Arizona Auto Insurance Requirements

Knowing the rules helps you protect your rights and your wallet. This guide explains Arizona auto insurance requirements in plain English. It also shows you smart add-ons and what to do after a crash.

Arizona minimum car insurance

Arizona requires liability insurance on every vehicle. At a minimum, your policy must include the following limits, often written as 25/50/15:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$15,000 for property damage per accident

These are legal minimums. They are not a cap on what you could owe if damages are higher.

Arizona law that sets these minimums appears in Arizona Revised Statutes, § 28-4009.

What insurance is optional but smart to carry

Arizona only mandates liability coverage. You should consider more protection based on your vehicle, loan status, and risk:

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). Covers your injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little. Insurers must offer UM/UIM, and you can reject it in writing.
Medical Payments (MedPay). Pays medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Collision. Pays to repair your car after a crash you cause.
Comprehensive. Pays for theft, fire, vandalism, hail, or animal strikes.
Higher liability limits. Many drivers choose 100/300/100 or higher to protect assets.

If your car is financed, your lender will likely require collision and comprehensive until you pay off the loan.

Proof of insurance and electronic verification

You must carry evidence of current financial responsibility and show it to law enforcement upon request. Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division verifies insurance electronically.

Failing to have required insurance can trigger fines and suspension of your license and registration. Courts may also require you to maintain proof of financial responsibility for a set period.

SR-22, when it applies, and how long

If your license is suspended for certain violations, including no insurance, Arizona may require an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your driving privileges. The SR-22 usually must be carried for three years from reinstatement eligibility.

How much coverage should you buy

The legal minimum is often too low for serious injuries or multiple-vehicle crashes. Medical costs and modern vehicle repairs add up fast.

Consider:

Raising liability to at least 100/300/100
Adding UM/UIM equal to your liability limits
Adding MedPay for quick medical help
Considering an umbrella policy for extra protection

After a crash, steps to protect your claim

Take these steps right away:

Move to safety and call 911.
Exchange insurance and contact details.
Photograph vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Seek medical care, even if you feel fine.
Report the claim to your insurer, but avoid recorded statements to the other insurer before you get legal advice.
Save bills, repair estimates, and time-off records.

If the other driver has no insurance or denies fault, UM/UIM coverage may be critical to your recovery.

Common questions we hear

Is full coverage required in Arizona?

No. Only liability meeting 25/50/15 is required by law, but more coverage is wise.

Can I show digital proof?

Yes. Arizona allows evidence of insurance, and MVD uses electronic verification. Keep an ID card in your glovebox and on your phone.

What if I forgot my card but I was insured?

Courts may reduce a charge if you prove coverage existed at the time of the stop.

How Victory Legal Solutions can help

Insurance rules are technical, and adjusters protect their bottom line, not your recovery. If you were hurt in a crash, we can help you:

Understand your coverage and options
Handle the claim and negotiations
Pursue uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits
File suit when needed to protect your rights