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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

How much does car insurance cost in Mesa?

Those driving in Mesa, Arizona, pay about $960 every six months, or $160 per month on average. Our data shows that for the year 2024, Auto-Owners is the most affordable car insurance provider in Mesa, with rates starting at $539 for a six-month policy.

The average rates in Mesa are more than both the Arizona average of $874 every six months as well as the national average of $880, but less than other major cities in the state. Of our customers in Mesa, 40% of them said they're paying too much for car insurance. To learn more about insurance requirements and typical rates in Mesa, read on.

Car Insurance in Mesa vs. Arizona

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Car Insurance in Mesa vs. Arizona Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Arizona Average $874
Mesa Average $960

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Mesa

1st place medal
1st place: Auto-Owners

The top spot for cheap auto insurance in Mesa goes to Auto-Owners. Rates average $539 for a six-month policy, which breaks down to about $90 per month. 

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

GEICO is the second cheapest option at $114 per month or $685 for a six-month policy.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Travelers

Travelers came in third place with rates at $117 a month, which is $704 for a six-month policy.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Mesa:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Mesa is $960 per six-month policy — or $160 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Mesa is Auto-Owners ($539 every six months).
  • Mesa ranks as the 19th most expensive city for car insurance in Arizona.
  • 40% of Zebra customers in Mesa stated they used our product because they're paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Mesa car insurance rates by company

Full coverage auto insurance is available to Mesa residents at a reasonable cost from Auto-Owners based on our 2024 data. Of the companies we analyzed, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates, with $90 per month or $539 for a six-month policy. GEICO is the second-best option, with a six-month policy costing $685, or $114 per month. Both companies offer rates that are lower than Mesa's average. 

For more information on highly rated car insurance companies, consult The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Mesa, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Mesa, Arizona

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $539
GEICO $685
Travelers $704
USAA $781
Progressive $799
State Farm $826
Nationwide $959
Allstate $1,436

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


The simplest approach to finding affordable car insurance is by comparing various companies. Our team will handle the complicated tasks, allowing you to choose the most suitable option to match your budget and unique requirements. Simply enter your ZIP code and browse quotes from reputable insurers like Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide (and others) to locate the cheapest car insurance policy in Mesa.

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Average car insurance in Mesa by rating factor

The rating factors that pertain to you determine your personalized car insurance rate. Most insurance companies use common factors like credit score and age, but the weight they assign to each detail may vary. For example, one insurer might give more weight to your driving and claims history, while another might place greater emphasis on your credit score.

It's also normal for your insurance company to change over time, as your life circumstances and requirements change. Even if you've been with the same insurance provider for a long time, it's still recommended that you obtain quotes every six months to a year to confirm that you're receiving the appropriate coverage.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: The cost of car insurance in Mesa is influenced by several rating factors, with end-of-year earnings being a major one. Insurers compare the premiums collected against the cost of paying out claims to determine their earnings. However, even if you've never filed a claim, you may still have to pay more with a particular insurer because of the higher cost of conducting business in Mesa.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Mesa

Car insurance rates are heavily influenced by age. Risk analysis is critical to insurance companies, and data indicates that teenage drivers pose the highest risk on the road and are more likely to be involved in accidents than drivers in other age groups. Consequently, teenage drivers are charged higher premiums to offset the costs of claims paid by insurance companies. For young drivers, this expense can be a rude awakening. In Mesa, drivers in their 20s pay $3,736 per year less than teenage drivers.

Therefore, with more years of driving experience and a history of safe driving, car insurance premiums for teens are likely to decrease significantly within a few years. To keep premiums low, parents or guardians can add a teen driver to their policy, and students can inquire about discounts for good grades and safe driving.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Mesa, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Teen Drivers in Mesa, AZ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $1,680
GEICO $1,894
Travelers $2,072
USAA $3,021
State Farm $3,111
Nationwide $3,402
Allstate $3,557
Progressive $3,950

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Auto-Owners $769
30s Auto-Owners $571
40s Auto-Owners $549
50s Auto-Owners $525
60s Auto-Owners $548
70s Auto-Owners $691

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Mesa drivers aged 20 to 40 are Auto-Owners, Travelers, and GEICO


The age bracket of 20 to 40 has the majority of drivers in Mesa, as our research has found. For a six-month policy, the average rate for this group is $1,095. By selecting one of these companies, drivers in this age range could save up to 33%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Mesa

Your age and credit score aren't the only factors that determine the cost of your car insurance. Your choice of coverage is also a crucial element. In Mesa, about 33% of drivers carry only the minimum required level of car insurance. While this may seem like a cost-saving measure, it can leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. If you're looking for more comprehensive coverage, consider adding collision or comprehensive coverage, also known as "full coverage."

