Every driver in the state of Arizona must have car insurance that meets or exceeds certain minimum coverage levels. If you’re looking for the best coverage in Arizona, it’s important to consider factors like the insurance policy’s price, customer satisfaction, claims processing and company stability. You may also consider the deductible and available insurance discounts to help make your decision. This information can help you understand which insurance company best fits your needs. Let’s review some of the best insurance options for Arizona drivers and learn a bit about each one.
Best Auto Insurance for Arizona
While the exact definition of the best auto insurance provider may differ depending on your needs, there are several notable insurance companies that provide excellent coverage in Arizona for a reasonable rate. Here are nine companies to consider and the average annual insurance rate for each:
- Geico: $931 per year
- USAA: $1,170 per year
- Nationwide: $1,202 per year
- State Farm: $1,202 per year
- Travelers: $1,243 per year
- Progressive: $1,272 per year
- American Family: $1,317 per year
- Farmers: $1,609 per year
- Allstate: $2,083 per year
Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Arizona
The state of Arizona requires a minimum insurance coverage plan to ensure that all drivers have protection from common hazards like roadway accidents, inclement weather, dust storms, and flash floods. These requirements extend to vehicles like cars, trucks, golf carts, motorcycles and mopeds. If you drive in Arizona without insurance and a police officer stops you, he or she may suspend your license. It’s important to explore your insurance options and choose the best one for you before you get behind the wheel.
Here are the basic minimum requirements for an Arizona car insurance plan:
- Property damage liability: $15,000 minimum coverage
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 for two or more individuals
If you’ll no longer be driving your car for a while, you may discontinue your insurance temporarily by notifying your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Just be sure to reactivate your insurance policy before getting back out on the road.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Car Insurance
There are a variety of elements that may impact which insurance provider you choose. When researching which auto insurance policy is best for your needs, there are some important factors to consider.
Price
In Arizona, the statewide average cost of car insurance is $1,317. When buying your car insurance, use this figure as a guide to decide whether the price a company offers is reasonable. If the price is well under the statewide average, investigate whether the policy includes the coverage you need before making your purchase.
Customer Service
When purchasing your policy or filing a claim, you will have to deal with your insurance company’s customer service representatives. You can read customer reviews to learn more about how satisfied customers are with the service they receive. Different companies may also prioritize different customer service channels.
For example, if you plan to visit your insurance provider in person, you can research which companies have a branch near your home. If you plan to do most of your insurance shopping online, you can research a company that has strong online customer support and a well-reviewed mobile app.
Claims Processing
The term “claims processing” refers to the insurance provider’s procedure of receiving and fulfilling the terms of the insurance agreement when a client files a claim. This process can include claim filing, review, investigation, adjustment and payment or denial. Ensuring that the insurance provider you choose not only has well-priced policies but also a history of simple and timely claims processing can help you find the best insurance company for you.
Deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you are expected to pay towards a covered claim before the insurance policy activates to cover the rest. You can often choose the amount of your deductible when you select your insurance policy.
The deductible you choose often inversely affects the premium you pay. If you choose a low deductible, you might pay more for your premium, but if you need to file a claim, you will pay less out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. If you choose a high deductible, you may pay less for your premium, but if you need to file a claim, you may pay substantially more out of pocket. When choosing an insurance provider, find out what deductible options they offer, and consider how much risk you’re willing to take.
Insurance Discounts
Another factor to consider when selecting your car insurance plan is the discounts that may be available to you. Many companies offer discounts to certain groups, including:
- Good driver discounts
- Good student discounts
- Homeowners or renters
- Clients with other insurance policies from the same company
- Multi-car discounts
- New car discounts
- Occupational discounts (i.e. for military personnel)
You can research different companies to find out which discounts they might offer that fit your situation, then use this information to select the company that can offer you the best deal.
Factors That Affect Insurance Premiums
The rate you pay for insurance may vary depending on a variety of factors that insurance companies use to determine the risk you present on the road. The higher your risk, the more you pay for insurance. Here are some key factors that an insurance company might consider when determining your insurance premium:
- Driving record
- Age
- Gender
- Location
- Credit score
- The make, model and age of your car
Different car companies may offer better deals for different individuals. For example, Geico offers particularly reasonable rates for teen drivers in Arizona, while Nationwide offers good rates for drivers who have been involved in an accident.
Hopefully, this article helps you understand how to pick the best auto insurance in Arizona for your needs. If you still have questions, you can contact us online for assistance.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
