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Phoenix Auto Insurance
Are you looking to get an auto insurance quote in Phoenix, AZ for your car, truck or van? Rates for Insurance can help you find the best auto insurance rates near you. We completed an analysis of some of the top car insurance providers in Phoenix for both liability coverage only and full coverage to provide you an in-depth analysis on who is the lowest cost auto insurance company in Phoenix.
What is Required for Phoenix Drivers?
Phoenix drivers must adhere to Arizona's insurance laws, which mandate that every driver carry a significant level of auto insurance. In fact, your insurance should cover at least $15,000 worth of injuries for a single person, and a minimum of $30,000 for two or more people. Additionally, your insurance should be able to cover property damages up to at least $10,000. To meet the state's standards, you’ll need to at least have liability insurance, which will cover these state minimums.
These rules apply to any motorized vehicle on Phoenix streets and highways. That includes all motorcycles, mopeds, and even golf carts. If you fail to procure adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle, or if your policy expires and you don't renew in a timely fashion, you may lose your driver's license and/or your Arizona state automobile registration. You must then reinstate your insurance, provide proof thereof to the MVD, and shoulder all additional costs from your insurer.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Phoenix
A. For Young Newer Drivers Unmarried Male – Liability/Full Coverage
We have conducted an analysis of several automobile insurers operating in Phoenix, and the state of Arizona generally. The chart below shows our data, which displays five in-state insurers and their rates by city. Rates for a single 30-year-old male driver with basic liability insurance is more expensive than that for a single woman, but there is a range of prices available. These were cheaper than the state benchmark by approximately 33%.
Unmarried Young Male | Liability Only |
Geico | $2,188 |
American Family Insurance | $2,481 |
Safe Auto | $3,177 |
Progressive | $3,558 |
Travelers | $3,303 |
When we looked at unmarried young men around the age of 30, we found that full coverage was significantly more expensive depending on their insurer and their hometown. While we weren't able to find rate information from Safe Auto with regard to this specific demographic and coverage level, the following companies showed a variety of rates for Phoenix drivers.
Unmarried Young Male | Full Coverage |
Geico | $2,510 |
American Family Insurance | $2,676 |
Safe Auto | $3,662 |
Progressive | $4,082 |
Travelers | $4,487 |
B. For Young Newer Drivers Unmarried Female – Liability/Full Coverage
Young, unmarried women also need Phoenix automobile insurance. This is one area where women seem to have a financial edge over their male counterparts. For whatever reason, young women drivers in Phoenix seem to have fewer accidents and are generally less of a risk for automobile insurance than young men. Five of the various rates for liability insurance in Phoenix are as follows.
Unmarried Young Female | Liability Only |
Geico | $2,111 |
American Family | $2,413 |
Safe Auto | $2,691 |
Infinity | $2,657 |
Travelers | $2,717 |
Like their male counterparts, young female drivers in Phoenix pay higher rates for more coverage. Our study of automobile insurers in Arizona, and Phoenix in particular, showed that while rates are higher for increased coverage, young female drivers could still find affordable auto insurance. Here are five of the available plans.
Unmarried Young Male | Full Coverage |
American Family Insurance | $2,523 |
Allstate | $2,934 |
Travelers | $3,288 |
Nationwide | $3,397 |
Nationwide | $4,108 |
C. Married Couple Mid Aged 40's No Accidents – Liability/Full Coverage
As we age, marry, and avoid accidents, our insurance rates tend to fall. Insurers have found that this demographic is a better financial risk for automobile insurance. For liability coverage, some companies set their rates below $1,000. To maintain this low cost, drivers need to maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or speeding violations. According to our analysis of Arizona insurance companies, middle aged, married couples can get great deals from the following firms.
Married Couple – No Accidents | Liability Coverage Only |
American Family Insurance | $886 |
Geico | $909 |
Infinity | $1,370 |
Travelers | $1,675 |
Safe Auto | $1,698 |
For full coverage, married couples incur a higher rate. However, full coverage also covers their car even if they are at fault in an accident. Full coverage can also be helpful if their automobile is damaged by a falling tree limb or a child's baseball, among other no-fault scenarios. Here are five full-coverage policies for this demographic in Phoenix:
Married Couple – No Accidents | Full Coverage |
American Family Insurance | $1,025 |
Geico | $1,053 |
Progressive | $1,502 |
Nationwide | $1,627 |
Travelers | $2,005 |
D. Married Couple Mid Aged 40's With at Fault Accidents – Liability/Full Coverage
On the other hand, middle aged couples in their 40's who have at-fault accidents on their driving records must pay higher premiums for their automobile insurance. While their rates can lower over time, assuming no further at-fault collisions or speeding tickets, for a period they must pay more. Here are examples of the cost of insurance for those in this demographic.
