Last updated: May 8, 2026
Guide to Car Insurance in Arizona
Everything you need to know about driving in the Grand Canyon State.
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Key Takeaways: Car Insurance in Arizona 2026
Arizona requires minimum liability coverage, but most drivers benefit from more protection.
- Arizona requires $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage liability; full coverage averages $2,676/year.
- Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage among major insurers at $1,708/year; Allstate is the most expensive at $3,482/year.
- A DUI raises average premiums to $3,867/year and stays on your record for seven years.
- Arizona ranks fifth in the nation for traffic fatality rates, at 28.5% above the national average.
Required Car Insurance in Arizona
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,0001
How Much Coverage You Need
Arizona’s minimum liability requirements are a starting point, but more coverage is often better. Most drivers are better protected with a 100/300/100 policy — $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $100,000 in property damage liability.
Beyond liability, collision and comprehensive coverage protect your own vehicle. Collision covers damage from accidents regardless of fault, while comprehensive covers non-collision events like theft or weather damage.
DID YOU KNOW?
It’s important for your plan to cover damages from natural disasters under comprehensive coverage. Arizona is prone to flash flooding during monsoon season, from mid-June through September, which could cause storm damage to your vehicle.
Cost of Auto Insurance in Arizona
The average cost of car insurance in Arizona is $2,676 annually (about $223 per month) for full coverage with a clean record. Minimum coverage drops that figure to $1,022 per year, or $85 per month.
Pricing varies widely by provider. Travelers offers the most competitive full coverage rate among major insurers at $1,708 per year, followed by GEICO at $2,034. USAA comes in at $1,855 annually, though coverage is limited to military members and their families. Allstate is the priciest major option at $3,482 per year.
Your driving record and credit score heavily shape what you’ll pay. A DUI pushes the average annual premium to $3,867, while a single at-fault accident raises it to $3,626. A speeding ticket has a smaller impact — typically a 4% increase, bringing the monthly average to about $207. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $3,670 annually, and insuring a teen driver is the most expensive scenario at $5,904 per year.
Where you live in Arizona matters too. Phoenix drivers pay some of the highest rates in the state, with full coverage averaging between $2,868 and $3,155. Other cities tend to be more affordable: Peoria averages $2,783, Scottsdale $2,675, Mesa $2,140, and Tucson $2,132.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Picking a large provider doesn’t guarantee better coverage. Look at customer service ratings and complaints when deciding between providers.
Proof of Car Insurance
When driving in Arizona, you’ll need proof of insurance, whether it takes the form of a physical ID card or a digital ID housed in an app. The medium for electronic proof of insurance depends on your provider.
You could face penalties if you’re caught driving without insurance:
| Penalty | First offense | Second offense | Third offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| License plate taken | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum fee | $500 | $750 | $1,000 |
| License and registration suspension | 3 months | 6 months | 1 year |
| SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years2 |
Arizona State Laws: Driving and Car Insurance
At-Fault State
Arizona is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault party pays for both property damage and bodily injury. In terms of negligence laws, Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state. Pure comparative negligence laws rule that accident victims can recover money for injuries no matter how negligent they were, even if their degree of fault was higher than the opposing party’s.3
Drivers Without Insurance
Although UM coverage isn’t a requirement in Arizona, many companies still offer it. While this coverage is not necessary, it provides extra protection while on the road, since 12 percent of drivers in Arizona were uninsured in 2022, 2 percent less than the national average.4
Stacking is the act of combining coverage for multiple vehicles. Unfortunately, Arizona operates unstacked. If you have more than one car on your policy, you cannot apply uninsured/underinsured bodily injury coverage across your vehicles.
Driving Under the Influence Laws
It is unlawful to be under the influence of liquor or drugs while driving, because that can inhibit your capability to control a vehicle. When you receive your license in Arizona, you consent to test for blood alcohol or drug content (BADC). The term for the interlock in Arizona is Certified Ignition Interlock Device (CIID).
If you fail a BADC test and are charged with a DUI, it will stay on your driving record for seven years.5 The type of DUI determines BADC thresholds and penalties:
| Penalty | DUI
| Extreme DUI
| Aggravated DUI
|
|---|---|---|---|
| License suspension (minimum length) | 90 days | 90 days | 1 year |
| Imprisonment | At least 10 consecutive days | At least 30 consecutive days | No more than 2 years |
| Minimum fine | $1,250 | $2,500 | Determined by case |
| CIID on vehicle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Community service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol screening, education, and treatment | Yes | Yes | Yes6 |
These are some other instances when you would be required to install a CIID:
- A second drunk-driving offense that occurs within seven years of the first
- A third or subsequent drunk-driving offense
- A drunk-driving offense while license is suspended or revoked for a prior DWI offense
- A drunk-driving child endangerment offense
- A first or second offense of 0.15 percent BAC
Seat Belt Laws
Anyone under the age of 16 is required to wear a seat belt in Arizona, no matter what seat they’re in. Arizona operates under secondary seat belt law,7 which means an officer can only issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt when there is another citable traffic infraction.
Distracted Driving Laws
Arizona has a hands-off policy, meaning it is illegal to talk or text on a cellphone while driving unless the device is in a hands-free mode. This hands-off policy combats distracted driving, especially texting and driving.
Here are the fees for using a phone while driving:
- First offense — $75 to $149
- Subsequent offenses — $250 plus applicable surcharges8
Teen Driver Laws
If you’re under 18, you can apply for a graduated instruction permit or a graduated driver’s license. For either a graduated permit or license, you must pass written and vision tests and bring a completed application with original supporting documents to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Find original supporting document requirements here: https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/40-5144.pdf.
There are specific regulations under each certification:
| Requirement | Graduated instruction permit | Graduated driver’s license |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old | Must have held a graduated instruction permit for at least 6 months and be at least 16 years old |
| Supervision | Must have a licensed driver (at least 21 years old) in the front seat at all times | Must have a licensed driver (at least 21) in the front seat if past curfew or transporting more than 1 passenger |
| Curfew | None | For the first 6 months, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless driving to or from a sanctioned school-sponsored activity, religious activity, or place of employment, or because of a family emergency |
| Passengers | Any | Cannot drive with more than 1 passenger under 18 unless the additional passengers are your siblings |
For drivers younger than 18, the application for an instruction permit or driver’s license requires an adult signature. The adult will be responsible for any negligence or willful misconduct when the teen is driving.9
ARE YOU AWARE?
Many providers offer discounts for being a good student. If your child is driving on your plan, ask your provider about discounts for good grades. This type of discount usually applies to students under age 25 who have B averages or above.
Statute of Limitations for Claims
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for both personal injury and property damage. If you don’t file within the first two years, you probably won’t be able to recover any compensation.
Cancellation and Non-Renewal Policies
Auto insurance companies cannot cancel policies that have been in force for over 60 days except under the following circumstances:
- You didn’t pay the premium.
- You have committed fraud or misrepresentation on your application.
- Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.10
A non-renewal happens when either you or your company decides not to renew the policy once it expires. Insurance companies must give you notice or explanation before dropping a policy. A provider may drop a policy if it no longer offers that type of insurance, if it doesn’t want to write as many policies in your area, or if you were driving under the influence.11
In Arizona, companies must notify you 45 days prior to the expiration date for cancellation or nonrenewal, regardless of the reason.
Self-Insurance
Arizona allows self-insurance if you own more than 10 vehicles. The Director of the Department of Transportation issues the minimum required collateral, it depends on the value of your vehicles and other factors.12 However, most people will go the standard personal car insurance route.
Car Inspection Requirements
Vehicle inspections match a vehicle identification number (VIN) to ownership documents to determine the identity of the vehicle, and in some cases, to verify the vehicle is properly equipped for highway use. At an inspection, you’ll need the following documents:
- Proof of ownership
- Car title
- Registration or bill of sale
- Valid driver’s license
- Receipts or invoices for all components that have been repaired or replaced
Fee and location requirements depend on the level of your inspection request:
| Level I | Level II | Level III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For title requests, bonded titles, or out-of-state/country vehicles without proof of title and/or registration | When circumstances indicate secondary VIN(s) should be verified for proper vehicle identification | When a vehicle is restored from salvage, recovered from being stolen, or has been involved in a collision |
| Location | MVD offices or by designated law enforcement officers
Location finder: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/mvd-hours-and-locations | By appointment at ADOT ECD inspection locations
Location finder: https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/enforcement/vehicle-inspections/inspection-locations-level-iiiii | By appointment at ADOT ECD inspection locations |
| Fee | None | $20
Additional $5 if an Arizona assigned number is issued | $50, or $30 if Level II inspection has already been conducted13 |
SR-22
An SR-22, or a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate, verifies that you have motor vehicle liability insurance. You may be required to carry an SR-22 if you’re caught driving under any of these circumstances:
- With a suspended or revoked license
- With multiple unpaid tickets
- With no insurance coverage
- Recklessly
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
You are required to maintain proof for three years from the date you became eligible for reinstatement. Your license and registration will be suspended if you fail to maintain your SR-22.
Defensive Driving Courses
Defensive driving uses safe strategies to let motorists avoid hazards. You may take a course voluntarily to dismiss certain violations and their associated points, or the state may require you to take a defensive driving course. In either case, you can only get one violation dismissed for attendance, even if you received multiple traffic violations at once.14 You cannot take a defensive driving course if you attended one within the last 12 months.
