Iowa Auto Insurance Quotes and
Coverage Guide
Iowa Motor Vehicle Insurance
Questions & AnswersQ: Is
auto insurance mandatory?
A: Only if you or your car get in an accident
or if your license has been revoked, then you need
to be able to show minimum coverage of 20/40/15,
which means up to $20,000 for one person’s bodily
injuries, up to $40,000 for two or more person’s
bodily injuries, and up to $15,000 for any property
that’s damaged. Of course, since you’d have to be
clairvoyant to know whether or not you’re going to
get in a wreck or someday get your driver’s license
suspended, it’d be a good idea to not bet the corn
crop and go ahead and get it.
Q: Is Iowa a "tort" state?
A: Iowa is what is known as a “tort” state,
and yes, you can be sued or do your own share of
suing. In tort states, there are no restrictions on
lawsuits, which means you can sue or be sued by the
other driver and/or the other driver’s passengers
for pain and suffering in addition to any
out-of-pocket medical expenses. You may even have to
go get the corn crop in for the victim if you’ve
disabled him to the point where he can’t get it in
himself.
Q: What should I do if I get into an accident?
A: Whether or not it’s your fault, the Office
of Driver Services has to be informed within 72
hours if there were any injuries, property damage of
$1,000 or more, or a death. If investigated by a
peace officer, however, the report will be filed by
the law enforcement agency.
If you were the one at fault because you were
thinking about the corn crop instead of watching the
road, you will next have to provide proof of
insurance or your driver’s license will be
suspended.
You can get off the hook (but not out of the
cornfield) by:
-- Presenting proof that you are covered by
automobile liability insurance at the time of the
accident
-- Providing cash, a cashier's check, a certified
check, a bank draft or a postal money order made
payable to the Office of Driver Services
-- Getting releases from any and all other damaged
or injured parties
-- Getting a decision resulting from a civil damage
action that relieves you from liability
-- Making a legal agreement to pay the other damaged
or injured parties on an installment plan
-- Filing proof of complete settlement regarding any
or all damages or injuries
Q: Am I still liable if someone else is driving
my car and gets into an accident?
A: Both you and the driver of the vehicle
involved in an accident must prove your respective
financial responsibility or be at risk of losing all
registrations and licenses to operate motor
vehicles, and, of course, the corn crop – which the
state really doesn’t know what to do with, so just
make sure you have the insurance.
Q: Are there any exemptions to having to proof of
insurance after an accident?
A: Proof of financial responsibility after an
accident isn't needed in these cases:
-- Your car was legally stopped, standing, or parked
– like in the corn crop.
-- Your vehicle was driven without your permission –
like someone stole it while you were in the corn
crop.
-- No damage occurred to any person or property
other than yourself – like if they didn’t run down
your corn crop when they stole your car, just you.
Q: What happens if my registration and/or license
get suspended?
A: Future proof of financial responsibility
is required for two years and begins from the very
first day of your suspension or revocation for a
conviction, unsatisfied judgment, or violation of
the OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) law. Failure
to show or maintain future proof suspends your
license and registrations again. So if you’re using
that corn for making liquor, stop.
Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase
and maintain an Iowa tag and registration?
A: You do not have to have proof of insurance
in order to purchase tags and registration in Iowa,
but if you get into an accident, you’d better have
it ready – or there goes the corn crop – along with
your driver’s license and your registration.
Q: But what if I’m just visiting in Iowa?
A: Proof of insurance after an accident
pertains to non-residents as well. Non-residents
cannot operate or register any vehicle in Iowa until
all requirements are met – and the corn crop gets
in.
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