If driving a motor vehicle in Arizona, motorists are required to carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage. If a driver is caught driving without insurance, they could face a variety of penalties, including fines and the loss of their driving privileges. The penalties will increase if the driver has prior incidents of driving without insurance on their record.

At Zanes Law Injury Lawyers, we have helped countless accident victims pursue compensation after a crash. If the liable party does not have insurance coverage, we can help you build a lawsuit against the driver to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Arizona car accident lawyer from our team.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Arizona

There are two types of minimum insurance coverage a driver must possess to legally operate a motor vehicle in Arizona. The first type is bodily injury liability coverage, and the driver must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. The other type is property damage liability coverage, where a minimum of $15,000 is required.

Arizona offers drivers an option for not purchasing insurance coverage and instead choosing to self-insure. To choose this option, a driver must purchase a bond of at least $65,000 to be used in case of an accident.

When registering a vehicle in Arizona, proof of insurance or a self-insured bond must be provided to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If a driver is stopped by law enforcement officers and fails to provide proof of financial responsibility, the penalties can be severe. Furthermore, uninsured drivers are more susceptible to legal action in the case of an accident.

Legal Penalties Regarding Driving Without Insurance

If a driver is caught operating a motor vehicle without insurance, they will face a variety of legal consequences, including a requirement to obtain and carry an SR-22 certificate. SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that acts as proof that a driver has the required amount of insurance.

If required to obtain an SR-22 certificate, insurers will view a driver as a high-risk driver, and their insurance premiums will likely be higher than otherwise. If the driver fails to maintain insurance coverage while required to carry an SR-22 certificate, their insurer is legally obligated to contact the MVD, and their driver’s license, registration, and license plate may be suspended.

The exact penalties a driver will face for driving without insurance will depend on whether or not it is their first offense.

Consequences for a First Offense

For a first offense of driving without insurance, the penalties include:

  • A fine of $500
  • A three-month suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • A requirement to carry an SR-22 certificate for two years

Consequences for a Second Offense

For a second offense of driving without insurance, the penalties include:

  • A fine of $750
  • A six-month suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • A requirement to carry an SR-22 certificate for two years

Consequences for a Third Offense or Subsequent Offense

For a third or subsequent offense of driving without insurance, the penalties include:

  • A fine of $1,000
  • A one-year suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, registration, and license plate
  • A requirement to carry an SR-22 certificate for two years

Civil Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

If a driver is operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and they are involved in an accident, the financial ramifications can be severe. Even for a relatively minor accident, the amount the at-fault driver is liable for can be significant.

The point of auto insurance is to provide accident victims with a means of recovering compensation and protect the financial assets of those responsible for collisions. If a driver causes a crash and is not insured, any party that suffers damages will likely file a lawsuit to recover compensation from the at-fault driver directly.

If a driver does not have enough money to cover the damages, assets such as any property owned by the liable driver may be targeted.

Get Help Recovering Compensation From an Uninsured Driver

When involved in an accident where the liable party does not have insurance coverage, getting the money you need can be a challenge. At Zanes Law Injury Lawyers, we have a long history of pursuing damages directly from the responsible party. We can help you file a lawsuit with the court and ensure that you recover the compensation you need.

Reach out to us today by giving us a call, completing our online contact form, or using our chat tool. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations where one of our experienced personal injury lawyers will review your case and answer all your questions.