auto insurance Arizona
At Blake Insurance Group, we understand that navigating the world of auto insurance can be a bit like driving through the Sonoran Desert without a map – confusing and overwhelming. As your local independent insurance agent, we’re here to be your compass, guiding you through Arizona’s essential aspects of auto insurance coverage. Whether you’re cruising down I-10 or navigating the urban maze of Phoenix, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about auto insurance in Arizona, from the legal requirements to the factors that can affect your premiums. We’ll also share insider tips on how to save money, ensure you have the right coverage for your unique situation, and walk you through the claims process if you ever need it. Let’s begin your journey to better understand and secure your auto insurance in the Grand Canyon State!
Understanding Arizona's Auto Insurance Laws
**Minimum Coverage Requirements:**
Arizona law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, often referred to as 25/50/15 coverage. Here’s what it entails:
– **Bodily injury liability per person:** $25,000.
– **Bodily injury liability per accident:** $50,000.
– **Property damage liability per accident:** $15,000.
Share This
Customer Reviews
If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance will cover up to these limits for injuries you cause to others and damage to their property. However, these minimums are often insufficient to cover the full cost of damages in many accidents, particularly when medical bills and vehicle repairs are involved.
**SR-22 Requirements:**
For drivers with DUIs or other serious infractions, Arizona requires an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 filings:
– **SR-22 Certificate:** This is not a form of insurance but rather a certificate that proves you have the minimum required insurance coverage. Your insurance company typically files an SR-22 with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to reinstate your driving privileges after a suspension.
– **Duration:** In Arizona, an SR-22 is required for two years after the first offense of driving without insurance, six months for a second offense within three years, and one year for three or more offenses within the same period.
– **Penalties:** Driving without insurance in Arizona comes with serious consequences. A first offense can result in a $500 fine and a three-month suspension of your license and registration. Penalties escalate with subsequent offenses, with fines reaching $1,000 and license suspension periods extending up to one year,
– **Higher Rates:** SR-22 insurance typically comes with higher rates because it’s considered high-risk coverage. However, it’s better than losing your license altogether, as it allows you to drive to work, school, and other essential places.
Types of Coverage
**Liability Coverage:**
Liability insurance in Arizona includes:
– **Bodily Injury Liability:** This coverage pays for injuries or death resulting from an accident for which you’re responsible. Arizona law requires minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death.
– **Property Damage Liability:** This covers damage to others’ property when you’re at fault in an accident. The minimum requirement in Arizona is $15,000 per accident.
This coverage is mandatory for vehicles operating in Arizona. However, these minimum limits often lack financial protection for typical accidents. Higher coverage limits can prevent being personally liable for costs exceeding your insurance limits.
**Comprehensive and Collision Coverage:**
– **Collision Insurance:** This covers damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, irrespective of fault. Lenders often require this coverage to protect their interest if your car is financed.
– **Comprehensive Insurance:** Also known as “other than collision” insurance, it covers non-collision damages like theft, vandalism, natural disasters (e.g., hail, floods), and even animal impacts. Comprehensive coverage is optional but highly recommended in Arizona due to the state’s unique environmental hazards.
These coverages provide financial protection for your vehicle, helping you recover quickly after an accident or a non-collision event, especially when repairs or replacement are needed due to damage or theft. Lenders often require both collision and comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is leased or financed.
**Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:**
– **Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM):** This covers medical expenses and property damage if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Arizona has higher rates than the national average for uninsured motorists, making UM coverage particularly important.
– **Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM):** If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses, UIM steps in to cover the difference. This coverage is critical in Arizona, where drivers might not carry sufficient insurance to cover damages or injuries in a collision.
Arizona law mandates that insurance companies offer UM/UIM coverage, though you can choose to reject it in writing. Given that around 20% of Arizona drivers are uninsured, having this coverage can be a crucial safety net.
Optional coverages
Medical Payments (MED) Coverage: This optional coverage pays for necessary medical expenses or funeral costs for you or others covered under the policy, no matter who is at fault.
Rental Car Reimbursement: If your car is in the shop for repairs due to a covered accident, this coverage helps pay for a rental car.
Roadside Assistance: This coverage helps with minor vehicle repairs, towing, lockout assistance, and other roadside services.
