Arizona Auto Insurance Guides, Laws and Regulations

Arizona Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Arizona state laws require every motor vehicle that runs on public roads to have a minimum amount of insurance. These laws include all kinds of vehicles, like golf carts, mopeds, utility vehicles and so on.

The minimum amount of insurance you must have in AZ is:

$25,000 bodily injury liability for one person, and $50,000 for two or more people
And $15,000 property damage liability

Arizona drivers must always have proof of insurance in the vehicle. If you’re caught on the road without insurance, the penalties may be severe, and you may need to carry SR-22 insurance for a time.

Key Takeaways

In Arizona, vehicles that run on public roads and highways must be insured. AZ drivers must always carry proof of insurance in the vehicle. The minimum auto insurance requirements are:

$25,000 for injury to one person
$50,000 for injury to more than one person
$15,000 property damage coverage

Introduction to Arizona Auto Insurance Requirements

You might hear AZ auto insurance requirements described as “25/50/15.” These numbers refer to your minimum liability coverage.

Remember that “liability” means financial responsibility. So, if you cause damage to other people or their property with your vehicle, it is your responsibility to pay for medical attention or repair damaged property.

No AZ law requires drivers to keep comprehensive coverage or collision. However, if you are making a car payment to a bank, or if there are other liens on the vehicle, the lienholder can make you buy those coverages.

AZ Auto Insurance Coverage Descriptions

Arizona drivers must have basic liability insurance on any vehicle that goes on public roads. But there are other types of auto insurance coverage available, and your lienholder may require you to carry them. You may also decide they are valuable, because they help to pay for damage to your vehicle or theft.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you collide with anything, like a vehicle, a fence, a structure, etc.
Comprehensive coverage pays for other types of damage, like lightning, hailstorms, theft, fire and so on.
Glass coverage helps you pay for expensive windshields.
And mechanical breakdown coverage may pay for mechanical issues if your vehicle is no longer under warranty.

Other popular options include rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Arizona Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

$25,000 Bodily Injury to Others

If you’re responsible for injuring one person in an auto accident, this coverage helps to pay medical costs and more.

$50,000 Bodily Injury Per Accident for Two or More People

If you’re responsible for injuring several people, the insurer will pay up to $50,000 for medical costs and more.

$15,000 Property Damage

Most accidents cause some amount of property damage, whether it’s to other vehicles on the road, real estate, or another person’s belongings. This coverage pays for these damages. If the damage totals more than $15,000, you may need to pay more out of pocket. This is an important point, because the value of vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years.

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New Driving Laws in Arizona

AZ has a reputation as a freedom-loving state. But in 2021, AZ enacted a “distracted driving law.” In short, it is illegal to use your cell phone or tablet while driving. Texting while driving or speaking on a cell phone is prohibited.

First-time offenders will pay a fine ranging from $75 to $149. Repeat offenders will pay a fine ranging from $250 to $250.

If you harm others, or cause a fatality while driving distracted, the penalties can be severe. Expect:

Six months of jail time
Points on your license which can increase your auto insurance costs
A fine, up to $100,000 for restitution
And a license suspension that will last one year

Distracted driving in AZ could include other habits beyond cell phones. For instance, if you cause an accident while putting on makeup or eating, you could be charged with distracted driving.

Penalties for Failure to Carry Arizona Auto Insurance

If you’re caught driving without insurance in AZ, expect to pay a $500 fine for your first offense, you may also be charged extra to renew your registration, and to renew your license in the future. AZ may ask you to carry SR-22 insurance in addition to your standard auto insurance.

Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties. If you’re caught driving without insurance a second time, you will pay a $750 fine, plus the extra fees for tags and a driver’s license. Again, you may need to buy an SR-22 certificate.

Third-time offenders will be charged a $1,000 fine, plus the other added costs for a license and registration in the future.

How to Get the Cheapest Arizona Insurance Policy

Arizona auto insurance companies are known to gradually increase rates over time. If you need to save money on auto insurance, you should shop around every few years. Insurers will usually offer safe drivers low rates to lure new business.

Other ways to save money on Arizona auto insurance are:

Increase your deductibles: For full-coverage policies, the higher your deductible, the less your insurance will cost. This doesn’t apply to liability-only policies, and your lienholder may require you to carry a lower deductible. Remember to choose a deductible you are comfortable paying. If you don’t keep $2,500 in the bank, don’t select a $2,500 deductible.
Cut down on extra coverage: For instance, if you own several vehicles, you may not need rental car coverage.
Seek a “bundle”: Some insurance companies will offer you a discount if you have several types of insurance with them. If you have a motorcycle, boat, homeowner’s or renter’s policy, you may save more money by bundling them all together with one provider.
Ask your insurance agent about price-per-mile policies: These auto insurance policies are best for low-mileage drivers who only drive a few thousand miles per year. You will report your mileage to the insurer several times a year.

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Arizona State Auto Insurance Premiums

AZ auto insurance companies classify drivers and vehicles into risk categories, the same thing happens in other states. Your price for auto insurance is based on your risk group and your behavior.

In AZ, electric vehicles (EVs), sports cars, heavy trucks, young drivers, and unsafe drivers tend to cost the most to insure.

When calculating your premium, Arizona auto insurers consider your:

Age
Gender
Marital status
Vehicle value and age
Driving experience
Type of vehicle
Claims history
Points on your license
Tickets, moving violations and DUIs
Zip code and garage location

AZ Auto Insurance Rates by Carrier

We scoured the web to find the best Arizona auto insurance rates for very safe drivers. Still, your cost will be based on the variables above, and some insurance companies prefer to deal with specific groups of drivers. This is called “risk appetite.”

Insurer	Yearly Price	Monthly Premium Payment
Travelers	$1,295	$108
GEICO	$1,346	$112
USAA	$1,452	$121
State Farm	$1,466	$122

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Arizona Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the usual questions we hear about auto insurance from Arizona clients.

Is auto insurance mandatory in AZ?

Yes, you must have liability insurance to drive any vehicle on a public road in AZ. This law applies to all sorts of vehicles, including mopeds, UTVs, and the like.

Do I need full coverage auto insurance in Arizona?

There is no AZ law that says you must have full coverage insurance. Still, your lienholder may require it, and you may sleep better at night knowing your investment in a vehicle is protect from issues like theft, lightning, hail storms and so on.

What is the cheapest auto insurance in Arizona?

For safe drivers in typical private autos, our research suggests Traveler’s may be the most affordable choice. However, there are many factors insurers will consider when providing you with a quote.

How often should I shop for auto insurance?

If you shop around for auto insurance every few years, you will probably save hundreds of dollars. Insurance companies offer attractive rates to safe drivers to earn new business, but they increase these prices slowly as years go by.