Arizona SR22 Insurance

Traffic violations are very serious in Arizona, mainly when your driver’s license is suspended. To reinstate your drivers license, you may be required by the state of Arizona to carry SR22 insurance.

SR-22 insurance is a certificate that proves you are complying with Arizona insurance laws. Being asked to file an SR22 form is uncommon in the insurance world, but it should still be taken seriously.

You want to avoid being hit with any more penalties if you file your Arizona SR-22 improperly. The insurance guide below can help you learn about SR-22s in Arizona and how to fulfill your auto insurance responsibilities.

What is SR22 Insurance in Arizona?

After significant traffic violations, Arizona may require drivers to maintain what is known as SR-22 insurance.

SR-22 insurance, also referred to in Arizona as Future Financial Responsibility, is a certificate that proves to the state that you carry at least the mandatory minimum amount of car insurance.

You can be required to carry this proof of insurance in Arizona if you are convicted of a traffic violation that has resulted in your driver’s license being suspended. To re-obtain your license, you will need to file an SR-22 successfully.

SR-22s are filed through your insurance provider at your request; your insurer will notify the state of your filing. To keep your SR-22 insurance active, you must stay on top of your regular car insurance premiums.

Arizona Auto Insurance Options

You can take two paths to fulfill your proof of insurance responsibility in Arizona.

The first way is to obtain an SR-22 from your auto insurance provider. This is the standard route most people take and is relatively easy. You must contact your insurance company and inform them of your SR-22 requirement.

So long as they handle that kind of insurance and provide coverage for high-risk drivers, they will complete the form and pass the information along to the state of Arizona. You must then maintain the SR-22 insurance for as long as the courts require.

The second option is to make a $40,000 deposit to the Arizona Office of Treasurer. This deposit will then cover the damage you cause in a collision.

Making this deposit proves to the state that you have financial coverage in a car accident. However, while this is a relatively easy way to fulfill your proof of insurance requirement, it may not fully cover you in an accident.

If severe enough, one collision can easily exceed $40,000 in damage. What isn’t covered by this deposit will likely have to come out of your pocket. $40,000 is also a large amount of money in the bank, making this route less viable for the average driver. We recommend sticking with car insurance and finding a reputable provider to purchase a policy.

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Arizona Car Insurance Minimum Limits

The purpose of an SR-22 is to prove that you at least meet the car insurance minimums required for every driver in Arizona. While you are always recommended to purchase higher coverage limits, you only need basic liability coverage to fulfill your SR22 requirement.

The minimum levels of auto insurance required for drivers in Arizona are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury to one person

  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident

  • $15,000 property damage liability

Every Arizona driver needs to meet these liability insurance requirements. However, it should be noted that liability insurance does not offer you any protection. It only covers the other driver in a collision. You will need to expand your coverage to protect yourself and your car.

You can utilize auto policy add-ons like collision coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). These types of insurance will cover damage to your car and any injuries you sustain, no matter who was at fault for the accident. It would also be wise to increase your liability coverage limits when shopping for a policy so you are not stuck paying for anything out of pocket.

Reasons for SR-22 Insurance in Arizona

You may be required to file an SR-22 for several reasons. Mostly, the mandate comes after your license has been suspended.

Some common reasons Arizona requires you to carry SR22 insurance include:

  • DUI or DWI

  • Driving without insurance

  • Repeated more minor offenses (ex. speeding tickets)

  • Driving with a suspended/revoked license

  • Other major traffic offenses

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Arizona?

Upon informing your insurance provider of your SR-22 requirement, they will likely charge you a filing fee. Depending on your insurance company, this fee may be anywhere from $15-$35.

However, the filing fee will not be the only cost. Due to your traffic violation and SR22 requirement, you are bound to see your auto insurance premiums skyrocket. How much they will increase depends on several factors, like how severe your violation is and what insurance company you are with.

DUI conviction is among the most common reasons a driver needs SR22 insurance. On average, drivers pay around $2,200 per year for insurance after a DUI conviction in Arizona. Meanwhile, Arizona’s average driver with no convictions pays about $1,400 per year for insurance.

That’s a significant increase in rates you must budget for. A positive side to all this is that since your SR-22 insurance isn’t required forever, your insurance rates may decrease slightly once you cancel the form.

If you are still looking for cheap auto insurance in Arizona, consider shopping around for coverage and getting quotes from various insurance providers. Make sure you look locally in AZ and nationally to get a good idea of what insurance policies are on the market.

Insurance companies typically offer free quotes online and over the phone, making shopping for coverage relatively easy and accessible for everyone. As you are shopping, be sure to analyze every policy you come across to find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

You want to avoid purchasing an insurance policy because the price is attractive. You need to make sure you are getting substantial coverage. Skimping on insurance can be detrimental to your financial status.

If you feel you already have the lowest insurance rates possible, given your driving profile, ask your insurance agent about any policy discounts you may qualify for. Policy discounts are a quick and easy way to save some extra bucks.

How Long Must You Carry SR-22 Insurance For in Arizona?

SR-22 insurance in Arizona comes with an expiration date. If this is your first traffic offense, you can practice better driving habits and not have to deal with SR-22s once your maintenance period has expired.

In Arizona, on average, you will be required to carry SR22 insurance for three years. However, depending on the severity of your conviction, you could be asked to take it for longer.

For example, if you are convicted of a DUI, you may have to maintain an SR-22 in Arizona for five years. Once your designated period comes, you must inform your insurance provider. They will then cancel the SR-22 and inform the state.

Failure to maintain an SR22 for the mandatory number of years will harm your driving record. If you let your insurance coverage lapse, your driver’s license and registration will be suspended until proof of insurance is re-established.

You may also have to restart your SR22 filing period and pay any fines. Letting your coverage lapse damages your insurance history, and finding a new provider will be challenging. You are considered a high-risk driver, and only some insurance providers want to take the risk of providing you with coverage.

It is highly advised that you keep up with your insurance premiums to avoid being dropped by your insurer. It would be best to be mindful of when your SR-22 insurance expires. Canceling it too early can also get you in trouble with the state of Arizona all over again.

Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance

Even if you do not own a car, you can still receive an SR-22 requirement and have to provide proof of coverage to the state of Arizona. Not owning a car does not mean you can skip out on car insurance. To fulfill your SR-22 insurance requirement, you must purchase non-owner SR-22 insurance.

Non-owner car insurance offers drivers the required liability insurance, successfully fulfilling SR-22 responsibilities.

This type of insurance policy is praised as being one of the most affordable on the market, but that is significantly due to its qualifications. Non-owner insurance is unavailable if you own a car or have regular access to one.

For example, non-owner insurance is unavailable if you are a college student who does not own a car but can use your parent’s car when home for a break. A non-owner auto policy is typically recommended for people who frequently borrow or rent cars.

Remember that everyone on the road, whether they own a car or not, needs to have car insurance. Be sure to start shopping for coverage before you receive an SR-22 requirement.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI) in Arizona

Arizona is said to have some of the most strict drunk driving laws in the country, making SR-22 just a portion of your worries after a DUI.

After only your first offense, you will be jailed for a minimum of 10 days and fined at least $1,250. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/treatment, counseling, community service, and a requirement to equip your car with a certified ignition interlock device. Your license will then be suspended for a minimum of 90 days.

If this is not your first offense, jail time is minimal, and fines increase. Penalties will also increase if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.15 or higher, no matter your number of previous offenses. You must pay reinstatement fees and file an SR-22 to reinstate driving privileges.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements For Arizona

DUI convictions will result in you having to equip your car with an ignition interlock device, preventing you from driving if you refuse to take a breath test or fail it.

You may sometimes be eligible for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL) in AZ. This license goes hand-in-hand with the IID and allows you to continue driving your car during the penalty period with restrictions.

Filing SR22 Insurance Arizona is part of the qualifications for a SIIRDL.

Get a Free SR-22 Insurance Quote in Arizona

Insurance Navy is here to help drivers get an SR-22 certificate and the insurance coverage they need. We understand that things can happen to good people, so having the appropriate team to assist you in correcting driving mistakes is critical.

The most straightforward approach to address an Arizona SR-22 Insurance requirement is to contact us as soon as possible for a quote. A driver should always have coverage on their car to avoid any additional obstacles.

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