Loan/Lease Payoff (Gap Insurance): If your car is totaled or stolen, gap insurance pays off the difference between your car’s actual cash value and the amount you still owe on your loan or lease.
OEM Endorsement: This rider allows you to request original equipment manufacturer parts coverage when getting repairs.
Glass Coverage: This coverage can help with high deductibles for windshield repairs or replacements.
Accident Forgiveness: This endorsement protects you from a premium surcharge following your first at-fault accident
Auto insurance rates in Arizona
**Average Annual Costs for Different Levels of Coverage:**
– **Full Coverage:** The average cost for full coverage car insurance in Arizona is around $2,737 per year, which equates to about $228 per month. However, this can range from $1,506 annually ($125 monthly) for a policy with a $1,000 deductible to $2,269 per year ($189 monthly) for a typical full-coverage policy.
– **Minimum Coverage:** The average cost for state-required minimum liability coverage is approximately $864 per year, or $72 per month. Minimum coverage rates can be as low as an average of $732 per year ($61 monthly) for the most basic coverage.
**Rates by Location:**
– Phoenix drivers pay an average of $3,213 per year for full coverage, which is around 17% more than the state average.
– Desert Hills offers the cheapest rates in Arizona for full coverage at $161 per month.
Other cities like Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, and Chandler have varying rates, with Tempe charging an average of $2,782 per year, Gilbert charging $2,668, Glendale charging $3,134, and Chandler charging $2,723 for full coverage.
| City | Average Annual Premium | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $2,512 | $209 |
| Glendale | $2,448 | $204 |
| Tempe | $2,183 | $182 |
| Mesa | $2,171 | $181 |
| Scottsdale | $2,163 | $180 |
| Peoria | $2,222 | $185 |
| Gilbert | $2,124 | $177 |
| Chandler | $2,028 | $169 |
| Tucson | $2,049 | $171 |
| Surprise | $2,120 | $177 |
| Goodyear | $1,716 | $143 |
| Avondale | $1,812 | $151 |
| Casa Grande | $1,732 | $144 |
| Buckeye | $1,788 | $149 |
| Lake Havasu City | $1,440 | $120 |
| Prescott | $1,464 | $122 |
| Sierra Vista | $1,440 | $120 |
| Flagstaff | $1,500 | $125 |
| Sedona | $1,620 | $135 |
| Kingman | $1,356 | $113 |
**Rates by Age:**
– **18-Year-Olds:** The highest rates are for young drivers, with 18-year-old males averaging $7,922 per year for full coverage.
**30-Year-Olds:** The Average full coverage rate for 30-year-olds is around $1,506 per year, or $125 monthly.
– **Seniors:** Rates tend to decrease with age, with 60-year-olds paying approximately $2,413 per year for full coverage.
**Rates by Driving Record:**
– **Clean History:** A driver with a clean record can expect to pay around $1,506 per year for full coverage.
– **DUI:** After a DUI, the average cost of full coverage increases significantly, with rates such as $2,568 per year from State Farm.
– **Speeding Ticket:** A speeding ticket can increase full coverage rates by an average of 28%.
**Rates by Credit Score:**
– Those with poor credit in Arizona pay significantly more, with an average full coverage policy costing $1,958 per year ($163 monthly) compared to $733 per year ($61 monthly) for those with excellent credit.
**Comparison of Cheapest Companies:**
– **Full Coverage:** State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage at an average monthly cost of $125.
– **Minimum Coverage:** Progressive offers the cheapest minimum coverage rates, averaging $390 per year.
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Rate | Average Annual Minimum Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,506 | $732 |
| Travelers | $1,957 | $549 |
| State Farm | $1,656 | $545 |
| Mercury Insurance | $2,140 | $390 |
| Allstate | $2,254 | $539 |
| Progressive | $2,275 | $527 |
| The Hartford | $2,005 | $371 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,530 | $539 |
| Nationwide | $1,349 | $549 |
| Farmers | $1,548 | $748 |
| USAA | $1,626 | $181 |
| QBE | $1,167 | $371 |
| Root | $1,286 | $527 |
How to Get Quotes
When shopping for insurance, the process of obtaining multiple quotes to compare is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail:
– **Gather Your Information:** Before requesting quotes, gather all the necessary details about your vehicles, drivers, and any existing coverage. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license number, the make, model, and year of your vehicle, your location, and any relevant information about your driving history.
