Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona 2024

GEICO is, in my view, the ideal car insurance company for college students in Arizona.

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Written by Doug Schaffer
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After reviewing and comparing quotes from various insurance brands, I’ve concluded that GEICO offers the best car insurance for college students in Arizona, with the most affordable and complete coverage options.

For Arizona college students, State Farm is a great choice for minimum coverage and excellent customer service, while Progressive emerged as the top option for drivers with a history of accidents or violations.

Best Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona, 2024

Car Insurance For College Students, Arizona, 2024

Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona

Overall Rating Best For JD Power Rating AM Best Rating Get A Quote
State Farm
4.9

Minimum Coverage

842

A++

Instant Quote
GEICO
4.7

Affordable Coverage

824

A++

Instant Quote
Auto-Owners
4.6

Customer Service

837

A++

Instant Quote
GEICO
4.7

Full Coverage

824

A++

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.9

Low-Mileage Drivers

842

A++

Instant Quote
Progressive
4.6

Driving Violations

853

A+

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Best Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona


Best Affordable Coverage

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

When college students seek out their first auto insurance policy, they often prioritize cost. GEICO offers them both affordable rates, around $1,550 annually, and a solid reputation.

For decades, GEICO has been a top name in auto insurance, consistently providing great rates and stellar customer service. The insurance provider has also invested in its digital platforms, developing a mobile app and website that make managing accounts straightforward and convenient.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • College students enjoy top rates
  • Several discounts available for students
  • Customer-oriented mobile app and website simplify policy management
  • Higher-than-average customer satisfaction
Drawbacks
  • Small local agent presence
  • No options for gap or rideshare insurance

Best Minimum Coverage

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Students opting for minimum coverage should select a company known for its dedication to policyholder support. State Farm is recognized for its personalized service and offers highly affordable rates for young drivers.

State Farm ensures prompt issue resolution through its quick claims process and personalized service. College students in Arizona should expect to pay around $1,817 for a minimum coverage policy from State Farm.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Top-rated customer service team
  • Affordable pricing for most college student demographics
  • High policy renewal rate
  • Individualized policy management with extensive local agent support
Drawbacks
  • Policies are less customizable than those of other big insurers
  • No option for gap insurance coverage

Info on the category and how it impacts drivers

Minimum coverage policies can help lower your insurance premiums, but they may leave you unprotected if an accident occurs. These affordable plans cover only the state’s required minimum insurance, which means you might face out-of-pocket costs for any additional expenses.

For college students, minimum coverage policies are an effective way to meet legal insurance requirements and manage expenses with minimal cost.


Best Customer Service

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

It’s normal for college students to have questions about their auto insurance. Many insurers offer apps and websites for help, but Auto-Owners Insurance provides the added benefit of connecting you with a live representative. This personal service can justify the slightly higher cost.

The company combines excellent customer service with several discount opportunities to lower overall costs. College students can expect an average annual premium of about $4,329.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Focuses on building relationships through local agents
  • Offers accident forgiveness and a decreasing deductible
  • Flexible options with a variety of discounts
  • Highly rated customer service
Drawbacks
  • Limited to coverage in 26 states
  • No online policy management available
  • Quotes can only be obtained via agents

Info on the category and how it impacts drivers

While it’s commonly assumed that superior customer service costs more, this isn’t always true, especially for car insurance in Arizona. Both Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm are rated highly for customer satisfaction and offer economical plans for college students.


Best For Motorists With Driving Violations

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

7/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

While Progressive Insurance may not have had the cheapest rates for standard coverage, they were the best option for Arizona college students with driving violations. Whether it was a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided affordable coverage.

The typical annual cost of auto insurance for college students with driving violations is about $4,697.

In addition, Progressive provides rideshare coverage, which is advantageous for college students who work part-time for companies like DoorDash or Lyft.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Low rates for drivers with traffic violations
  • Rideshare coverage can be added as an option
  • Covers vet bills if your pet is injured in an accident and you have collision insurance
Drawbacks
  • Customer service is rated as average
  • Customer loyalty ratings are lower than the norm

Info on the category and how it impacts drivers

Driving violations typically result in higher monthly insurance costs, no matter the driver’s age. College students, who are already rated as high-risk, may see an even greater increase in rates after an accident or ticket.

One approach to reducing the impact of a driving violation is to choose a company like Progressive, which is experienced in insuring drivers with a history of tickets or accidents.


