By Roberto Gomes | Updated October 2026. This guide compares published 2026 rate studies from ValuePenguin and NerdWallet with official information from the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) and Insurance Research Council data published by the Insurance Information Institute. Prime Capital Report does not sell insurance and is not a licensed agent. Every price below is an average or median from the source named next to it, so your own quote will be different.
The best car insurance in Arizona for most drivers comes from Travelers, Progressive and State Farm, plus USAA for military families. Travelers had the lowest full coverage median in NerdWallet’s October 2026 analysis, at $138 a month, and the cheapest minimum liability in ValuePenguin’s October 13, 2026 data, at $70 a month. Progressive had ValuePenguin’s lowest full coverage average among companies open to everyone, at $176 a month. ValuePenguin names State Farm ($203) the best overall for its service. Arizona costs more than the national average: NerdWallet puts full coverage at $2,940 a year, compared with $2,361 nationally. Phoenix is the state’s most expensive city.
Key takeaways
- Typical cost: ValuePenguin’s average is $236 a month for full coverage and $90 for minimum coverage (Oct. 13, 2026). NerdWallet’s full coverage average is $2,940 a year.
- Companies to quote first: Travelers ($138 a month, NerdWallet; $192, ValuePenguin), Progressive ($176, ValuePenguin) and State Farm ($203, ValuePenguin).
- Best service pick: State Farm. ValuePenguin says it gets 41% fewer complaints than an average company its size, and its Drive Safe & Save program offers up to 30% off without raising rates for bad habits.
- Legal minimum: 25/50/15 liability (DIFI). If you buy UM/UIM coverage, the lowest limit you can choose is 25/50.
- Watch the household exclusion: DIFI says Arizona lets insurers limit liability coverage for injured family members to the state minimum, no matter how much you buy.
- City matters: Phoenix averages $284 a month for full coverage; Tucson $229; Flagstaff $194 (ValuePenguin).
How much does car insurance cost in Arizona?
| Measure | Arizona | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage, average per month | $236 | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Minimum coverage, average per month | $90 | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Full coverage, average per year | $2,940 (U.S.: $2,361) | NerdWallet, Oct. 2026 |
| Gap between most and least expensive company (full coverage) | $212 a month | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Uninsured drivers (2023 estimate) | 10.6% | Insurance Research Council via Triple-I |
Sources: ValuePenguin, Best Cheap Car Insurance Rates in Arizona (updated Oct. 13, 2026); NerdWallet, Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona for 2026 (October 2026 analysis); Triple-I.
NerdWallet’s average is about 25% above the national figure. The two studies use different sample drivers. ValuePenguin prices a 30-year-old man with a 2018 Honda Civic EX, good credit and 50/100/50 liability with $500 deductibles. NerdWallet prices a 35-year-old with a 2023 Toyota Camry LE, 100/300/50 liability and $1,000 deductibles. DIFI also publishes its own Premium Comparison and Complaint Ratios report, with sample premiums by insurer for hypothetical drivers. It is a useful third reference before you shop.
Best car insurance companies in Arizona
ValuePenguin: average rates for a 30-year-old driver
| Company | Full coverage (monthly) | Minimum coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $176 | $88 |
| Travelers | $192 | $70 |
| State Farm | $203 | $81 |
| Auto-Owners | $219 | $80 |
| USAA* | $165 | $58 |
| Arizona average | $236 | $90 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026). *USAA is only for military members, veterans and their families.
NerdWallet: median rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Company | Full coverage (monthly) | Minimum coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $138 | $45 |
| Farm Bureau Financial Services | $170 | $47 |
| GEICO | $176 | $45 |
| Progressive | $187 | $60 |
| Auto-Owners | $191 | $54 |
Source: NerdWallet (October 2026 analysis; Quadrant Information Services data).
Travelers is the most consistent low-price option. NerdWallet found it cheapest for full coverage after a ticket, an accident or a DUI, and for drivers with poor credit. Progressive is cheapest for full coverage in most large Arizona cities in ValuePenguin’s data, and also for drivers with a DUI or poor credit. State Farm earned above-average scores in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies. ValuePenguin says it also has some of the cheapest homeowners insurance in Arizona, which makes it a strong bundle choice. Auto-Owners and Farm Bureau are worth a quote too. Both ranked in the top five in both studies.
| Company | J.D. Power 2025 score | AM Best rating |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 735 | A++ |
| State Farm | 650 | A++ |
| Farm Bureau | 645 | A |
| Auto-Owners | 638 | A+ |
| The Hartford | 632 | A+ |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), citing J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and AM Best. DIFI’s premium comparison report also lists complaint ratios by insurer.
