Arizona Car Insurance Laws (2026)

Arizona law says drivers must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $15,000 in property damage liability. Arizona is also an at-fault state, meaning you are responsible for the injuries and damage suffered by other parties in an accident you cause.^[1] These insurance rules apply not just to cars, but also to motorcycles, mopeds, and even golf carts.

Here’s what you should know about these and other car insurance laws in Arizona.

Auto insurance requirements in Arizona

Every vehicle on Arizona roads must have proof of financial responsibility, which usually means having auto liability insurance.

Arizona’s vehicle insurance requirements state that all car insurance coverage must meet or exceed the following coverage limits:^[2]

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident

• $15,000 property damage liability per accident

These coverage limits pay for injuries and property damage to others if you cause a crash. They don’t cover your own car or your medical bills.

Arizona’s insurance limits are similar to those in nearby states. For example, New Mexico also requires 25/50 for bodily injury but only $10,000 for property damage.^[3] Nevada’s limits are 25/50/20, and California’s are 30/60/15.^[4]

Drivers also need to carry and show proof of insurance either electronically or on paper. After registering a vehicle, you have 30 days to send proof of Arizona insurance to the state’s motor vehicle division (MVD).^[5]

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Is state-minimum car insurance in Arizona enough coverage?

Minimum liability coverage meets Arizona’s legal requirements, but it may not fully protect your finances after a serious accident. For example, $15,000 in property damage coverage can run out quickly if you damage an expensive car.

If you feel you may need additional coverage, you could consider choosing higher liability limits and:

• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle after a collision, generally subject to a deductible.

• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, fire, and certain weather-related damage.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Pays for injuries if an uninsured driver or someone without enough insurance causes an accident.

• Medical payments coverage: Helps cover reasonable medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.

• Gap insurance: Can cover the difference between a totaled vehicle’s value and the remaining balance on a loan or lease.

Full-coverage policies usually include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. You can also look at options like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance when shopping for car insurance.

Comprehensive coverage can be helpful because of Arizona’s risk of vehicle theft. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) says that overall vehicle theft is going down in Arizona. In 2025, 12,686 vehicles were stolen, which is 25% less than the 17,010 stolen in 2023. This was the third year in a row with declining thefts, and the 2025 number marks the lowest total since the authority started in 1992.^[6]

Penalties for driving without insurance in Arizona

It’s a civil traffic violation to drive without the required minimum coverage in Arizona. Penalties get worse if you repeat the offense within 36 months. The state can suspend your license, registration, and license plates.

You can see the penalties for different driving without insurance violations below.

Offense	Minimum Fine	Suspension
First violation	$500	Driving privileges suspended or restricted for three months
Second violation within 36 months	$750	Driver’s license, registration, and plates suspended for six months
Third or subsequent within 36 months	$1,000	Driver’s license, registration, and plates suspended for one year

After some insurance violations, you might have to have your insurer file an SR-22 on your behalf. This proves to the state that you have coverage that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum requirements. 

If the state requires you to file an SR-22, it’ll generally require such a filing for three years, starting from when you become eligible to get your license back.^[7]

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Arizona’s electronic insurance verification system

Insurance companies in Arizona report new policies, cancellations, and non-renewals electronically to the MVD. Insurers usually have to send this information within seven days of processing it.^[8]

The MVD checks your insurance status after you first register your vehicle and before you renew your registration. If their records show your vehicle isn’t insured, they can send you a notice saying they plan to suspend your registration and license plate.

You usually have 15 days from the date the notice is mailed to show proof of insurance. If you don’t, the MVD can suspend your registration and your license plate.^[9]

You could also face suspension because of a mistake, such as a wrong vehicle identification number (VIN), a new vehicle not yet in the system, or missing proof of Arizona insurance. If you get such a notice, contact your insurer and the MVD right away to fix any problems.

Arizona insurance laws FAQs