Intro: How to Save Money on Your Car Insurance in AZ
Auto insurance is required by law in Arizona, but the costs can add up each month. With some savvy shopping around, you may be able to find a better deal and save a significant amount on your premiums. This guide will walk you through getting multiple Arizona auto insurance quotes and understanding your options to ensure you have the right coverage at the lowest possible price.
It’s important to shop around and compare rates from several insurers every few years to check for savings opportunities. What was once a competitive rate can rise over time without you realizing it. Spending an afternoon getting customized quotes is well worth the time investment if it cuts your bills by even a few dollars every month. Following some best practices for researching providers and understanding your needs will lead you to an informed decision.
Do Your Research: Compile a List of Potential Insurers
The first step is to gather contact information for 5-7 highly rated auto insurance companies that operate in Arizona. Don’t just stick with the big nationwide names – also explore regional insurers and those specializing in specific customer demographics. Some good options to consider include GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, AAA, Shelter, and The Hartford.
Find out if any professional, alumni, union, credit union, retailer or other memberships could qualify you for special rates or discounts. Check reviews and ratings online to get a sense of each company’s reputation, complaint resolution record, financial strength, and customer satisfaction levels. Narrow your list down to the 3-5 most promising candidates based on this initial analysis.
It’s also worth double-checking that each insurer on your list offers all of the important coverage types you’ll need, such as bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and any other state-mandated minimums in Arizona. Having to decline a quote because it lacked a certain policy would be inefficient.
Get Customized Quotes: Provide Accurate Client Information
Now you’re ready to start getting actual quotes from insurance agents. Have your driver’s license, VIN number, mileage, location, vehicle information, and insurance history readily accessible. Be prepared to answer questions about things like your age, marital status, credit history, driving record, claims history, education level, and more.
The more precise and complete the details provided upfront, the more tailored and realistic the rate quotes will be. Skimping on information risks getting overly high estimates that don’t accurately reflect your true circumstances and eligibility for discounts. Ask agents about all factors impacting cost to avoid any surprises later.
While you can generally obtain basic quotes online, more detailed quotes may require speaking to a licensed insurance representative over the phone. Be patient, take good notes, and ask follow-ups until you fully understand what is, and isn’t, included in the premium quoted. Some providers even let you easily adjust coverages and see how it impacts the bottom line.
Consider All Rate Factors and Discounts
Rates will vary quite a bit depending on multiple risk assessment factors tied to you and your vehicle. Some of the biggest influencers to keep in mind include:
- Driving Record – Clean records mean lower premiums. Ticket and accident history raises costs. Some insurers drop you after multiple violations.
- Credit Score – Higher credit scores demonstrate financial responsibility and qualify for preferred rates at many companies.
- Age & Gender – Younger and higher-risk groups like teenage drivers face higher base rates that gradually decline with age.
- Marital Status – Married drivers tend to file fewer claims and enjoy modestly reduced premiums as a result.
- Vehicle Type/Value – Sports cars and high-performance vehicles are more expensive to insure due to inherent risk. Newer cars cost more due to replacement part values.
- Garaging Location – Urban areas with more claims activity lead to higher rates versus rural small towns. ZIP code strongly influences premium allocation.
- Policy Discounts – Such as a multi-vehicle, good student, defensive driving course, anti-theft devices, and loyalty/multi-policy can cut several percent or more off your bill.
Thoroughly reviewing each carrier’s full menu of rate credits can unmask big differences in what you’ll ultimately pay between insurers after netting out qualifying discounts. Ask about all available ways to reduce costs.
Analyze Quotes and Make an Informed Choice
Now that you’ve gathered and analyzed multiple tailored auto insurance quotes, it’s time to weigh your best options. Spreadsheet the key details side by side like coverage amounts, deductibles, premium costs, discounts applied, and company profiles. Note any “gap” coverage needs or other variables not yet addressed.
When choosing, don’t focus solely on price – also evaluate things like financial strength ratings, claims satisfaction records, and online reviews. Optimal carriers balance an affordable rate with a trusted brand you feel good relying on in your time of need. Reputable local agents can sometimes get you better assistance too.
