Car insurance in Phoenix

Arizona's minimum coverage, and what it leaves out

Arizona sets the rules for Phoenix drivers; our Arizona car insurance guide covers them in full. The state minimum is liability only:

Arizona is an at-fault state with no personal injury protection requirement. The driver who causes a crash, through their liability insurer, pays the other side's costs up to the policy limits. Anything above the limits can become the driver's personal debt.

A minimum policy leaves several gaps:

• Your own injuries when the other driver has no insurance or too little. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage fills that gap. Arizona law requires insurers to offer both in writing on an approved form; your choice is recorded on the policy. With an estimated 10.6% of Arizona drivers uninsured, read that form before signing.
• Your own car. Collision and comprehensive are optional unless a lender requires them. Together with liability they make up what most people call full coverage.
• Medical bills for you and your passengers. Medical payments coverage is optional in Arizona; see medical payments.

Driving in Phoenix: commutes and car dependence

Phoenix is built around the car. 64.2% of city workers drive alone to work, just 1.9% take public transportation, and only 6.6% of households have no vehicle. The average trip to work takes 25.6 minutes, close to the US figure of 26.4 minutes.

For insurance, the takeaway is that most Phoenix households need a policy on every car they own, and more cars and more miles mean more premium. Remote work changes that math for some: 19.0% of city workers worked from home. If you no longer commute, tell your insurer; see mileage.

Crash risk on Arizona roads

IIHS counted 1,229 crash deaths in Arizona in 2024. That works out to 16.2 per 100,000 people, against 11.5 per 100,000 people for the US, and 1.74 per 100 million miles compared with 1.19 per 100 million miles nationally. Speeding played a part in 36% of Arizona's crash deaths.

These are statewide figures, not Phoenix figures, but they help explain why liability limits deserve attention. A crash with serious injuries can cost far more than $25,000 per person. Higher limits cost more, so ask for quotes at several levels; the state minimums tool shows the floor.

Theft in Phoenix and Arizona

The Phoenix metro area was not among the metro areas with the most vehicle thefts in NICB's latest national report, and Arizona thefts fell 27% from 2024 to 2025, one of the larger drops among the states. Theft still happens, and only comprehensive coverage pays if your car is stolen. If you keep valuables in the car, see items stolen from your car.

What moves the price for a Phoenix driver

Try the premium factors tool to see how these combine.

Ways to pay less in Phoenix

1. Compare quotes from several insurers for the same coverage.
2. Raise the deductible on comprehensive and collision if you can afford it after a claim.
3. Ask about discounts for safe driving, bundling and paying in full.
4. Drop collision on an older car only after comparing its value with the yearly cost.

After a DUI suspension or revocation, Arizona requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years from its end date; see SR-22 insurance.