Arizona Car Insurance (Coverage, Companies, & More)
Arizona car insurance laws require drivers to have 25/50/15 in minimum liability. With 12 percent of drivers uninsured in Arizona, we recommend driving with a full coverage policy to protect yourself from paying out of pocket for an accident. Find the best Arizona car insurance rates for full coverage when you comparison shop online. Enter your ZIP code below to start comparing Arizona car insurance quotes now.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Mar 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right car insurance coverage choices.
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Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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UPDATED: Mar 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right car insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Arizona Car Insurance Overview
| Arizona Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Road Miles | Total in State – 65,593 Vehicle Miles Driven – 62.6 Million |
| Vehicles | 5,407,097 |
| Population | 7,016,270 |
| Most Popular Vehicle | Ford F150 |
| Average Annual Rates | Liability – $508.76 Collision – $277.96 Comprehensive – $186.12 Combined Premium: $972.85 |
| Percentage of Motorists Uninsured | 12% State Rank – 24th |
| Cheapest Provider | Civil Service Employees & Western General |
Want to be in four states at one time? Arizona is your place. At Four Corners in Arizona, you can be in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. This sixth largest state became the last state of the contiguous United States in 1912.
Arizona is known for its beautiful sights, including, the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Petrified Forest, and even the original London Bridge that was dismantled in London and shipped to Arizona for reconstruction.
If you are lucky enough to call this fun-filled state home, you probably own a vehicle to get around to all these awesome sights. Who wants to be researching insurance when you can be boating on Lake Mead? Let us do the hard work. Read ahead to learn about insurance carriers in Arizona, as well as state laws and rules of the road.
And don’t forget, once you read and know all the facts regarding Arizona insurance you can even get a car insurance quote here.
Arizona Car Insurance Coverage and Rates
How much insurance do you need? That is usually the first question most people have when shopping for insurance.
We are going to take a look at how much insurance you need to legally drive your car on Arizona roadways and also some other coverages that may not be required by law but are good to ask your carrier about when getting an insurance quote. We are also going to take a brief look at the cheapest ZIP codes in Arizona for insurance.
Let’s start by looking at requirements the law has for you, the driver. Minimum limits are financial responsibility are up first in this section.
Minimum Coverage
Most states, if not all, will require minimum limits to legally drive your registered vehicle on their roadways. Arizona has minimum limits by state law you need to keep on your vehicle.
If you are at fault, liability coverage is used for the other party involved that is NOT at fault. If you carry minimum limits and your policy is exhausted and does cover the entire loss, you could be held liable for damages not paid.
The below table shows the minimum liability limits required to drive in Arizona.
Arizona Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
| Insurance Required in Arizona | Minimum Limits –15/30/10 |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $15,000 per person $30,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 |
We will look at additional coverages and endorsements below. While minimum limits may be the cheapest coverage, it is not always best to carry the lowest needed coverage. Talk to your insurance carrier about additional coverages.
Read more: Utah Car Insurance (Coverage, Companies, & More)
Minimum coverage rates vary from state to state.
Forms of Financial Responsibility
Any time during a traffic stop, accident, or requested by a police officer you must show proof that you are financially responsible to have your registered vehicle on the road. Proof of financial responsibility includes your current insurance policy or insurance ID cards.
Premiums as a Percentage of Income
How much of your paycheck is going to insurance?
Here is a table of the three-year trend in Arizona of what percentage of your paycheck is going towards insurance.
Arizona Car Insurance as a Percentage of Income
| Years | Car Insurance as a Percentage of Income |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2.80% |
| 2013 | 2.81% |
| 2012 | 2.75% |
The trend shows that Arizonans are spending less of their income on car insurance.
Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates in AZ (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive)
Most auto insurance policies consist of liability coverage, collision, comprehensive, or a combination of all three called full coverage. Liability covers the other person when you are at fault. Comprehension and collision cover your vehicle.
Here is a short video explaining the basic coverages of most insurance policies.
Below is a chart of average premiums compared to the national average for the above coverages.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Type
| Types of Coverage | Average Annual Rates in Arizona | Average Annual Rates Nationally |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | $508.76 | $538.73 |
| Collision | $277.96 | $322.61 |
| Comprehensive | $186.12 | $148.04 |
| Combined | $972.85 | $1009.38 |
Arizona falls below the national average price in three out of four coverages. That is good news for Arizona drivers.
Additional Liability
There is additional liability coverage you can add to your insurance policy. Medical payment coverage is to be used to cover the medical expenses of those in your vehicle at the time of an accident.
Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage protects you when you are involved in an accident and the other party doesn’t have any or enough insurance to cover your expenses.
Arizona is ranked 24th in the nation for uninsured motorist.
Loss Ratio is the ratio of claims paid to the premium earned. If your insurance carrier has a ratio of over one hundred percent, they may be losing money. If they have a lower ratio, they have probably overpriced their policies.
