Here's what you need to know when driving in Arizona
Across the Grand Canyon State, there are 131,356 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in Arizona
What's the cheapest car insurance in Arizona?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hartford | $536 |
| 2 | Safeco | $561 |
| 3 | Ameriprise Group | $927 |
| 4 | Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $994 |
| 5 | USAA | $1,309 |
| 6 | GEICO | $1,387 |
| 7 | State Farm | $1,443 |
| 8 | Encompass | $1,523 |
| 9 | American Family | $1,545 |
| 10 | Nationwide | $1,564 |
| 11 | Progressive | $1,574 |
| 12 | Allied | $1,647 |
| 13 | Safe Auto | $1,780 |
| 14 | Country | $1,993 |
| 15 | Metropolitan | $2,039 |
| 16 | Mercury | $2,413 |
| 17 | Farmers | $2,477 |
| 18 | Allstate | $2,731 |
Compare auto insurance rates now!
Cheap car insurance for good drivers in Arizona
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents or DUI citations, from Tucson to Kayenta. Arizona drivers without a recent at-fault accident save 37% on their car insurance, on average — substantially higher than the national average of 32%. In addition to earning a more affordable premium for staying incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5% and 10%. One way to ensure you're getting the discounts you deserve is to periodically request insurance quotes from a variety of companies.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $407 | 25.62% |
| No Accidents | $695 | 37.06% |
| Good Credit | $1,263 | 51.69% |
Cheap auto insurance in Arizona: for inexperienced drivers
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Arizona, the typical teen driver pays $5,011 per year, which aligns closely with the national average for all teen drivers but is about four times the rate typical for all drivers in the state of Arizona.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,414 | $6,279 |
| 17 | $5,154 | $5,672 |
| 18 | $5,373 | $4,938 |
| 19 | $4,345 | $2,919 |
Cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers in Arizona
If you have no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, you can save money on car insurance. As insurance companies use your driving record as a way to predict the level of risk you present, keeping your driving record clean will lead to lower premiums. It's especially important to avoid at-fault accidents, speeding tickets and DUI citations in Arizona, where insurance penalties for bad driving are more substantial than in other states. In fact, a single speeding ticket could raise your car insurance rates by 25% in the Grand Canyon State. If you have a good driving record, inquire about a good-driver discount when you fetch insurance quotes: it could lead to savings of up to 25%!
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,876 | 37.06% |
| DUI | $2,063 | 42.77% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,587 | 25.62% |
| Bad Credit | $2,444 | 51.69% |
What are the best companies for car insurance in Arizona?
Every auto insurance company emphasizes its low prices. But just like with any service, the most affordable car insurance isn't always the best selection. Considering the financial stakes, it's worthwhile to do the homework to zero in on an auto policy that protects your vehicle adequately after an incident. Exercise some patience and look for a great value, rather than settling for the most affordable car insurance available.
Compare local and national insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the level of service you will receive. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by AM Best and varying from "Superior" to "Poor" — evaluates an insurance company's financial stability and ability to meet its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (AM Best) |
| 21st Century | 3 | Excellent |
| Allied | 3 | Superior |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| American Family | 4 | Excellent |
| Amica | 4 | Superior |
| Auto-Owners | 5 | Superior |
| Cal Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| CSAA | 3 | Not Rated |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
See rates from top companies today!
What car insurance coverage is necessary in Arizona?
The minimum required insurance in Arizona is $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 property damage per accident.
For the minimum required liability coverage in Arizona, be prepared to pay an average of $638 annually. This is cheaper than the U.S. average by 3%. If you elect more comprehensive coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, insuring against the costs of vehicular crashes, theft and vandalism, or weather incidents. But better auto insurance comes at a cost: in Arizona, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,102, 73% more than liability-only coverage. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 93% more than you would for basic liability insurance.
Compare average premiums for basic, good, and great insurance coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Arizona | $637.58 | $1,101.51 | $1,229.61 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Arizona auto insurance laws and requirements
What are the state minimum insurance requirements in Arizona?
