How Much Is Arizona Car Insurance?

Affordable Car Insurance in Arizona

Arizona features colorful desert landscapes, awe-inspiring mountains and plateaus, the wonder for which it takes its nickname—The Grand Canyon State, exciting cities like Phoenix and Mesa, plentiful Native American history and culture, and much more. And, on top of it all, it’s the state with the 10th-lowest average car insurance rates in the country.

Do you know what your Arizona auto insurance options are? Do you have the right level of coverage and have you received all possible discounts? Using an online comparison and quote tool can help you save a good deal of money on your insurance, while also ensuring you get the right level of coverage for your needs and lifestyle. We make the process easy and reliable by providing objective, carrier-neutral information.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Arizona

Every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Arizona drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

$15,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Coverage for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

$30,000

Bodily injury coverage for two or more people

Coverage for serious or permanent injury or death to two or more people in a single accident

$10,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Arizona mandates that all motor vehicles operated on roadways be covered by liability insurance through a company authorized to do business in the state. This requirement also pertains to motorcycles, golf carts, and mopeds. Minimum insurance levels in Arizona are $15,000 of bodily injury for one person and $30,000 for two or more people in an accident. The state also requires $10,000 of property damage liability.

Insurance companies will notify the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division if your policy is canceled or not renewed. A notice will also be sent for new policies.

Although Arizona drivers are not legally required to carry full coverage auto insurance, many finance companies require this level of coverage. Check with your lender before purchasing a new car and before making changes to your insurance policy.

Optional Coverage in Arizona

• Auto Loan/Lease (or "gap")
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Uninsured Motorist
• Medical Payments
• Rental Reimbursement
• Full Glass Coverage
• Emergency Road Service
• Medical Payments
• Rental Coverage
• Towing and Labor
• Travel Expenses

These optional coverages offer additional financial protection and peace of mind. Some exclusions will apply.

Arizona Car Safety

Arizona’s been slow to implement laws against cell phone use while driving, which is one reason for the high number of crashes that occur in the state each year; tourists, weather, and other factors also contribute. It’s important to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle with auto insurance coverage. You never know what might happen.

Take a look at the state safety stats below, then see the Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2015 publication for more information.

Car Safety for Arizona Kids

Children under the age of 5 years should ride in an approved child car safety seat designed for their age, weight, and height. Infants should be rear-facing when possible, and all children should ride in the back seat to reduce the risk of injuries related to airbag deployment.

Arizona law states that children ages 5 to 7 years must ride in a booster seat unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Once they reach this height, they’re allowed to transition to an adult safety belt. However, because height is more important than age regarding car safety, experts recommend continuing to ride in a booster seat until the minimum height requirement is met, regardless of age.

Drivers are responsible for safety belt use by all passengers under 16 years old. Passengers sitting in the front seat who are 16 years or older may be cited individually for failure to wear a safety belt.

Although Arizona does not currently have any laws regulating unattended children inside vehicles, it’s strongly recommended that no child be left alone in a parked car for any length of time.

Arizona’s hot climate can be extremely dangerous to children (and pets) left in a parked vehicle. Even in a temperate or cloudy day, temperatures inside can rise significantly and rapidly, potentially causing heatstroke, brain damage, and death. Young children and animals do not regulate their body temperature nearly as effectively as adults, plus they are unable to recognize or remove themselves from the danger. If you leave a young child unattended in a vehicle, you may be subject to child neglect, child endangerment, or other charges.

811

Number of fatalities for the year 2015

116,609

Total number of Arizona crashes in 2015

266

Alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2015

Driving Green in Arizona

Arizona is known for its natural beauty, and the state’s going to great lengths to preserve the environment. Drivers who choose to go green in Arizona may qualify for numerous incentives—including tax breaks and insurance discounts—that save money and time while safeguarding natural resources.

Emissions Test Exemptions

Only residents who register their vehicles in metro Phoenix or metro Tucson need to undergo emissions testing, but drivers in those areas who operate an electric, solar-powered, or hydrogen-powered vehicle are exempt from testing. Additionally, gas and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) with a current model year or previous four model years are also exempt. This does not apply to reconstructed vehicles.

Full-Time AZ HOV Lane Access for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

AFV drivers are eligible to use Arizona’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, no matter how many passengers they’re transporting or the time of day. AFVs are those powered by electricity, alcohol, solar, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or a 70% alternative fuel/30% gasoline blend. The Arizona Department of Transportation website offers more information.

Additional Arizona AFV and Electric Car Incentives

Drivers of eco-friendly vehicles can park in designated carpool operator spaces without the threat of penalty, and electric vehicles can park in spaces specifically designed for these types of cars. Arizona residents get a discount when registering qualified alternative fuel vehicles, as well.

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Arizona?

Yes. Insurance companies are allowed to check your credit and use that information when determining your rates or eligibility for coverage. Companies use your score along with other factors when developing your “insurance score.”

Does Arizona offer a good-driver discount?

Good drivers in Arizona may qualify for reduced auto insurance rates. Because every insurance carrier offers different discounts, shop around to determine where you’ll save the most money. Some additional potential discounts include:

• Anti-Theft Devices
• Multiple Policies
• College Discounts
• Home Ownership
• Defensive Driving Course Completion
• Drivers Ed Courses
• Low Annual Mileage
• Multi-Car
• Accident-Free
• Good Student
• Passive Restraint
• Vehicle Safety

Does Arizona allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Yes! Arizona motorists can use digital insurance cards as proof of appropriate coverage when pulled over or for any reason. Most carriers offer this option these days but check with yours to confirm.

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Failure to maintain insurance in Arizona can result in the suspension of your registration or and/or driver’s license. You will need to obtain insurance and pay a fee in order to reinstate your driving privileges.

What are Arizona's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It is against the law for anyone to operate a motor vehicle in Arizona with the following BAC percentages:

.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
Any at under 21 years old

Arizona is a “no-tolerance” state regarding underage drinking; any positive reading, no matter how low the BAC percentage, is grounds for a DUI charge.

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division classified DUIs by BAC, with a standard DUI requiring a BAC of 0.08% and an extreme DUI requiring a BAC of 0.15%.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Arizona?

If you’re pulled over for suspicion of DUI by an officer and refuse to take or fail a chemical or breathalyzer test, your license will typically be suspended for 12 months (1st offense) or 24 months (2nd refusal within 84 months).

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

The consequences of a DUI in Arizona are severe. Specific penalties depend on the type of DUI you’re convicted of, as well as some other factors. A standard DUI conviction may result in jail time, a fine of $1,250, and mandatory completion of drug and alcohol screening, treatment, and education. Community service and installation of an ignition interlock device may also be required.

Does Arizona offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

A variety of driver courses are available in Arizona. Some of these (most commonly the defensive driving courses) can be taken to reduce your insurance premiums. Other courses may be necessary to reduce points on your driver’s license or to become eligible for license reinstatement after suspension or revocation.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Arizona car insurance?

Many options can help you qualify for lower-cost Arizona car insurance. Most importantly, avoid lapses in coverage and maintain a clean driving record free of accidents and moving violations. Because your credit score is a factor when determining your premium, monitor your score and be proactive about raising or maintaining it. Finally, shop around and compare rates and discounts with a variety of carriers before choosing one to insure your vehicle.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Arizona?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your passengers if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no liability insurance. Even though Arizona requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, not all follow the law, and motorists from out of state may have different requirements. Uninsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended, but not required, in Arizona.