How To Get An Iowa Car Dealer License

Apr 18 Posted on

Learn How To Get An Iowa Car Dealer License. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about dealer license requirements, bonding, and renewals.

Iowa motor vehicle dealers

Iowa motor vehicle dealers, like those in most states, need a license and surety bond. Keep reading to find out how to apply and why the bond is required.

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Motor Vehicle Dealer License Requirements

Iowa motor vehicle dealers are licensed by the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Here’s some of the information required by the license application:

  • Dealership name, address, email, and phone number
  • Type of ownership and names of any co-owners or partners
  • Addresses of any extension lots (must be in the same city or township as the dealership)
  • $75,000 surety bond

The DOT has several requirements for an Iowa motor vehicle dealer’s place of business, which include:

  • Office with telephone number listed under business name
  • Open for business at least 32 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
  • Repair facility (at least 14 feet by 24 feet for auto repairs)
  • Written zoning approval
  • Valid franchise agreement (if applicable)
  • Financial liability coverage
  • Indoor display space (new car dealers)
  • Indoor or outdoor all-weather display space (used car dealers)

Most used motor vehicle dealers will need to take an eight-hour pre-licensing course�see the Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association (IIADA) for more information on the course. Dealers also need to pay a few licensing fees, which may vary depending on the type of dealer license being applied for:

  • $70 license fee
  • $20 per extension lot
  • $70 registration fee
  • $40 per dealer plate

Iowa motor vehicle dealer licenses are valid for two years, expiring on December 31 in even-numbered years (like this one!).

Iowa Dealer Bonds

Iowa motor vehicle dealers need a $75,000 surety bond, which is on the higher end for the industry. It was increased from $50,000 in July 2016 by SF 2228. With a good credit score, you could pay as little as 1% of the total bond amount—that’s just $750. If your credit isn’t perfect, don’t worry. Single Source Insurance can help get you the best rate for your surety bond.

The surety bond is required to ensure Iowa auto dealers adhere to state laws, specifically Chapters 321 and 322 of the Code of Iowa. Prohibited actions—which could lead to a claim being filed against the bond or license suspension or revocation—include:

  • Selling vehicles other than those the licensee is licensed to sell
  • Selling vehicles from a location other than the licensed business location
  • Selling, loaning, or otherwise allowing another person to sell vehicles under their business license

Ready to get licensed and bonded as an Iowa motor vehicle dealer? Single Source Insurance is here to help!�

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Indiana Medicaid Transportation Providers Need a Surety Bond

Apr 4 Posted on

Indiana Medicaid transportation providers

Indiana Medicaid transportation providers need to be enrolled and have a bond on file with the state. Keep reading to find out how to enroll and get a surety bond.

Understanding Iowa Dealer Bonds: Requirements and Application Process

Medicaid transportation providers in Indiana enroll with Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP), but their enrollment and the surety bond are required by the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP). There are several different types of Medicaid providers that enroll with IHCP, and transportation providers’ type code is 26. Transportation providers also choose a specialty:

  • 260 – Ambulance
  • 261 – Air ambulance
  • 262 – Bus
  • 263 – Taxi
  • 264 – Common carrier (ambulatory)
  • 265 – Common carrier (non-ambulatory)
  • 266 – Family member

Enrolling as a Medicaid transportation provider allows businesses to transport Medicaid recipients. All applicants need to complete the IHCP’s�enrollment form, and consult the Provider Enrollment Type and Specialty Matrix to which other documents need to be included. Here’s some of the documents required if you’re enrolling as a type 264 or 264 Medicaid transportation provider:

  • Provider Agreement
  • W-9 form
  • Copy of all drivers’ licenses for all drivers
  • Application fee
  • $50,000 surety bond (for-profit providers only)
  • MCS certificate from the Indiana Department of Revenue (for-profit providers only)
  • Proof of nonprofit status if applicable
  • USDOT number (interstate carriers only)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Fingerprints and background checks

Check the Matrix to see the documentation your specialty needs to provide. You can enroll through the IHCP Portal or you can submit your enrollment form and documents to:

Provider Enrollment Unit
P.O. Box 7263
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7263

Getting an Indiana Medicaid transportation provider surety bond

Businesses enrolling as taxis and for-profit ambulatory or non-ambulatory carriers are required to get a $50,000 surety bond. Ambulatory means that clients being transported can walk to get in and out of the vehicle, while non-ambulatory means that clients are transported in wheelchairs. The bond is required to protect against the filing of “duplicate, erroneous, or false” Medicaid claims. The bond needs to remain in effect for at least three years after the Medicaid transportation provider enrollment is submitted.

Ready to get bonded in Indiana? Get in touch with Single Source Insurance for a free surety bond quote!�

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Alabama Bills Require a Dangerous Dog Surety Bond

Apr 2 Posted on

dangerous dog

In Alabama, HB 204 and SB 232 were recently signed into law. Both bills involve a surety bond requirement for those who own a dangerous dog in the state.

Emily’s Law

SB 232 is also known as Emily’s Law in memory of Emily Colvin, a 24-year-old woman who was attacked and killed by five dogs in Alabama last December. The law creates a felony charge for owners of dangerous dogs that injure or kill people, and creates a registration procedure for the owners of some dangerous dogs.

If a dog is reported as dangerous, the dog can be impounded by animal control or law enforcement � the dog’s owner is liable for costs associated with impounding. While the dog is impounded, an investigation will determine whether or not it will be considered dangerous. Dogs that are determined to be dangerous, and it caused serious physical injury or death, it will be euthanized. However if the dog is determined to be dangerous but has not caused serious injury or death, the judge may

There are several instances under which a dog will not be considered dangerous, even if it did cause injury or death:

  • If the person was attacked while trespassing and committing a crime or intending to commit a crime.
  • If the person was tormenting or teasing the dog when they were attacked, or if the person repeatedly did so in the past.
  • If the dog was protecting a person from assault by the person who was attacked.
  • If the dog attacked in response to pain or in protection of self, kennel, or offspring.
  • If the dog attacked when disturbed while sleeping or eating.

Emily’s Law also states barking and/or growling does not classify a dog as dangerous.�If the dog is considered dangerous and the owner is allowed to keep it, they’ll need to adhere to Emily’s Law procedure and register the dog with local animal control or health department within 30 days and renew registration annually. Owners must be 18 years old or older, and need to provide this information with registration:

  • Certificate of current rabies vaccination
  • Current photo of dog
  • Evidence that the dog will reside in a proper enclosure
  • Evidence that the dog is spayed or neutered
  • Dog must be microchipped or identifiably tattooed
  • No less than a $100,000 surety bond
  • Written permission from property owner allowing dog to reside at the property

Dangerous dog owners must also provide a notarized affidavit confirming that the dog will be under the control of a person over 18 if they are not in their enclosure or indoors, and that the dog will not leave the property unless in case of emergency or for regular medical treatment. Dangerous dog owners must also pay a registration fee and provide the proper enclosure within 30 days of the court’s decision. Read Emily’s Law in its entirety to learn what a proper enclosure entails and for more details.

HB 204 does much the same thing that Emily’s Law does, establishes a procedure for how a dangerous dog is labeled as such and creates a surety bond requirement for dangerous dog owners in some instances. In particular, HB 204 outlines specific penalties and procedures for dangerous dog owners that live in unincorporated areas of Chilton County, Alabama.

What does the bond do?

If their dog is declared a dangerous dog, the owner is required to get a surety bond as a means of protecting the public and the state from liability. The surety bond must be at least $100,000. In the event that the dangerous dog commits dangerous actions in the future, the surety bond provides a means of recovering medical and veterinary costs that result.

Ready to get an Alabama surety bond? Single Source Insurance is ready to help you get bonded � get in touch today!�

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