Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Mesa, AZ

Driving without insurance is a serious offense in Mesa, Arizona, and throughout the state. Arizona requires all drivers to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance to cover any potential damages or injuries resulting from an accident. If you are caught driving without the required insurance, you could face a variety of penalties. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential penalties for driving without insurance in Mesa, AZ.

Arizona’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

In Arizona, all drivers must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
2. Property Damage Liability Coverage: $15,000 per accident

These minimum coverages help ensure that drivers can cover the costs of damages and injuries if they are found at fault in an accident.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Mesa, AZ

If you are caught driving without the required insurance in Mesa, Arizona, you may face the following penalties:

First Offense

• Fine: $500 minimum
• License and registration suspension: 3 months
• Reinstatement fee: $10 (license) and $15 (registration)
• SR-22 requirement: 2 years

Second Offense (within 36 months of the first offense)

• Fine: $750 minimum
• License and registration suspension: 6 months
• Reinstatement fee: $10 (license) and $15 (registration)
• SR-22 requirement: 2 years

Third and Subsequent Offenses (within 36 months of the previous offense)

• Fine: $1,000 minimum
• License and registration suspension: 1 year
• Reinstatement fee: $10 (license) and $15 (registration)
• SR-22 requirement: 2 years

In addition to the penalties listed above, you may also be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate for a specified period. An SR-22 is a document provided by your insurance company that proves you have the necessary liability coverage. This requirement can lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers often view drivers who need an SR-22 as high-risk.

Possible Defenses for Driving without Insurance

Please note that driving without insurance in Arizona is illegal and can result in significant penalties. However, here are some possible defenses for driving without insurance in Arizona:

• The vehicle was not operable and was not being driven on a public roadway.
• The vehicle was recently purchased, and the driver was on their way to acquire insurance coverage.
• The driver had a reasonable belief that they were covered by an insurance policy, and the lack of coverage was due to an error made by the insurance company.
• The driver had an insurance policy that was inadvertently canceled due to a mistake by the insurance company.
• The driver was operating a vehicle that they did not own and believed that the owner had obtained insurance coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that these are just examples of possible defenses and the specific circumstances of each case will determine whether any defense is valid. It’s also important to note that Arizona requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage in order to legally operate a vehicle on public roads.

Can a citation for driving without insurance affect my ability to get car insurance?

When an insurance company evaluates an individual’s eligibility for coverage, they take into account various risk factors, including the person’s driving history, past claims, and whether they have had any citations for driving without insurance. Having a citation for driving without insurance may signal to the insurance company that the individual is a higher risk for car accidents and other incidents that could result in claims being filed. As a result, individuals who have been cited for driving without insurance may face higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage from traditional insurance providers.

What is the minimum required amount of car insurance Arizona requires?

In Arizona, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. The minimum coverage limits as per ARS 28-4009 are:

• $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
• $30,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
• $10,000 for property damage

Liability coverage is mandatory and helps protect drivers from financial losses if they cause an accident and are found to be at fault.

In addition to liability coverage, there are other types of coverage options available to drivers in the state of Arizona, including:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This coverage pays for damages if another driver is at fault for an accident and does not have insurance or has insurance that does not cover the full cost of damages. In Arizona, UM/UIM coverage is mandatory, and the minimum limits are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder and passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP coverage is not mandatory in Arizona, but it is an optional coverage that drivers can add to their policy.

The Harding Firm Can Help!

It is important for all drivers to comply with the minimum car insurance requirements in Arizona. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines, suspension of driver’s license, and even impoundment of the vehicle. Drivers should also keep in mind that if they are at fault for an accident and do not have enough insurance coverage to pay for damages, they may be held personally responsible and could face significant financial consequences.

Driving without insurance in Mesa, AZ, can result in significant fines, license and registration suspension, and other penalties. To avoid these consequences, it is essential to maintain the required minimum liability insurance coverage.

If you are facing charges for driving without insurance, consulting with an experienced criminal traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal process and potentially minimize the penalties you face. The Harding Firm specializes in representing clients facing traffic violation charges, including driving without insurance. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.