Arizona is among the least expensive states as far as annual auto insurance premiums are concerned. In 2011 the average annual auto premium in the state is $1,104, which is $336 below the national average.
Annual Changes
The present price represents a sharp decrease from the beginning of last year, when the average annual premium was $1,510 and ranked significantly above the national average. The recent trend toward lower rates could possibly continue, and this represents a welcome change for a state where car insurance prices were ranked 13th highest in the US as recently as 2008. The auto insurance market in Arizona is deregulated, so that insurers can determine rates according to their own criteria. By using our site to monitor trends in prices and to obtain periodic quotes, drivers can be assured that the rates they are paying are the most competitive rates available in Arizona.
Seasonal Changes
The downward trend in auto insurance premiums in Arizona began in August 2010, when average premiums dropped $100 compared to the previous month. Another sharp drop occurred in September 2010, when the average premium fell $248 to $1,079. From that point on, fluctuations were minor, and the January 2011 rate of $1,104 is practically the same as the rate in December 2010.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum insurance requirements in Arizona are extremely low, with personal liability coverage of $15,000 per person and a $30,000 limit per accident, and the minimum property damage liability coverage is only $10,000. However, Arizona works under a tort system, where one party must be judged responsible for any accident and that party is then held liable for the entire cost of the accident. Higher limits are therefore strongly recommended to protect assets in the event of a lawsuit. Coverage to protect against damage caused by an uninsured or under-insured driver is available in Arizona. Although such coverage is not mandatory, it is usually recommended, especially because the minimum state requirements are unrealistically low.
Advice for Getting the Best Deals
Automotive insurers which operate in Arizona include both major national insurers and smaller regional or statewide insurers. Since each company uses different criteria to determine its specific premiums for each driver, it is not possible to determine which companies offer the lowest rates. Experts recommend obtaining multiple quotes from reliable insurance companies that are rated A or higher by A. M. Best. Consulting the J. D. Power ratings is also advised for obtaining accurate consumer service related information.
Using our site to monitor rates and periodically obtain new quotes is the best way to get the lowest rates for car insurance in Arizona.