Ask follow-up questions of your top choices to ensure comfortable understanding before committing. Review your policy again within the first 14 days for accuracy once issued as well. Most states provide a short window to cancel without penalty if anything seems off upon closer inspection of the contract terms.
With diligent comparison shopping, Arizona drivers can often save 20% or more just by getting multiple quotes from top insurers each year. Taking the time to learn your options upfront pays off in long-term premium savings and quality protection for unexpected risks down the road.
Technical Insurance Concepts Explained:
There are several technical insurance concepts that are important to understand when researching auto insurance and comparing quotes. Let’s review some of the most significant ones:
Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for injuries to others (medical expenses, lost wages, pain/suffering) if you cause an accident. The minimum required in AZ is $15,000 per person, $30,000 total per accident.
Property Damage Liability: Compensates for damage to other vehicles, or property if you cause an accident. The minimum in AZ is $25,000.
Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle from accidents, regardless of fault. Usually has a higher deductible of $500-1000 that you pay first before coverage kicks in.
Comprehensive: Protection for your car against events other than collisions, like falling objects, fire, theft, and weather damage. Deductibles are often around $250-500.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Pays your injuries and property damage caused by hit-and-run drivers or those without enough insurance to fully compensate you.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): A no-fault medical benefit that pays for treatment and lost wages of the policyholder and household relatives regardless of who caused the accident, up to $2,500 per person.
Liability Umbrella Policy: Provides additional liability coverage over your auto and homeowners/renters limits, typically in $1million increment add-ons. Helps protect assets.
Understanding these basic components is key to assessing what risks you face and ensuring adequate protection through carefully chosen policy limits and deductibles tailored to your budget and situation.
Putting it All Together: A Sample Auto Insurance Quote Comparison
Let’s look at a concrete example to tie this all together with real Arizona auto insurance quotes. Here are the rates John received for his 2013 Honda Civic after providing accurate details to three leading insurers:
Progressive:
- 6-month premium: $810
- $25,000 property damage coverage
- $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury
- $100 deductible comprehensive & collision
- Good student and multi-policy discounts applied
State Farm:
- 6-month premium: $756
- Same coverage and deductible levels as Progressive
- Multi-vehicle and claims-free discounts
Allstate:
- 6-month premium: $828
- $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury
- $500 deductible collision
- Basic PIP instead of higher medical coverage
- Young driver surcharge offsets any discounts
Based on this comparison, John can see State Farm offered the best overall value package when considering the coverage levels, discounts applied, and lowest bottom line cost. He decides to go with them for his insurance needs going forward. Case studies make the concepts and processes more tangible.
FAQs about Arizona Auto Insurance Quotes
There are still some lingering questions people have when getting auto insurance quotes in Arizona. Here are answers to some frequently asked ones:
What is the minimum auto insurance required in Arizona?
The state of Arizona mandates a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $30,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage to legally drive. It’s recommended to carry higher levels if possible.
How much will my rates go up with a speeding ticket?
Most insurers view a speeding ticket as a minor violation that will cause rates to increase 5-10% on average over the next 3 years. However, multiple tickets or more serious offenses like reckless driving could make rates 25-50% higher or cause cancellation of your policy in some cases.
What if I have a lapse in coverage?
If you allow your auto insurance to lapse, insurance companies view you as higher risk and less responsible. Rates will increase 10-25% for the next 3 years minimum upon reinstating coverage. It’s best to maintain continuous protection.
How does filing a claim affect my rates?
Most insurers will raise rates a minimum of 20-40% for 3-5 years following even a minor at-fault claim. Larger or multiple claims within a period mean even higher surcharges or cancellation. It’s best to avoid making a claim if possible.
How long does a DUI stay on my record?
A DUI will remain on your driving record for 7-10 years depending on the state. Insurance rates can double or triple for 5 years following a conviction as well. Completing alcohol education classes may help get a premium discount after a few violation-free years.