Car insurance rates by Arizona city
| City | Average full coverage (monthly) | Cheapest company | Cheapest rate (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $284 | Progressive | $215 |
| Glendale | $274 | Progressive | $210 |
| Avondale | $258 | Travelers | $207 |
| Tempe | $247 | Progressive | $179 |
| Peoria | $243 | Progressive | $183 |
| Mesa | $242 | Progressive | $183 |
| Scottsdale | $241 | Progressive | $177 |
| Chandler | $236 | Progressive | $171 |
| Tucson | $229 | Progressive | $169 |
| Yuma | $201 | Progressive | $144 |
| Flagstaff | $194 | Progressive | $145 |
| Prescott | $193 | Progressive | $149 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), full coverage for a 30-year-old driver with good credit.
The Phoenix metro area is where Arizona drivers pay the most. ValuePenguin says Phoenix runs 20% above the state average, while Tucson is 3% below it. Lake Havasu City, near the California border, is cheapest at about $175 a month. State Farm is the cheapest company in 15% of Arizona towns, many of them in the White Mountains and the north and east of the state. NerdWallet’s city data points to Travelers. For a 35-year-old with a clean record, its full coverage median was $2,032 a year in Phoenix, $1,759 in Mesa and $1,705 in Tucson.
Best car insurance in Arizona by driver profile
Drivers with a ticket, accident, DUI or poor credit
| Driver profile | Cheapest (ValuePenguin, monthly) | Runner-up | Cheapest (NerdWallet, monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One speeding ticket | State Farm, $216 | Auto-Owners, $219 | Travelers, $177 |
| One at-fault accident | State Farm, $203 | Progressive, $262 | Travelers, $185 |
| One DUI | Progressive, $226 | Travelers, $284 | Travelers, $198 |
| Poor credit | Progressive, $278 | Travelers, $297 | Travelers, $208 |
Sources: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), full coverage, 30-year-old driver; NerdWallet (Oct. 2026), full coverage, 35-year-old driver.
ValuePenguin found that one speeding ticket raises full coverage by about 29%, or $70 a month. An at-fault accident raises it by 45%, or $107, and the average after an accident is $343 a month. State Farm’s rate after a crash, $203, is the same as its clean-record price. A DUI raises rates by about 75%, and you may need an SR-22. ValuePenguin says insurers typically charge $15 to $50 to file one. Poor credit can more than double your price. DIFI confirms that Arizona allows insurers to use credit history to set eligibility and price.
DIFI also points out a consumer protection: insurers may not raise your premium because of an accident you did not cause or significantly contribute to (A.R.S. § 20-263(A)). If your insurer cancels or refuses to renew you and no one else will write a policy, you can apply through the Arizona Automobile Insurance Plan with any licensed property and casualty agent (DIFI).
Young drivers
| Company | 18-year-old, liability only (monthly) | 18-year-old, full coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $205 | $515 |
| The Hartford | $247 | $810 |
| GEICO | $265 | $552 |
| Auto-Owners | $270 | $639 |
| USAA* | $166 | $422 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026). *Military families only.
ValuePenguin says an 18-year-old in Arizona pays about three times what a 30-year-old pays. The teen average for minimum coverage is $267 a month. Travelers is cheapest for teens and after a ticket ($257 a month for liability). GEICO is cheapest after an accident ($275). American Family offers a discount for teen drivers who volunteer 40 hours a year at a nonprofit, and most insurers discount good grades or a defensive driving course, according to ValuePenguin.
| Age group (NerdWallet) | Cheapest full coverage (monthly median) | Cheapest minimum coverage (monthly median) |
|---|---|---|
| Young drivers | Travelers, $240 | Travelers, $71 |
| Millennials | Travelers, $142 | Travelers and GEICO, $45 |
| Gen X | Travelers, $124 | GEICO, $38 |
| Seniors (70) | Travelers, $129 | Travelers, $45 |
Source: NerdWallet (rates refreshed October 2026), drivers with clean records and good credit.
