SR-22 Requirements in Arizona

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI or similar offense in Arizona, you’ll likely need to file an SR-22 to verify your insurance status with the courts. Understanding the SR-22 requirements in Arizona will help you avoid any bumps in the road as you work toward regaining your full driving privileges. By exploring the nitty gritty of SR-22 insurance in Arizona, including how long you’ll need it and how it could impact your insurance coverage, you’ll be able to get through your SR-22 period with ease.

An SR-22, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, is a document that verifies your auto insurance, proving that your policy meets the minimum coverage insurance requirements in your state. Typically, the court will require you to file this document if you get convicted of a serious driving-related infraction, such as driving under the influence or reckless driving.

There are SR-22 laws in 42 states, including Arizona. However, each state will have its own rules around how much coverage you need and how long you’ll need to file the form.

If you know that you have to obtain an SR-22, you’re probably wondering how long you’ll have to deal with this extra responsibility. Ultimately, it can vary depending on your specific situation, but there are a few helpful guidelines to know.

Timeline After a DUI Conviction

If you live in Arizona, you’ll most likely need to maintain your SR-22 for three years. In some situations, this could be three years from the date of your DUI conviction; after a license suspension or revocation, you’ll need to maintain the minimum required coverage for three years from the day of your license reinstatement. It’s important to pay close attention to your court documents to make sure you don’t accidentally let your plan lapse early.

Other Incidents Necessitating Extended SR-22 Coverage

Getting convicted of a DUI isn’t the only situation where you might need to file a certificate of financial responsibility. You’ll also need to file if you’re dealing with a judgment suspension, which is a court order related to getting into an accident while driving without insurance. Judgment suspensions can vary, so you may have a shorter or longer SR-22 requirement depending on your case.

After you learn of your requirement to file an SR-22, you’ll have to inform your insurance company. Most providers will increase your rates due to the increased risk level of having a DUI or a similar infraction.

All SR-22 policies will need to meet Arizona’s minimum coverage requirements. That includes:

• Bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage coverage of at least $15,000

Technically, all Arizona drivers are required to have an insurance policy that meets these basic guidelines. However, only high-risk drivers with SR-22 orders will be required to submit ongoing proof of coverage.

Once you choose a plan, you’ll also have to pay a filing fee to kickstart the process. However, the silver lining is that your insurer will file the SR-22 certificate on your behalf, so you won’t have to worry about filling out any paperwork. Once they submit the form, they will give you a copy for your records. All you have to do is make sure you renew your policy in a timely fashion to keep your coverage active. If you let the policy lapse, your filing period could be delayed, and you may even have to pay additional fees.

The SR-22 filing fee is only $15 to $25 in Arizona. However, there are plenty of additional expenses. If you have to file a certificate of responsibility, you can expect your insurance costs to increase. This is because insurance companies view drivers with SR-22 orders as high-risk customers.

If you need to file an SR-22, you can expect to pay an average of 63% more than drivers who don’t have any violations or convictions. The average cost of minimum coverage for drivers with a clean record is $732 per year, while the average for minimum SR-22 coverage is $1,192 per year. Despite this increase in your premiums, there are ways you can save money on your SR-22 coverage. You can keep your rates in a more reasonable range by driving safely, completing defensive driving courses, and taking advantage of special discounts.

The state of Arizona also offers an alternative to filing a certificate of financial responsibility. Instead of getting a certificate of insurance from your insurer, you can provide a $40,000 deposit directly to the Arizona Office of Treasurer as proof of your future financial responsibility. You can make the payment in cash or certificates of deposit. While this amount may seem steep, some drivers may prefer this up-front deposit to the hassle of worrying about insurance.

Getting insurance after a DUI can be complex, especially if you’re worrying about whether or not you can find an affordable plan to fulfill your SR-22 requirements. By getting familiar with the local laws in Arizona, you can make sure you find the right plan and keep your coverage active for the right period of time. You’ll also be able to budget more effectively and make sure you’re prepared for all of the costs related to getting a DUI in Arizona.

As a first step, it’s important to find insurers who are knowledgeable about DUI coverage and can help you get the best rate possible, regardless of your driving history. SR-22 Adviser is here to guide you through the process and connect you with a plan that fits in with your unique situation. Reach out to the SR-22 Adviser team today to get an online quote and learn how much you can save on coverage after a DUI.