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Auto Insurance in Arizona: What You Need to Know
When shopping for car insurance in Arizona, buying enough coverage to protect you when you’re on the road is essential. That means you’ll need to read your policy and decide the coverage and coverage limits that best fit your needs. By shopping for insurance with companies known for their low rates, you can get the protection you need while saving money.
Key Takeaways:
- Car insurance in Arizona costs an average of $2,228 per year.
- Several car insurance companies offer rates that are lower than average, including for teens, drivers with an accident on their record, and drivers with low credit scores.
- Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find Arizona’s best car insurance deal.
- In addition to choosing a company that offers cheap insurance, you can save extra money by taking advantage of car insurance discounts.
In this Article:
- Arizona’s Auto Insurance Requirement
- Average Price for Car Insurance in Arizona
- The Cheapest Arizona Car Insurance Companies
- How Auto Insurance Companies Determine Rates in Arizona
- Tips for Getting Cheap Car Car Insurance in Arizona
- Our Top 5 Arizona Auto Insurance Companies in 2023
- Other Types of Arizona Car Insurance Coverage
- Frequently Asked Questions
Arizona Auto Insurance Requirements
Arizona is a fault-based insurance state, meaning the driver who causes a car accident is responsible for paying the expenses that result from the accident. The state allows people injured in an accident to file their claims directly with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company.
All vehicles driven in Arizona must have liability insurance. The Arizona Department of Transportation requires a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person and $50,000 for two or more people. Additionally, the state requires a minimum of $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Because Arizona is a fault-based state, it’s a good idea to carry more liability insurance than the state minimum. After an accident, expenses like medical bills and vehicle repair or replacement costs can quickly increase. Let’s say you’re at fault for an accident that causes $25,000 in property damage but you only have coverage for up to $15,000. In that case, you’ll be financially responsible for the remaining $10,000. Investing in higher limits and extra coverage, including collision and comprehensive coverage, can help avoid this situation and protect you financially.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Arizona
If you drive without insurance, the state can suspend your vehicle registration and driver’s license, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. You will pay a fee of up to $250 for your first offense, up to $500 for your second offense, and up to $750 for your third offense. To reactivate your registration or license, you must provide future proof of your insurance to the Arizona Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). The future proof is often an SR-22 form, which your insurance company can provide.
Insurance companies view drivers who need an SR-22 form as high-risk, so your insurance premiums will likely increase. Additionally, some insurance companies won’t insure high-risk drivers or provide SR-22 documents, so you may need to switch to a car insurance company specializing in covering high-risk drivers. By law, you must carry an SR-22 form for three years, so driving without insurance in Arizona becomes an expensive mistake that costs you for years.
Find affordable Arizona car insurance.
The Average Cost for Arizona Car Insurance
Car insurance in Arizona costs an average of $2,228 per year. Remember the overall average rate isn’t representative of every driver because companies use many factors to determine rates.
For example, teen drivers will have significantly higher rates than average because insurance companies consider teens high-risk and charge them higher premiums to compensate for that risk. Other factors affecting insurance costs include the value of the vehicle you drive, your age and driving history, the type of coverage you choose, and even your credit score.
Arizona’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Each insurance company uses its formula to calculate rates; some offer rates lower than the state average. We’ve outlined the cheapest car insurance companies in Arizona below.
How We Chose the Cheapest Companies in Arizona
Our team analyzed rates from more than 10 of Arizona’s top car insurance companies to determine the cheapest companies in Arizona. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for drivers of different age brackets and with various insurance and driving histories – all of whom drive a 2016 Honda Accord. Rates for both liability and full coverage use Arizona’s minimum policy limits.
Cheapest Overall Auto Insurance Rates in Arizona: Root Insurance
Root Insurance offers Arizona’s cheapest auto insurance rates at just $785 per year. Root Insurance’s average rate is $1,443 less than the state-national average of $2,228. Noble Reciprocal Exchange has the second-cheapest rates and costs $952 per year.