Seniors
| Company | 70-year-old, full coverage (monthly median) | 70-year-old, minimum coverage (monthly median) |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $129 | $45 |
| Progressive | $154 | $55 |
| Farm Bureau Financial Services | $164 | $49 |
| GEICO | $169 | $46 |
| The Hartford | $172 | n/a |
Source: NerdWallet (rates refreshed October 2026), drivers aged 70 with good credit and clean records.
NerdWallet found that car insurance for seniors is usually much cheaper than for other age groups, as long as they have good credit and a clean record. However, it says rates start to rise a little each year once you reach your 70s. Arizona law also limits when an insurer can cancel a policy that has been in force for more than 60 days. The reasons DIFI lists include non-payment, fraud, a suspended license and certain convictions, but not age (DIFI).
Full coverage or minimum coverage in Arizona?
ValuePenguin recommends full coverage for most Arizona drivers. In its data, full coverage averages $236 a month, against $90 for a minimum policy. The extra cost buys collision coverage, comprehensive coverage for hail and theft, and higher liability limits. A minimum policy pays only for injuries to others and damage to their property. It doesn’t pay for your car, and it doesn’t pay for injuries to you and your passengers. ValuePenguin adds an Arizona-specific warning: under a minimum liability policy, your insurer doesn’t have to pay medical care for family or household members hurt in a crash you caused. Before buying liability-only coverage, ask whether the company covers your family under bodily injury liability. If not, add medical payments coverage.
NerdWallet’s data shows how cheap a bare-bones policy can be with the right company. For a 35-year-old with a clean record, Travelers’ minimum coverage median is $560 a year in Tucson and $659 in Phoenix. After a speeding ticket, GEICO is cheapest in both cities ($586 and $765 a year). Even so, NerdWallet warns that a serious accident could leave a minimum-coverage driver owing thousands for medical bills and repairs.
Arizona car insurance requirements
| Coverage | Rule in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | Required: $25,000 for one person; $50,000 for two or more people |
| Property damage liability | Required: $15,000 |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) | Optional; if you elect it, the minimum is 25/50 |
| Medical payments | Optional; covers medical and funeral costs for you and your passengers |
| Proof of insurance | Must be carried while driving (paper or electronic ID card) |
Sources: Arizona DIFI, Vehicle Insurance consumer information (accessed October 2026); proof-of-insurance rule from ValuePenguin.
The household exclusion. This is the Arizona rule most drivers don’t know about. DIFI explains that some policies limit bodily injury liability coverage for family members or household residents hurt because of another insured’s negligence, such as your own driving. Arizona law allows insurers to cap that coverage at the state minimum of 25/50/15, even if you bought much higher limits. ValuePenguin gives the same warning about liability-only policies. Ask your agent whether a policy contains this exclusion. If it does, consider medical payments coverage or higher UM/UIM limits to protect the people who ride with you most often.
Penalties: ValuePenguin says a first offense for driving uninsured brings a $500 fine and a three-month suspension of your license, registration and plates, plus reinstatement fees. You may also need an SR-22 for three years. A second offense brings a $750 fine and a six-month suspension.
Are Arizona car insurance rates going up in 2026?
| Company | 2026 rate change | 5-year rate change |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | -4.7% | +35.7% |
| AAA | -4.7% | +14.7% |
| American Family | -4.5% | +58.4% |
| Travelers | 0.0% | +35.4% |
| USAA | 0.0% | +35.3% |
| Allstate | +1.2% | +50.1% |
| State Farm | +2.4% | +28.4% |
| GEICO | +2.5% | +39.1% |
| Liberty Mutual | +3.8% | +72.1% |
| Farmers | +5.2% | +95.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), using DIFI filings compiled through S&P Global RateWatch; filing data current as of Oct. 6, 2026. A filing may apply only to some drivers or regions.
2026 is a mixed year in Arizona. Progressive, AAA and American Family cut rates, Travelers and USAA held steady, and Farmers filed the largest increase. Farmers’ rates have nearly doubled over five years. ValuePenguin says switching from the most to the least expensive company could save more than $2,500 a year on full coverage.
Car insurance discounts in Arizona
- Telematics: State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save offers up to 30% off and, unlike Progressive’s and Travelers’ programs, won’t raise your rate for bad habits (ValuePenguin).