– **Use Multiple Channels:** You can get quotes through various channels:
– **Online Quote Engines:** Many insurance companies provide online quote engines where you can input your information and receive a quote. Blake Insurance Group, for example, offers a quick and thorough online quote engine that allows you to compare multiple quotes from top-rated insurers in one place.
– **Licensed Agents:** Contacting a local independent insurance agent like Blake Insurance Group can provide personalized quotes based on your specific needs. Their agents can shop multiple carriers to find the best rates for you.
– **Phone or In-Person:** Some people still prefer speaking directly with an agent over the phone or in-person to get quotes. This can be especially helpful if you have a complex insurance situation or need further guidance.
– **Compare Coverage:** consider the coverage levels, deductibles, and limits when comparing quotes. Look at policies with similar coverage options to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
– **Ask for Discounts:** Don’t forget to inquire about discounts, such as multi-policy discounts, safe driver discounts, or discounts for low annual mileage. These can significantly reduce your insurance costs.
Why Choose Blake Insurance Group
Blake Insurance Group stands out for several reasons:
– **Personalized Service:** As a local independent insurance agency, Blake Insurance Group provides personalized service to clients shopping for insurance in Arizona and Texas. Their agents take the time to understand your unique needs and offer tailored recommendations.
– **Local Expertise:** Blake Insurance Group’s agents are well-versed in local regulations and risks, providing you with insights and tips specific to your area. This local knowledge protects you from Arizona’s unique driving hazards.
– **Wide Range of Coverage:** They offer a diverse portfolio of insurance products, including auto, home, health, life, dental, and more. This allows clients to find comprehensive coverage under one roof.
– **No Broker Fees:** Blake Insurance Group does not charge broker fees, which can save you money compared to other agencies that may charge additional fees.
– **Commitment to Privacy:** They respect your privacy and do not share or sell personal information, ensuring your data is secure.
– **Strong Carrier Relationships:** Blake Insurance Group has relationships with multiple top-rated insurance carriers as an independent agency. This enables them to shop around to find competitive rates and the most suitable coverage options for your needs.
Exceptional Customer Service:** Their commitment to excellence extends beyond policy purchase. They provide ongoing support, policy updates, and claims assistance, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Insurance in Arizona
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Arizona?
Drivers in Arizona must carry minimum liability insurance with coverage limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage.
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Arizona?
The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance in Arizona is around $1,812, or $151 per month. Minimum coverage costs an average of $507 annually, or $42 monthly.
How do rates compare across major cities in Arizona?
Rates can significantly vary by city. Here are some examples:
- Phoenix: $2,251 per year
- Mesa: $1,976 per year
- Tempe: $2,000 per year
- Tucson: $1,879 per year
What factors does Arizona law allow in determining your premiums?
Arizona law allows insurance companies to consider factors like:
- Your driving record
- The make and model of your car
- Your location
- Age
- Credit score
- Employment or educational affiliations
Is it possible to get car insurance in Arizona with a DUI mark on my record?
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance in Arizona with a DUI on your record, though it will likely be more expensive. You'll need to obtain an SR-22 certificate, which demonstrates financial responsibility.
Why are car insurance rates moderate in Arizona?
Car insurance rates in Arizona are higher compared to the national average due to factors like:
- The likelihood of natural disasters
- Urban density
- A higher prevalence of uninsured drivers
What is Arizona's auto insurance system?
Arizona operates under a comparative fault system, meaning responsibility for accidents can be shared between parties. This system impacts how insurance claims are handled.
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Arizona?
For a 22-year-old driver, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Arizona is around $1,957 annually, or $163 per month.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Arizona?
Penalties for driving without insurance in Arizona include:
- First offense: $500 fine, license and registration suspension for 3 months, SR-22 required for 2 years.
- Second offense: $750 fine, license and registration suspension for 6 months, SR-22 required for 2 years.
- Third or subsequent offense: $1,000 fine, license and registration suspension for 1 year, SR-22 required for 2 years.
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent