Car Insurance Comparison: California vs. Arizona

Moving from California to Arizona? Remember to update your car insurance.

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By Ross Martin
Updated October 21, 2021

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:


  1. Insurance rate comparison
  2. Insurance rates by coverage level
  3. Affordable companies by state
  4. Rates in major cities
  5. 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
StateAverage 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
StatePeriodPremium
CaliforniaAnnual$573
ArizonaAnnual$513
California6-Month$286
Arizona6-Month$257
CaliforniaMonthly$48
ArizonaMonthly$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
LocationDurationPremium
CaliforniaAnnual$1,626
ArizonaAnnual$1,263
California6-Month$813
Arizona6-Month$632
CaliforniaMonthly$135
ArizonaMonthly$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 CompanyAverage 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 CompanyAverage 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
CityAverage 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 here.


CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY CITY IN ARIZONA
CityAverage 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 here.


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:

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Ross Martin
Ross MartinManager, Content Quality

As a licensed insurance agent, Ross researches and writes insurance content intended to help users make informed decisions.

Ross's background is in writing and education. He holds a master's degree from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Ross's work has been cited by The New York Times, Investopedia, The Simple Dollar, The Balance, Car and Driver and Fox Business. He has been quoted by CNET, I Drive Safely and Kin Insurance. 

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