Arizona SR-22 Insurance Guide

Arizona exclusively uses the SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility for all high-risk insurance verifications, including DUI, reckless driving, and insurance lapses; the FR-44 form is not applicable in this jurisdiction. If you've been convicted of a DUI in Arizona, understanding the SR-22 requirement is crucial for reinstating your driving privileges. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of SR-22 insurance in Arizona, covering everything from what it is to how to obtain it and maintain compliance.

What is an SR-22 in Arizona?

Despite being commonly referred to as "SR-22 insurance," it's not actually a separate insurance policy. The SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurance company with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to demonstrate that you carry the state's minimum required auto insurance coverage. It essentially acts as proof of financial responsibility after certain traffic violations, like a DUI. Think of it as an add-on or endorsement to your existing (or new) auto insurance policy.

Arizona's Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements

To satisfy the SR-22 requirement, your insurance policy must meet Arizona's minimum liability coverage limits:

• Bodily Injury Liability (per person): $25,000
• Bodily Injury Liability (per accident): $50,000
• Property Damage Liability: $15,000

While these are the minimums, industry experts and insurers often criticize these limits as being insufficient for modern accident liability costs, recommending higher limits (e.g., 100/300/100). The $15,000 property damage limit is widely considered low.

How to Obtain an SR-22 in Arizona

1. Contact an Arizona-licensed Insurance Company: You can't file the SR-22 yourself. You must contact an insurance company licensed to do business in Arizona.
2. Purchase a Policy Meeting Minimum Requirements: You'll need to purchase an auto insurance policy that meets or exceeds Arizona's minimum liability coverage. If you don't own a vehicle, you can obtain a "Non-Owner SR-22" policy (more on that below).
3. Request SR-22 Filing: Inform the insurance company that you need an SR-22 filed with the Arizona MVD. They will handle the filing process electronically.
4. Receive Confirmation: The insurance company will file the SR-22 with the MVD. The MVD will update your record.

Non-Owner SR-22 Policies

If you don't own a vehicle but need to reinstate your license after a DUI, a "Non-Owner SR-22" policy is your solution. This policy provides liability coverage when you drive vehicles you don't own (e.g., borrowing a friend's car or renting a vehicle). It doesn't cover vehicles you own or those owned by members of your household. Dairyland, Progressive, and The General are key providers for this specific product. These Arizona non-owner SR-22 policies can start around $15-$30/month or $430-$1,000/year.

Duration of the SR-22 Requirement

The standard duration for maintaining an SR-22 in Arizona is three years from the date of your suspension or the date you become eligible for reinstatement. Continuous coverage is crucial.

Consequences of a Lapse in Coverage

If your SR-22 policy lapses or is canceled for non-payment, your insurance company is legally obligated to file an SR-26 form with the MVD immediately. This triggers the suspension of your license and vehicle registration. You'll have to start the SR-22 process again and pay reinstatement fees.

Arizona Revised Statute § 20-1632.01 mandates a minimum 7-day grace period for premium payments (excluding the first payment) before a policy can be cancelled.

Moving and SR-22s

• Moving OUT of Arizona: The SR-22 requirement doesn't disappear when you leave the state. Arizona will maintain the suspension until the 3-year requirement is met. You'll need to find a carrier licensed in both Arizona and your new state to file an "Out-of-State SR-22" or maintain a specialized non-owner policy in Arizona. Failure to do so will prevent you from obtaining a driver's license in your new state.
• Moving TO Arizona: If you have an SR-22 requirement from another state, you must ensure your carrier continues to file with that original state.

SR-22 and License Reinstatement

Filing the SR-22 is only one step. You'll also need to pay reinstatement fees to the MVD.

• Reinstatement Fee (Alcohol/Drug Revocation): Typically $20 for revocations related to alcohol or drug offenses.
• Admin Per Se Fee: If your license was suspended under Admin Per Se laws (immediate suspension upon arrest if BAC is over the limit or testing is refused), a $50 fee applies.
• Application Fee: Depending on age, a new license application fee is required, ranging from $10 to $25.
• Age 39 and younger: $25
• Age 40-44: $20
• Age 45-49: $15
• Age 50+: $10

You may need to bring your SR-22 proof and suspension notice to an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. While some fees can be paid online at AZMVDNow.gov, in-person visits are often required if your license was revoked or if new exams are required. Arizona also utilizes an "Authorized Third Party" system allowing private businesses to process some MVD transactions.

Alternative to Insurance: Cash Deposit

Arizona law offers an alternative to traditional SR-22 insurance. You can deposit $40,000 in cash or certificates of deposit with the Arizona Office of the Treasurer. This deposit acts as a bond to cover potential liability in the event of an accident. While this avoids monthly premiums, it requires significant upfront capital.

Cancelling Your SR-22

You can only cancel your SR-22 once the mandated period (usually 3 years) is complete. Contact the MVD to confirm your specific end date. Instruct your insurance agent to remove the SR-22 endorsement from your policy after confirming the end date. Cancelling too early will result in immediate suspension.

Key Providers

Some data suggests Geico may be less aggressive in offering non-owner SR-22s in certain markets. Dairyland is a specialist provider for non-owner SR-22 policies. Travelers Insurance is identified as a price leader for SR-22 filings.

To finalize reinstatement, drivers must bring the proof (SR-22) and their suspension notice to an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.