From there, it’s a giant leap of over $500 to Travelers Insurance, the third-cheapest company. GEICO and ACC Insurance Company are just behind, at $1,583 and $1,688, respectively. Even choosing ACC Insurance Company, which ranks fifth on our list, can save you $540 compared to the state average insurance cost.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $785 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $952 |
| Travelers | $1,488 |
| GEICO | $1,583 |
| ACCC Insurance Company | $1,688 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Minimum Coverage: Mercury Insurance
If you’re looking for minimum car insurance coverage, Mercury Insurance offers the lowest rates of $1,065 per year. The top five cheapest companies are only separated by a difference of $129 per year, with Metromile being the fifth cheapest at $1,194 per year.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,065 |
| ACC Insurance Company | $1,106 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,120 |
| General Casualty | $1,175 |
| Metromile | $1,194 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full Coverage: Travelers
Full coverage rates are naturally higher than minimum coverage, but Travelers, the cheapest company, still offers rates that are lower than the Arizona average of $2,228. Full coverage with Travelers costs $2,118 per year, and GEICO costs just $51 more with a rate of $2,169 per year.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,118 |
| GEICO | $2,169 |
| ACCC Insurance Company | $2,270 |
| Metromile | $2,421 |
| General Casualty | $2,492 |
Save on your next car insurance policy in Arizona.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Age has a major impact on car insurance rates. For example, teens pay more for car insurance than adults because of their lack of experience and increased risk of getting into a car accident. Once you reach 25, your rates will start to decrease. Retirement-age drivers, who have slowed reaction times contributing to their risk of getting into an accident, will see their rates increase again.
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Arizona Teens: Root Insurance
At $1,643 per year, Root Insurance offers the cheapest insurance for 18-year-olds. GEICO comes in second with a $2,870 annual premium. ACCC Insurance Company, the fifth cheapest option, costs nearly double Root Insurance’s rate at $3,262 per year.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $1,643 |
| GEICO | $2,870 |
| Noble Reciprocal Exchange | $3,032 |
| Travelers | $3,168 |
| ACCC Insurance Company | $3,262 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers in Arizona: Root Insurance
Root Insurance had the cheapest rates for 18-year-old drivers, and the company again offers the cheapest rates for 25-year-olds. Root Insurance’s rate of $624 per year is followed closely by Noblr Reciprocal Exchange’s premium of $641 per year. From there, rates almost double at other insurance companies.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $624 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $641 |
| Travelers | $1,259 |
| GEICO | $1,402 |
| Metromile | $1,463 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Arizona Drivers in their 40s: Noble Reciprocal Exchange
Noblr Reciprocal Exchange, which has been toward the middle of the five cheapest companies for teens and 25-year-olds, stands out here. The company offers insurance for Arizona drivers in their forties for just $596 per year. Root Insurance is a close second at $611 per year.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $596 |
| Root Insurance | $611 |
| Travelers | $1,155 |
| Mercury Insurance | $1,273 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,321 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Retirement-Age Drivers in Arizona: Noblr Reciprocal Exchange
When it comes to average rates for 65-year-old drivers, Noblr Reciprocal Exchange again offers the lowest rates at $579 per year. Root Insurance is $113 more at $692 per year.
| Insurance Company | Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $579 |
| Root Insurance | $692 |
| Travelers | $1,209 |
| ACC Insurance Company | $1,232 |
| COUNTRY Financial | $1,325 |
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record also impacts your insurance rates. A clean driving record qualifies you as a low-risk driver, while if you have an at-fault accident or traffic violations, insurers will consider you a higher risk. Car insurance companies will often increase your rates a bit after a traffic ticket, while more serious offenses like significant at-fault accidents or DUIs will lead to steeper increases.
