What Every Driver Should Know
Car insurance isn’t just a smart financial decision—it’s the law in Arizona. Whether you’re commuting in Phoenix, cruising through Lake Havasu, or navigating Scottsdale’s traffic, understanding Arizona’s auto insurance requirements is crucial. At Rideout Law Group, we represent drivers across Arizona and want you to be informed about what coverage you need, what penalties you could face, and how to protect your rights after a car accident.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Arizona
Arizona requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. As of July 1, 2020, the minimum insurance coverage limits are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
This type of insurance only covers damages or injuries you cause to others—not your own injuries or vehicle damage. Optional policies like collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage are strongly recommended, especially given Arizona’s high number of uninsured drivers.
What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance?
Driving without valid car insurance in Arizona is a serious offense. If you’re pulled over or involved in a crash without proof of insurance, you could face:
- Fines up to $1,000
- License and registration suspension
- SR-22 insurance filing requirement
- Vehicle impoundment
For repeat offenders, the penalties grow more severe. If you’ve been cited or arrested for driving without insurance, consult a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale or Lake Havasu immediately to protect your driving privileges and reduce potential penalties.
Why Arizona Drivers Should Consider More Than the Minimum
While minimum coverage meets legal standards, it may not offer enough protection in serious accidents. For example, if you’re found liable for a crash that causes $100,000 in damages and your policy only covers $50,000, you’re personally responsible for the remaining $50,000.
Additional coverage options to consider:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Helps pay if the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover all your damages.
- Collision Coverage – Covers damage to your own vehicle after an accident
- Comprehensive Coverage – Protects against theft, vandalism, hail, and non-collision events
- Medical Payments (MedPay) – Can help cover some medical costs for you and your passengers
What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona
If you’re involved in an auto accident—whether you’re insured or not—follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report injuries or significant damage
- Exchange information with all parties, including insurance and driver’s license details
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Contact an attorney—especially if the accident involves injury, serious property damage, or insurance disputes
At Rideout Law Group, we help clients in both Lake Havasu and Scottsdale navigate complex personal injury claims and civil litigation. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence—or you’re being wrongly blamed—we’re ready to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Contact Rideout Law Group
📍 Scottsdale Office
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu City Office
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
📧 Contact Us Online
🕘 Same-Day Consultations Available