- Homeowner: Progressive offers savings to homeowners, even if another company insures the home (ValuePenguin).
- Teen volunteering: American Family offers a discount for teens who volunteer 40 hours a year at a nonprofit (ValuePenguin).
- Billing: ValuePenguin says you can usually save with autopay or by paying your six-month or annual bill up front.
- Bundling: State Farm’s low Arizona home insurance rates make home-and-auto bundles worth pricing.
How to save on car insurance in Arizona
- Quote Travelers, Progressive and State Farm, then add Auto-Owners, Farm Bureau or GEICO. Use identical limits. Our guide on how to compare car insurance quotes walks through it.
- Check DIFI’s premium comparison report to see how far apart insurers price the same hypothetical driver.
- Ask about the household exclusion before you choose higher liability limits, so you know who they actually protect.
- Raise your deductible or drop physical damage coverage on an older car you own outright. ValuePenguin says it may not be worth it on a car more than 8 years old or worth less than $5,000.
- Dispute not-at-fault surcharges. Arizona law bars insurers from raising your premium for an accident you didn’t cause or significantly contribute to.
Comparing Arizona with nearby markets? See our guide to the cheapest car insurance in Texas. The same method appears in our Chicago car insurance guide.
Related guides
- How to compare car insurance quotes in 2026 (step-by-step)
- Cheapest car insurance in Texas for 2026
- Best car insurance in Louisiana (2026)
- Best car insurance in Chicago (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company in Arizona?
For most drivers, State Farm offers the best balance of price and service, at $203 a month for full coverage in ValuePenguin’s October 2026 data. For the lowest price, Travelers had the cheapest full coverage median in NerdWallet’s analysis ($138 a month), and Progressive had ValuePenguin’s lowest average ($176). USAA is cheapest for military families.
How much is car insurance in Arizona per month?
ValuePenguin’s average is $236 a month for full coverage and $90 a month for minimum coverage. NerdWallet puts full coverage at $2,940 a year, compared with a national average of $2,361.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Arizona?
Arizona requires 25/50/15 liability: $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. If you elect uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, the minimum is 25/50.
What is the household exclusion in Arizona car insurance?
It is a policy clause that limits bodily injury liability coverage for family members or household residents injured by another insured’s negligence. DIFI says Arizona law lets insurers cap that coverage at the state minimum (25/50/15), even if you bought higher limits. Ask your agent whether your policy has it.
How much is car insurance in Phoenix?
ValuePenguin’s full coverage average for Phoenix is $284 a month, the highest in Arizona and 20% above the state average. Progressive was cheapest there at $215. In NerdWallet’s data, Travelers had the lowest Phoenix median, at $2,032 a year.
Can my insurer raise my rate after an accident that wasn’t my fault in Arizona?
No. DIFI says insurers may not raise your premium because of an accident you did not cause or significantly contribute to, under A.R.S. § 20-263(A).
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Arizona after a DUI?
Progressive, at $226 a month for full coverage in ValuePenguin’s data. In NerdWallet’s data, Travelers had the lowest median after a DUI, at $198 a month. You may also need an SR-22, which insurers typically charge $15 to $50 to file.
Sources
- ValuePenguin, “Best Cheap Car Insurance Rates in Arizona,” updated Oct. 13, 2026: https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-car-insurance-arizona
- NerdWallet, “Cheap Car Insurance in Arizona for 2026,” October 2026 analysis: https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/cheap-car-insurance-arizona
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, “Vehicle Insurance | Consumer Information”: https://difi.az.gov/consumer/automobile-insurance
- Arizona DIFI, “Premium Comparison and Complaint Ratios for Auto Insurance” (2025): https://difi.az.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2025_Auto_Premium_Comparison.pdf
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists” (Insurance Research Council data for 2023): https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
- NAIC, Consumer Insurance Search (complaint data): https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm
This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Prime Capital Report is not an insurer, agent or broker, and the author, Roberto Gomes, is not a licensed insurance agent. Confirm coverage and prices with a licensed provider in Arizona.
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Written by
Roberto Gomes, Founder and Editor
Roberto researches insurance and personal finance in the United States and Canada from insurers' policy documents, regulator data and public rate filings. He is not a licensed agent or adviser. How we research.