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Good Drivers in Arizona: Root Insurance
These five companies offer the cheapest rate if you don’t have an accident or ticket on your driving record. Root Insurance is the most affordable option at $811 per year, with Noblr Reciprocal Exchange coming in at a close second with an average annual premium of $943.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $811 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $943 |
| GEICO | $1,314 |
| Travelers | $1,493 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,581 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Arizona Drivers After a Ticket: Root Insurance
Root Insurance is still the cheapest option for drivers, even when they have one speeding ticket on their record. You’ll pay $811 per year with Root Insurance, while you’ll pay over $100 more per year with the second-cheapest option, Noblr Reciprocal Exchange.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $811 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $943 |
| GEICO | $1,314 |
| Travelers | $1,493 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,581 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Arizona Drivers After an Accident: Root Insurance
While rates increase with an accident on your record, they don’t go up much. Root Insurance rates increase by $141 per year, and Noblr Reciprocal Exchange’s rates increase by $144.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $952 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $1,087 |
| GEICO | $1,560 |
| Travelers | $1,793 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,848 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company After a DUI in Arizona: Root Insurance
Root Insurance is significantly cheaper than all other insurance companies for drivers with a DUI on their record. Root Insurance charges $689 on average, while the next cheapest company, Noblr Reciprocal Exchange, charges nearly $400 more at $1,006 per year.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $689 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $1,006 |
| ACCC Insurance Company | $1,573 |
| Travelers | $1,732 |
| Mercury | $1,814 |
Compare car insurance rates to get the best value in minutes.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Marital Status
Your insurance company even considers your marital status when calculating your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider married drivers a lower risk, and the opposite for unmarried drivers, who will pay slightly higher rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Married Arizona Drivers: Noblr Reciprocal Exchange
In this category, Noblr Reciprocal Exchange wins out over Root Insurance with a rate of $568 per year. Root Insurance is close behind at $604, while Travelers’ rates are double that at $1,218 annually.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $568 |
| Root Insurance | $604 |
| Travelers | $1,218 |
| USAA | $1,340 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,345 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Single Arizona Drivers: Root Insurance
Single-driver rates are higher, with Root Insurance being the cheapest at $921 per year. Noblr Reciprocal Exchange is more than $300 higher at $1,240 per year, and Travelers and GEICO are close to each other with $1,691 and $1,697 rates, respectively.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $921 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $1,240 |
| Travelers | $1,691 |
| GEICO | $1,697 |
| ACCC Insurance Company | $1,904 |
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Score
Your credit score can also impact your car insurance rates. Since good credit scores indicate financial responsibility, car insurance companies assume drivers with good credit are also responsible and safe behind the wheel. Lower credit scores indicate more financial irresponsibility and risk-taking, so car insurance companies consider these drivers a higher risk and charge them more for insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Good Credit: Noblr Reciprocal Exchange
Noblr Reciprocal Exchange and Root Insurance offer the lowest rates to drivers with good or excellent credit scores. State Farm’s rates are about $300 higher, and Travelers and GEICO charge about $200 more annually than State Farm.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $610 |
| Root Insurance | $690 |
| State Farm | $1,039 |
| Travelers | $1,191 |
| GEICO | $1,231 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Company for Bad Credit: Root Insurance
At $880 per year, Root Insurance offers the most affordable car insurance for drivers with fair and poor credit scores. Noblr Reciprocal Exchange comes in second, with rates about $400 higher.
| Car Insurance Company | Car Insurance Rate Per Year |
|---|---|
| Root Insurance | $880 |
| Noblr Reciprocal Exchange | $1,294 |
| Travelers | $1,785 |
| Safeway Insurance | $1,865 |
| GEICO | $1,935 |
The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Arizona
Where you live in Arizona can also affect your rates. These ten cities have the cheapest car insurance rates.
| City | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Kingman | $36 |
| Lake Havasu City | $36 |
| Cottonwood | $37 |
| Douglas | $37 |
| Bullhead City | $38 |
| Yuma | $38 |
| Sierra Vista | $39 |
| Safford | $43 |
| Prescott | $43 |
| Prescott Valley | $45 |
If you’re considering moving within or to Arizona, relocating to one of these ten cities could save you money on your car insurance bills. These cities share some common characteristics, like lower overall populations and low crime rates. Since these factors can reduce accident risks and vehicle theft, car insurance companies lower your rates to reflect that reduced risk.
