Car Insurance Requirements in Arizona (2024)

No matter where you live in the United States, one thing is almost certain: You’ll need car insurance by law. This is true whether you drive a brand-new car or a decades-old one.

But car insurance requirements vary by state, with some states requiring more auto insurance coverage than others. Understanding the requirements in your state can help ensure you adequately protect your vehicle and abide by state insurance law.^[1]

If you’re planning a move to Arizona, here’s what to know about car insurance coverage requirements in the Grand Canyon State, and how to comparison shop for a policy that’s right for you.

Arizona car insurance requirements

Arizona minimum car insurance requirements are comparable to those of many other states. To be roadworthy, you’ll need bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance.

Here’s how each coverage type protects you. Note that the amount of coverage you’ll need, beyond Arizona’s minimum requirements, depends on your situation and preferences.

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Bodily injury liability coverage

Arizona requires you to carry at least $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage and $50,000 per accident. This type of coverage protects you if you’re responsible for a car accident that injures someone in the other vehicle.^[2]

It covers costs like the injured party’s medical expenses, hospital stays, ambulance transport, and lost wages if they can’t work due to their injuries. It can also pay for legal fees if someone sues you after an at-fault motor vehicle accident.

Property damage liability coverage

To drive legally in Arizona, you’ll also need $15,000 in property damage liability insurance. Like bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage protects you financially if you’re responsible for an accident, but it covers you differently.

It can pay for damage to other cars or property you’ve hit. For instance, if you accidentally run over your neighbor’s mailbox or knock down a street sign, your property damage insurance can help foot the bill after you pay your deductible.

Arizona car insurance laws

If you live in Arizona, it’s important to be aware that the state operates on an at-fault insurance model. This means that if you’re found at fault for an auto accident, your car insurance company is responsible for covering the cost of any related bills, repairs, or legal costs.

Some states operate on a no-fault model, where each driver files a claim with their own insurer, but the at-fault model is more common.^[3]

Do you need more than state-minimum coverage in Arizona?

Arizona only requires you to purchase liability insurance, which protects you if you’re responsible for an accident. But the minimum limits may not be enough protection, especially if you drive a newer car. For added peace of mind, you could opt for full-coverage insurance instead, which includes liability and these insurance types:

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  Comprehensive insurance protects you from loss if your car is damaged due to an event outside your control, like bad weather or a fallen tree limb. It also covers you if someone steals or vandalizes your car.

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  Collision coverage

  Collision insurance protects your vehicle if you’re involved in a car crash, no matter who’s at fault. It can pay for needed repairs or a replacement if your car is totaled.

The cost of liability-only car insurance in Arizona

Liability-only car insurance costs an average of $91 per month for Arizona drivers. It covers you if you’re responsible for an accident and injure someone else or damage their vehicle or property. This type of coverage is a requirement in Arizona.

If you have an old car, you might consider liability-only insurance if your vehicle value is less than a couple thousand dollars. In this case, the cost of full coverage might outweigh its value.

Here’s a look at average liability coverage costs in Arizona by insurance company:

The cost of full-coverage car insurance in Arizona

Full-coverage car insurance costs $178 per month in Arizona, on average. A full-coverage auto policy generally includes collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance. But you can also get other optional coverages, like uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, gap insurance, and more.

Full coverage costs more than liability-only coverage. But the additional protection full coverage provides could be worth the higher insurance rates, depending on your situation.

For example, if you drive a newer car that incurs significant damage in an accident you cause and you carry only the minimum liability coverage, you’ll need to pay for all repairs out of pocket. This could amount to thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses.

Here’s what Arizona drivers pay for full-coverage insurance with different companies:

Penalties for driving without proof of insurance in Arizona

If you’re caught driving without insurance in Arizona, you’ll incur some pretty harsh penalties, including losing your driver’s license for a set period. Here’s a look at the consequences for first and subsequent offenses:

• First offense: Driver’s license, registration, and plate suspension for three months; $500 fine; possible SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility

• Second offense: Driver’s license, registration, and plate suspension for six months; $750 fine; possible SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility

• Third offense: Driver’s license, registration, and plate suspension for one year; $1,000 fine; possible SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility

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Optional car insurance coverages to consider

If you want additional protection beyond what the minimum requirements provide, you can also get a few optional types of auto insurance coverage in Arizona. Here are some insurance products you might consider adding to your auto policy:

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  Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

  Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance covers you and your vehicle if you’re hit by a driver without enough insurance coverage. It can pay for your medical bills, car repairs, and more.

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  Gap coverage

  Gap insurance protects you if your car is a total loss and the outstanding balance on your loan is higher than your car’s market value. It’ll cover the gap between the two.

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  Rental car reimbursement coverage

  Rental car reimbursement helps cover rental car costs when your primary vehicle is awaiting repairs.

Arizona car insurance requirements FAQs