Arizona Average Annual MedPay & Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Car Insurance Coverage Loss Ratio
| Years | MedPay Loss Ratio | Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Loss Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 69.21 % | 75.40 % |
| 2013 | 77.92% | 81.35 % |
| 2012 | 83.60% | 84.52% |
Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders
Below is a list of additional endorsements you can discuss with your insurance carrier to see if they are a good fit for your insurance needs.
- Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
- Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
- Rental Reimbursement
- Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
- Non-Owner Car Insurance
- Modified Car Insurance Coverage
- Classic Car Insurance
- Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance
Now, let’s take a look at how your age and gender can affect your annual car insurance rates.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in AZ
There are certain demographics that will change the rate of your insurance premium. Here is a table showing average premiums by gender, age, and marital status.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Marital Status, Age, & Gender
| Companies | Married 60-year old female annual rates | Married 60-year old male annual rates | Married 35-year old female annual rates | Married 35-year old male annual rates | Single 25-year old female annual rates | Single 25-year old male annual rates | Single 17-year old female annual rates | Single 17-year old male annual rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,303.63 | $1,659.36 | $1,544.04 | $1,721.95 | $1,408.73 | $1,388.68 | $4,418.49 | $4,657.44 |
| USAA | $1,569.71 | $1,589.18 | $1,682.06 | $1,686.88 | $2,216.43 | $2,377.31 | $6,306.70 | $7,232.99 |
| Progressive | $1,776.60 | $1,687.27 | $1,977.89 | $1,731.84 | $2,128.03 | $2,116.05 | $8,119.66 | $9,061.45 |
| Travelers | $1,800.08 | $1,912.79 | $1,942.75 | $2,042.96 | $2,057.04 | $2,162.23 | $5,643.46 | $7,078.41 |
| NICOA | $2,105.21 | $2,230.55 | $2,354.06 | $2,397.60 | $2,714.31 | $2,934.32 | $5,791.09 | $7,418.71 |
| Farmers | $2,381.02 | $2,534.04 | $2,679.47 | $2,677.67 | $3,034.99 | $3,144.34 | $11,538.29 | $11,976.04 |
| American Family | $2,524.19 | $2,524.19 | $2,748.94 | $2,748.94 | $2,748.94 | $3,227.56 | $7,241.04 | $9,439.65 |
| State Farm | $2,538.55 | $2,538.55 | $2,878.25 | $2,878.25 | $3,098.04 | $3,919.15 | $8,933.99 | $11,220.20 |
| Allstate | $3,384.12 | $3,384.12 | $3,475.85 | $3,475.85 | $3,890.24 | $4,230.29 | $7,562.62 | $9,796.63 |
Read more: Farmers Insurance Company of Arizona Car Insurance Review
Younger drivers will always pay more for car insurance due to their inexperience on the road.
Cheapest Rates by ZIP Code
We have compiled data showing the average premium for each ZIP code in Arizona. Take a look at the data below and see where your ZIP code lands on the list.
25 Arizona ZIP Codes With the Cheapest Annual Car Insurance Rates
| Arizona ZIP Codes | Cheapest Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| 86403 | $2,883.46 |
| 86404 | $2,896.40 |
| 86409 | $2,949.61 |
| 86436 | $2,951.90 |
| 86431 | $2,977.28 |
| 86438 | $2,982.40 |
| 85607 | $2,984.01 |
| 86401 | $2,996.32 |
| 85610 | $3,009.40 |
| 86444 | $3,013.06 |
| 85533 | $3,017.43 |
| 86429 | $3,025.22 |
| 86406 | $3,027.97 |
| 86442 | $3,031.71 |
| 85540 | $3,031.96 |
| 86437 | $3,039.01 |
| 85635 | $3,048.77 |
| 85534 | $3,049.17 |
| 86443 | $3,049.56 |
| 86411 | $3,049.80 |
| 85552 | $3,053.07 |
| 85616 | $3,055.06 |
| 85615 | $3,057.81 |
| 86413 | $3,059.25 |
| 85643 | $3,059.48 |
Compare those rates with the average rates in the ZIP codes with the most expensive insurance.
25 Arizona ZIP Codes With the Most Expensive Annual Car Insurance Rates
| Arizona ZIP Codes | Most Expensive Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| 85009 | $5,479.07 |
| 85017 | $5,440.43 |
| 85019 | $5,367.13 |
| 85031 | $5,339.76 |
| 85035 | $5,223.71 |
| 85033 | $5,221.61 |
| 85015 | $5,175.99 |
| 85051 | $5,127.30 |
| 85040 | $5,115.68 |
| 85041 | $5,101.83 |
| 85021 | $5,092.07 |
| 85006 | $5,079.52 |
| 85034 | $5,069.47 |
| 85013 | $5,037.15 |
| 85043 | $5,027.59 |
| 85004 | $5,011.05 |
| 85012 | $5,006.68 |
| 85007 | $5,005.43 |
| 85003 | $4,990.72 |
| 85301 | $4,990.47 |
| 85303 | $4,986.06 |
| 85029 | $4,978.32 |
| 85025 | $4,976.47 |
| 85042 | $4,882.91 |
| 85020 | $4,842.66 |
Read more: The Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance
If you live in ZIP code 85009, you can expect to pay a little less than $5,500 a year for car insurance. That’s almost twice as much as you would pay for car insurance in the cheapest ZIP code — 86403.