These options provide greater protection in case of an accident or other unexpected events, but they typically come with a higher price tag and a deductible that can impact your rates. To balance full coverage with affordability, consider raising your deductible. As your deductible increases, your premium will decrease accordingly. Keep in mind that the cost of car insurance can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.

If you value safety and protection while driving, you'll want to consider your options carefully. Roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage can be a game-changer if you find yourself in an accident involving an uninsured driver. Although they may increase your rate, these coverage options offer a higher level of security and coverage for both you and your vehicle.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If your vehicle is leased or financed, there is a high likelihood that there is a minimum amount of insurance coverage you must maintain. However, those drivers in Mesa who own their vehicles outright have more flexibility. If you are thinking about dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, we recommend getting the actual cash value of your car from a trustworthy source like Kelley Blue Book. If your car's value is $4,000 or lower, you might not need to have full coverage, which could decrease your rates. Nonetheless, this leaves you open to pay for damages yourself.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Mesa, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Mesa, AZ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $188
GEICO $242
USAA $268
Travelers $281
Allstate $331
State Farm $354
Progressive $356
Nationwide $436

Source: The Zebra

33% of our customers in Mesa opt for minimum coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. It's important to consider all of your options and not simply go with the cheapest option right away. While we understand the minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Arizona's 25/50/15 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in Arizona.

Mesa car insurance rates by credit score

Credit scores are a top factor in determining car insurance rates in most states, including Arizona. This is because insurance companies consider credit scores to be a reliable indicator of risk. According to data, drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to have gaps in insurance coverage, engage in riskier driving behaviors, and file more claims. Therefore, having a good credit score usually translates to a lower risk level for insurers, which typically results in better rates.

For example, in Mesa, drivers with excellent credit scores (800-850) pay 114% less than those with poor credit scores (300-579), highlighting the significance of maintaining good credit to save on car insurance costs.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with bad credit in Mesa, AZ
car insurance in Mesa by credit score
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit in Mesa, AZ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $896
Travelers $1,092
Nationwide $1,301
Progressive $1,355
USAA $1,499
Auto-Owners $1,555
Allstate $1,887
State Farm $3,420

Source: The Zebra

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The two most frequent types of insurance claims are at-fault and collision-type accidents, which usually result in higher rates. In Mesa, these increases range from $61 to $79 per month, depending on the nature of the violation. After an at-fault accident, Auto-Owners provides the cheapest rates, but GEICO and State Farm are good options, as well.

The key to maintaining affordable premiums is to be a safe driver no matter where you live. Speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and DUIs or DWIs all result in rate increases, and the effect of the accident on your premium can last for three to five years. In some cases, more severe violations can have an impact on your premium for an even longer period. While accidents cannot always be prevented, adopting safe driving practices while behind the wheel will not only protect you physically but also financially.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Mesa, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident in Mesa, AZ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $753
Travelers $936
State Farm $1,050
USAA $1,149
GEICO $1,187
Progressive $1,214
Nationwide $1,625
Allstate $1,876

Source: The Zebra

Mesa car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Mesa.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Mesa, AZ
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Mesa, AZ

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $960 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $960 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $962 0% $2
Two Med/PIP claims $999 4% $39
One comp claim $1,000 4% $40
Two comp claims $1,048 9% $88
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,083 13% $123
Driving without lights $1,084 13% $124
Child safety restraint $1,084 13% $124
Failure to show documents $1,131 18% $171
Driving with expired registration $1,171 22% $211
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,204 25% $244
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,207 26% $247
Failure to stop at a red light $1,207 26% $247
Following too closely $1,207 26% $247
Failure to yield $1,207 26% $247
Illegal turn $1,207 26% $247
Texting while driving $1,210 26% $250
Cell phone violation $1,210 26% $250
Improper passing $1,221 27% $261
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,227 28% $267
Speeding in school zone $1,232 28% $272
Driving too slowly $1,232 28% $272
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,236 29% $276
In 65 MPH zone $1,269 32% $309
Passing school bus $1,275 33% $315
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,277 33% $317
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,327 38% $367
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,352 41% $392
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,419 48% $459
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,434 49% $474
Open container $1,456 52% $496
Reckless driving $1,618 69% $658
Driving with a suspended license $1,639 71% $679
DUI $1,834 91% $874
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,834 91% $874
Racing $1,887 97% $927
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,897 98% $937

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Mesa so expensive?

While auto insurance can be seen as an expensive obligation, the reality is that car insurance rates in Mesa are comparatively affordable. This is because the cost of living in Mesa is lower than in many other cities, allowing businesses to operate without incurring additional costs.

Below, we will go over the reasons why car insurance rates may vary in Mesa and why your rate may be higher than you anticipated.

location
Location

In general, car insurance tends to be pricier in larger cities as opposed to more rural areas. To insurance companies, city living comes with more risks. Mesa's proximity to Phoenix leads to more risk than in a more remote location. 

Your specific neighborhood can also make a difference. In areas of the city that are more prone to crime, uninsured drivers and other risk factors, insurance costs will be higher. Check out the Mesa ZIP codes below that are the cheapest and most expensive. 

Expensive Mesa ZIP codes: 85204, 85202, 85210, 85201, 85213

Cheap Mesa ZIP codes: 85207, 85215, 85209, 85205, 85212

weather
Weather

Arizona is known for its arid desert environment, but the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable. Severe weather events like flooding and wildfires increase the number of overall claims. In 2021, Arizona experienced 1,771 wildfires, and damage to a vehicle from a wildfire would be covered under a driver's comprehensive insurance coverage.[1] With risks like this, insurance companies have to take this into consideration when determining rates. 

drivers
Number of drivers

By all accounts, Mesa and the general Phoenix metropolitan area are known to be full of drivers. The population increased by about 1.6% between 2020 and 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, putting Mesa's population around 512,000.[2] As such, the chances of getting into an accident as a commuter are much higher. More cars on the road mean more accidents in general, so this can be a reason why costs may be higher in certain areas. 

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and comprehensive coverage


No one anticipates being in an accident with an uninsured driver, but having uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) can help you be prepared. UMPD coverage is available to assist you in the event that an uninsured or underinsured driver damages your vehicle. UMPD coverage typically has a lower deductible than collision coverage, is more affordable, and will result in lower rate increases if you need to make a claim.

Also worth considering is carrying comprehensive coverage, even if your vehicle is paid off. With Arizona's susceptibility to flash flooding and wildfires, comprehensive coverage will be there to protect you in the event of a natural disaster or weather situation damaging your car. 


Bundling insurance policies in Mesa

Finding savings in the midst of rising car insurance rates, including in Mesa, can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. There are ways to make it more affordable, and one of the quickest and easiest methods is to bundle policies.

If you have both car insurance and homeowners or renters coverage, consider contacting your insurance provider to inquire about combining them to receive a multi-policy discount. Bundling can save you 10% or more on your total premiums. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance by visiting the website. And don't forget to explore bundling discounts when comparing insurance providers.

bundling home and auto insurance in Mesa
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Mesa, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Mesa, AZ

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $474
Travelers $633
GEICO $651
State Farm $682
Progressive $689
USAA $718
Nationwide $850
Allstate $1,179

Source: The Zebra

While there are certain factors that can impact your auto insurance rates that are outside of your control, there are things you can do to keep your costs down. One of the most effective strategies is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. By doing so, you can make sure you're getting the best possible deal on your coverage.

It's also a good idea to educate yourself on the various factors that affect your rates and take steps to improve your credit score or driving record if necessary. With a little effort and research, you can find an insurer that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

Mesa is the 19th most expensive city in Arizona city for car insurance, so it is expensive but is less than other major cities such as Phoenix. On average, it costs about $160 per month or $960 for a six-month policy.

For car insurance policies in Mesa, Auto-Owners provides the most affordable options, with an average cost of $539 per six months.

To legally operate a vehicle in Arizona, the required liability coverage levels are as follows: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Mesa, AZ


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Mesa from real Zebra customers

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.