Is Car Insurance Cheaper in California or Arizona?

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.

By Ross Martin

Updated October 3, 2024

Edited By Renata Balasco

Comparing auto insurance in California and Arizona

If you are relocating from California to Arizona, you are probably paying attention to the big-picture concerns and major expenses: tracking down a reliable moving service, finding a house or apartment in your new locale, and arranging your move across state lines.

Amid all the stress, it's easy to overlook some details. Auto insurance is one of these details, but it's an important one. To remain on the right side of the law, plan to update your policy — or purchase a new policy — when you make the move.

Check out our guide to car insurance in California versus Arizona and plan your next steps accordingly. We'll cover the following:

Insurance rate comparison
Insurance rates by coverage level
Affordable companies by state
Rates in major cities
Additional resources

California vs. Arizona car insurance — average premiums

You should expect to pay less for auto insurance once you move. The typical annual car insurance rate in Arizona is $349 less expensive than the average expense in California. The exact cost may vary, depending on your coverage level, driving and insurance history, and your auto insurance company.

AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA

State	Average Annual Rate
California	$1,707
Arizona	$1,357

Car insurance prices by coverage level

How much you pay for auto insurance depends on your chosen coverage level and how much money you’re willing to dedicate to protecting your vehicle.

If you go with your state's minimum coverage, you will carry bodily injury, property damage liability, and medical payment coverages, along with uninsured and underinsured driver coverage and personal injury protection in certain states.

AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR BASIC LIABILITY COVERAGE IN CALIFORNIA vs. ARIZONA

State	Period	Premium
California	Annual	$573
Arizona	Annual	$513
California	6-Month	$286
Arizona	6-Month	$257
California	Monthly	$48
Arizona	Monthly	$43

Electing full-coverage auto insurance will cost substantially more, but you will receive collision and comprehensive coverage levels, plus perks like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. The primary benefit of full coverage auto insurance is that it insures your vehicle and you better than does basic coverage. If you want to go the extra mile to protect your investment in your vehicle, full coverage could be the way to go.

CAR INSURANCE RATES FOR FULL COVERAGE IN CALIFORNIA vs. ARIZONA

Location	Duration	Premium
California	Annual	$1,626
Arizona	Annual	$1,263
California	6-Month	$813
Arizona	6-Month	$632
California	Monthly	$135
Arizona	Monthly	$105

Affordable auto insurance companies in California and Arizona

A major contributor to your auto insurance costs is your choice of car insurance company. Car insurance companies assign rates in a variety of ways, leading to major price variations. Location also plays a role: some insurers only sell policies in certain states, while major insurers’ rates may vary by state.

When moving to a new state, you should try to find the best cheap car insurance company in your new state. Start researching below by viewing the five cheapest car insurance companies in California and Arizona.

AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA

Insurance Company	Average Annual Rate
USAA	$1,132
Wawanesa	$1,169
Century National	$1,202
CSAA	$1,210
Nationwide	$1,238

See other cheap auto insurance companies in California.

CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN ARIZONA

Insurance Company	Average Annual Rate
The Hartford	$536
SAFECO	$561
Auto-Owners	$906
Travelers	$1,097
USAA	$1,102

View more cheap auto insurance companies in Arizona.

Car insurance rates by city in California and Arizona

Although car insurance is regulated on a state-by-state level, underwriters assign rates by ZIP code to adjust for unique factors such as density and the likelihood of a crash. The location to which you relocate will play a big part in deciding your premiums.

View the below tables to see car insurance rates in major cities in Arizona and California.

CAR INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN CALIFORNIA

City	Average Annual Rate
Los Angeles	$2,125
San Diego	$1,354
San Jose	$1,409
San Francisco	$1,728
Fresno	$1,487

See a longer list of California cities.

CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY CITY IN ARIZONA

City	Average Annual Rate
Phoenix	$1,243
Tucson	$1,083
Mesa	$1,136
Chandler	$1,104
Glendale	$1,202

Looking for another city's data? View more insurance rates for Arizona cities.

More resources: Moving from California to Arizona

When moving from California to Arizona, you will encounter new driving laws, different SR-22 or FR-44 requirements, and more. Make sure your move goes smoothly with our collection of information on your new home:

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.

Car Insurance Comparison: California vs. Arizona

Ross Martin

Renata Balasco