Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona

CheapInsurance.com has put together expert tips and quote comparisons to help you find cheap car insurance in Arizona.

Arizona is the sixth biggest state in the U.S., offering 35 national parks and preserves. In addition, the iconic Arizona Trail offers over 800 miles of scenic landscapes for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders.

Along with being outdoors, Arizonans love to drive. Over half of the 6.9 million residents of Arizona are registered drivers.

Car insurance in Arizona is relatively affordable when compared to other states. On average, the annual cost for car insurance in Arizona is $1,247—almost 12% less than the average rate for auto insurance in other states.

Although Arizona’s auto insurance is comparatively cheap, you should still compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies to ensure you’re getting the best rate on your insurance.

Arizona Highways Ahead: 2024 Updates & Insurance Insights

Get ready to cruise the Grand Canyon State with these essential updates for 2024:

Arizona Vehicle Code Changes:

  • Distracted driving crackdown: Effective July 1st, holding a phone while driving is completely prohibited, even at stoplights. Hands-free devices remain acceptable. (Source: Arizona House Bill 2306)
  • School bus stop arm violation: Penalties for disregarding stopped school buses have increased, with potential fines up to $2,500 and driver’s license suspension. (Source: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28)
  • Motorcycle lane splitting: While not explicitly legal, Arizona allows “filtering,” moving between lanes in slow traffic, if done safely and not exceeding 15 mph slower than surrounding traffic. (Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)

Average Auto Insurance Rates in Arizona (2024):

(Sources: NerdWallet, The Zebra)

Company

Minimum Coverage

Full Coverage

State Farm

$156

$397

Geico

$168

$352

Progressive

$179

$332

Farmers

$180

$379

USAA

$187

$380

Remember: Your individual rates may vary significantly based on driving history, vehicle type, location, and other factors.

To help you find the best deals on car insurance in the state, we’ve compared quotes from car insurers in these five Arizona counties:

  • Maricopa County.
  • Pima County.
  • Pinal County.
  • Yavapai County.
  • Yuma County.

Because the cost of car insurance is highly dependent on your individual driving profile, we’ve gone a step further and compared the cost of Arizona car insurance for these types of drivers:

  • “Good” drivers (those with a clean driving record).
  • Young drivers (those aged between 16 – 25).
  • “Bad” drivers (those with a history of traffic violations).

Is It Legal to Drive without Car Insurance in Arizona?

Arizona law requires all drivers to meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. Legally, you do not need comprehensive and collision coverage in Arizona, although it is wise to have both.

Key Point: Minimum Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is designed to protect third parties and their property from damage you may cause while driving. It does not cover any damages to your own vehicle.

While each U.S. state will have different minimum liability insurance requirements, it always addresses three key points:

  • Bodily injury coverage per person: This covers medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages you might be required to pay to an individual third party.
  • Bodily injury coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of how many people are injured.
  • Property damage coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for repairs or a replacement if you cause damage to another person’s property.

The minimum liability insurance coverage requirements in Arizona are:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $30,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $10,000 for property damage.

All drivers in Arizona have to meet these liability requirements. If you’re found at-fault in a car accident and do not meet the minimum liability insurance requirements, you will be held personally responsible for paying the other party’s medical bills, legal bills, and lost wages.

At any point while you’re driving, law enforcement can request to see proof of your insurance. If you do not have liability insurance that meets these minimum requirements, you may be subject to the following penalties:

  • A $500 fine.
  • Driver’s license suspension.
  • Registration suspension.
  • License plate suspension.

Once your driver’s license has been suspended, you may be required to carry an SR-22 certificate in order to get it reinstated.

SR-22 insurance proves that you meet the minimum liability insurance requirements, and will often increase the cost of your car insurance significantly.

Key Point: Is Minimum Liability Coverage Enough?

While it may seem like a good idea to save money by getting only the minimum liability insurance required to comply with Arizona law, in many instances this may not be sufficient.

Say, for example, you’re in a serious at-fault accident and you need to cover $30,000 of the other party’s medical bills.

Because the Arizona minimum coverage for bodily injury liability is $15,000, you will have to pay the additional $15,000 from your own pocket.

Remember, liability insurance only protects third parties and doesn’t reimburse you if your car is stolen, damaged, or totaled.

We have found that on average, the cost of a minimum liability car insurance policy in Arizona is $114.66.

Mile Auto offers the lowest insurance rates for minimum liability coverage, on average costing $50.40.

Provider Maricopa County Pima County Pinal County Yavapai County Yuma County Average
Mile Auto $53.00 $54.00 $50.00 $49.00 $46.00 $50.40
Certainly $97.00 $102.00 $93.00 $76.00 $102.00 $94.00
Liberty Mutual $127.00 $134.00 $122.00 $99.00 $135.00 $123.40
Bristol West $134.00 $141.00 $122.00 $114.00 $121.00 $126.40
Stonegate $135.00 $164.00 $131.00 $120.00 $106.00 $131.20
State Auto $175.00 $160.00 $169.00 $155.00 $154.00 $162.60

Find Cheap Comprehensive Car Insurance in Arizona

While having a comprehensive car insurance policy is optional in Arizona, you shouldn’t skip it unless you have savings that can cover damage to your vehicle in the following scenarios:

  • Theft or theft of parts.
  • Noncrash damage (e.g. natural disasters, fire, flooding).
  • Broken windshield.
  • Car damage from hitting an animal.

Repairing car damage can cost thousands of dollars. Without comprehensive car insurance, you risk finding yourself in a situation where you can’t drive your car and can’t afford to get it repaired.

To help you find the cheapest comprehensive car insurance in Arizona, we compared the rates offered by five insurers. We found that the three cheapest insurers in Arizona are:

  • Certainly with average rates of $134.40.
  • Main Street America with average rates of $139.80.
  • Liberty Mutual with average rates of $163.80.
Provider Maricopa County Pima County Pinal County Yavapai County Yuma County Average
Main Street America $144.00 $161.00 $134.00 $134.00 $126.00 $139.80
Certainly $147.00 $143.00 $137.00 $101.00 $144.00 $134.40
Liberty Mutual $173.00 $173.00 $164.00 $130.00 $179.00 $163.80
Travelers $186.00 $189.00 $165.00 $159.00 $160.00 $171.80
State Auto $201.00 $182.00 $191.00 $176.00 $177.00 $185.40
Commonwealth $338.00 $366.00 $310.00 $277.00 $258.00 $309.80

Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona for Drivers with Clean Driving Records

“Good” drivers (drivers with a clean driving record) are in a good position to find cheap auto insurance. Car insurance companies consider good drivers to be people who:

  • Have not been found at-fault in a car accident.
  • Have no traffic offenses.
  • Have a good credit score.
  • Have no speeding tickets.
  • Have no reckless driving charges.
  • Have no DUI convictions.

Saving you further money, many car insurance companies also offer a good driver discount on your car insurance rates.

Some car insurance companies will offer an additional discount if you have completed an accredited defensive driving course.

If you aren’t sure whether your car insurer offers these discounts, you should call your insurance agent to find out if you are eligible for these discounts at a different insurance company.

Even a small saving on your car insurance each month adds up to significant savings over time.

We looked at the average car insurance rates offered by car insurance companies for good drivers. The three best car insurance companies for good drivers are:

  • Mile Auto with average rates of $59.20.
  • Clearcover with average rates of $93.33.
  • Certainly with average rates of $110.80.
Provider Maricopa County Pima County Pinal County Yavapai County Yuma County Average
Mile Auto $63.00 $64.00 $58.00 $57.00 $54.00 $59.20
Clearcover $106.00 N/A N/A $85.00 $89.00 $93.33
Certainly $119.00 $120.00 $112.00 $85.00 $118.00 $110.80
Main Street America $138.00 $154.00 $128.00 $128.00 $122.00 $134.00
Liberty Mutual $139.00 $145.00 $133.00 $107.00 $145.00 $133.80
Travelers $165.00 $169.00 $146.00 $142.00 $143.00 $153.00

Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona for High-Risk Drivers

Car insurance companies use the term ‘high risk’ to describe drivers who are more likely to make a claim against their auto insurance policy.

Some of the offenses that may lead to being considered a high-risk driver include:

  • Carrying SR-22 insurance.
  • Receiving a DUI conviction.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Speeding tickets.
  • Being found at-fault in a major accident.
  • Having too many points on your driving record.
  • Driving without meeting the minimum liability coverage requirements.
  • A poor credit score.
  • Unpaid child support payments.
  • Unpaid insurance policy premiums.

If you are a high-risk driver, Arizona car insurance companies are likely to increase the cost of your insurance.

We’ve done the hard work of comparing quotes from various insurers to help you find the best rate.

  • The cheapest car insurance company for high-risk drivers is Stonegate at $178.80.
  • The most expensive car insurance company for high-risk drivers is The General at $465.78.
Provider Maricopa County Pima County Pinal County Yavapai County Yuma County Average
Stonegate $192.00 $223.00 $177.00 $161.00 $141.00 $178.80
Bristol West $204.00 $217.00 $190.00 $176.00 $190.00 $195.40
AssuranceAmerica $381.00 $371.00 $289.00 $234.00 $217.00 $298.40
Commonwealth $394.00 $435.00 $362.00 $334.00 $307.00 $366.40
The General $495.63 $498.65 $461.29 $408.53 $464.81 $465.78
Progressive $388.32 $161.15 $139.41 $135.06 $139.45 $192.68

Cheapest Car Insurance in Arizona for Young Drivers

Young drivers are, by default, less experienced than older drivers. Their inexperience poses a higher risk to insurance companies, so their car insurance is often more expensive.

