Arizona car insurance laws: minimum coverage, no-insurance penalties and costs

Arizona's minimum coverage and the most recent increase

Arizona's financial responsibility law requires every registered vehicle to carry liability insurance with at least these limits:

• $25,000 for injury or death of one person in a crash you cause
• $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in that crash
• $15,000 for damage to other people's property

These limits took effect fairly recently. Minimums rose from 15/30/10 to 25/50/15 for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020; existing lower UM/UIM limits were raised to 25/50 at renewal. If you have kept the same policy for years, your declarations page shows the limits you carry now.

The property damage minimum can be less than the value of many cars and trucks on the road. For example, if you cause a crash that totals a pickup worth $40,000 and your policy pays up to $20,000 for property damage, the owner or their insurer can pursue you for the remaining $20,000. Higher liability limits reduce that risk.

Arizona does not require personal injury protection. We could not confirm a state rule on medical payments coverage for Arizona; if you want that coverage, ask your insurer or the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions how it is offered.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Arizona

Arizona law sets minimum civil penalties that rise with each violation within 36 months, along with suspensions handled by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD):

Getting your privileges back requires proof of financial responsibility, and a gap in coverage can raise what insurers charge when you buy again. Our post on car insurance lapses explains how to avoid one when you switch policies.

UM and UIM: a written offer you can accept or decline

Arizona insurers must offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in writing, on a form approved by the state. Buying them is optional, and your decision is recorded on the policy.

Arizona's estimated share of uninsured drivers, 10.6% in 2023, is below the national figure of 15.4%. Underinsured drivers are a separate risk: someone carrying only the state minimum may not have enough coverage to pay for a serious injury. Uninsured motorist coverage and UIM fill those gaps for your own injuries when the other driver is at fault.

SR-22 filings in Arizona

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry insurance after certain violations. After a DUI suspension or revocation, Arizona requires an SR-22 for 3 years from the end date of the suspension or revocation. After an unpaid court judgment, the filing is kept for the life of the judgment and for 2 years after it is satisfied.

If the policy behind the SR-22 cancels or lapses, the insurer must notify the MVD, your driving privileges can be suspended right away, and a suspension fee of $10 applies. Instead of an SR-22, Arizona accepts a deposit of $40,000 with the State Treasurer. Our SR-22 guide and car insurance after a DUI guide explain how filings affect your price.

Arizona prices compared with the national average

Both Arizona averages are above the national average. The average expenditure is about $112 a month, but your own price depends heavily on where the car is kept; see how your ZIP code affects your rate. Comparing quotes at renewal and asking about discounts are the most direct ways to see what you could pay.

Arizona's crash numbers

IIHS counted 1,229 motor vehicle crash deaths in Arizona in 2024.

Arizona's death rates by population and by miles driven are both above the national rates, and the speeding-related share is higher too. The share of deaths on rural roads is below the national share. Serious crashes drive the cost of liability claims, which is one reason minimum limits can run out quickly.

Driving across the border? Rules differ in California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico, and a US policy may not cover you in Mexico; see driving to Mexico or Canada.