In contrast, larger cities and areas with higher crime rates are riskier, so car insurance companies charge higher premiums. Rates in Tolleston average $78 per month, and you’ll pay an average of $80 per month if you live in San Tan Valley.
Find affordable car insurance in your city.
Factors that Determine the Cost of Car Insurance in Arizona
Many factors affect your car insurance rates in Arizona:
- Driver age: Teens, younger drivers, and seniors pay higher rates because of their increased risk of getting into an accident.
- Credit: Insurance companies charge drivers with a low credit rating higher premiums than drivers with higher credit ratings.
- Education: College-educated drivers tend to pay lower rates than drivers with only a high school diploma.
- Driving Record: Safe drivers with a clean driving record pay lower rates while having an at-fault accident or other traffic violations indicates you’re a higher-risk driver who will pay higher premiums.
- Location: Local crime rates, population densities, and traffic can all affect your car insurance premium. Living in a densely populated city often increases your chance of being in an accident, driving your insurance rates up.
- Vehicle Value: More expensive vehicles cost more to insure, while cheaper cars cost less to replace or fix, so insurance companies charge less.
Since so many factors affect your rates, the best way to get an accurate idea of what you will pay for car insurance is to get quotes from different car insurance providers.
The Best Car Insurance Discounts Arizona Drivers Can Use to Save Money
In addition to choosing a cheap car insurance company, discounts can help you save more money on your premiums. The best discounts not only give you substantial savings but are easy to secure, too.
- Safety Feature Discounts: You can often qualify for safety feature discounts for vehicles equipped with features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices. These discounts can take 2-30% off of your premium.
- Payment Discounts: Signing up for e-statements, automatic bill pay, and paying your bill in full can save you 2-25%.
- Good Driver Discounts: Maintain a clean driving record and save 10-30% on your premiums.
- Usage-Based Discounts: Signing up for a telematics program that tracks your driving habits or the miles you drive each month can help you qualify for a 1-30% discount.
- Good Student Discounts: Young drivers enrolled in school can earn 5-20% off of their premium if they maintain a B or higher average.
Companies Offering the Most Discounts to Arizona Drivers
Some insurers offer more discount opportunities than others. The following car insurance companies offer the most discounts to Arizona drivers.
| Car Insurance Company | Number of Discounts Available |
|---|---|
| Allstate | 18 |
| Farmers | 16 |
| GEICO | 15 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | 15 |
| Travelers | 15 |
Top 5 Tips for How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona
In addition to choosing a policy from the car insurance companies that offer the cheapest rates in Arizona, these five tips can help you to keep your costs down even more.
1. Decide What Coverage You Need
While carrying enough coverage to protect you is essential, ensure you’re only paying for the coverage you need. For example, if you’re driving an older vehicle with a low value, it may not make financial sense to max out all of your coverage options. Take some time to review your current coverage and decide if it’s right for you or if there are elements of it that you would like to discontinue.
2. Look for Discounts
Discounts add up, so you can keep insurance costs down by choosing a company that offers several discount opportunities. As you explore your car insurance options, look for ways to maximize your discounts. Some discounts are straightforward, like signing up for paperless billing or paying your insurance premiums in full rather than making monthly payments.
3. Consider a Usage-Based Plan
If you live in a city, are retired, or don’t drive far each month, signing up for a usage-based plan could save you money. With a per-mile car insurance policy, you pay a flat monthly rate and an additional amount per mile you drive that month. This type of insurance can be ideal for drivers who aren’t behind the wheel much.
