What Happens if You Get Caught Driving Without Insurance in Arizona?

Like most other states, Arizona has minimum auto insurance coverage requirements for all motor vehicles operated on the state’s roads. Obviously, motor vehicles include cars, but they also include golf carts, motorcycles, and mopeds. If you operate any type of motor vehicle on the road in Arizona, then you must make sure you at least have the minimum amount of insurance coverage required. 

In short, Arizona’s minimum requirements are: 

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

Additionally, if you cancel your policy or allow it to expire, then the insurance company will notify Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Services (MVD) who will then reach out to you to ensure compliance. 

Driving Without Auto Insurance is Illegal

It is important that you make sure you have an insurance policy that follows the minimum requirements in Arizona. Underinsured drivers will face severe consequences in the event of an accident or a traffic violation stop. 

How Much is a Ticket for No Insurance?

In Arizona, there are three tiers of penalties drivers will face if caught driving without proper insurance. The penalty depends on whether or not the driver is a first-time offender or multiple-time offender. 

• Penalties for a first-time offender: 

• • $500 fine 
  • 3-month suspension of driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • $35 fee to reinstate the above
  • Must have a SR-22 certificate on your insurance for at least 2 years (this might increase the driver’s insurance cost) 

• Penalties for a second-time offender (considered a second-time offense if it occurs within 36 months after the first offense): 

• • $750 fine 
  • 6-month suspension of driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • $35 fee to reinstate the above
  • Must have a SR-22 certificate on your insurance for at least 2 years

• Penalties for a third-time offender (considered a third-time offense if it occurs within 36 months after the second offense): 

• • $1,000 fine
  • 1-year suspension of driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • $35 fee to reinstate the above
  • Must have a SR-22 certificate on your insurance for at least 2 years

An SR-22 certificate, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a certificate that is added to your insurance policy that indicates you are carrying the minimum amount of insurance that Arizona requires. 

4 Things to Know When Purchasing Arizona Car Insurance

1. Get Coverage Through an Arizona Insurance Agency (no out-of-state)

If you are an Arizona resident, then your vehicle should be registered in Arizona. Out-of-state insurance for a vehicle registered in Arizona is invalid. Make sure you work with an Arizona insurance company to get the required insurance coverage. 

2. You Need Auto Insurance to Apply for a Restricted Use Permit

A Restricted Use Permit is a 3-day permit that allows Arizona residents to drive a newly acquired car while getting everything else in order. You must have proof of insurance to apply for a Restricted Use Permit. 

3. Arizona is a Comparative Fault State

This means that the person who is at fault for the accident is responsible to pay for the damages. If the fault is split between the two drivers, then the damages are split accordingly. If one driver is completely at fault, then that driver is fully responsible for the damages. Now, if an at-fault driver is not insured, then the other driver can sue the at-fault driver for the damages, which will result in a much greater financial loss than if the driver had just carried the proper insurance. 

4. Tips to Ensure Your Auto Insurance Policy is Up to Date

As you can see, it is vital that you maintain an insurance policy that complies with Arizona law. Here are a few tips that might help: 

• Use auto-pay so that you never miss an insurance policy payment 
• If auto-pay is not an option, set up a calendar reminder for your payments 
• Use auto-renewal so that your insurance policy automatically renews without needing to sign additional paperwork 
• Keep your address updated with your insurance carrier
• See if your insurance carrier has a grace period for a missed payment 

Stop Driving Without Insurance  

The cost of getting pulled over or worse, getting in a severe accident without insurance just isn’t worth it. If you operate a motor vehicle in Arizona but don’t have the minimum insurance required, then you should contact an insurance agency immediately. James Grace Insurance can help. Our team will work with you to get you the coverage you need at the most affordable cost. Contact us today to discuss your options!