You can find Arizona’s eligible violations that would require a defensive driving course at https://bit.ly/3723qOO. If you were involved in a serious injury accident or fatal accident, you are not eligible.
You may take classes in person or online. If a judge orders you to attend the course in person, you must register for a classroom course. You must complete your course no later than seven days prior to your court date. After successful completion of an Arizona-certified defensive driving program, the court is required to forward the record of judgment to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.15
Civil Suit Thresholds
In Arizona, there is no monetary or serious injury threshold for civil suits. No thresholds mean that regardless of the losses or injuries, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit after the accident.16
When to Report an Accident
Arizona requires immediate reporting for all accidents. You must share verbal or written communication, whichever is quickest, with the nearest local police department, office of the county sheriff, or office of highway patrol immediately after an accident. You must remain at the scene to provide your information and aid to any injured person.
If you fail to report an accident, the nature of the accident determines the maximum penalty for your first offense:
| Type of accident | Charge | License suspension (in years) | Imprisonment | Probation (in years) | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to a non-vehicle | Misdemeanor | 1 | 180 days | 1 | $2,500 plus surcharges |
| Damage to a parked vehicle | Misdemeanor | 1 | 180 days | 1 | $2,500 plus surcharges |
| Damage to your vehicle, no resulting injury | Misdemeanor | 1 | 4 months | 2 | $750 plus surcharges |
| Non-serious injury | Felony | 3 | 2.5 years, or more if you have a prior felony conviction | 3 | $150,000 maximum, at judge’s discretion |
| Serious injury or death (not your fault) | Felony | 5 | 8.75 years, or more if you have a prior felony conviction | 5 | $150,000 maximum, at judge’s discretion |
| Serious injury or death (your fault) | Felony | 10 | 12.5 years, or more if you have a prior felony conviction | 7 | $150,000 maximum, at judge’s discretion |
Price Discrimination Laws
Common factors that determine your premiums include your driving record, how much you use your car, your location, your age, and the car you drive. In Arizona, credit scores are one of many factors an insurance company can consider when determining how much to charge. Drivers with poor credit (300-579) in Arizona pay over double the amount those with exceptional credit (800-850) pay.
Gender is another factor that has a major impact on auto insurance costs in Arizona. Typically, men pay more for insurance due to higher fatality rates, DUI rates, and increased likelihood of being stopped by police.
Total Loss Threshold
Total loss threshold equals a vehicle’s repair cost divided by its actual cash value (AVC). Insurance companies use this percentage to determine if a vehicle is a total loss or worth repairing. In Arizona, a vehicle is considered a total loss if its AVC is equal to or less than the price of repairs plus the value of salvageable parts.17
Arizona Driving Contact Information
Registration Information
In Arizona, whenever you buy a vehicle, you must apply for a title within 15 days of purchase or you may face penalties. Here’s how to avoid penalties and register your car:
- Fill out the application. You can download it online if visiting the office in person (https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/96-0236.pdf), or you can activate and/or sign in to your account on the MVD website to access title state and replacement, registration, and other services at https://azmvdnow.gov/home.
- Gather the necessary documents.
- Valid Arizona driver’s license
- Emissions test (Phoenix and Tucson areas only)
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of ownership
- Lien details (if paying a loan on the vehicle)
- Signed application.
- Pay applicable fees. Determine your registration fee based on your vehicle (https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2019/08/AZ-registration-fees.pdf).
- Turn the application in. You have two options:
- Take the application to an MVD office or third-party provider. You can find the nearest office at https://azdot.gov/mvd/mvd-hours-and-locations.
- Take it to an authorized third-party provider. You can find the list at https://azdot.gov/node/9477.
- Submit the application from your MVD online account.
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division Contact Information
- URL: https://azdot.gov/mvd/contact-mvd
- Phone number: 602-255-0072
- Phone number for the hearing/speech-impaired: 602-712-3222
- Hours for phone lines: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Physical locations: https://azdot.gov/mvd/mvd-hours-and-locations
- Hours for physical locations: 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays
How to Get a Duplicate Car Title in Arizona
- Fill out the application. You can download it here: https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/96-0236.pdf.
- Pay the fee. Include $4 with your application. No notary is required.
- Mail the application.
- Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 2100, MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85001
- Motor Vehicle Division
Arizona Insurance Department Contact Information
- URL: https://difi.az.gov/
- Phone number: 602-364-3100
- Mailing address:
- 100 N. 15th Ave., Suite 261
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2630
- 100 N. 15th Ave., Suite 261
Car Repair Costs
Arizona’s average repair costs totaled $388.92 in 2021.18 On average, that breaks down into $250.14 for parts and $138.78 for labor.
