Short answer: Arizona requires 25/50/15 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage, for policies issued or renewed since July 1, 2020. Insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but you can reject it in writing. Arizona uses pure comparative fault.
What the statute says
Arizona Revised Statutes §28-4009 sets the minimum liability amounts for a motor vehicle liability policy:
| Coverage | Minimum (policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020) |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, one accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
Before mid-2020, the requirement was 15/30/10. If you're reviewing an old declarations page, those numbers are out of date.
UM and UIM: offered, not required
Arizona doesn't make uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage mandatory, but insurers must offer both. If you don't want them, you sign a rejection. Think carefully before you do: if an uninsured or underinsured driver injures you, these coverages may be the only source of payment beyond your health insurance.
Medical payments coverage, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance are optional add-ons.
Pure comparative fault
Arizona is an at-fault state, and under A.R.S. §12-2505 it uses pure comparative negligence. You can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault, reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're 70% at fault for a crash, you can still recover 30% of your damages from the other driver, and they can recover 70% of theirs from you.
That cuts both ways. Even when the other driver made the bigger mistake, a claim can still be made against your liability coverage for your share.
Proof of insurance
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division verifies coverage electronically through insurers. You must carry proof, and digital ID cards are accepted. Driving without insurance can lead to fines and suspension of your license, registration and plates, with higher penalties for repeat violations.
Arizona driving risks the minimum doesn't touch
- Monsoon and hail. Summer storms bring hail, flash flooding and falling trees. Only comprehensive covers that damage to your own car.
- Dust storms. Sudden low visibility on interstates leads to chain-reaction crashes with many vehicles involved, which can exhaust a $50,000 per-accident limit.
- Windshields. Rock chips are common on desert highways. Many Arizona drivers add full glass coverage under comprehensive.
- Seasonal residents. Snowbirds should confirm whether they need Arizona registration and insurance, or can keep their home-state policy.
How much to carry
Many advisors suggest at least 100/300/100 for drivers with assets, plus UM and UIM at matching limits. If you own a home or have significant savings, consider an umbrella. See how much umbrella insurance do I need.
Common scenarios
A dust storm causes a five-car pileup on I-10. Multiple injured people could claim against your $50,000 per-accident limit.
You're 20% at fault in an intersection crash. Under pure comparative fault, you can recover 80% of your damages from the other driver.
An uninsured driver injures you and you rejected UM. You'd have to rely on your health insurance or sue the driver personally.
Monsoon hail dents your car. Comprehensive pays, minus your deductible. Liability doesn't.
Key terms
- Pure comparative negligence: recovery is reduced by your fault percentage but never barred.
- UM/UIM rejection: a signed form declining coverage the insurer must offer.
- Comprehensive: covers non-collision damage such as hail, theft and glass.
- Financial responsibility: the legal requirement to carry proof of liability coverage.
Questions to ask your broker
- Did I reject UM or UIM at some point, and can I add it back?
- Do I have full glass coverage?
- What would 100/300/100 cost compared with the minimum?
- If I split the year between Arizona and another state, where should the car be insured?
Bottom line
Arizona's 25/50/15 minimum is legal but thin, and the state's pure comparative fault rule means claims can come from almost any crash. Keep UM and UIM, consider higher liability limits and add comprehensive for monsoon-season risks. Compare other states in our car insurance minimums by state table, or read what car insurance do I need.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Arizona and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Arizona?
25/50/15 liability for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Arizona?
No, but insurers must offer UM and UIM. You can reject them in writing.
How does fault work in Arizona?
Arizona uses pure comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but isn't barred.
What were Arizona's old minimums?
15/30/10, before the July 1, 2020 increase.
Does Arizona minimum insurance cover hail damage to my car?
No. Hail damage to your own car is covered by comprehensive.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.