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In Arizona, the cheapest SR-22 insurance comes from Progressive at $3,301 per year, followed by Allstate at $3,341. Your rate will depend on your driving history, where you live, and which insurer you go with.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to confirm you’re carrying the minimum required coverage, usually after a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. Because SR-22 drivers are seen as higher risk, premiums tend to run higher than standard rates.

An SR-22 needs to stay on file for around three years, though the exact duration depends on your state and the nature of the violation. Your rates will likely increase immediately after the incident, but keeping a clean record from that point forward will help bring them back down over time. In the meantime, shopping around can help make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.

How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period

  • Compare quotes from at least three insurers before deciding on one. Rates after an SR-22 vary more than you’d expect – the first offer you get won’t be the most affordable one.
  • Find out how long the surcharge will apply. Some insurers revisit your rate after three years, others after five. How long you carry the increase can matter just as much as the rate itself.
  • Stay violation-free. A clean driving record from this point forward is the most effective tool you have for lowering your premium over time.
  • Keep your coverage active. A lapse while your SR-22 is on file can reset your entire filing period and make you look like an even greater risk to future insurers.
  • Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance coverage required to drive legally. You may need one after serious driving violations such as a DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while intoxicated), reckless driving or driving without insurance.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It’s a document your insurance company files with the state to verify you’re carrying the legally required coverage. Since drivers who need an SR-22 are flagged as higher risk, premiums tend to climb, and some insurers may turn you away entirely.

How does SR-22 insurance work in Arizona?

  • SR-22 insurance in Arizona costs an average of $2,727 per year
  • Progressive offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Arizona at $3,301 annually
  • An SR-22 is a state-required filing that proves you carry minimum car insurance coverage

When do you need an SR-22 in Arizona?

You may need an SR-22 in Arizona after a serious driving violation or if your license has been suspended or revoked. It’s your insurer’s way of confirming to the DMV that you’re meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Common reasons you might need one include:

  • DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
  • Reckless driving
  • Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
  • Accumulation of too many driving violation points
  • Driving without insurance

If you’re convicted of one of these offenses, you’ll need to buy a qualifying insurance policy and ask your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV on your behalf.

What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage?

Most drivers are required to maintain an SR-22 filing for around three years, though the exact timeline varies by state and the nature of the violation. Throughout that period, your coverage must stay active – any lapse will prompt your insurer to notify the DMV, which can trigger penalties like license suspension, reinstatement fees, or an extended filing requirement.

In many states, even a single gap resets the three-year clock entirely, meaning a lapse halfway through could cost you another full cycle. On top of that, a coverage gap marks you as an even greater risk, leading to higher premiums when you re-insure and potentially making it harder to find a carrier willing to cover you at all.

How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in Arizona?

The average SR-22 car insurance rate in Arizona is $2,727 per year. That’s $971 more than in Vermont, which has the lowest SR-22 rates in the country, but $3,359 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 coverage.

Your actual rate will depend on why you need the SR-22, your overall driving record, and your location.

A DUI carries a much more dramatic surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Arizona

Progressive offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Arizona at $3,301 per year. While SR-22 insurance is usually more expensive than standard coverage, rates can vary significantly between insurers.

The companies below offer some of the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in Arizona.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Progressive$3,301$275
Allstate$3,341$278
Farmers$3,793$316
USAA*$1,900$158
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Arizona?

SR-22 rates in Arizona depend heavily on where you live. Urban areas tend to come with higher premiums due to increased traffic, higher theft rates, and more frequent claims. Smaller towns and suburbs usually sit on the cheaper end of the scale.

Below are the major cities in Arizona with the cheapest average SR-22 rates.

CityAverage annual premium
Chandler$2,916
Gilbert$2,874
Glendale$3,422
Mesa$2,970
Peoria$3,137
Phoenix$3,377
Scottsdale$2,926
Surprise$2,953
Tempe$2,976
Tucson$2,772
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Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

  • Your rates will improve once the SR-22 requirement ends, but they may not fully return to what you were paying before the violation
  • Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, though a DUI can linger considerably longer depending on your state
  • Keeping a clean record and shopping around at renewal are the best ways to make sure you’re getting the best rate available to you

What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Arizona?

To legally drive in Arizona, the DMV requires you to carry at least:

  • $25,000 for injury or death per person
  • $50,000 for injury or death per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage per accident

These are the legal minimums. Carrying more coverage costs a bit more each month, but it can save you a lot if you’re ever in a serious at-fault accident.

How much does an SR-22 in Arizona cost with a DUI?

Having a DUI on your record usually means paying considerably more for SR-22 insurance. The table below shows what drivers with a DUI can expect to pay annually in Arizona.

This table shows two different costs:

  • SR-22 with one DUI – the estimated annual premium if your SR-22 stems from a DUI conviction, including the rate increase applied by insurers in that situation.
  • SR-22 filing only – your base premium plus the filing fee, assuming no DUI. If your violation falls into a different category, this column is the better reference for understanding what the SR-22 requirement adds to your overall cost.

CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 filing Only
Allstate$4,982$3,341
Farmers$5,160$3,793
GEICO$4,062NA
Progressive$3,802$3,301
Travelers$2,654NA
USAA*$3,754$1,900
*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Arizona

The SR-22 form itself only costs a small one-time filing fee, usually around $25 to $50. What actually drives up your bill is the high-risk premium that comes with needing one. That’s the part you can lower, by comparing quotes, improving your driving record, and choosing the right coverage. Rates for high-risk drivers vary widely from one insurer to the next, so shopping around can make a real difference in what you pay.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:

  • Shop around. Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
  • Pay upfront. Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
  • Opt for non-owner insurance. If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy.

Compare insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers

Not every insurer treats SR-22 drivers the same way. Some specialize in high-risk coverage and can offer considerably lower rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from at least three companies gives you a realistic picture of what you should actually be paying.

Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?

Drivers who need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle can file one through non-owner SR-22 insurance. It provides the minimum required liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car and lets you reinstate your license after violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses. Because it doesn’t cover a vehicle of your own, it’s usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy.

This situation is more common than it sounds. Many drivers lose their license after a violation and still have to prove they’re insured to get it back, even when they don’t own a car. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is what makes that possible.

Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Arizona?

Because an SR-22 requirement follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in coverage, insurers classify these drivers as high-risk and price their premiums accordingly.

That being said, rates can vary significantly from one insurer to the next, so comparing quotes is one of the most effective ways to manage your cost. A few other ways to keep premiums down:

  • Reduce your mileage where possible. Relying more on public transit or carpooling could qualify you for pay-per-mile or low-mileage discounts.
  • Take advantage of every discount available. Bundling policies, opting for autopay, and completing a defensive driving course are all common ways to lower your rate.
  • Stay clean from this point forward. It’s the single most impactful thing you can do. A DUI can remain on your record for up to 10 years in many states, but a consistent period of clean driving is what will actually move your premiums in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car?

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy.

What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period.

Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22?

Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. Your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage.

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What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

expert-image
Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.
“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all 51 states, including Washington, D.C., across two distinct driver scenarios to analyze auto insurance rates across the U.S.

Your zip rate is based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female with a good insurance score and no violations, driving a Honda Accord LX with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage. Drivers opt for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible. We analyzed 65,756,440 insurance quotes from 195 companies (73 company groups) across 29,159 cities and 34,595 ZIP codes. The national average annual premium is $2,578.

After a violation, the data reflects the same base driving profile – a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage, opting for a full-coverage policy with 100/300/100 limits and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible; but for drivers with a violation on their record and an SR-22 filing requirement. For these rates, we analyzed 95,071,152 insurance quotes from 131 companies (41 company groups).

Read more about our research standards and methodology.

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Alisha Ambre

 
  

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

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