Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona
Arizona operates under a traditional tort liability system and requires proof of financial responsibility at all times. Under ARS 28-3473, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class 1 misdemeanor on first offense, escalating to Class 4 felony with two or more prior DWLS convictions within 60 months. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division administers license suspensions and reinstatement, requiring SR-22 filing for almost all DWLS convictions regardless of the original suspension cause.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Arizona quote.
Get your Arizona quoteHow Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Arizona?
Arizona carriers price DWLS convictions as a heavier risk flag than the original suspension cause because the offense demonstrates both a legal violation and a decision to drive despite known prohibition. Rates vary by original cause, time since conviction, and whether the DWLS involved an accident or injury. The SR-22 filing requirement extends the high-risk pricing period to at least 3 years.
What Affects Your Rate
- Original suspension cause stacks with DWLS: a DWLS following a DUI suspension prices 30–50% higher than DWLS following an unpaid-fines suspension.
- Time since DWLS conviction matters: rates drop approximately 15–25% at the 12-month mark and again at 24 months if no new violations occur.
- Arizona zip code and commute distance: Phoenix metro drivers face 10–20% higher premiums than rural Arizona due to density and collision frequency.
- Whether the DWLS involved an accident or injury: DWLS with property damage or bodily harm typically doubles base rates compared to a traffic-stop-only DWLS.
- Credit score impact: Arizona allows credit-based insurance scoring, and DWLS drivers with poor credit face rates 40–70% higher than those with good credit for identical violations.
- SR-22 filing period overlap: if your original cause already required SR-22 and DWLS extends the period, some carriers count cumulative filing years as higher risk and price accordingly.
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 After DWLS Conviction
Certificate filed by your carrier proving continuous coverage to the Arizona MVD. Required for 3 years after DWLS, regardless of whether your original suspension cause mandated SR-22.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate their Arizona license after DWLS.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Policies underwritten by non-standard carriers who specialize in DWLS, multiple violations, and criminal traffic offenses where standard carriers decline coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Optional in Arizona but recommended given the state's uninsured driver rate.