Best Full Coverage

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Since full coverage insurance is more costly than minimum coverage, selecting a company like GEICO that provides affordable rates is essential. On average, Arizona college students pay about $3,602 annually for full coverage with GEICO.

Affordable coverage is just one of GEICO’s strengths; the company also leads in innovation. Their website offers a customer-friendly interface that allows policyholders to quickly update their account information.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Accident forgiveness offered to policyholders
  • Discounts available through a usage-based program
  • Affordable full coverage for college students
  • Customer satisfaction scores exceed the industry average
Drawbacks
  • No add-ons like new car replacement or rideshare insurance
  • Bundle discounts are not as competitive as other providers
  • Limited number of local agents

Info on the category and how it impacts drivers

For college students who drive to campus or frequently for work, opting for full coverage is a wise choice over minimum coverage. Full coverage plans provide additional protection such as liability, comprehensive, and collision.

Full coverage insurance offers increased protection but at a higher cost. Evaluating whether the additional benefits justify the extra monthly expense is essential.


Best For Low-Mileage Drivers

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

College students can benefit from low-mileage policies and discounts to lower their car insurance premiums. Among different providers, State Farm offers the best rates, with annual policies costing roughly $2,658.

State Farm is known for its impressive customer service and solid financial stability, making it a dependable option for college students seeking their first auto insurance.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Low-mileage drivers can save significantly through a generous usage-based discount program.
  • Known for delivering excellent customer service.
  • Enjoys high policyholder renewal and retention rates.
  • Strong financial ratings from independent agencies such as AM Best.
Drawbacks
  • Missing coverage for rideshare services and gap insurance.
  • Could be more expensive for those with poor credit.

Info on the category and how it impacts drivers

If you’re a college student with minimal driving planned for the school year, you don’t have to pay for unnecessary insurance. You’ll need to maintain at least the state minimum coverage, but there are affordable options and discounts available for low-mileage drivers.

Most low-mileage insurance plans offer lower rates if you keep your annual mileage within a certain limit. This limit often falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles per year, though it varies by insurer.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona – By City

City Average Annual Cost (Full Coverage) Average Monthly Cost
Phoenix $3,372 $281
Tucson $2,760 $230
Mesa $2,904 $242
Chandler $3,012 $251
Scottsdale $2,772 $231

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $288
State Farm $224
Travelers $171
Nationwide $440
Progressive $463

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
Allstate $171
State Farm $197
Travelers $141
Farmers $258
Nationwide $381

Average Rates For 20 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $174
GEICO $138
Travelers $125
Progressive $194
Nationwide $345

Average Car Insurance Rates For 21 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $129
State Farm $151
Nationwide $233
Auto-Owners $132
Progressive $166

Car Insurance Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $140
Farmers $201
Progressive $154
GEICO $115
Allstate $121

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
GEICO $113
State Farm $126
Progressive $136
Nationwide $182
Allstate $115

Car Insurance Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $115
Travelers $93
GEICO $108
Progressive $126
Allstate $113

Cost Of Car Insurance For 25 Year Old College Students In Arizona

Car Insurance Provider Average Monthly Cost
State Farm $104
Nationwide $155
GEICO $105
Progressive $114
Allstate $115

Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy

Insurance Company Individual Student Policy Family Policy
GEICO $129 $143
State Farm $151 $126
Nationwide $233 $118
Auto-Owners $132 $137
Progressive $166 $166

Common Auto Insurance Claims In Arizona

In Arizona, auto insurance claims usually come in four common forms, which are:

  • Collision Claims (5.8 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
  • Comprehensive Claims (2.81 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
  • Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
  • Property Damage Claims (3.36 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)

How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Arizona

College students generally face much steeper car insurance rates compared to drivers in their mid to late 20s. If you don’t have the option of staying on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to look into ways to reduce your monthly payment.

Use the following tips and techniques to find ways to reduce the expense of car insurance.

Student Discounts

While good grades often come with student discounts, there are numerous other discounts that college students might be eligible for, including:

  • Discount for safe driving
  • Discount for driver’s education graduates
  • Distant learner discount for college students

Security And Safety Improvements

While some tips on the list are designed for college students, this one is relevant for drivers of any age. Installing safety devices or making security upgrades to your vehicle can often lead to a lower insurance premium.

For example, the addition of anti-theft devices such as a car alarm can lower your car insurance rate by as much as 5%.

Affiliation Discounts

For students, joining campus clubs and organizations is an excellent way to get involved in university life. These groups can also offer added benefits, including discounts. Depending on your insurance provider, involvement in a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni association could potentially lower your monthly premium.

Used vs. New

A new car is a popular graduation gift from parents, but it can come with higher insurance costs. Even though newer models offer better gas mileage, they are more expensive to insure because of the higher costs associated with repairs and replacements.

Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?

Even though insurance typically offers definitive answers, the question of whether you’ll need your own policy as a college student hinges on several factors. Let’s examine the circumstances where staying on your family plan is an option and when you’ll need to seek individual coverage.

Purchasing Coverage As A College Student

A change of address is the main reason a college student would need to get their own car insurance. Once a student has a permanent address that differs from their parents’, they are required to purchase a new policy.

Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy

Car insurance doesn’t have the age restrictions that health insurance does, allowing children to stay on their parent’s policy as long as they live at home or use their parents’ address while attending college.

Try Usage-Based Car Insurance

Much like telematics, usage-based car insurance monitors driving behaviors, but it has an added feature that is especially appealing to college students.

Usage-based car insurance lets you earn discounts and reduce your premiums by driving fewer miles annually. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a practical way to get affordable coverage if your car is mostly parked in the dorm lot or at home during the school year.

Temporary Car Insurance

While temporary coverage isn’t offered by every car insurance company, it can be a great option for college students who won’t be driving much.

Most temporary auto insurance policies offer six-month coverage and allow cancellation at the end of the term. This is a cost-effective option for college students who don’t need insurance during the school year and for those studying abroad for a semester.

Telematics Car Insurance For College Students

College students should look for creative ways to reduce car insurance costs, and telematics is one of the most effective methods to lower your monthly premium.

Telematics are tools that insurance companies use to track and assess your driving habits. Safe driving leads to better rates and increases your chances of earning discounts.

How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Arizona

As a college student, selecting your first auto insurance policy can be stressful. Fortunately, platforms like Insuranceopedia make shopping for car insurance simpler and more enjoyable.

While these tools make comparing rates from multiple insurers straightforward, you’ll need to have some information ready to proceed. Here’s an overview of the steps you should take to acquire your next auto insurance policy:

Step 1: Collect all necessary documents beforehand, including your vehicle details, driver’s license numbers, personal information, and driving history.
Step 2: Determine the coverage you need to meet Arizona law.
Step 3: Decide if you’d rather purchase your policy online or from a local agent.
Step 4: Get quotes from at least three auto insurance providers and compare them.
Step 5: Buy the policy that suits you and notify your previous insurance company.

How To Get Discounts As A College Student In Arizona

For college students, the cost of car insurance can be steep, especially with a driving record that includes tickets or accidents. Carrier-provided discounts can help minimize the expense of coverage.

Each insurance provider has its own list of discounts for policyholders. Here are some to investigate before buying a plan:

  • Paid in full
  • Multi-vehicle
  • Multi-policy
  • Military
  • Student away
  • Good student
  • Safe driver
  • Defensive driving
  • Low mileage
  • Accident-free

Our Methodology

To uncover the cheapest car insurance rates for college students in Arizona, we analyzed reviews from multiple car insurance sites, some of which used rate data from public filings provided by Quadrant Information Services. We also drew on our team's 25 years of combined experience in the insurance industry. While the rates in this guide are accurate, it’s important to remember that premiums can fluctuate daily and vary for each driver.

278

Quotes Analyzed

25

Years Of Industry Experience

29

Brands Reviewed

38+

Research Hours

FAQs

Who has the best car insurance for college students in Arizona?

For college students, GEICO usually offers the most economical coverage. However, if your driving history or coverage needs vary, Progressive and State Farm are also worth evaluating when shopping for car insurance in Arizona.

Do college students need car insurance in Arizona?

To drive in Arizona, everyone must have car insurance. College students can opt to stay on their parents’ policy while they’re at home or get their own auto insurance when they relocate.

Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Arizona?

Younger drivers in Arizona typically face higher car insurance costs. Although college students usually have better rates than 16-year-olds, they still pay significantly more than 25-year-olds.

How can you add a college student to a family policy?

If you’re adding a college student to your family insurance plan, make sure to inform your insurance provider before the student begins college. Insurers usually need the student’s new zip code and to confirm that their main address is still the family home. There might be additional requirements for students who are out-of-state.

Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?

Maintaining your primary residence with your parents lets you stay on their car insurance as a college student. But after you move out and establish a new permanent address, you will need to switch to your own auto policy.

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