Arizona drivers who are at high risk of injury or death will often be required to have SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 certificate is not a policy of insurance. It is a proof of financial responsibility.
Arizona uses SR-22s only for proof of insurance. Other states may require additional forms to verify coverage. Arizona drivers should know that an SR-22 can affect your car insurance rate and could result in additional fees and fines.
What is “SR-22 insurance?”
SR-22 insurance is a misleading term. An SR-22 is a type of proof that insurance. This document is an official proof that you have the minimum required car insurance in your state. Arizona drivers must have 25/50/15 auto insurance. This includes:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per individual
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $15,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
SR-22 insurance is not required for every Arizona driver. SR-22s only need to be purchased for high-risk drivers such as DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or those who cause fatalities or serious injuries in an accident. SR-22s are required in Arizona if your license is suspended.
Arizona SR-22s can only be purchased from a licensed company to sell insurance in Arizona. SR-22 insurance is available through some preferred providers, but not all insurance companies. After you have completed the paperwork and paid the filing fee, your insurance company will forward the SR-22 documents directly to the Arizona DMV.
SR-22 Arizona alternatives
Arizona uses only SR-22s for proof of insurance. Other states, however, use SR-22 alternatives. The type of violation, financial responsibility laws in the state, and repeat violations often determine the form required. Below is a table that highlights the most popular SR-22 options in other states.
| Form | Issued by the States | Minimum requirements for insurance |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | All states except Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New, Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania | Minimum insurance coverage in the state |
| SR-19 | California and Texas | Minimum uninsured motorist coverage in your state |
| SR-21 | Florida, Georgia, and Indiana | Minimum insurance coverage in the state |
| SR-22A | Georgia, Texas, and Missouri | Minimum insurance coverage in the state |
| FR-44 | Florida and Virginia | Minimum coverage in the state with higher limits of liability insurance |
| SR-50 | Indiana | Minimum insurance coverage in the state |
Non-owner SR-22
Arizona drivers who have their license suspended for using another driver’s vehicle are required to obtain an SR-22. Drivers who borrowed a vehicle at the time they were in violation must purchase a non-owner SR-22 certificate. The minimum insurance requirements for an SR-22 or a non-owner SR-22 is the same and the filing fees are often the same.
Arizona SR-22 insurance costs
To send documents to the Arizona DMV, an SR-22 filing fee will be charged. The SR-22 filing fee can be as low as $50. The SR-22 must be renewed for every year it is required to remain on your records. This usually includes a separate renewal charge.
An SR-22 conviction on your driving record can also impact your car insurance rates. The highest premiums for car insurance are paid to high-risk drivers who were convicted of serious traffic offenses. Your rate will increase substantially if the SR-22 remains on your record, particularly if you have a DUI.
Additionally, Arizona drivers who lose their license will have to pay a license reinstatement fee three consecutive years beginning from the day their license is eligible for reinstatement. It doesn’t matter what type or number of offenses you’ve committed.
How can I obtain SR-22 proof of insurance in Arizona?
Contact your car insurance provider in Arizona to obtain SR-22 insurance. Look for non-standard insurance companies if your provider is not able to file the certificate. After you have completed the SR-22 paperwork and paid the filing fee, your insurance company will forward it to the Arizona DMV for processing.
What is the cost of an SR-22 in Arizona?
Arizona’s SR-22 is very affordable. The filing fee for an SR-22 in Arizona is typically less than $50. SR-22s do not provide insurance. The price of SR-22s is determined not by your credit score, age, or type of vehicle.
What happens if my Arizona SR-22 is not renewed?
Arizona law requires that your SR-22 be renewed for each of the three consecutive years it remains on your record. Failure to renew your SR-22 within the required timeframe will result in your driver’s licence and vehicle registration being suspended until you provide proof of current coverage.
How can I find cheap SR-22 insurance for Arizona?
Arizona SR-22 forms come in a range of prices. One insurance company may charge $25 for the filing of the form while another could charge $40. Calling several insurance companies to compare their rates is the best way to find cheap SR-22 insurance.