4. Carefully Choose Your Vehicle
Insuring a high-value car costs more than insuring a vehicle with a lower value. Choosing a more affordable vehicle can help keep your rates down if you’re considering buying a new car.
5. Focus on Driving Safely
Safe driving can help you to maintain a clean driving record, which will help to keep the cost of your car insurance down, too.
Save an average of $720/yr on your next Arizona car insurance policy.
How to Compare Cheap Arizona Car Insurance Quotes Online
Compare.com makes it easy to compare cheap Arizona car insurance quotes. With our auto insurance comparison tool you simply fill out a quote request form, which takes about five minutes. Then, we’ll gather quotes from up to 65 top insurance companies and share the best options with you. Compare.com users save an average of $720 annually on their car insurance.
Compare.com’s Top 5 Best Car Insurance Companies in Arizona for 2023
We’ve already highlighted Arizona’s cheapest car insurance companies, but if you’re looking for the best insurers, we have you covered. These five companies offer a mix of quality coverage and customer service. Consider these five best insurance companies in Arizona during your search.
- GEICO: Not only does GEICO offer affordable policies, but it also has excellent customer satisfaction reviews. In addition to standard coverages, GEICO offers many add-ons, including roadside assistance and accident forgiveness.
- State Farm: State Farm is known for its quality customer service and the ease of its claims process. In addition to roadside assistance, it offers rental car and travel reimbursement coverage. State Farm also provides rideshare coverage, making it an excellent choice if you drive for Uber or Lyft.
- Travelers: Travelers has received praise for its simple claims process and quality customer service. The company’s average premiums are lower than the national average, and it offers a wide selection of discounts, including new car, multicar, good student, and pay-in-full discounts.
- Progressive: Progressive has many coverage options, including specialty coverages like rideshare and pet insurance. The company automatically provides accident forgiveness for claims of $500 or less, and discounts are available for multiple cars, multiple policies, paperless billing, and more.
- Metromile: Metromile is a top choice for drivers who put less than 10,000 miles a year on their vehicle. This per-mile-based insurance company includes pet injury protection in most policies. Metromile offers many discounts, including anti-theft, mature driver, multicar, and safety equipment discounts.
Other Common Types of Arizona Car Insurance
In addition to traditional types of car insurance, like liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, you may want or need the following types of Arizona car insurance.
SR-22 Auto Insurance in Arizona
SR-22, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a document that your insurance company provides to the state of Arizona. The document certifies that you have a current insurance policy that meets Arizona’s minimum liability coverage requirements. You may be required to provide an SR-22 certificate if you have been convicted of a DUI or DWI, or committed another serious driving offense.
Medical Payment Insurance in Arizona
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is not available in Arizona. Instead of Personal Injury Protection, Arizona drivers can purchase medical payments insurance. This type of coverage helps to pay your medical bills resulting from a car accident, even if you caused the accident.
Helpful Resources for Arizona Drivers
- Arizona Drivers Handbook
- Arizona Insurance Requirements – Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
- Arizona Office of Insurance and Financial Institutions website
Arizona Auto Insurance FAQs
Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in Arizona?
Root Insurance offers the cheapest overall car insurance rates. With Root Insurance, a 2016 Honda Accord driver will pay $785 annually.
How much is car insurance in Arizona monthly?
Car insurance in Arizona costs an average of $186 per month. Remember many factors will impact your car insurance rates, including your age, driving history, the value of your vehicle, your location, and more.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Arizona?
Kingman has the cheapest car insurance in Arizona, with insurance premiums averaging just $36 per month. The average cost of insurance in the state is $186 per month, meaning Kingman’s monthly rate is $150 less than the average.
How much car insurance does Arizona require?
Arizona requires you to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability for one person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability for two or more people, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.
What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Arizona?
If you get caught driving without insurance in Arizona, you might pay fines and have your license and vehicle registration suspended. To reinstate your license or registration, you must provide proof of SR-22 coverage, which will increase your insurance rates.
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