Married Couple – At-Fault Accidents | Liability Coverage Only |
American Family Insurance | $950 |
Geico | $1,258 |
Safe Auto | $1,633 |
Infinity | $1,930 |
Travelers | $2,035 |
Married Phoenix couples with at-fault accidents on their records also pay a bit more for full coverage automobile insurance. Though this might be one of the more expensive combinations for their automobile coverage, the full coverage option will pay off in case of a no-fault incident.
Married Couple – At-Fault Accidents | Full Coverage |
American Family Insurance | $950 |
Geico | $1,258 |
Safe Auto | $1,633 |
Infinity | $1,930 |
Travelers | $2,035 |
The Difference Between Liability and Full Coverage in Phoenix
What is Liability-Only
Liability-only coverage is the cheapest option for automobile insurance. This coverage level only covers vehicles that are not at fault in an accident. Thus, if you carry liability-only coverage and cause an accident, the other driver will be covered by your policy. Any damage done to your car must be covered out of pocket, if at all.
Another way to think of liability insurance is that it protects you from claims made by another driver. Without the protection of insurance, you might be sued if you were to collide with another vehicle.
What is Full Coverage
Full Coverage is a commonly used term which covers more than just the damage you might cause in an accident, or the coverage you are liable for. If your policy covers your liability to another vehicle, the damage done to your vehicle (collision insurance), and any incidental damage done to your car by any non-auto elements (comprehensive coverage), then you have a policy that is indeed full coverage. If you have a new car, you may wish to cover it with such a policy, as you might want the peace of mind that any damage will be covered by insurance.
Difference Between the two and cost examples
The chief distinction between full and liability coverage is that full coverage ensures that any damage done to your car can be covered by insurance. Liability insurance only protects you from claims when you are at-fault in an accident. You will still need to pay for any damage to your own car, you just won’t have to pay for damage you caused to another person’s car. Full coverage can cover damage to your car even if the other driver is not insured and cannot compensate you for damages.
Finally, all states require that you carry at least a liability insurance policy so that collision victims receive compensation in the event of an accident. At-fault drivers are likewise protected from claims resulting from an automobile accident.
Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Rates in Arizona
Avoid Accidents:
When your record is clear of at-fault accidents, insurers see you as a better financial risk. Thus, your premiums will be lower.Don't Speed:
If you have one or more speeding tickets, your insurance rates will be higher. This is because high speeds are associated with accidents, and if you speed you are more likely to be deemed at-fault in an accident.Shop Around:
There are at least twenty auto insurance companies currently active in Phoenix. Their premium rates are spread over a wide range, so be sure to compare prices and make sure you get the best, and most affordable, policy for you.Comprehensive Insurance Packages:
Insurance companies like when you use them for more than simple auto insurance. Thus, they frequently offer packages that include homeowner's insurance, or other policies, on the same account. When you opt for one of these comprehensive policies, the company is often able to lower your automobile premium as part of the deal.Multiple Vehicles:
Similar to purchasing a comprehensive insurance package, combining multiple vehicles on the same policy results in lower premiums. Consider this a bulk purchase for your auto insurance.Military and Student Discounts:
Sometimes insurance companies have special discounts for certain demographics, like active military or students.
Factors That Affect Your Phoenix, AZ Car Insurance Rate
Your car insurance rates can change over time. One of the most reliable factors that will impact your premiums is your age. The older you are, the lower your insurance premiums should be. You may also find your rates vary depending on the car you drive. Sports cars or jeeps may incur higher premiums, while SUVs and sedans are cheaper to insure.
Rates are also impacted by your gender and age, though young women will have lower rates than their same-aged male friends. Actuarial tables show that young drivers are more prone to speeding, alcohol infractions, and accidents than older people, as are young males rather than females.
You can also reduce your regular premium payments by opting for a higher deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverage packages. You can also opt to pay your premium in a larger, single payment every six months rather than spreading the premium out over monthly payments.