Cheapest Rates by City
Now that we have broken the rates down by ZIP code, let’s take a look at the breakdown by cities.
25 Arizona Cities With the Cheapest Annual Car Insurance Rates
| Arizona Cities | Cheapest Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Lake Havasu City | $2,935.94 |
| Topock | $2,951.90 |
| Kingman | $2,972.97 |
| Chloride | $2,977.28 |
| Yucca | $2,982.40 |
| Douglas | $2,984.01 |
| Elfrida | $3,009.41 |
| Meadview | $3,013.06 |
| Clifton | $3,017.43 |
| Bullhead City | $3,028.47 |
| Morenci | $3,031.96 |
| Valentine | $3,039.01 |
| Duncan | $3,049.17 |
| Temple Bar Marina | $3,049.56 |
| Hackberry | $3,049.80 |
| Thatcher | $3,053.07 |
| Huachuca City | $3,055.06 |
| Hereford | $3,057.81 |
| Sierra Vista | $3,059.16 |
| Golden Valley | $3,059.25 |
| Willcox | $3,059.48 |
| Pearce | $3,064.05 |
| Fort Mohave | $3,066.87 |
| San Simon | $3,073.06 |
| Tombstone | $3,090.81 |
Residents of Lake Havasu City pay the least for car insurance each year. Compare their rate with what the residents in the cities below are charged.
25 Arizona Cities With the Most Expensive Annual Car Insurance Rates
| Arizona Cities | Most Expensive Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $4,804.67 |
| Glendale | $4,649.73 |
| Tolleson | $4,640.27 |
| Laveen | $4,582.09 |
| El Mirage | $4,371.02 |
| Peoria | $4,334.05 |
| Paradise Valley | $4,326.68 |
| Avondale | $4,312.89 |
| Glendale Luke AFB | $4,294.56 |
| Queen Creek | $4,280.17 |
| Waddell | $4,243.07 |
| Tempe | $4,232.43 |
| Scottsdale | $4,218.33 |
| Mesa | $4,190.52 |
| Higley | $4,177.21 |
| Youngtown | $4,176.27 |
| Cave Creek | $4,145.71 |
| San Tan Valley | $4,138.36 |
| Litchfield Park | $4,118.30 |
| New River | $4,110.13 |
| Gilbert | $4,101.13 |
| Tortilla Flat | $4,092.31 |
| Sells | $4,088.89 |
| Fort Mcdowell | $4,086.90 |
| Cashion | $4,082.69 |
If you want to avoid paying a lot for car insurance, look for a home outside of Phoenix.
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Best Arizona Car Insurance Companies
We know that we have to keep insurance on any registered vehicle. Now, we are going to compare companies. Price is just part of the equation in finding an insurance company. We are going to look at which companies are the largest, best customer service, and which ones have the best rates for quoting criteria.
Let’s take a look at how companies’ rates compare to the state average.
Read on to find out which company may be a good fit for your Arizona car insurance.
Read more:
- Arizona Automobile Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
- Arizona Home Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
The Largest Companies Financial Rating
AM Best is a global crediting agency focusing on insurance companies. We use this rating as an indication of financial stability.
A.M. Best Ratings of the Top 10 Arizona Insurance Companies
| Companies | A.M. Best Ratings |
|---|---|
| State Farm | A++ |
| Berkshire Hathaway | A++ |
| USAA | A++ |
| Progressive | A+ |
| Allstate | A+ |
| Hartford | A+ |
| Farmers | A |
| Liberty Mutual | A |
| American Family | A |
| CSAA | A |
Read more: Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Review
You are in good hands with the largest companies in Arizona. The top 10 companies have received an A or higher rating.
Companies With Best Ratings
A company may have good rates and financial standing, but are they good to its customers? Price may be a good selling point to new customers but having great customer service is what will keep your customers.
Below is the ranking for overall customer satisfaction in the Southwest.
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking – Southwest Region
| Car Insurance Companies | J.D. Power Circle Ratings |
|---|---|
| USAA | 887 |
| The Hartford | 832 |
| State Farm | 831 |
| Allstate | 826 |
| American Family | 826 |
| Safeco | 821 |
| CSAA | 818 |
| Geico | 818 |
| Liberty Mutual | 813 |
| Farmers | 812 |
| Progressive | 807 |
| Travelers | 789 |
| Nationwide | 775 |
USAA is available to people who are or have served in the military and their immediate family members.
Companies With Most Complaints in Arizona
Every company will eventually get a bad review or complaint. If a company gets an excessive amount of complaints, then that is something you should watch out for when picking an insurance company.
This table shows the number of complaints along with the ratio.
