What Are The Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In Arizona?

Driving in Arizona comes with legal responsibilities, including carrying the required car insurance coverage. Understanding the state’s insurance laws is essential to avoid fines, license suspension, and financial liability in the event of a car accident. At Big Auto, we make sure drivers know their rights and obligations, so they’re protected on the road.

Arizona’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Arizona law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. As of 2024, the state-mandated minimum coverage limits are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability (if multiple people are injured)
• $15,000 per accident for property damage liability

This is often written as 25/50/15 coverage in insurance policies.

What Liability Insurance Covers

Liability insurance helps pay for:

• Medical bills and injury-related costs for others involved in the accident
• Property damage to other vehicles or structures
• Legal fees if you are sued due to the accident

However, liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage. To protect yourself, consider additional coverage options.

Recommended Additional Coverage

While Arizona only requires liability insurance, these optional coverages can provide extra financial protection:

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) – Protects you if an at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
2. Collision Coverage – Pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
3. Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-accident-related damage (theft, vandalism, natural disasters, etc.).
4. Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage – Helps with medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.

Having these coverages can save you from out-of-pocket expenses if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, which is more common than many realize.

Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

Arizona has strict penalties for driving without insurance. If caught, you could face:

• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
• Suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Mandatory SR-22 insurance filing, which significantly increases your insurance rates
• Potential legal liability for all damages in an accident

Law enforcement and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) use an electronic verification system to check insurance status. If your policy lapses, you may receive a suspension notice even if you haven’t been pulled over.

What to Do After an Accident

If you’re involved in an accident, follow these steps:

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary.
2. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
3. Take photos of the accident scene and damages.
4. Report the accident to your insurance company.
5. Consult a car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Why Insurance Minimums May Not Be Enough

Arizona’s 25/50/15 minimum coverage may not fully cover damages in a serious accident. Medical bills alone can exceed $25,000 per person, leaving you personally responsible for additional costs. Upgrading your policy limits or adding uninsured motorist coverage can provide much-needed protection in these situations.

How Big Auto Can Help

At Big Auto, we fight for accident victims to make sure they get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming—we handle the legal battles so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for you. No fees unless we win!