Auto Theft and Traffic Deaths in Arizona
Auto Theft
Arizona had 295 car thefts per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, making car theft 10 percent more common than in the rest of the nation.19 The rate in Arizona’s most populous cities is significantly higher than the national average of 268, but that drops off significantly as the population density decreases.20
| Arizona metropolitan statistical area | Rate of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Tucson | 346 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | 318 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | 278 |
| Yuma | 267 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | 126 |
| Flagstaff | 124 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott | 87 |
Traffic Deaths
Unfortunately, Arizona had 1.71 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2022, a rate that sits 28.5 percent above the national average. Arizona ranks fifth in the nation for traffic fatality rates.21
Several issues coalesced to cause the spike in traffic-related crashes. Despite lower travel rates due to many people working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona’s fatal car crashes increased because of distracted, impaired, and reckless driving. More specifically, fatalities reached the second-highest rate on record in 2022 because of speed-related crashes and reduced police enforcement.22
Conclusion
Exploring Arizona’s auto insurance regulations can help you pick the best coverage for your needs. Keep safe driving practices in mind and carry proof of insurance as you embark on those desert roads. We’ve also reviewed the best auto insurance in Arizona so you can find the right provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to our research, drivers in Arizona pay an average of $113 per month for car insurance. Your actual monthly premium will depend on multiple factors, including location, age, credit score, and driving history.
Our research shows that full coverage car insurance costs $1,845, which is about 4 percent below the national average ($1,924). Overall, insurance premiums in Arizona have risen significantly in the past few years due to inflation, the rising costs of car parts, and more extreme weather in the Grand Canyon State.
If you end up in an accident where the at fault party has no insurance, you may still be able to get compensation. You can file a lawsuit against the other party if they have a sufficient amount of assets to claim. Also, you can have your damages covered if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Sources
What is “mandatory insurance”?. ADOT.
https://azdot.gov/faq/what-mandatory-insuranceDriving Without Insurance in Arizona. AZ Criminal Traffic. (2026).
https://www.azcriminaltraffic.com/driving-without-insurance-in-arizona12-2505. Comparative negligence. AZ Government. (2026),
https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/02505.htmFacts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. Insurance Information Institute. (2026).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motoristsState Ignition Interlock Laws. NCSL. (2024, Mar 14).
https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/state-ignition-interlock-lawsDriving Under the Influence (DUI). Arizona Department of Transportation. (2026).
https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/dui-suspension/driving-under-influence-duiSeat Belt Use. GHSA. (2026).
https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/seat-belt-useDistracted Driving. Arizona Department of Transportation. (2026, April 12).
https://azdot.gov/tags/distracted-drivingTeen Driver Guide to Class G Permit and License. Arizona Department of Transportation. (2026).
https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/teen-drivers/permit-and-license-requirementsVehicle Insurance | Consumer Information. Arizona Department of Transportation. (2026).
https://difi.az.gov/consumer/automobile-insuranceWhat’s the difference between auto policy cancellation and nonrenewal?. Insurance Information Institute. (2026).
https://www.iii.org/article/whats-the-difference-between-auto-policy-cancellation-and-nonrenewal28-4007. Self-insurers. AZ Legislature. (2026).
https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04007.htmVehicle Inspections. Arizona Department of Transportation. (2026).
https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/enforcement/vehicle-inspectionsAbout the Defensive Driving Program. AZ Courts. (2026).
https://www.azcourts.gov/drive/AboutRequirements for Taking a Defensive Driving Course. AZ Courts. (2026).
https://www.azcourts.gov/drive/Defensive-Driving-SchoolsCan Someone File a Civil Suit for a Car Accident?. Knapp & Roberts. (2022, Jul 13).
https://www.knappandroberts.com/can-someone-file-a-civil-suit-for-a-car-accident/How Does an Insurance Company Determine If a Car Is Totaled?. Stone Rose Law. (2023, Feb 22).
https://www.stoneroselaw.com/blog/az-personal-injury/how-does-an-insurance-company-determine-whether-a-car-is-totaled/https://www.carmd.com/assets/pdf/VHI/2022/State%20Index_2022.pdf
Motor vehicle theft rate in the United States in 2023, by state. Statista. (2026).
https://www.statista.com/statistics/232588/motor-vehicle-theft-rate-in-the-us-by-state/‘Hot Spots’ Report Shows Vehicle Theft Rates Spiking in Different Regions of the U.S. NICB. (2023, Oct 25).
https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/hot-spots-report-shows-vehicle-theft-rates-spiking-different-regions-usFatality Facts 2023 State by state. IIHS HLDI. (2025, Jul).
https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-statehttps://www.acnsc.org/articles/here-are-the-factors-behind-the-rise-in-arizona-traffic-fatalities
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