Complaint Ratios of Arizona Car Insurance Companies
| Companies | Complaint Ratios | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 0.44 | 1,482 |
| Geico | 0.68 | 333 |
| USAA | 0.74 | 296 |
| Liberty Mutual | 5.95 | 222 |
| Allstate | 0.5 | 163 |
| Progressive | 0.75 | 120 |
| American Family | 0.79 | 73 |
| The Hartford | 4.68 | 9 |
| CSAA | 3.97 | 6 |
| Farmers | 0 | 0 |
Remember, the larger a company is, the more insureds they will have, and they could have more complaints. It is good to look at the ratio as a solid indicator of the true amount of complaints a company receives.
Commute Rates by Companies
Do you have a long commute to work every day? The average Arizonan has a commute of over 25 minutes. Let’s take a look to see if the long commutes really make a difference in your insurance rates.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Commute
| Companies | 10-mile commute. 6,000 annual mileage. | 25-mile commute. 12,000 annual mileage. |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $2,224.53 | $2,301.06 |
| USAA | $3,049.29 | $3,116.03 |
| Travelers | $3,079.97 | $3,079.97 |
| Nationwide | $3,493.23 | $3,493.23 |
| Progressive | $3,574.85 | $3,574.85 |
| American Family | $4,110.32 | $4,190.54 |
| State Farm | $4,631.04 | $4,870.20 |
| Allstate | $4,899.96 | $4,899.96 |
| Farmers | $4,995.73 | $4,995.73 |
Some companies do not surcharge for longer commutes, while others have a very minimal rate increase for more miles covered in a year.
Commute distance does not affect your rates as much as some other factors.
Coverage Level Rates by Companies
Many drivers looking for insurance assume when you get a much higher coverage you will be paying a lot more out of pocket. The below table shows the premium difference between high, medium, and low coverage.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Level
| Companies | Low Coverage | Medium Coverage | High Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,907.11 | $2,295.09 | $2,586.17 |
| Travelers | $2,757.50 | $3,127.90 | $3,354.49 |
| USAA | $2,840.93 | $3,125.01 | $3,282.03 |
| Progressive | $3,154.96 | $3,639.87 | $3,929.72 |
| Nationwide | $3,347.36 | $3,529.03 | $3,603.30 |
| American Family | $3,995.23 | $4,282.99 | $4,173.07 |
| Farmers | $4,259.36 | $5,047.56 | $5,680.28 |
| State Farm | $4,275.90 | $4,837.71 | $5,138.26 |
| Allstate | $4,584.99 | $4,926.32 | $5,188.57 |
It is surprising to see how little some companies vary with a difference in coverage. You should always quote out your insurance. It can never hurt to request a quote for higher coverage to see exactly what the cost will be.
Credit History Rates by Companies
A credit-based insurance score is used in determining a rate for a driver. A credit-based score differs from a regular credit score. A credit rating for insurance takes a look at your credit at a certain time frame.
Some people do not understand that your credit will affect not only large purchases and interest rates, but it is also used in determining your insurance rates.
Below are accumulated rates based on good, fair, and poor credit rates.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Credit History
| Companies | Good Credit | Fair Credit | Poor Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,640.02 | $2,039.68 | $3,108.67 |
| State Farm | $2,124.14 | $3,387.26 | $8,740.46 |
| USAA | $2,357.49 | $2,833.38 | $4,057.11 |
| Travelers | $2,430.8 | $3,058.12 | $3,750.98 |
| Nationwide | $2,930.12 | $3,345.92 | $4,203.65 |
| Progressive | $3,253.11 | $3,482.51 | $,3988.93 |
| American Family | $3,347.92 | $3,885.37 | $5,217.99 |
| Allstate | $3,969.73 | $4,462.15 | $6,268.01 |
| Farmers | $4,531.43 | $4,764.49 | $5,691.27 |
You can see just how much your credit determines your insurance rate.
Driving Record Rates by Companies
The most known factor that affects your insurance rate would probably be your driving record. A clean record will obviously be the lowest rating due to your driving record, but below you can see just how much that speeding ticket will cost you.
Arizona Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Companies | Clean record | With one speeding violation | With one accident | With one DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,755.11 | $1,755.11 | $2,370.73 | $3,170.22 |
| USAA | $2,242.13 | $2,639.09 | $3,212.15 | $4,237.25 |
| Travelers | $2,464.33 | $3,072.34 | $3,210.80 | $3,572.38 |
| American Family | $2,939.21 | $3,414.84 | $4,574.11 | $5,673.56 |
| Nationwide | $2,955.75 | $3,306.90 | $3,107.91 | $4,602.36 |
| Progressive | $3,153.69 | $3,663.97 | $4,152.77 | $3,328.96 |
| Allstate | $3,924.91 | $5,078.95 | $4,964.56 | $5,631.44 |
| Farmers | $4,219.77 | $5,006.52 | $5,444.19 | $5,312.44 |
| State Farm | $4,321.08 | $4,750.62 | $5,180.16 | $4,750.62 |
Clearly, a DUI will drastically increase your premium more than any other traffic violation. Not only can a DUI cost you in your insurance premium, but as you read further you can also see how else having a DUI can affect you.
Largest Car Insurance Companies in Arizona
Below is a list of the ten largest insurance carriers in Arizona and their share of the market.
Top 10 Arizona Car Insurance Companies by Market Share
| Companies | Premiums Written | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $818,982 | 16.87 % |
| Geico | $723,482 | 14.91 % |
| Progressive | $513,333 | 10.58 % |
| Farmers | $393,157 | 8.10 % |
| Allstate | $369,153 | 7.61 % |
| USAA | $362,766 | 7.47 % |
| Liberty Mutual | $279,343 | 5.76 % |
| American Family | $276,833 | 5.70 % |
| Hartford | $109,174 | 2.25 % |
| CSAA | $100,187 | 2.06 % |
State Farm dominates the car insurance market in Arizona followed closely by Geico.
Number of Insurers by State
Insurers are divided into foreign or domestic. Almost all of the car insurance companies in Arizona are considered foreign.
Arizona Foreign & Domestic Car Insurance Companies
| Property & Casualty Car Insurance Company Types | Number of Companies |
|---|---|
| Domestic | 40 |
| Foreign | 943 |
| Total | 983 |
Most people think foreign and think of another country. In the insurance world, it just means the company was founded in a different state but can still write in other states.
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Arizona State Laws
Every state has its own set of laws, some overlap and some are different depending on the state. In this next section, we are going to look at some different car insurance laws including registration laws, rules of the road, and safety laws. (For more information, read our “Can my car insurance overlap?“).
It’s good to take a look at the laws pertaining to your state. This can avoid unwanted fees and suspensions. Read ahead to save yourself the hassle of being caught off guard when driving Arizona.
Vehicle Licensing Laws
First, we are going to go over licensing laws. This will cover license renewal, for all ages, along with driving without insurance and what to do if you are a new resident of Arizona.
Also, Arizona is compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005. This means there are certain established security standards for issuing any government identification including driver’s licenses.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance can cause a lot of problems. It is against the law, you could have unwanted fines, and even lose your license. Not to mention, if you have an accident while driving uninsured, you could have serious bills for you and the other party involved.
Arizona Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
| Penalty | First Offense | Second Offense within three years |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | $500 minimum | $750 minimum |
| License, registration, and license plate suspension | Three months | Six months |
Arizona law does not take driving without insurance lightly. Think before you get behind a wheel without insurance.
Teen Driver Laws
Your driver’s license is a rite of passage. Most kids are so happy to finally hit the open roads and have some freedom. Arizona makes sure that freedom has some boundaries and they have rules and regulation for younger drivers.
Arizona Teen Driver Requirements & Restrictions
| Requirements & Restrictions | Learner's License | Intermediate License | Unrestricted License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Minimum 15 years six months | Minimum 16 years | Minimum 18 years |
| Pre-Requisites | Pass vision and written tests | Six months holding period Minimum 30 hours (10 of which at night) supervised driving | Passing vision, written, and road tests |
| Passenger Restrictions | none | Limit of one passenger younger than 18 (except when the passengers are siblings, or when a licensed parent or legal guardian occupies the passenger seat)* | None |
| Driving Restrictions | Must have a 21-year-old or older licensed driver in the passenger seat | No driving between midnight and five a.m. (Except with a licensed parent or legal guardian in the passenger seat, or when traveling to and from work, school, or religious activities, or for family emergencies)* | None |
For intermediate license holders, restrictions are in place only for the first six months of receiving the license.
Older Driver License Renewal Procedures
If you are over 65 years of age, you must renew your license every . Renewal, at any age, must be done in person and show proof of adequate vision.
License Renewal Procedures
If you are under the age of 65, license renewal is every 12 years. As mentioned earlier, all renewals must be in person and proof of adequate vision must be presented.
New Residents
Welcome to Arizona! If you are a legal resident of Arizona, you must obtain a driver’s license. If you are transferring from another state, your written and road test may be waived. A vision test may still be needed. You must also have your social security number for identification purposes.
Car Insurance Laws
Now we are going to switch gears and talk about car insurance laws. We are going to visit topics about windshields, fraud, high-risk insurance, and more!
Windshield Coverage
As a consumer in Arizona, you have the right to choose your repair shop and if aftermarket parts are used. There is also an optional coverage you can select to have a zero deductible for glass repair.
High-Risk Insurance
If your insurance has been suspended for any reason, you may need to have SR-22 filing. This is a filing showing proof of financial responsibility. This filing may be required for three years after a suspension. Your insurance carrier can file the SR-22.
Read more: SR-22 Insurance – How to File an SR-22 Form
Automobile Insurance Fraud in Arizona
Auto insurance fraud is classified as a crime in Arizona, as it is in most states. Below is a list of the penalty and fines that may be imposed when convicted of insurance fraud.
Arizona Car Insurance Fraud Overview
| Arizona Car Insurance Fraud Key Info | Arizona Car Insurance Fraud Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Penalty | Class 6 Felony |
| Imprisonment | Up to 10 years |
| Fine | Up to $150,000 |
| Civil Penalty | Up to $5,000 |
Fraud can range from providing false information on an application, an adjuster falsifying a claim, to even staging accidents that never happened.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file and resolve a claim. Once the time has expired, you will no longer be able to collect on your claim. In Arizona, you have two years from the claim date to file for injury or property damage.
