Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Author profile picture

Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

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

Nathan tra…

Author profile picture

Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

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

Ross h…

How much does car insurance cost in Phoenix?

Auto insurance in Phoenix costs $1,105 for a six-month policy or $184 per month, making it more expensive than the Arizona state average by an extra $42 a month. Our data show that GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company in Phoenix — $130 per month or $779 every six months.

Phoenix drivers also pay 49% more than the national average. In fact, 41% of our customers in Phoenix admit they're paying too much for their car insurance. If you agree or just need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in Phoenix based on common factors like age, coverage level and more.

Car Insurance in Phoenix vs. Arizona

Updating data...

Car Insurance in Phoenix vs. Arizona Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Phoenix Average $1,105
Arizona Average $852

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Phoenix

1st place medal
1st place: GEICO

GEICO is the cheapest at $130 per month or $779 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Travelers

Travelers came in as a close second at $132 a month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: USAA

USAA is known for its strong reputation but is only available to military members and their families. On average, it costs about $134 per month or just over $800 per six-month policy period.

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

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Phoenix is $1,105 per six-month policy — or $184 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Phoenix is GEICO ($779 every six months).
  • Phoenix ranks as the most expensive city for car insurance in Arizona.
  • 41% of Zebra customers in Phoenix stated they used our product because they were paying too much with their current provider.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Phoenix car insurance rates by company

According to our data, the most affordable car insurance company for full coverage in Phoenix is GEICO. On average, this company costs $130 per month or $779 per six-month policy. The second cheapest is Travelers at $132 per month.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $779
Travelers $792
USAA $806
Progressive $918
State Farm $948
Nationwide $1,097
Allstate $1,573

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 only way to know which company is the cheapest coverage for you is to compare. Our comparison will do the leg work for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Phoenix.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Average car insurance in Phoenix by rating factor

Every insurance company uses rating factors to set rates for drivers. These include things like your age, credit score, driving history, location and more.

Because every company weighs these factors differently, there can be significant variations in your car insurance quotes. This is why we always recommend getting quotes from as many companies as possible.

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

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is also a major rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance. Even if you’ve had no claims with your insurance company, you could still be paying more with a particular insurance company because the price of doing business has increased in Phoenix.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Phoenix

A driver's age is one of the most important factors that will greatly influence how much you'll pay for auto insurance. Generally, the younger you are, the higher your quote will be. This is because young drivers, especially teenagers, are more likely to get into accidents and be cited.

As a result, insurance companies will charge younger drivers a more expensive premium to account for the increased risk. In Phoenix, teenage drivers pay over three times as much as drivers in their 20s — the largest such difference between any two age groups.

The best way for younger drivers to save money is by being insured on a parent's policy. While this will increase the overall rate, it's typically still much cheaper than having a separate policy.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $2,153
Travelers $2,336
USAA $3,114
State Farm $3,589
Allstate $3,901
Nationwide $3,937
Progressive $4,577

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s GEICO $905
30s USAA $741
40s USAA $680
50s USAA $643
60s USAA $660
70s USAA $780

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Phoenix drivers are GEICO and USAA


Our data show drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up 30% of drivers in Phoenix. On average, this group pays $1,412 every six months but could potentially save 36% by going with GEICO.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Phoenix

Another important factor is how much coverage you need. Having full coverage is always going to be more expensive than going for the state-required minimum level of coverage.

According to our data, 42% of Phoenix drivers have basic coverage. While this is better than having the minimum required by the state to drive legally, it can still leave you at risk of being underinsured.

Bolstering your policy with add-ons like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage can also protect you against drivers who do not carry auto insurance coverage. While they can add to your overall car insurance premiums, experts at The Zebra still recommend carrying such coverage options, as they can go a long way in protecting both you and your vehicle.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you are not leasing or financing your vehicle, you should consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. The general rule of thumb is if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage. Bear in mind, however, that dropping these coverages means that you will have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $271
USAA $277
Travelers $301
Allstate $367
Progressive $387
State Farm $403
Nationwide $487

Source: The Zebra

Most of our customers in Phoenix opt for basic coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand this 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.

Phoenix car insurance rates by credit score

Statistics show that drivers with poor credit tend to file more claims than those with good credit. This is why in most states, your credit status is a rating factor for car insurance — like your age, credit is a risk indicator.

In Phoenix, drivers with bad credit pay as much as 116% more than those with excellent credit.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $1,021
Travelers $1,231
Nationwide $1,493
USAA $1,550
Progressive $1,566
Allstate $2,071
State Farm $3,944

Source: The Zebra

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The most common types of insurance claims are for at-fault and collision-type accidents. It's no secret that having an at-fault accident on your record will raise your rate. A serious accident can trigger a rate increase by as much as hundreds or thousands per year. Typically, at-fault accidents and speeding tickets will be on your record for three to five years whereas DUIs or DWIs can follow you for longer.

Every insurance company rates these incidents differently, so it's important to shop around after an accident and make sure what you're paying is still fair.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Travelers $1,056
USAA $1,186
State Farm $1,205
GEICO $1,349
Progressive $1,401
Nationwide $1,873
Allstate $2,059

Source: The Zebra

Phoenix car insurance rates by violation

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

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

Updating data...

Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,105 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,105 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,108 0% $2
Two Med/PIP claims $1,151 4% $46
One comp claim $1,152 4% $47
Two comp claims $1,209 9% $103
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,249 13% $144
Child safety restraint $1,250 13% $144
Driving without lights $1,250 13% $144
Failure to show documents $1,299 18% $194
Driving with expired registration $1,345 22% $240
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,385 25% $280
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,389 26% $284
Following too closely $1,390 26% $284
Failure to yield $1,390 26% $284
Failure to stop at a red light $1,390 26% $284
Illegal turn $1,390 26% $285
Cell phone violation $1,392 26% $287
Texting while driving $1,392 26% $287
Improper passing $1,406 27% $300
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,411 28% $306
Speeding in school zone $1,417 28% $312
Driving too slowly $1,417 28% $312
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,424 29% $319
In 65 MPH zone $1,465 33% $359
Passing school bus $1,467 33% $362
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,473 33% $367
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,527 38% $422
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,559 41% $454
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,632 48% $527
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,650 49% $545
Open container $1,683 52% $578
Reckless driving $1,867 69% $762
Driving with a suspended license $1,885 71% $780
DUI $2,102 90% $996
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,102 90% $996
Racing $2,164 96% $1,059
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,174 97% $1,069

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Phoenix so expensive?

Phoenix is the most expensive city in Arizona for car insurance, but it's a necessary expense for any car owner.

Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance is so expensive in Phoenix — regardless of your driving profile.

Rates by ZIP code

Expensive Phoenix ZIP codes: 85031, 85017, 85009, 85019, 85035

Cheap Phoenix ZIP codes: 85331, 85086, 86087, 85044, 85047

  • Location: As a rule of thumb, car insurance tends to be pricier in larger cities as opposed to more rural areas. In the eyes of an insurance company, city living comes with more risks.
  • Number of drivers: By all accounts, Phoenix is a city of drivers so the chances of getting into an accident as a commuter are much higher.
  • Rising costs: Expenses for things like auto repairs and healthcare continue to rise, and car insurance companies will adjust accordingly in anticipation of these costs.
  • Uninsured drivers: Our data tells us 69% of Arizona drivers are currently insured, which means there's a decent chance drivers will get in an incident with an uninsured driver.
  • Weather risk: Arizona is known for its arid desert environment, but the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable. Severe weather events like flooding and wildfires cause an uptick in claims.

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage


In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). This coverage will provide assistance to you if you or your vehicle are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Phoenix

With rates going up nationally, finding ways to save is becoming more and more important. If you need another line of insurance, like homeowners or renters, bundling it with your auto insurance is one of the most impactful discounts — you may be able to save as much as 10% or more on your combined premiums. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

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

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Travelers $713
USAA $740
GEICO $741
State Farm $781
Progressive $794
Nationwide $970
Allstate $1,295

Source: The Zebra

While some things may be out of your control, drivers can work to make their profiles more appealing to insurers. The best advice we offer is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible to ensure you're getting the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise coverage and service — especially if any personal factors have changed (like moving, celebrating a birthday and improving your credit). Try as you might, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

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

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Phoenix is the most expensive Arizona city for car insurance. On average, it costs about $184 per month or $1,105 for a six-month policy.

The average cost of auto insurance in Arizona is $1,482 per year, making it comparable to the US average.

In Arizona, you need liability coverage at the following levels in order to drive legally: $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!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

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


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

Car insurance near me in Phoenix

Other people are also asking...

Do you offer insurance for conversion vehicles?

Unfortunately, it will be difficult to find insurance for your RV since it classifies as a modified vehicle. Currently, The Zebra does not work with any insurance carriers that will cover this type of vehicle so we recommend looking into insurance companies that specialize in modified vehicles, whi…
Dec 1, 2019 Phoenix, AZ

Do I have to pay a deductible if I caused an accident?

If you do not file a claim to have your car repaired you do not have to pay your deductible. Your liability insurance will pay for the damages to the other vehicle. Liability coverage does not have a deductible, meaning you will only pay a deductible to have your car repaired if your comprehensive …
May 9, 2019 Phoenix, AZ

What is an ADOT Code?

ADOT stands for Arizona Department of Transportation, and the ADOT code identifies your insurance company to the state proving that you have the minimum amount of liability coverage. If you're curious you can read more about auto insurance requirements in Arizona. Your ADOT code should be list…
Mar 16, 2018 Phoenix, AZ

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.