What Happens to Your Insurance After a DUI in Arizona

Arizona requires SR-22 filing for 3 years after most DUI convictions, your current insurer will likely non-renew your policy, and your premium will typically increase 60-150% when you move to a non-standard carrier. Understanding these consequences now helps you maintain legal coverage and avoid additional penalties.

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Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona

After a DUI or serious violation in Arizona, your current insurance carrier will typically non-renew your policy at the next renewal date rather than cancel it immediately — giving you several months to find replacement coverage. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will require you to carry SR-22 filing for a specified period, which means you need an insurer willing to file this certificate on your behalf. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing, so you'll need to move to a non-standard auto insurance provider that specializes in high-risk drivers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Arizona?

Insurance costs after a DUI or serious violation in Arizona typically increase 60-150% compared to standard rates, with the exact impact depending on your violation type, prior driving history, and the carrier you choose. For drivers 65 and older with an otherwise clean record, some non-standard carriers may offer rates at the lower end of this range, particularly if the violation is alcohol-related rather than multiple moving violations. Rates generally begin to decrease after 3 years and approach standard carrier levels after 5 years with no additional violations.

Minimum Liability (25/50/15)
State minimum coverage with SR-22 filing. Lowest premium but leaves you exposed to significant out-of-pocket costs if you cause another accident. Many non-standard carriers require higher limits.
Standard Liability (50/100/25)
Doubled liability limits with SR-22 filing. Recommended minimum for drivers with assets to protect. Typical offering from most non-standard carriers serving the Arizona high-risk market.
Full Coverage with Higher Limits
Comprehensive and collision coverage plus increased liability limits. Essential if you have a vehicle loan or significant equity in your car. Some carriers offer mature driver discounts even in the non-standard market.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type and severity — DUI convictions typically result in higher increases than multiple speeding tickets
  • Time since violation — rates decrease each year you maintain clean driving
  • Prior driving history — drivers 65+ with decades of clean history before the violation may qualify for better rates
  • Geographic location in Arizona — Phoenix and Tucson have more non-standard carrier competition, which can lower premiums
  • Coverage level selected — moving from minimum to standard liability limits typically adds 15-20% to premium
  • Vehicle type and value — comprehensive and collision coverage on newer vehicles significantly increases cost in the non-standard market

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Sources

  • Arizona Motor Vehicle Division — Driver License Requirements
  • Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions — Consumer Insurance Guides
  • Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 — Traffic and Vehicles

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