SR-22 insurance in Arizona

Understanding SR-22 insurance in Arizona

SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in Arizona. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most Arizona drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Arizona?

Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in Arizona costs $2,356, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.

Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Arizona by violation

Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.

For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.

This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.

Violation	Average annual premium
Driving without insurance	$2,359
DUI/DWI first offense	$3,091
DUI/DWI second offense	$4,449
Reckless driving	$3,026
SR22 Filing Only	$2,356
SR22 with 1 DUI	$3,674

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $2,279. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates change after one DUI, based on the company. Insurance rates do go up after a DUI, but the increase isn't as high as it is for multiple violations.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Travelers	$2,279	$190
Progressive	$2,320	$193
State Farm	$2,375	$198
Auto-Owners	$2,743	$229
GEICO	$2,787	$232
Nationwide	$3,552	$296
Allstate	$3,648	$304
Farmers	$4,380	$365
USAA	$3,770	$314

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is Travelers, with an average rate of $2,279 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in Arizona leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.

Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Travelers	$2,279	$190
State Farm	$2,375	$198
Auto-Owners	$2,743	$229
GEICO	$2,787	$232
Progressive	$3,040	$253
Nationwide	$3,552	$296
Allstate	$3,648	$304
Farmers	$4,505	$375
USAA	$2,176	$181

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is GEICO at an average yearly rate of $1,629.

Arizona requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.

The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had a lapse in coverage.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
GEICO	$1,629	$136
Travelers	$1,991	$166
Nationwide	$2,074	$173
State Farm	$2,375	$198
Farmers	$2,583	$215
Progressive	$2,640	$220
USAA	$2,045	$170

Read our methodology

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Arizona

Arizona might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Arizona.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Arizona?

In Arizona, drivers usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be serious. You'll be breaking the law and could face more fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Arizona

Most Arizona drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

You may need an SR-22 in Arizona for reasons like:

DUI
Reckless driving
Several traffic violations in a short time
Not maintaining auto insurance
Refusing a breathalyzer test
At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Arizona

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Arizona.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and driving without insurance.

SR-22 insurance in Arizona: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Arizona?

The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:

Revoked driver's license
Fines
Increased auto insurance
Restarting your SR-22 time period
Having your car impounded
Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.