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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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Jean Lucey, CPCU

Faculty, IIAA Virtual University

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  • CPCU, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter

Jean Lucey has researched and written about insurance matters for well over 30 years. A current member of The Zebra's Insurance Expert Review Bo…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • 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…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Arizona

The average car insurance rate in Arizona is $1,482 per year — 3% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Arizona car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Arizona based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive free quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Arizona

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Arizona.

2nd place medal
American Family

American Family is the highest ranked insurance carrier in this region for the second year in a row, with a J.D. Power score of 850. They also recieved a star rating of 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

3rd place medal
State Farm

State Farm is the second highest rated carrier in the southwest with a score of 847, just three points behind American Family. 

Key takeaways
  • Arizona pay about 3% less for car insurance on average, with the cheapest major car insurance company in Arizona being Travelers.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Arizona

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

GEICO logo
Cheapest for minimum coverage: GEICO

The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $416 annually, or $35 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for DUI: Progressive

Rates for Progressive come in at $1,706 annually, or about $142 per month.

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for full coverage: Travelers

Rates from Travelers come in at $1,294 annually, or $108 per month.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,294
GEICO $1,346
USAA $1,452
State Farm $1,466
Progressive $1,527
Nationwide $1,691
Farmers $1,986
Allstate $2,680

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.


Arizona auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Arizona. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Arizona, expect to pay an average of $555 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 3%. 

State minimum coverage

In Arizona, the state minimum coverage requirement is liability coverage with limits of:

  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $15,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Arizona (varying by carrier) includes:

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical and Funeral Services
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Arizona, a full coverage insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,302, 135% more than liability-only car insurance. For a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 194% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Arizona car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Arizona with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Arizona.

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Arizona car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Arizona.

Cheap auto insurance in Arizona for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Arizona, the average cost for minimum coverage is $46 per month, or $555 yearly — a savings of $1,076 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $416
USAA $462
Travelers $491
Allstate $558
State Farm $565
Progressive $641
Nationwide $709
Farmers $767

Cheap auto insurance in Arizona with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Arizona drivers with poor credit pay 59% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $1,753
Travelers $1,988
Nationwide $2,288
Progressive $2,581
USAA $2,788
Farmers $3,048
Allstate $3,539
State Farm $6,032

Cheap auto insurance in Arizona with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $722 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,717
State Farm $1,855
USAA $2,123
Progressive $2,303
GEICO $2,315
Nationwide $2,859
Farmers $2,942
Allstate $3,482

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Arizona

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Arizona, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $5,998 per year — that's $1,202 more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Arizona driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $3,660
Travelers $3,707
State Farm $5,421
USAA $5,495
Nationwide $5,905
Allstate $6,657
Progressive $7,469
Farmers $9,270

Arizona auto insurance rate by violation

In Arizona, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,750 0% $0
None $1,750 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,754 0% $4
Two Med/PIP claims $1,825 4% $74
One comp claim $1,826 4% $76
Two comp claims $1,918 10% $168
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,971 13% $221
Driving without lights $1,974 13% $224
Child safety restraint $1,974 13% $224
Failure to show documents $2,059 18% $309
Driving with expired registration $2,131 22% $380
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,195 25% $445
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,196 25% $445
Failure to stop at a red light $2,196 25% $446
Failure to yield $2,196 25% $446
Following too closely $2,196 25% $446
Illegal turn $2,197 25% $446
Texting while driving $2,201 26% $450
Cell phone violation $2,201 26% $450
Improper passing $2,225 27% $474
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,235 28% $485
Speeding in school zone $2,245 28% $494
Driving too slowly $2,245 28% $494
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,253 29% $502
In 65 MPH zone $2,317 32% $567
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,326 33% $576
Passing school bus $2,326 33% $576
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,404 37% $654
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,454 40% $703
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,570 47% $820
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,598 48% $847
Open container $2,656 52% $905
Reckless driving $2,939 68% $1,188
Driving with a suspended license $2,977 70% $1,227
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,360 92% $1,609
DUI $3,360 92% $1,609
Racing $3,453 97% $1,702
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,471 98% $1,721

Arizona DUI laws

In Arizona, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $876. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Arizona

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Arizona, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Arizona, Progressive, advertises annual rates 6% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Arizona is Travelers, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 217% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Progressive $1,706
Travelers $1,868
State Farm $2,208
Farmers $2,651
Allstate $3,578
Nationwide $3,615
USAA $3,632
GEICO $7,342

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Arizona SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Arizona to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Arizona might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Arizona

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Arzona in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Valle Vista, Arizona, and the most expensive in Phoenix, Arizona.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Arizona biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Tucson $1,832
Chandler $1,854
Mesa $1,920
Scottsdale $1,922
Phoenix $2,210

Car insurance price trends in Arizona

In Arizona, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $18 in the past year. A typical Arizona driver pays an average of $1,482 per year.

Year over year pricing trends in Arizona tends to be more volatile compared to rates across the United States. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest surge took place from 2017 to 2018. In recent years, premiums in Arizona have seen less drastic jumps.

ARIZONA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Arizona Yearly change — AZ Avg. Annual Premium— U.S. Yearly Change — U.S.
2021 $1,482 $18 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,464 $0 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,464 $85 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,379 $417 $1,521 $32
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Arizona car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Arizona auto insurance.

Travelers has the cheapest rates in Arizona at $1,294 for a full coverage policy. GEICO and USAA also have cheap rates. Get started to see options for all the top companies in AZ.

Our data showed the average for car insurance in AZ was $1,482 per policy period, or about $124 per month.

Car insurance in Arizona is about 3% less expensive than average. This is due to population size, number of uninsured drivers, and insurance companies' revenue loss via claims.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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RECENT QUESTIONS

Other people are also asking...

How can I find the exact date of my speeding ticket?

You need to contact the DMV in Arizona. In most cases you can order a record of your driving history - but it might cost a small fee. Another thing to think about is your rate increase. That's a pretty big increase just for a speeding ticket. In 2020, the average increase for a speeding ticket…
Mar 23, 2018 Chandler, AZ

Should I file a claim after hitting a deer with an old vehicle?

It really depends. In Arizona, a totaled vehicle is determined via a total loss formula. Meaning, your car insurance company (through their adjuster) will determine the total cost of repairs and the scrap value of the vehicle. If this value is greater than or equal to the actual cash value of your …
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If I am buying car insurance and already have motorcycle insurance, will I be eligible for a prior insurance discount?

With the majority of companies, a prior insurance discount for auto coverage is based on being previously insured under an auto policy. Unfortunately, most companies won't consider an existing motorcycle policy to be sufficient to qualify for a continuous insurance discount. It may be possible…
Jun 6, 2017 Peoria, AZ

Is it ever possible to buy retroactive car insurance?

Unfortunately, if you did not have collisioncoverage on the vehicle at the time of the accident, your damages will not be covered. Insurance cannot be backdated. Liabilitycoverage will only cover the damages you cause to others. You will be responsible for the loan. I would contact the finance comp…
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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.