Last updated: June 2023
Arizona has something for everyone, from major metropolitan areas to the natural beauty on display at the state's National Parks. But whether your idea of fun is shopping in downtown Phoenix and cheering on the Suns or camping in the desert surrounded by cacti, affordable auto insurance can help protect you and your vehicle on the way to your destination.
Direct Auto Insurance is proud to offer car insurance in Arizona, the “Grand Canyon State,” and in this guide, we're teaching you which coverages are mandatory, which ones are optional, and how Direct Auto can help you find cheap Arizona car insurance. Get a free quote to see how much money you can save with Direct.
Arizona Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in Arizona?
Arizona law requires all drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle they have registered in the state. Arizona auto insurance policies must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in Arizona are 25/50/15, as shown below under Arizona Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
Arizona Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to make you street legal in Arizona? Here's a quick breakdown by coverage type.
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 bodily injury per accident. |
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people's property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $15,000 property damage per accident. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can't be identified due to hit and run. |
Not required. |
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability-only coverage ensures you follow Arizona's laws, it doesn't necessarily protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage (like comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist) to protect yourself and your ride from damages, regardless of fault or insurance status of the other drivers.
1Coverage may be required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, Direct offers additional insurance coverages and products for Arizona drivers.
- Roadside Assistance
- Auto Protection Plan
- Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
- Towing & Labor Coverage
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Arizona Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet Arizona's minimum car insurance requirements?
Thinking about getting behind the wheel without auto insurance in Arizona? Before you do, consider the serious consequences. You'll be facing a minimum $500 fine and a suspension of your license and registration for a first offense. Each subsequent offense sees an increase in the suspension time and fine amount, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
Additionally, insurance companies are required to notify the state's Motor Vehicle Division of any policy cancelations or non-renewals, meaning you can't easily escape getting caught without coverage. Therefore, it's important to make sure to pay your premium and always carry proof of insurance when you're driving.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Arizona
It's against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid driver's license in Arizona. The exact penalty for driving without a license or driving with a suspended or revoked license in Arizona can vary, but it's a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and potential vehicle impoundment.
SR-22 Insurance in Arizona
In many states, high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state's minimum coverage requirements. Drivers might be required to fulfill SR-22 requirements if:
- They have been caught not maintaining proper liability coverage.
- They were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- They have committed other serious driving violations.
If you need an SR22 filed to demonstrate financial responsibility compliance in Arizona or have questions about the penalties for non-compliance, we'd be happy to help. Direct Auto specializes in helping drivers find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their driving or insurance history. Give us a call today for a free quote.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in Arizona
Most individuals don't have a spotless driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.
At Direct Auto, we're proud to offer non-standard coverage to Arizona drivers. We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to help you get quality, affordable coverage, regardless of your past.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in Arizona?
Car insurance costs vary depending on the following factors:
- The amount & type of coverage you choose
- The year, make, and model of the vehicle you drive
- How much you drive, where you drive, and where you live
- Your demographics
- Your driving record
- Your credit history
The good news is that companies like Direct Auto Insurance can provide Arizona drivers with non-standard auto insurance, meaning you can find an affordable rate that fits your budget even if you're considered a high-risk driver.
Start by getting a free Arizona car insurance quote, then work with a Direct Auto representative to create a coverage plan that meets your state's requirements and your own needs. We'll work hard to make sure you get all the discounts you're entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible.
Arizona Regional Auto Insurance
Depending on where you live, you might have specific wishes and “must-haves” in your mind for your car insurance policy. After all, drivers in downtown Phoenix tend to encounter more traffic and have a higher risk of accidents than people living in more rural areas. But no matter what city you call home in Arizona, we're here to help you get covered.
Mesa Auto Insurance
Phoenix Auto Insurance
Scottsdale Auto Insurance
Tempe Auto Insurance
Tucson Auto Insurance
Other Arizona Auto Insurance Resources
- Arizona Motor Vehicles Division
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- Arizona Department of Insurance & Financial Institutions
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona with Direct Auto!
Call or click to get an Arizona car insurance quote from Direct Auto! We always offer affordable coverage options, and we work hard to get you the cheapest car insurance in Arizona so you can keep driving to new adventures.
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