost of a Iowa speeding ticket?
Moving violations are taken very seriously under Iowa law, but how much is a speeding ticket in Iowa? The fines for this violation increase depending on how fast a driver drives. They can be anywhere from $20 to $100 for the minimum fine. Surcharges or court costs can be added to the total amount. Speeding in a work zone could also lead to significant fines, up to $1,000, depending on the miles per hour over the speed limit. Speeding in a school zone can also result in heavy fines.
What does a speeding ticket do to your Iowa car insurance?
Is your insurance going up because of a Iowa speeding ticket? It could. A speeding ticket in Iowa could have serious financial consequences. On top of associated state fines and court costs, a speeding ticket cost in Iowa likely involves an increase in Iowa car insurance premiums. Below is the table that shows how much auto premiums have increased in total coverage since a speeding ticket was given.
Due to the already high base rates, insurance rate increases for young drivers and male drivers can be more severe than those for older drivers. These rates are different because young drivers are statistically more likely to cause an accident or speed than male drivers.
How to lower your Iowa speeding ticket and get car insurance
A speeding ticket can lead to premium increases, which are the most costly consequences. Premium increases may not be possible for drivers who have received speeding tickets at least once in their lives. There are steps you can take to save money on your car insurance after a moving violation.
Get estimates from other car insurance providers
Iowa drivers who want to get the best rate on their car insurance should consider shopping around at other companies after a premium increase. Car insurance companies determine rates based on factors such as age, gender and location. Below is a table that shows the average annual premium for some of the most popular insurance companies.
Remember that the price of car insurance is only one factor to consider when getting quotes after you have been ticketed. Drivers may also want to research the company’s customer satisfaction rating and claim filing process.
Find out about discounts
Drivers may still be able save money even if their car insurance rates rise. Drivers might not receive all the discounts that they are entitled to. It is a good idea to consult an agent before making any decisions. Iowa drivers might be able save some money by using a multi-policy discount and good student discount.
Assess your coverage
Drivers who want to cut costs on their car insurance following a ticket may find it a good time to review their current coverage. Drivers may be paying too much for coverage that is not necessary based on their unique vehicle usage and needs. Consider cancelling individual coverage if you don’t need it. This could save you money.
Additional speeding ticket considerations
Iowa considers speeding a simple misdemeanor, even though the severity of a speeding ticket may vary depending on the state, your driving record, and how many miles per hour you drive in excess of the posted speed limit. Drivers who are cited for speeding may lose their license or face fines from the state. Excessive fines or jail time could be imposed for speeding in school zones. This would come in addition to an increase in insurance rates making speeding quite costly.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for drivers who have been cited for speeding?
Based on your individual needs, the best car insurance company will differ for drivers who have been cited for speeding. You can switch carriers if you are not satisfied with your current carrier. Our list of the best car insurance companies of 2021 is a great place to start researching other carriers for a quote.
Is there a minimum amount of insurance required in Iowa?
Liability insurance is a mandated coverage in the state of Iowa. Iowa drivers must have minimum $20,000 coverage for bodily injuries per person, up to $40,000 per accident. Drivers are also required to carry $15,000 in property damage liability. Most insurance agents advise drivers to have higher limits than the minimum liability because accidents-related medical expenses could quickly add up.
What is the cost of Iowa car insurance?
While car insurance premiums can vary depending on the driver’s personal situation, Iowa drivers tend to have lower premiums than other states. The average cost of a full coverage policy in Iowa is approximately $1,260 per year or about $105 per month. This is considerably lower than the $1,674 annual average or $139.50 per month.