For anyone who plans to drive in the state of Arizona, having a good understanding
of its laws is essential. After all, if you fail to properly understand Arizona
car insurance laws, you may not have enough of the right type of coverage in
place. While your car insurance company should be able to provide you with some
of the information you need regarding Arizona car insurance laws, it is ultimately
your responsibility to make certain you have the type of coverage in place that
is required of you. To that end, here is a quick look at a few of the laws that
affect car insurance in Arizona.
Bearing Financial Responsibility
Just as with all other states, Arizona car insurance laws involve a financial
responsibility component that requires all drivers in the state to present proof
of coverage or ability to cover the cost of damages if involved in an accident.
In order to comply with this law, drivers must have a minimum of liability coverage
in place. In the state of Arizona, liability coverage includes having both bodily
injury liability and property damage liability insurance in place.
Maintaining the Proper Amount of Coverage
It should also be noted that Arizona auto laws do permit police officers to
perform breath tests. While these results are not admissible in court, the breath
test may be performed as a preliminary test in order to decide whether or not
an actual BAC test will be performed. Furthermore, it is illegal in the state
of Arizona to have an unsealed alcohol container in the passenger compartments
of a vehicle.
Getting in an Accident
If you are involved in an accident in the state, Arizona car insurance laws
require you to present proof of insurance at the time the accident occurs. In
addition, the state requires all drivers to have proof of insurance coverage
in their vehicles at all times. In general, simply carrying an insurance card
is all that is required to provide proof of insurance. If additional proof is
required, Arizona car insurance laws require insurance companies to verify coverage.
At the same time, Arizona car insurance laws require insurance companies to
inform the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles if a driver cancels or fails
to renew an insurance policy. Similarly, insurance companies are required to
submit their entire list of active policies so the state can compare those policies
with registrations. Drivers who fail to abide by financial responsibility laws
face a $250 fine.
In addition to having laws in place governing minimum coverage, Arizona car
insurance laws also provide protection for those involved in an accident who
are not at fault. According to these laws, anyone involved in an accident who
is not at fault has the right to sue the at-fault party for pain and suffering
as well as for any out-of-pocket expenses related to medical costs.