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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

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  • 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.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ 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…

How much does car insurance cost in Tucson?

Tucson car insurance rates cost an average of $916 for a six-month policy or $153 per month. Our data states that in 2022, Root is the cheapest auto insurance company in Tucson with rates at $346 for a six-month policy.

Tucson drivers pay slightly more than the average for car insurance in Arizona ($874 every six months) and more than the national average of $742. In fact, 39% of our customers in Tucson used our service because they believe 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 Tucson based on common factors like credit score, coverage level and more.

Car insurance in Tucson vs. Arizona

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Car Insurance in Tucson vs. Arizona Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Tucson Average $916
Arizona Average $874

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Tucson

1st place medal
1st place: Root

Root offers the cheapest rates for Tucson drivers with average premiums at $346 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Auto-Owners

Coming in second place is Auto-Owners with average six-month policy rates at $502, or $84 per month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: GEICO

Finally, GEICO takes third place in Tucson. GEICO average premium is $653 for six-months or $109 per month.

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

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Tucson is $916 per six-month policy — $153 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Tucson is Root ($346).
  • 39% of Zebra customers in Tucson stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Tucson car insurance rates by company

According to our 2022 data, Root offers the cheapest rates for full coverage in Tucson with average premiums at $58 per month. The second cheapest rates come from Auto-Owners with monthly rates at $84.

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

 

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

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Root $346
Auto-Owners $502
GEICO $653
Travelers $684
USAA $737
Progressive $771
Nationwide $835

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, GEICO, Travelers and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Tucson.

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Average car insurance in Tucson by rating factor

Rating factors determine how much you pay for car insurance, as insurance companies assess these details to understand the level of risk you pose. Rating factors include things like age, location, driving history, claims history, credit score and more.

While some of these details will stay the same, others could change with time. That's why getting a new quote from time to time is the best way to know if you're getting the best rates.

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 in Tucson. 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 Tucson.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Tucson

Age is one of the most important rating factors when it comes to car insurance. In the eyes of insurance companies, age relates to driving experience. That's why teen drivers tend to face the highest premiums— they have the highest accident rate of any other age group. In Tucson, teenaged drivers pay $1,755 more in premiums than drivers in their 20s; that's 150% higher, and the largest difference between any two age groups.

While this may sound shocking, it's important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of risk management. By charging higher rates for teen drivers, they are able to offset the increased cost of paying claims. 

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

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Root $911
Auto-Owners $1,560
GEICO $1,793
Travelers $1,993
USAA $2,804
Nationwide $2,918
Progressive $3,808

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Root $442
30s Root $429
40s Root $431
50s Root $428
60s Root $449
70s Root $577

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Tucson drivers between 20-30 are Root, Auto-Owners and GEICO


Our data tells us that drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up the bulk of Tucson drivers. On average, this group pays $1,168 every six months. By going with these companies, these groups can potentially save 45%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Tucson

State minimum coverage is all that is legally required to carry for most drivers (leased and financed vehicles may require more protection as set by your lending association). Minimum coverage is the least costly, but offers only bare-bones protection and can leave you at risk of being underinsured. According to our data, 32% of Tucson drivers have the state minimum coverage.

To make your insurance policy suite broader, you may add collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together). However, this choice will significantly raise your rates and both come with a deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can help lower monthly premiums. 

Consider other convenient add-ons like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage to round out your policy. In case of emergency, they can be very effective. Each extra coverage will increase premiums, but experts at The Zebra still recommend adding them as they go a long way in protecting you and your vehicle. 

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In an analysis of our data, 56% of drivers in Tucson have owned vehicles. 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 Tucson, AZ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Tucson, AZ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Auto-Owners $168
Root $184
GEICO $216
USAA $241
Travelers $260
Progressive $328
Nationwide $367

Source: The Zebra

  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

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

Tucson car insurance rates by credit score

In Arizona, car insurance companies use a driver's credit score to determine premiums. Credit score has long been a rating factor in auto insurance policies, though some states are banning this practice. Historically, data suggests that poor credit is associated with frequency in claims filing, coverage lapses and risky driving behaviors. Since bad credit means higher risk, insurance companies tend to charge more for drivers with low credit scores.

In fact, Tucson drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 113% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells us most drivers in Tucson have an "average (580-679)" credit score. In 2022, Root is the cheapest option for Tucson drivers for this credit range.

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

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Root $461
GEICO $853
Travelers $1,055
Nationwide $1,130
Progressive $1,310
USAA $1,415
Auto-Owners $1,445

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


In Tucson, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $1,226 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you have recently paid off a loan or other credit-improving actions, check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if your recent efforts could save you on your car insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and other collision-type accidents are the most common— and most expensive— types of insurance claims. Our data reports that in 2022, an at-fault accident raised the average auto insurance premiums in Tucson from $153 to $227 per month. Root is the cheapest insurance company for Tucson drivers with an at-fault accident. 

Regardless of where you live, the best way to keep insurance rates low is by keeping a clean driving record and avoiding accidents to the best of your ability. Any citation, ticket or charge will increase insurance rates dramatically. Speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs will have an effect on your rates for three to five years.

 

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

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Root $479
Auto-Owners $700
Travelers $911
USAA $1,079
GEICO $1,128
Progressive $1,167
Nationwide $1,406

Source: The Zebra

Tucson car insurance rates by violation

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

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

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $916 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $916 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $918 0% $2
Two Med/PIP claims $953 4% $37
One comp claim $954 4% $38
Two comp claims $1,000 9% $84
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,034 13% $118
Driving without lights $1,035 13% $118
Child safety restraint $1,035 13% $118
Failure to show documents $1,078 18% $162
Driving with expired registration $1,116 22% $200
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,147 25% $231
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,150 26% $234
Failure to yield $1,150 26% $234
Failure to stop at a red light $1,150 26% $234
Following too closely $1,150 26% $234
Illegal turn $1,151 26% $234
Cell phone violation $1,153 26% $237
Texting while driving $1,153 26% $237
Improper passing $1,164 27% $248
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,169 28% $253
Speeding in school zone $1,174 28% $258
Driving too slowly $1,174 28% $258
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,178 29% $262
In 65 MPH zone $1,206 32% $290
Passing school bus $1,216 33% $300
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,217 33% $300
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,262 38% $346
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,284 40% $368
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,348 47% $432
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,362 49% $446
Open container $1,386 51% $470
Reckless driving $1,537 68% $621
Driving with a suspended license $1,558 70% $642
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,743 90% $826
DUI $1,743 90% $826
Racing $1,792 96% $875
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,801 97% $885

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Tucson so expensive?

Tucson drivers pay a bit more on average for car insurance than other residents of Arizona. This is likely due to Tucson being a more metropolitan and congested area of the state than other towns. Cost of living in these areas tends to be higher, but there's more to it than that. Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance is so expensive in Tucson — regardless of your driving profile.

 

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Pedestrian safety

Tucson ranks as the 14th most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians, according to a study conducted by Smart Growth America[1]. The state of Arizona is the fourth most dangerous in the country. High instances of pedestrian deaths by vehicles contributes to the increased cost of insurance in Tucson. 

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Wildfires

In 2021, Arizona ranked in the top 10 states for number of wildfires and acres burned in the United States[2]. Places with a high likelihood of natural disasters are more prone to high insurance rates. 

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Neighborhood distinctions

What part of town you live in has an impact on insurance rates as well. 

Expensive Tucson ZIP codes: 85701, 85746, 85713, 95714, 85705

Cheap Tucscon ZIP codes: 85739, 85741, 85736, 85735, 85704

uninsured drivers
Uninsured drivers

In terms of uninsured drivers, reports place Arizona as the 24th-ranked state in the country. While this placement isn't the highest, it still leaves room for policyholders to be hit by an uninsured driver. 

According to our Tucson data, 33% of Zebra customers are not currently insured. If you find yourself in a collision with an uninsured driver, you could be left paying for the damage yourself.

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 Tucson

Auto insurance seems to be increasing every year, but there are still ways to save. When it comes time to shop for a new car insurance policy, consider bundling your homeowners or renter's insurance with the same company. Most insurance providers offer a multi-policy discount— selecting the same insurance carrier for more than one product can save you 10% more on combined premiums. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

If you currently have separate policies for your home and car, it's worth checking possible savings if you bundle both together. 

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

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Root $331
Auto-Owners $442
Travelers $616
GEICO $621
Progressive $666
USAA $677
Nationwide $741

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!

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Frequently asked questions

The average price of car insurance in Tucson, Arizona in 2022 is $916 for a six-month policy, or $153 per month.

Auto insurance policies in Tucson are more expensive than the average for Arizona ($874 for six months) and the national average ($742).

The state minimum liability limits in Arizona are 25/50/15. This means that in order to meet the minimum legal requirements, drivers must carry insurance with limits of $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, and $15,000 property damage per accident.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Tucson, 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.