SR-22 in Arizona

While commonly called "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 is actually a certificate verifying that your insurance policy meets Arizona's minimum liability coverage requirements. State law requires drivers with certain serious traffic violations to file an SR-22 to reinstate their driving privileges. Filing this form signals to insurers that you're a higher-risk driver, often leading to higher insurance premiums.

In Arizona, the SR-22 form is solely used to confirm that high-risk drivers meet the state’s insurance requirements after major traffic violations. To adhere to SR-22 regulations in Arizona, you need to meet the following coverage standards:

Mercury offers the [cheapest SR-22 insurance]cheapest SR-22 insurance for most Arizona drivers across various coverage levels. With an average minimum liability rate of $53 per month, this is about 13% less than the state average of $61 per month, potentially saving drivers $108 annually.

For full coverage SR-22 insurance, Root Insurance Company is the most affordable choice in Arizona, averaging $87 per month.

With average rates of $40 per month or $483 annually, State Farm and Travelers provide the most affordable option for non-owner SR-22 insurance in Arizona. Non-owner car insurance allows drivers with an SR-22 filing who don’t own a vehicle to meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Below is a list of providers offering cheap non-owner SR-22 insurance in Arizona, along with their average rates for minimum coverage policies:

The average cost of car insurance in Arizona for drivers requiring an SR-22 is $1,192 per year for minimum coverage, which is roughly 63% higher than the state’s average annual rate of $732 for drivers with a clean record.

The average yearly cost for full coverage SR-22 car insurance in Arizona is $2,443, approximately 62% more than the state average of $1,506 for drivers without violations.

In Arizona, the underlying violation, such as a DUI or speeding ticket, leads to higher insurance premiums — not the SR-22 form itself. Below, you'll find a comparison of how SR-22 insurance rates vary for common violations like DUIs, accidents and speeding tickets across different age groups, alongside the average rates for drivers with clean records.

An SR-22, sometimes called a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond," is often misunderstood as an insurance policy. In reality, it’s a form submitted by your insurer that verifies to Arizona state authorities that you have the necessary liability coverage to comply with the state’s Financial Responsibility law for license reinstatement.

Arizona state law requires an SR-22 filing for drivers who have committed serious traffic violations. This form is essential for reinstating or maintaining your driver’s license. Courts typically mandate SR-22 filings for drivers involved in offenses such as:

In Arizona, SR-22 certificates are typically required for three years. The filing period may extend to five years or longer for repeat offenses, depending on the severity and frequency of the convictions.

Along with adhering to Arizona's state minimum coverage laws for three years, drivers with an SR-22 in Arizona should be aware of these important requirements:

• Fees: To reinstate your driving privileges, you must provide proof of full liability insurance through an SR-22 filing and pay any necessary reinstatement fees to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
• Policy Cancellation: After filing an SR-22, your insurer may decide to cancel your policy or opt not to renew it, potentially requiring you to find a new insurance provider.
• Continuous Coverage: Maintaining uninterrupted coverage is crucial. If your policy lapses at any point during the SR-22 period, your insurer is obligated to inform the state, which could result in penalties or the suspension of your license.
• Relocation: If you move out of Arizona while still under an SR-22 obligation, you need to notify your insurer to ensure compliance with SR-22 requirements in your new state.
• Completion and Cancellation: Once your three-year term (or longer, if applicable) ends, your insurer should file a cancellation of financial responsibility with ADOT to confirm you have met the SR-22 requirement.

In Arizona, drivers with serious violations, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, are required to file an SR-22. Failure to file an SR-22 when mandated can lead to additional penalties, including extended license suspension or delays in reinstatement.

Below are the steps to file an SR-22 in Arizona:

Maintaining minimum liability coverage during the SR-22 period is essential in Arizona to avoid penalties and ensure your license remains eligible for reinstatement. If you're uninsured, securing an SR-22 insurance quote is necessary. Once an SR-22 is filed, some insurers may opt to cancel your policy or decline to renew coverage, making it harder for high-risk drivers to secure SR-22 insurance compared to drivers with clean records.

High-risk drivers in Arizona often face limited choices, as fewer insurance companies are willing to provide coverage, and premiums are typically higher. To find the most affordable SR-22 car insurance in Arizona, consider the following tips:

Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who drive frequently but do not own a vehicle. This type of policy ensures that you are protected when operating someone else’s car, whether you’re borrowing a friend's vehicle or renting one.

In Arizona, after you purchase a non-owner car insurance policy, your insurer can submit an SR-22 form on your behalf to comply with state requirements and help reinstate your driver’s license. This SR-22 filing is typically mandatory for at least three years after certain violations.

Non-owner insurance is well-suited for those who rent cars often or occasionally drive vehicles they do not own. These policies cover third-party injuries and property damage in at-fault accidents. Additionally, non-owner policies in Arizona are usually more cost-effective than standard car insurance, as they provide only liability coverage and do not insure a specific vehicle.

To find the most competitive rates, it’s wise to compare quotes from different insurance companies to choose a policy that meets your needs.

Drivers in Arizona who are convicted of serious traffic violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving, must file an SR-22 to prove that they meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements of 25/50/15 ($25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage). The SR-22 generally needs to be maintained for three years, although this period can be extended for repeat or severe offenses.

While SR-22 filings often lead to higher insurance premiums due to the perceived risk, several affordable car insurance providers in Arizona offer competitive rates for high-risk drivers.

Here are some common questions regarding SR-22 certifications in Arizona:

MoneyGeek analyzed 60,776 quotes from 14 companies across 106 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in Arizona.

Arizona Driver Profile

We collected data for a sample driver with the following attributes:

• 40-year-old male
• Driving record with a DUI or an at-fault accident causing $1,000–1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage insurance policies to help motorists find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their desired coverage level. For the most affordable minimum coverage policy, quotes were based on Arizona’s minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also referred to as a full coverage policy — we used the following limits with a $1,000 deductible:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.