In Arizona, the state minimum coverage requirement is liability coverage with limits of:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
- Property damage: $15,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Arizona (varying by carrier) includes:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical and Funeral Services
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Additional info on insurance requirements in the state of Arizona:
Arizona car insurance FAQs
Do you need to have car insurance in Arizona?
Yes. If your vehicle is going to be parked or driven on public roads, it has to be insured at Arizona's minimum liability limits.
Can you register a car without insurance in Arizona?
No. In order to register your vehicle with Arizona's DMV, you need to show proof of insurance.
What is the fine for driving without insurance in Arizona?
A driver's first driving without insurance offense incurs a $500 fine and potential license suspension. You will also be required to apply for an SR-22 and show proof of insurance.
How much does car insurance cost in Arizona cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and the most expensive in Phoenix, Arizona.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phoenix | $1,810 |
| 2 | Glendale | $1,724 |
| 3 | Avondale | $1,665 |
| 4 | Tempe | $1,591 |
| 5 | Scottsdale | $1,590 |
| 6 | Mesa | $1,582 |
| 7 | Peoria | $1,579 |
| 8 | Gilbert | $1,549 |
| 9 | Chandler | $1,540 |
| 10 | Surprise | $1,536 |
| 11 | Buckeye | $1,531 |
| 12 | San Tan Valley | $1,528 |
| 13 | Tucson | $1,521 |
| 14 | Catalina Foothills | $1,503 |
| 15 | Goodyear | $1,489 |
| 16 | Casas Adobes | $1,481 |
| 17 | Maricopa | $1,442 |
| 18 | Oro Valley | $1,420 |
| 19 | Casa Grande | $1,418 |
| 20 | Flagstaff | $1,313 |
| 21 | Prescott | $1,246 |
| 22 | Bullhead City | $1,205 |
| 23 | Sierra Vista | $1,195 |
| 24 | Lake Havasu City | $1,163 |
Recent Arizona Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Do we have to have receipts for everything in our home when getting renters insurance?
Fortunately, you do not need to keep receipts of everything you own, but it does help to have a record just in case. Most people tend to underestimate how much they have.
My car was bought in Mexico but the title is from Nevada. Can I bring it back to the U.S. and get it insured?
Thanks for the question. If the title is originally from Nevada you should have no issues getting insurance and registration in the U.S.
Do I need to report a claim I filed if the homeowner didn't follow up with it?
Thanks for the question. If the claim was never paid out, you don't really need to mark it down as an accident.
Do you offer insurance for conversion vehicles?
It will be difficult to find insurance for your modified vehicle. Unfortunately, The Zebra does not offer any insurance carriers that will cover your converted van.
Do tickets raise auto insurance rates in Arizona?
If you get a ticket, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much your rates rise depends on the severity of the violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and differing local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at car insurance costs in Arizona after a few common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $3,115 | 141% | $1,820 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,979 | 130% | $1,684 |
| DUI | $2,979 | 130% | $1,684 |
| Racing | $3,103 | 140% | $1,808 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,255 | 74% | $960 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,107 | 63% | $812 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,965 | 52% | $670 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $2,006 | 55% | $711 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,696 | 31% | $401 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,858 | 43% | $563 |
| Improper Passing | $1,769 | 37% | $474 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,675 | 29% | $381 |
| Speeding | $1,747 | 35% | $452 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,675 | 29% | $381 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,675 | 29% | $380 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,666 | 29% | $371 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,675 | 29% | $381 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,779 | 37% | $484 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,780 | 37% | $485 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,667 | 29% | $372 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,355 | 5% | $60 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,355 | 5% | $60 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,348 | 4% | $53 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,312 | 1% | $17 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,387 | 7% | $92 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,312 | 1% | $17 |
Arizona Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Arizona area, while also getting an insider view of the Grand Canyon State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.