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Motorcycle
To drive is to put yourself at risk on the roads. The state of Arizona wants drivers to be protected in the event of an accident and so it requires all drivers to carry liability insurance on their vehicles―whether those vehicles have two wheels or four.
Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility
The simplest way to show financial responsibility in Arizona is to get a liability insurance policy from an insurance provider licensed in Arizona.
Self-insurance is an option only if you own 10 or more vehicles, and is geared more toward dealers or owners of corporate fleets. To apply to self-insure, complete a Certificate of Self-Insurance Application. Certification requires extensive documentation and a surety bond of one million dollars, among other things.
The bottom line is, if you want to ride your motorcycle on state roads, you need one of the following:
- A policy for motor vehicle liability insurance
- Certificate of self-insurance (if you own 10 or more vehicles)
Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined
According to state law, what you call a motorcycle may not actually be one. For purposes of registration and insurance coverage, the state defines the following two-wheeled vehicles:
- Motorcycle―A motorized vehicle with up to three wheels and containing a seat for the driver, excluding tractors and mopeds.
- Moped―A bicycle-like vehicle with pedals and a small engine with less than 50 cc displacement. A moped has a maximum speed of 25 mph and 1.5 brake horsepower (or less).
- Motor-driven cycle―A motorized vehicle with up to three wheels designed to go faster than 20 mph but with an engine displacement from 49 to 80 cc. This includes motor scooters.
If you're not exactly sure how to class your bike, contact the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) for more information at one of the following numbers:
- Phoenix area: (602) 255-0072
- Tucson area: (520) 629-9808
- Rest of the state: (800) 251-5866, toll-free
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Although Arizona requires liability insurance, it has set a minimum level of coverage. You can, of course, opt to purchase more coverage and protect yourself even better from financial risks, but it's up to you.
The required minimum amounts of liability coverage are:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage for one person in one accident
- $30,000 bodily injury coverage total per accident
- $10,000 property damage coverage per accident
Liability insurance covers other people injured in an accident, but it doesn't cover your own injuries. Look into the wide range of coverage options, including comprehensive and collision coverage.
Get familiar with the various types of insurance coverage before you make a final decision on a policy. It's important to get the coverage that will work best for your financial situation and motorcycle.
How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements
The amount of insurance coverage you have does not affect helmet requirements in Arizona. Currently, only riders younger than 18 have to wear helmets at all. You are required, however, to wear some type of faceplate or goggles to protect your eyes.
Top Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Because insurance providers keep the MVD in the loop about new policies, cancellations, and non-renewals, it's easy for the MVD to track who's insured and who's not. It's a serious issue to the state when your insurance lapses or is canceled.
If you're not able to show adequate proof of insurance coverage after receiving an inquiry from the MVD, your motorcycle registration―and sometimes even your driver's license―will be suspended.
De-insured Vehicles
State law requires you to insure only those vehicles that you operate on public roads, including motorcycles, mopeds, and golf carts. But if your vehicle is temporarily non-operational―because you're restoring it, for instance, or due to seasonal storage―you don't need to maintain coverage until it becomes operational again.
De-insuring your motorcycle simply means the MVD won't hold you liable or suspend your registration when the bike is not insured.
To de-insure your motorcycle, complete a De-Insured Certificate form. Submit the form in person at an MVD office or mail it to:
- Motor Vehicle Division
- Mail Drop 558M
- Insurance Unit
- P.O. Box 2100
- Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100
Of course, as soon as your bike becomes operational again, you will need to insure it. And if you ride a motorcycle that is de-insured, you face suspension of your registration and possibly your license.
Top Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility
If you find yourself with no proof of insurance, the penalty is suspension of your motorcycle registration and possibly your driver's license.
To clear a suspension, you need to:
- Provide proof of insurance for the period of the alleged coverage lapse, or
- Submit an SR-22 form, which is a document certifying that you now have the required liability coverage, and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. The SR-22 form must be from an insurance provider authorized to do business in Arizona, and it must be held on file at the MVD for three years.
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