We’ve compared the cost of car insurance for young drivers to help you save on auto insurance costs. The cheapest car insurance for young drivers is Mile Auto at $115.20.

Provider Maricopa County Pima County Pinal County Yavapai County Yuma County Average
Mile Auto $124.00 $128.00 $112.00 $109.00 $103.00 $115.20
Certainly $194.00 $211.00 $185.00 $153.00 $206.00 $189.80
Bristol West $258.00 $271.00 $233.00 $213.00 $235.00 $242.00
Liberty Mutual $272.00 $289.00 $259.00 $215.00 $291.00 $265.20
Stonegate $291.00 $339.00 $269.00 $244.00 $213.00 $271.20
State Auto $419.00 $378.00 $393.00 $334.00 $371.00 $379.00

Need Cheap Car Insurance in Other States?

Out-of-state insurance is illegal in almost all U.S. states, and is considered to be insurance fraud. This means that your car insurance must be registered in the state you live in.

Some of the penalties for committing insurance fraud include:

  • Up to five years in prison.
  • A $50,000 fine.

If you plan to move from Arizona, you will need to find a new car insurance company in the state you move to.

You will usually have a 90-day grace period to cancel your car insurance and get car insurance in your new state.

To find the best insurance rates in other U.S. states, read our articles below:

Top Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance

Take Note of Lender Requirements

If your car is financed or leased, your lender is likely to require that you have liability insurance, comprehensive coverage, and collision insurance.

In fact, most car dealerships won’t let you drive the car off the lot until you can prove you have full coverage car insurance. Full coverage car insurance protects your lender if you’re in a car accident or your car is stolen and you can no longer afford to meet your monthly repayments.

Key Point: Full Coverage Car Insurance

Full coverage car insurance is made up of three different types of car insurance policies:

  • Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance will compensate you if your car is totaled due a nonaccident-related event (e.g. fire, flood) or if it’s stolen.
  • Collision coverage: This type of insurance will compensate you if your car is totaled or damaged in a car accident.
  • Liability insurance: This type of insurance covers you for damage you may cause to another person’s property or injury/death you may cause while driving.

If you lose your required insurance coverage, your lender could add single-interest insurance to your loan in order to protect themselves.

You should avoid allowing your car insurance to lapse because this type of insurance is much more expensive than standard car insurance.

Consider How You Use Your Car

If you only drive to get to work, the grocery store, and social events, then most types of standard car insurance will meet your needs.

If, however, you have unique needs, you should check whether your car insurance company covers these requirements.

Unique needs can include:

  • Multiple drivers sharing one car.
  • Using your car for ridesharing.
  • Using your car for deliveries.
  • Wanting to consolidate all of your insurance policies under one provider.

Compare Quotes from Different Car Insurance Companies

Even if you think you’ve found a good deal on car insurance, it’s always a good idea to shop around for a lower rate.

You can do this yourself, but going through an insurance agent can save you a lot of time and money.

The only way to be completely certain that you’re getting the best rates on your car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple insurers.

You can do this yourself, but it is time-consuming. You’ll need to phone each car insurance company or fill out an online form for them to give you a quote.

To save time, you can go through a licensed insurance agent or compare quotes from different insurance providers by using our online quote finder.

Top Car Insurance Companies in Arizona

1. Mile Auto

Mile Auto is a per-mile insurance option, so your rates are primarily based on the number of miles you drive every month.

If you less or infrequently, your monthly bill will go down. Conversely, if you drive more your bill will increase.

Currently, Mile Auto is available in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Mile Auto is a great option for drivers who drive short distances every month. If your driving habits are inconsistent, it may be difficult to keep track of your monthly car insurance expenses. In this case, an insurance company that offers a flat rate may be better for you.

Mile Auto offers the following insurance policies and benefits:

  • Full coverage insurance (comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, liability insurance).
  • Rental car reimbursement.
  • Roadside assistance.
  • Personalized deductibles.
  • Various coverage limits.
  • Storage insurance (coverage for your car when it’s not being driven).

2. Certainly

Certainly offers insurance underwritten by a Fortune 100 company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates.

Their auto insurance policies are available in Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

They pride themselves on offering simple, intuitive insurance products that meet their clients’ unique needs.

Certainly doesn’t offer car insurance to drivers who use their vehicles for ridesharing programs.

They offer various insurance policies, including:

  • Auto insurance.
  • Renters insurance.
  • Small business insurance.

3. Bristol West

Founded in 1973, Bristol West’s national footprint makes it one of the top ten biggest insurance companies in the U.S.

They’re a member of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, an $11.6 billion insurance company.

Bristol West was originally created to provide high-risk drivers with affordable insurance policies, and they have since expanded their offering to all types of drivers.

Some of the benefits offered by Bristol West include:

  • Multiple policy bundling discounts.
  • Personalized car insurance policies.
  • Rideshare coverage.
  • Medical payments.
  • Gap coverage.
  • Towing and roadside assistance.
  • Rental car reimbursement.

Car Insurance in Arizona FAQs

Do I need to have car insurance in the state of Arizona?

Comprehensive car insurance is not a legal requirement in Arizona. However, all Arizona drivers must meet the state’s minimum car liability insurance requirements.

While each U.S. state will have different minimum liability insurance requirements, it always addresses three key points:

  • Bodily injury coverage per person: This covers medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages you might be required to pay to an individual third party.
  • Bodily injury coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of how many people are injured.
  • Property damage coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for repairs or a replacement if you cause damage to another person’s property.

The minimum liability insurance coverage requirements in Arizona are:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $30,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $10,000 for property damage.

At any point while you’re driving, law enforcement can request to see proof of your insurance. If you do not have insurance, you may be subject to the following penalties:

  • A $500 fine.
  • Driver’s license suspension.
  • Registration suspension.
  • License plate suspension.

Is car insurance expensive in Arizona?

Car insurance in Arizona is relatively affordable when compared to other states.

According to our research, the average annual cost for car insurance in Arizona is $1,247—almost 12% less than the average rate of auto insurance in other states.

To find the cheapest car insurance in Arizona, we recommend comparing insurance quotes from multiple companies. This can be a time-consuming process, so save time and find the best deals by getting in touch with one of our insurance agents.

Which auto insurance company has the cheapest car insurance in Arizona?

The total cost of your car insurance will depend on a range of factors, including what type of driver you are.

We went the extra mile and compared the cost of car insurance for three types of drivers: good drivers, high-risk drivers, and young drivers.

The cheapest car insurance companies for good drivers are:

  • Mile Auto with average rates of $59.20.
  • Clearcover with average rates of $93.33.
  • Certainly with average rates of $110.80.

The cheapest car insurance companies for high-risk drivers are:

  • Stonegate with average rates of $178.80.
  • Progressive with average rates of $192.60.
  • Bristol West with average rates of $195.40.

The cheapest car insurance companies for young drivers are:

  • Mile Auto with average rates of $115.20.
  • Certainly with average rates of $189.80.
  • Bristol West with average rates of $242.

– Average monthly insurance premium: $464

– Premium increase from start of decade: $196 (52%)

Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona

Getting Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona

Finding cheap car insurance in Arizona doesn’t have to be complicated. Use these tips to find the perfect car insurance coverage for your needs—and that you can actually afford.

  1. Start with the minimum: Estimate your monthly premium by starting with the minimum amount of coverage required in Arizona. If you can afford more, build on your policy from there.
  2. Compare lots of insurance firms: Car insurance premiums vary greatly from one provider to another. Shop around to find the best rate for your budget.
  3. Be a defensive driver: Good drivers can get discounts on their insurance policy. Avoid accidents and traffic tickets by always being a defensive driver.
  4. Arizona insurance programs: Some drivers may be eligible for Arizona insurance programs, which are typically more affordable than other coverage options.

Arizona Car Insurance Discounts

Arizona drivers may be eligible for car insurance coverage discounts. Get a free quote to find out if you qualify.

  • Good Driver: If you’ve avoided accidents and traffic tickets, you may be able to get a discount on your car insurance policy. 
  • Good Student: Young drivers and teens in Arizona can also qualify for discounted car insurance with a good driving record.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Arizona?

Those who drive without insurance in Arizona could face suspension of their license or vehicle registration.

What is driving like in Arizona?

There were 98,778 crashes in Arizona in 2020, including 1,057 fatalities and 41,350 injuries. About 12% of drivers in Arizona are uninsured.

How can I save money on my car insurance policy in Arizona?

There are several ways to save money on a car insurance policy in Arizona, including:

  • Looking for discounts when insuring multiple vehicles
  • Getting a discount for having a good driving record
  • Getting student or mature driver discounts
  • Finding out if you can get a discount for having airbags or anti-theft features in your vehicle
  • Reducing payments with an installment plan
  • Setting a higher deductible for comprehensive or collision coverage to lower the monthly premium

Other Types of Coverage

Though bodily injury and property damage policies are a minimum car insurance requirement in Arizona, many drivers should consider other types of motorist coverage. Here are some other coverage options you may benefit from:

  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Physical Damage Coverage
  • Additional kinds of coverage 
  • Endorsements and Riders
    • Towing and road service
    • Rental car reimbursement 
    • Gap insurance

Cities We Cover in Arizona

It’s easy to get cheap car insurance in Arizona. Find us in cities throughout the state, including: