Car Insurance in Gilbert, AZ
Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more for vehicle owners in Gilbert, Arizona.
Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career. He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
Anyone can be involved in a collision. That is why if you own a vehicle in Gilbert, you are required to have car insurance. Whether you cause a major crash on Loop 202 or you are in a fender bender caused by someone else on Williams Field Road, a good policy can shield you from large financial losses.
Local independent agents are ready to answer your insurance-related questions and help you find the coverage you want at the most competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Gilbert, AZ?
The average cost of car insurance in Arizona is lower than the national average rate. This is good news for drivers in Gilbert who are looking for an affordable policy.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Arizona average annual car insurance cost: $1,103
Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next. This is because insurance companies calculate your rates according to several factors such as:
- The year, make, and model of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
- Your age, occupation, driving record, and credit score
- Information about other licensed drivers in your household
- The amount of liability insurance you are including in your policy
- The coverage options (if any) you want to have in your policy
- The size of your deductible
If you buy your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides some of your other policies, like your home insurance or renters insurance, this is called bundling. You can usually get significant discounts on all your bundled policies.
Some other potential car insurance discounts you may qualify for include:
Comparing customized quotes from multiple insurance carriers lets you choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the best price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.
Is Car Insurance Required in Gilbert, AZ?
As a vehicle owner in Gilbert, you are required by law to carry a policy that meets or exceeds Arizona’s minimum coverage requirements.
In this state, all car insurance policies must include liability insurance. This covers injuries and property damage you cause to other people if you are at fault for an accident. Your auto liability coverage must meet or exceed the following minimums:
- Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability coverage per accident: $15,000
Arizona is what is referred to as a “comparative fault state.” This means that if more than one driver can be held responsible for an accident, their insurance provider will cover a corresponding percentage of the cost.
A minimum coverage policy may not be enough to fully cover your costs if you are at fault for a collision. That is why many drivers in Gilbert purchase more liability coverage than the state requires.
If you want even more coverage than your car insurance can provide, you might want to consider umbrella insurance.
What Else Does Gilbert, AZ Car Insurance Cover?
In addition to the required liability insurance mentioned above, your insurance company is likely to offer several coverage options, including things like:
- Physical damage coverage: This is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. It is designed to pay for damage to your own vehicle and includes:
- Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by a non-collision event such as a windstorm or theft.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance: This can cover the costs associated with injuries sustained by you and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Medical payments insurance: This can help cover the cost of medical treatment if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, even if the accident was your fault. It can supplement the coverage offered by your health insurance.
- Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road, such as if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or overheat your engine.
- Gap insurance: This is often a good idea in the first year or two of new car ownership. It can pay off your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, and you still owe more for the car than it is worth.
- Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while your own vehicle is being repaired following a covered event.
It is a good idea to review the details of all offered coverage options as well as their costs. That way, you can best decide which options are a good fit for you and the members of your household.
What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Gilbert, AZ?
Driving without insurance in Arizona is illegal. Penalties increase in severity according to the number of previous citations you have had for this violation. If you are caught driving without insurance, consequences can include:
- A civil penalty fine ranging from $500 to $1,000
- The suspension of your driving privileges for three months to one year
- The suspension of your vehicle’s registration and plates
- A fee to get your driver’s license, plates, and registration reinstated
- Higher car insurance rates
Despite this, many drivers in this state are operating uninsured vehicles.
- Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
- Percentage of Arizona drivers who are uninsured: 12.0%
If you have included uninsured motorist insurance in your car insurance policy, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will have the coverage you need to cover your medical treatment without the need to go through a lengthy legal process to collect it.
How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Gilbert, AZ?
The auto theft rate in Arizona is higher than the national average. However, in Gilbert, the rate is much lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist—residents of this town report around 150 vehicle thefts a year.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
- Arizona auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.67
- Gilbert auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.61
You can only be reimbursed for a stolen car if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional insurance covers a wide range of non-collision loss and damage, such as if a tree falls on your vehicle.
If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have comprehensive coverage already. If not, be sure to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your car insurance policy to determine if it is a good value for you and your family.
What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Gilbert, Arizona?
Qualities that make an insurance company stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.
Independent insurance agents in Gilbert have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Arizona. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by companies you can count on if you need to file a claim.
How Can an Independent Agent in Gilbert Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?
Independent agents make it easy to find the best car insurance policy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your coverage-related questions, and help you compare rates from a selection of competing providers.
It won’t cost you anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.