Phoenix Car Insurance

(How to find the best coverage for you)

Written by Rene Todd Fields
Written by Rene Todd Fields

Environmental and natural resource advocate and business owner, Rene Todd Fields, has more than 10 years of experience working within both private and public sectors and enjoys helping individuals understand their options and make solid coverage decisions.

Updated
Phoenix Arizona car insurance

Phoenix, AZ, is the capital of Arizona, known as “The Valley of the Sun.” Phoenix is located in the Salt River Valley in the south-central portion of the state. Surrounded by the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and bordered by lakes and the Superstition Mountains to the east, the city of Phoenix is situated on flat desert terrain. 

Phoenix’s climate is mild with low humidity and around 325 days of sunshine every year, which makes it one of the sunniest cities in the nation. Phoenix, AZ, is prone to extreme heat as the area is mostly covered in desert features. Some of the major causes of natural disasters in Phoenix, AZ, include the following:

  1. Lightning
  2. Flash floods
  3. Dust storms
  4. Wildfires
  5. Tornados

When temperatures soar in Phoenix, especially during Arizona’s scorching summers, accidents happen, and you are going to need a good car insurance policy. Whether your engine blew up on W. Jefferson street, or your car caught on fire on the Pima freeway, either one could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in accident-related financial losses.

By hiring an independent insurance agent, you can make shopping for the best car insurance policy to meet your coverage and financial needs simple. Find an independent insurance agent in Phoenix, AZ, to learn more. Start comparing personalized car insurance quotes without delay.

How Much Is the Cost for Car Insurance in Phoenix, AZ?

The typical cost of car insurance in Arizona is slightly lower than the national average. You might be able to save hundreds of dollars every year if you take your time when shopping and comparing rates.

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Arizona average annual car insurance cost: $1,247

Insurance rates differ from one person to another since all insurance companies have their own method of deciding risk and calculating rates. Following are some factors that your car insurance quote will be based upon:

  • The make, model, and year of vehicles being insured
  • Your age, gender, occupation, and marital status
  • The amount of liability insurance being obtained
  • The amount of your deductible
  • Your credit score and driving record
  • Whether you own or rent your home
  • Information about other licensed drivers in your home
  • The coverage options included in your policy

If you happen to bundle your car insurance with renters or homeowners insurance, you may qualify for substantial discounts on your policies. You may also qualify for additional discounts if you have a safe driving record or you make good grades in school.

Let an independent insurance agent assist you in comparing rates and finding the discounts you qualify for. They will help you to get the car insurance coverage you need at the most cost-effective price.

What Car Insurance Coverage Options Are Available for Phoenix, AZ?

Most car insurance policies are constructed with a combination of mandatory and voluntary car insurance coverage options. As a resident of Phoenix, AZ, your policy must meet or exceed Arizona minimum car insurance coverage requirements. Arizona requires car drivers to carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist insurance policy.

In addition, if you still owe on your car, your lender will very almost certainly demand you to carry comprehensive and collision insurance. Similarly, if leasing your car, the merchant will presumably expect you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage.

The minimum liability insurance requirements are as follows:

  • $25,000 for injury/death to one person
  • $50,000 for injury/death to more than one person
  • $15,000 for damage to property

Liability insurance reimburses third parties for personal injury and/or property damage. Be aware that comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements.

Following are some of the car insurance coverage options you might anticipate your local independent insurance agent offering:

  • Uninsured motorist insurance: (Required) This option covers other non-covered damage and injuries you may undergo if in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
  • Collision insurance: (Partially optional) This option covers repairs or the replacement of your car if damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: (Partially optional) This option covers repairs or the replacement of your car if lost or damaged due to a non-collision event such as flooding, lighting, or car fire.
  • Roadside assistance and towing: (Optional) This option covers essential options if your car breaks down while out driving, like if all your engine coolant leaks out.
  • Rental reimbursement coverage: (Optional) This option covers the cost of renting an alternate car while your car is being repaired following a covered event.

Talk to your independent insurance agent for help in deciding the liability coverage you can reasonably afford.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Phoenix, AZ?

If pulled over while driving in Arizona, you'd better make sure you meet the minimum requirements for car liability insurance or else you may face some pretty steep consequences. If you can prove you did meet those requirements before you attend court and you still meet those requirements, you may be let go before you are penalized further.

For all first offenses, you can expect three penalties, which are as follows:

  1. A fine of at least $500
  2. Driving privileges suspended
  3. A SR-22 requirement for 2 years

Note, the court can attach other fees and fines no matter if it was your first or sixth offense.

Second offense:              

A fine of at least $750

6-month suspension of your driver's license, registration, and license plate

  1. A SR-22 requirement for two years

Third and subsequent offenses:

  1. A fine of at least $1,000            
  2. 1-year suspension: driver's license, registration, and license plate  
  3. SR-22 certificate for two years

Arizona has some of the severest penalties for uninsured driving in the nation. It should therefore come as no surprise that it also has a somewhat lower fraction of uninsured drivers.

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13%
  • Percentage of AZ drivers who are uninsured: 12%

The good thing is since you are required to have uninsured motorist car insurance in your policy, you can be assured if an uninsured driver is responsible for an accident with your car, you will receive the compensation you are owed without going through expensive lawyers or arduous lawsuits.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Phoenix, AZ?

The 2018 crime rate in Phoenix, AZ, is 397, which is 1.4 times greater than the US average. In the last five years, Phoenix has seen increasing violent crime and decline of property crime.

  • National auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 228.9
  • AZ auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 266.9
  • Phoenix auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 472.8

Though the risk of having your car stolen is a much higher in Phoenix, it is important for you to remember you can only be compensated for a car theft if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional coverage can also encompass a extensive assortment of non-collision damage such as that caused by floods, structure fires, and dust storms.

If you are still making payments on or leasing your vehicle, you perhaps even now have comprehensive coverage. If not, talk to your independent insurance agent to learn how much it will cost you to add this useful non-collision coverage to your car insurance policy.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Phoenix, AZ?

Independent insurance agents can be particularly beneficial when looking for the best car insurance policy. These insurance experts can expound on your coverage options, answer insurance-associated questions, and help you assess offerings from multiple providers.

Discover the many benefits of working with an independent insurance agent. Contact an independent insurance agent with an office near you, and you can start comparing personalized car insurance quotes at once.

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