It is always best to file claims as soon as possible to avoid missing your open window to file and obtain compensation.
Rules of the Road
Knowing the rules of the road will help prevent fines and points on your driving record. We are now going to look at laws specific to Arizona. We will look at seatbelt and car seat laws along with speed limits and more.
Fault vs No-Fault
Arizona follows a fault-based system. This means when you are at fault in an accident, you are to pay and the other party involved can file a claim directly with the company insuring the at-fault driver.
Seat Belt & Car Seat Laws (IIHS)
Arizona law states that all passengers fifteen and older sitting in the front seat must use a seat belt. If you are found guilty of breaking this law, you will have a fine.
The law also states a child five and younger must be in a car seat.
Read more: Does car insurance cover a car seat?
Keep Right & Move Over Laws
If you are driving slower than the normal speed of traffic, you should stay in the right lane. State law also requires you to slow and move to the lane, when safe, furthest away from safety and emergency vehicles.
Speed Limits
Below is a chart of speed limits in Arizona.
Arizona Speed Limits by Road Type
| Road Type | Arizona Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Rural freeways and interstate highways | 75 mph |
| Urban freeways and interstate highways | 65 mph |
| Residential and business districts | 25 mph |
| School zones | 15 mph |
| Alleys | 15 mph |
Speed limits are posted on all major roadways, so pay attention.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing is becoming a growing business in the United States. Uber, Lyft, and companies alike are offering quick, fast rides to pretty much anywhere. If you are using your vehicles for ridesharing, it is necessary to check with your insurance company to guarantee there are no gaps in your coverages.
Automation on the Road
Vehicles are becoming more automated than ever. Arizona permits the deployment of a car with a licensed operator.
Safety Laws
Next, we are going to briefly go over important safety laws that keep everyone on the road alive.
DUI Laws (sheet // Responsibility.org)
We saw earlier that a DUI can drastically raise your insurance rates, but there is so much more than raised insurance. Below are two tables showing DUI offenses and punishments. The first table is for a standard DUI.
Arizona DUI Penalties
| Offense | Revoked License | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | 30–60 days | Minimum one to 10 days | $250 |
| Second Offense | One year | Minimum 30–90 days | $500 |
| Third and Subsequent Offenses | One year | Minimum four months | $750 |
The second table is for an extreme DUI for a blood alcohol content over 0.15 percent.
Arizona Extreme DUI Penalties
| Penalties | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 30 consecutive days minimum | 120 days minimum |
| Fine | $2,500 minimum | $3,250 minimum |
| Ignition interlock device | Required | Required |
| Other | Alcohol screening/education/treatment Perform community service | Alcohol screening/education/treatment Perform community service license revoked for one year |
Prison, fines, and license suspension are all consequences of being convicted of a DUI.
Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws
Arizona has state law against driving under the influence of marijuana. There is no tolerance policy for any THC or metabolites.
Distracted Driving Laws
Arizona has distracted driving laws in place, see table below.
Arizona Distracted Driving Laws Overview
| Arizona Distracted Driving Laws Key Info | Arizona Distracted Driving Laws Detals |
|---|---|
| Hand-held ban | No |
| Young driver cell phone ban | Learner's permit holders and intermediate license holders during the first six months after licensing |
| Texting ban | Learner's permit holders and intermediate license holders during the first six months after licensing |
| Enforcement | Secondary |
Please be aware of some cities, including Flagstaff and Phoenix, having a texting ban and some have handheld bans.
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Driving in Arizona
Did you know that some vehicles are more prone to theft than others? In this next section, we are going to cover vehicle thefts and also look at road fatalities. We will narrow down when, where, and who are in fatal crashes on the roadways. Finally, we will discuss commuting in Arizona.
Vehicle Theft in Arizona
This table shows the car and most popular year of the thefts of that car type during that calendar year.
Arizona Vehicle Thefts
| Vehicles | Vehicle Model Year | Number of Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 1997 | 1,072 |
| Honda Civic | 1998 | 1,016 |
| Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 2004 | 850 |
| Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 2006 | 772 |
| Dodge Pickup (Full Size) | 2001 | 428 |
| Nissan Altima | 2015 | 269 |
| GMC Pickup (Full Size) | 2015 | 246 |
| Toyota Camry | 1999 | 210 |
| Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee | 1994 | 207 |
| Nissan Sentra | 2014 | 200 |
Next, let’s look at which city has the most theft.
Top 10 Arizona Cities for Vehicle Thefts
| Arizona Cities | Number of Thefts |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | 6,355 |
| Tucson | 2,190 |
| Glendale | 1,050 |
| Mesa | 952 |
| Tempe | 487 |
| Chandler | 279 |
| Yuma | 222 |
| Scottsdale | 208 |
| Peoria | 207 |
| Gilbert | 153 |
Phoenix has three times as many vehicle thefts as Tucson, the city with the second highest occurrences.
Road Fatalities in Arizona
Sadly, road fatalities can happen at any time of day and can include even the most vigilant driver. We are going to go over some facts about when and where most fatal accidents occur.
Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition & Light Condition
Most fatal accidents surprisingly happen in normal, daylight hours.
Arizona Traffic Fatalities by Weather Condition
| Weather Condition | Daylight | Dark, but Lighted | Dark | Dawn or Dusk | Other / Unknown | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 350 | 191 | 146 | 38 | 1 | 726 |
| Rain | 8 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Snow/Sleet | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Unknown | 45 | 2 | 68 | 0 | 52 | 167 |
| TOTAL | 407 | 203 | 217 | 39 | 53 | 919 |
You would think that more accidents would occur under low light conditions and during bad weather. On the contrary, a majority of accidents happen on sunny days.
Fatalities by County
Now let’s take a look at the Arizona counties with the most traffic fatalities.
Top 15 Arizona Counties for Traffic Fatalities
| Arizona Counties | 2013 Fatalities | 2014 Fatalities | 2015 Fatalities | 2016 Fatalities | 2017 Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa | 398 | 367 | 405 | 478 | 471 |
| Pima | 96 | 88 | 93 | 111 | 114 |
| Pinal | 59 | 45 | 55 | 62 | 71 |
| Yavapai | 41 | 42 | 47 | 41 | 55 |
| Navajo | 34 | 39 | 43 | 31 | 48 |
| Coconino | 40 | 45 | 58 | 50 | 47 |
| Mohave | 55 | 29 | 49 | 53 | 44 |
| Apache | 28 | 26 | 49 | 35 | 42 |
| Gila | 23 | 17 | 31 | 19 | 27 |
| Yuma | 24 | 33 | 16 | 18 | 26 |
| Cochise | 20 | 12 | 17 | 26 | 22 |
| La Paz | 13 | 11 | 19 | 18 | 18 |
| Graham | 2 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| Santa Cruz | 8 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Greenlee | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Maricopa County has experienced the most traffic fatalities between 2013 and 2017.
Traffic Fatalities
The area of town where a crash occurs can play a factor.
Arizona Traffic Fatalities by Road Location
| Years | Rural Road Fatalities | Urban Road Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 474 | 464 |
| 2009 | 419 | 386 |
| 2010 | 354 | 405 |
| 2011 | 384 | 439 |
| 2012 | 375 | 444 |
| 2013 | 337 | 509 |
| 2014 | 289 | 482 |
| 2015 | 343 | 550 |
| 2016 | 335 | 612 |
| 2017 | 352 | 647 |
While fatalities on rural roads have steadily declined over the years, deaths on urban roads are on the rise.
Fatalities by Vehicle Type
This next table shows what type of vehicle the occupant was in when the fatal accident occurred.
Arizona Traffic Fatalities by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Types | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | 209 | 216 | 254 | 265 | 250 |
| Light Truck – Pickup | 116 | 74 | 103 | 101 | 111 |
| Light Truck – Utility | 100 | 81 | 105 | 113 | 105 |
| Light Truck – Van | 24 | 20 | 33 | 30 | 22 |
| Light Truck – Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Large Truck | 11 | 9 | 17 | 16 | 19 |
| Bus | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Other/Unknown Occupants | 46 | 56 | 56 | 55 | 64 |
| Total Occupants | 508 | 458 | 568 | 582 | 575 |
Read more: Bus Driver Car Insurance
Occupants in passenger cars account for almost half of all the fatalities in Arizona.
Fatalities by Crash Type
The majority of crashes involve a single car fatality.
Arizona Fatalities by Crash Type
| Crash Type | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Vehicle | 506 | 462 | 499 | 542 | 566 |
| Involving a Roadway Departure | 377 | 301 | 379 | 388 | 371 |
| Involving Speeding | 293 | 255 | 315 | 325 | 299 |
| Involving a Rollover | 259 | 218 | 268 | 294 | 262 |
| Involving an Intersection | 239 | 212 | 248 | 269 | 272 |
| Involving a Large Truck | 63 | 67 | 91 | 83 | 94 |
| Total Fatalities (All Crashes)* | 849 | 773 | 897 | 952 | 1,000 |
Crashes caused by leaving the road is the second highest cause of traffic fatalities.
Five-Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties
Almost all of the traffic fatalities in Arizona occur in 10 counties.
Top 10 Arizona Counties for Traffic Fatalities – Five-Year Trend
| Rank | Arizona Counties | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maricopa County | 398 | 367 | 405 | 478 | 471 |
| 2 | Pima County | 96 | 88 | 93 | 111 | 114 |
| 3 | Pinal County | 59 | 45 | 55 | 62 | 71 |
| 4 | Yavapai County | 41 | 42 | 47 | 41 | 55 |
| 5 | Navajo County | 34 | 39 | 43 | 31 | 48 |
| 6 | Coconino County | 40 | 45 | 58 | 50 | 47 |
| 7 | Mohave County | 55 | 29 | 49 | 53 | 44 |
| 8 | Apache County | 28 | 26 | 49 | 35 | 42 |
| 9 | Gila County | 23 | 17 | 31 | 19 | 27 |
| 10 | Yuma County | 24 | 33 | 16 | 18 | 26 |
| Top 10 Counties Subtotal | Top 10 Counties | 798 | 731 | 849 | 906 | 945 |
| All Other Counties Subtotal | All Other Counties | 49 | 42 | 46 | 45 | 55 |
| Total | All Counties | 847 | 773 | 895 | 951 | 1,000 |
Maricopa County continues to lead the state in the number of traffic fatalities.
