SR-22 insurance in Arizona isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.
Your insurance company submits the SR-22 form to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. Make sure to keep your insurance active for the duration mandated by the court or DMV.
In this guide, you’ll find what SR-22 insurance covers in Arizona and how it affects your annual premiums should you need one.
Who needs an SR-22 in Arizona?
In Arizona, an SR-22 is typically required for individuals whose license was suspended or revoked due to certain violations.
Some examples of violations that may lead to an SR-22 requirement include:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Arizona typically lasts 3 years from the date of suspension, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Arizona laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Arizona?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Arizona, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Arizona mandates a minimum of 25/50/15.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Arizona?
The average cost of car insurance in Arizona is $2,151 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $58 higher than the national average of $2,093 a year. However, if you have a DUI on your record, the average annual premium in Arizona jumps to $3,675 for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, there’s usually a small fee associated with filing the SR-22 form. To get your license reinstated, you must acquire car insurance and submit the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Arizona?
Arizona drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $306 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies offer car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to shop around to secure coverage. When you do find an insurer, expect to pay higher premiums.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Nationwide offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to Arizona drivers at an average annual premium of $1,739. Auto-Owners and Progressive also offer affordable SR-22 car insurance rates in Arizona, based on an in-depth analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Arizona, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | 1,726 | 1,739 |
| Auto-Owners | 1,539 | 1,771 |
| Progressive | 1,903 | 2,084 |
| Allstate | 2,215 | 2,611 |
| State Farm | 2,233 | 2,676 |
| Farmers | 2,331 | 3,319 |
| USAA* | 1,581 | 1,622 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Arizona?
In Arizona, you are required to have SR-22 coverage for a period of 3 years from the date of suspension. This confirms to the Arizona DMV that you have the state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in Arizona before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your Arizona insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your Arizona SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Arizona
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Arizona, this period is typically 3 years from the date of suspension from when you first filed the SR-22.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Arizona?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Arizona. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Arizona drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Arizona but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Arizona driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Arizona
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Arizona?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Arizona?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Arizona DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Arizona if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Arizona remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Arizona to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Arizona. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Arizona?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Arizona. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Arizona. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Laura Longero
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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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