Car Insurance In Arizona 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

Arizona has unique factors, like hot weather, heavy traffic, and rising accident rates, that can affect car insurance costs in the state. Many drivers want full coverage because it protects not only other people but also their own car from accidents, theft, and weather damage. Understanding the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Arizona can help you budget better and choose the right policy for your needs. With my 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, I can guide you through finding the best coverage for your needs.

Does Arizona Require Car Insurance?

Arizona requires all drivers to have car insurance. At a minimum, drivers must carry liability coverage to pay for injuries or property damage they cause in an accident. Driving without insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

Arizona also enforces proof of insurance laws. Drivers must carry valid insurance documents in their vehicles at all times. Law enforcement can request proof during traffic stops or after an accident. Driving without proof of insurance can lead to legal penalties.

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Arizona?

The state’s minimum coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. While this covers basic damages, many drivers choose full coverage to protect their own vehicles from accidents, theft, or natural events.

Because the minimum coverage may not cover all costs, many people get full-coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive). Full coverage helps pay for damage to your own car from a crash, theft, vandalism, or weather, not just the other person.

You should consider full coverage, especially if your car is newer or expensive, or if you don’t want to risk big out-of-pocket costs after an accident.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Arizona?

Car insurance rates in Arizona can vary based on factors such as your age, the type of vehicle you own, your driving record, and the coverage level you select. On average, full coverage costs Arizona drivers about $2,344 a year, while the minimum coverage costs around $750 a year.

Here’s a breakdown of average annual car insurance costs in Arizona for different driver profiles:

• Low-Income Drivers: Affordable options are available for low-income drivers, with average monthly minimum coverage policies starting at approximately $78 per month.
• Drivers With Bad Credit: Rates for drivers with bad credit are around $146 per month for minimum coverage, depending on the insurer and coverage level.
• Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Drivers in Arizona who have a speeding ticket usually pay higher insurance rates. Even short-term policies, such as one-month coverage, can become more expensive. The average rate for minimum coverage is $82 per month.
• Senior Drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older may pay around $178 monthly for full coverage and about $94 per month for minimum coverage.
• Young Drivers: Young drivers may pay around $320 monthly for full coverage and about $159 per month for minimum coverage.
• Drivers With Old Cars: Drivers in Arizona who own old cars often pay less for insurance because their vehicles usually cost less to repair or replace. The average monthly full coverage cost is $116.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Arizona?

Here are some of the major car insurance companies that operate in Arizona:

• State Farm
• GEICO
• Progressive
• USAA
• Allstate
• Farmers Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family Insurance
• The Hartford
• Travelers Insurance

These insurance companies offer a variety of coverage options and discounts for drivers in Arizona. Comparing quotes and policy details can help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price for your needs.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Arizona

Here are some simple strategies to lower your car insurance premiums in Arizona:

Look For Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like good driving records, being a student with good grades, or having safety features in your car. Always ask your insurer about available discounts to save money.

Improve Your Credit: Insurance companies in Arizona often use credit scores to help calculate premiums. Maintaining a good credit score can help you qualify for lower rates.

Drive Safely: Keeping a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets shows insurers that you are a low-risk driver. Safe drivers often pay less for insurance.

Bundle Your Policies: If you have more than one insurance policy, like home and auto, consider bundling them with the same company. Many insurers offer discounts for bundled policies, which can reduce your overall costs.

Install Anti-Theft Devices: Adding anti-theft devices, such as alarms or GPS trackers, can reduce the risk of your being stolen. Insurance companies often reward this added security with lower premiums.

Arizona State Driving Laws

Arizona has several important driving laws that help protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, while also ensuring everyone follows the rules and stays responsible on the road.

Here’s a simple overview of the key laws every Arizona driver should understand.

Seat Belt Law

In Arizona, all front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt. Seat belts greatly reduce injuries in a crash, and not wearing one can lead to a fine.

Distracted Driving Law

Arizona bans holding or using a phone while driving. This means no texting, scrolling, or holding your phone to talk. You can only use hands-free devices. This law helps reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.

DUI Law

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Arizona has strict penalties for DUI, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Move Over Law

If you see an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or police car stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights, you must move over or slow down. This law protects workers and first responders from being hit by passing cars.

Arizona Car Insurance Contact Information

Knowing where to go for car insurance or vehicle problems in Arizona can make things much easier. Here’s a list of important state agencies and what they can help you with.

Arizona Department of Insurance And Financial Institutions (DIFI)

Phone: 602-364-3100

Website: difi.az.gov

Contact DIFI if you have questions about your auto insurance policy, want to file a complaint against your insurance company, or need help solving an insurance dispute.

Arizona Department Of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division

Phone: 602-255-0072

Website: azdot.gov

Reach out to the MVD for vehicle registration, title transfers, driver’s license renewals, and license replacements. They also handle questions about emissions testing and driving records.

Arizona Department Of Transportation (ADOT)

Phone: 602-712-7355

Website: azdot.gov

Contact ADOT if you need to report a road problem, such as a pothole or damaged sign, or if you want updates about road construction, closures, traffic conditions, or travel permits.

Common Arizona Car-Related Crimes And Fatalities

Here are some common car-related crimes and causes of fatalities in Arizona:

Driving Under The Influence

Driving after drinking alcohol or using drugs is a major problem in Arizona. DUIs often lead to serious crashes and deaths. The state has strict penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the top causes of fatal accidents in Arizona. Many crashes happen because drivers go too fast on highways or ignore speed limits, especially during heavy traffic or bad weather.

Distracted Driving

Using a phone while driving, especially texting, is a major cause of accidents. Arizona’s hands-free law bans holding a phone while driving because distractions can lead to serious injuries.

Hit-And-Run Incidents

A hit-and-run happens when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene. This is illegal in Arizona and can lead to severe penalties. Hit-and-runs often result in worse injuries because victims don’t get help right away.

Wrong-Way Driving

Arizona has one of the highest rates of wrong-way crashes in the country. These accidents, often caused by drunk or impaired drivers, are extremely dangerous and usually result in serious injuries or death.