Fatalities Involving Speeding by County
Maricopa County also experiences the most fatalities in Arizona linked to speeding.
Top 15 Arizona Counties for Speeding Fatalities
| Arizona Counties | 2013 Speeding Fatalities | 2014 Speeding Fatalities | 2015 Speeding Fatalities | 2016 Speeding Fatalities | 2017 Speeding Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | 111 | 111 | 132 | 148 | 128 |
| Pima County | 38 | 27 | 33 | 45 | 36 |
| Yavapai County | 14 | 14 | 22 | 17 | 25 |
| Navajo County | 13 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 21 |
| Pinal County | 24 | 17 | 16 | 24 | 21 |
| Mohave County | 28 | 9 | 26 | 21 | 17 |
| Coconino County | 11 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 10 |
| Yuma County | 9 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| Gila County | 11 | 7 | 13 | 8 | 8 |
| La Paz County | 4 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 8 |
| Apache County | 13 | 3 | 18 | 12 | 6 |
| Conchise County | 9 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 4 |
| Graham County | 1 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Santa Cruz County | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Greenlee County | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Looking at the total speeding fatalities in Greenlee County, speeding doesn’t appear to be a leading factor of traffic fatalities in Arizona.
Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver
Alcohol plays a role in traffic fatalities in Maricopa County.
Top 15 Arizona Counties for Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities
| Arizona Counties | 2013 Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities | 2014 Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities | 2015 Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities | 2016 Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities | 2017 Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | 97 | 77 | 115 | 128 | 131 |
| Pima County | 29 | 25 | 32 | 24 | 33 |
| Coconino County | 10 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 18 |
| Apache County | 11 | 7 | 22 | 15 | 14 |
| Mohave County | 12 | 6 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
| Navajo County | 11 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 14 |
| Pinal County | 14 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 |
| Gila County | 7 | 5 | 11 | 4 | 9 |
| Yavapai County | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 9 |
| Cochise County | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Yuma County | 7 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| La Paz County | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Graham County | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Greenlee County | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Santa Cruz County | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Greenlee County saw four alcohol-related traffic deaths between 2013 and 2017.
Teen Drinking & Driving
Underage drinking in Arizona is classified as a Class One misdemeanor. If you are your child is convicted, there could be fines, imprisonment, suspension of license, and even an ignition interlock system.
EMS Response Time
If you are ever in an accident, EMS could save your life. Below is a table showing the average times to the scene of the accident and to the hospital.
Arizona EMS Response Time by Crash Location
| Response Time (in Minutes) | Rural Roadway | Urban Roadway |
|---|---|---|
| Time of Crash to EMS Notification | 3.96 | 1.65 |
| EMS Notification to EMS Arrival | 17.4 | 5.71 |
| EMS Arrival at Scene to Hospital Arrival | 56.80 | 23.99 |
| Time of Crash to Hospital Arrival | 72.01 | 30.50 |
| Total Fatalities | 277 | 574 |
If you’re going to get into an accident, you are better off having it in the city than in the country.
Transportation
Lastly, we are going to look at commuting and car ownership. How much does a typical driver in Arizona commute and what does traffic look like?
Car Ownership
The majority of residents own two cars in Arizona.
Commute Time
The average Arizonan travels roughly 24 minutes commuting to work every day. This commuting time is slightly below the average American.
Commuter Transportation
Most drivers drove alone to work, while very few carpooled or used public transit.
Traffic Congestion in Arizona
Here is a look at some of the largest populated areas of Arizona and how much time you can expect to be sitting in traffic.
Traffic Congestion in Phoenix, Tuscon, & Surprise, AZ
| Arizona Cities | Hours Spent in Traffic | Peak (Time in Traffic) | Daytime (Time in Traffic) | Overall (Time in Traffic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 34 | 9% | 4% | 6% |
| Surprise | 13 | 8% | 8% | 7% |
| Tucson | 10 | 5% | 4% | 4% |
We have covered a lot of information today! We hope that it has been very helpful for you in determining which insurance is best for you.
Before making any final decisions on your insurance company, it is important to learn as much as you can about your local insurance providers, and the coverages they offer. Call your local insurance agent to clear up any questions that you might have. Questions to consider asking include, “What is the best coverage plan for me/my family/my situation?” “What are the minimum coverage requirements in my state and what form of coverage do you recommend?” “Do you guys offer any bundle discounts if I take out both my auto insurance and home insurance with you?” and “What is the average rate of insurance quotes you guys offer?”
Before making any big insurance decisions, use our free tool to compare insurance quotes near you. It’s simple, just plug in your zip code and we’ll do the rest!
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Automatio...
Insurance Operations Specialist
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