Basic Insurance Requirements

Q: What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Arizona?
A: As of July 1, 2020, Arizona requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of:

$25,000 bodily injury coverage for one person
$50,000 bodily injury coverage for two or more people
$15,000 property damage coveragedifi.az.gov

Q: Are there any other recommended coverages besides the minimum requirements?
A: While not required by law, the Arizona Department of Insurance & Financial Institutions recommends considering:

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM)
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM)
Medical payments coverage
Comprehensive and collision coveragedifi.az.gov

Insurance Verification & Compliance

Q: How does Arizona verify my insurance coverage?
A: Insurance companies electronically report all policy cancellations, non-renewals, and new policies directly to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This reporting system is mandatory and automatic.azdot.gov

Q: What happens if I don’t maintain proper insurance coverage?
A: Failure to maintain proper insurance could lead to:

Suspension of your vehicle registration
Possible suspension of your driver’s license
Financial penalties
Requirement to file an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility)azdot.gov

Q: What if my vehicle is in storage or not being driven?
A: If you won’t be driving your vehicle on Arizona roads for an extended period, you can temporarily discontinue your insurance policy by notifying MVD that you are “de-insuring” the vehicle. This can be done through your AZ MVD Now account under Registration > Insurance Management > De-Insurance. Before driving again, you must reinstate your insurance.azdot.gov

After an Accident

Q: What steps should I take immediately following an auto accident in Arizona?
A: According to GLG Personal Injury, you should:

Ensure safety and check for injuries
Call 911 to report the accident
Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties
Document the scene with photos
Gather witness information
Seek medical attention even for minor injuries
Report the accident (use AZDPS Citizen’s Collision Report for minor accidents)
Contact your insurance companyglgaz.com

Q: How long do I have to file a claim after an auto accident in Arizona?
A: Under Arizona Revised Statute 12-542, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for injuries. However, there are exceptions, such as the “discovery rule” (if injuries weren’t discovered until later) and special provisions for minors.glgaz.com

Insurance System & Coverage Types

Q: Is Arizona a “no-fault” insurance state?
A: No. Arizona operates under a “fault” insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is primarily responsible for covering damages resulting from an accident.glgaz.com

Q: What happens if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?
A: If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you have several options:

Filing a claim with your own insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Using your medical payments coverage for immediate medical expenses

Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is particularly important in these situations.glgaz.com

Additional Resources

Arizona Department of Insurance & Financial Institutions (DIFI): For information about insurance requirements and consumer protection – Visit DIFIdifi.az.gov
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): For vehicle registration and insurance verification – Visit ADOTazdot.gov
Auto Accident Guide for Phoenix Victims: Comprehensive information for those involved in auto accidents – Visit GLG’s Guideglgaz.com
Arizona Insurance Coverage Information: Learn about insurance coverage options and requirements – Visit GLG’s Insurance Informationglgaz.com

Remember that maintaining proper insurance is not just a legal requirement—it’s essential protection for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Always keep proof of insurance in your vehicle and update your coverage as your needs change.