Is car insurance cheaper in California than Arizona?

California vs Arizona: Compare car insurance rates

On average, California car insurance averages $2,416, and coverage in Arizona averages $1,812. However, rates depend on the type of coverage you choose.

The minimum required coverage in California is 15/30/5 and averages $551 a year. Arizona minimum coverage limits are 25/50/15 and costs an average of $516 a year.

When comparing 50/100/50 liability-only coverage rates, California averages $864, and Arizona averages $764.

We also analyzed full coverage rates based on 100/300/100 liability coverage with $500 deductibles. The full coverage rates averaged $2,416 in California and $1,812 in Arizona.

The table below compares average car insurance rates for minimum, liability, and full coverage in California and Arizona.

California vs Arizona: Average premium by company

Overall, the cheapest car insurance in California is $1,919 of GEICO, and the cheapest car insurance rate in Arizona is $1,312 from GEICO.

In California, the next two cheapest insurance companies for full coverage are Mercury Insurance and Progressive.

In Arizona, the next two most affordable insurance companies for full coverage are Travelers and Auto-Owners.

This table compares top car insurance companies in California and Arizona.

Minimum car insurance requirements: California vs. Arizona

Each state determines the minimum amount of car insurance drivers must carry. The auto insurance laws in California and Arizona differ, and your insurance policy may need to be changed if you move from state to state.

The table below outlines the minimum car insurance requirements in California and Arizona.

Remember, minimum coverage may be insufficient because the limits are low and don’t include coverage for your vehicle. To ensure you’re fully protected, experts recommend adding coverage and increasing limits.

“Full coverage is physical damage coverage to your vehicle, typically requiring a deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. to be met before coverage applies. It is not required by the state but is required by a financial institution if you have a loan or lease,” said Zack Pope of David Pope Insurance.

So, even though no state requires full coverage, you may still need it if you have a loan or lease,

Best car insurance companies in California and Arizona

The best auto insurance company in California is GEICO, and the best company in Arizona is Auto-Owners. However, the best insurer for you combines the lowest rates with the best service and the coverage you need. Compare multiple companies to determine which is your best fit.

The table below shows the best insurance companies in California and Arizona based on [reasons].

California vs Arizona: Auto insurance trends

Car insurance rates are on the rise across the country. Advanced technology, increased repair costs, and inflation cause drivers to see increased rates each year.

Take a look at how car insurance rates have changed in recent years in both California and Arizona.

California vs. Arizona: car insurance rates by city

Where you live in California and Arizona also affects car insurance rates. Drivers in urban areas with higher traffic volume and theft rates typically pay more than drivers in rural areas because their vehicles are more likely to be damaged or stolen.

The table below shows average car insurance rates in various cities in California and Arizona.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned average car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates were fielded at state minimum coverage levels as well as liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage at limits of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles.