Car Insurance in Scottsdale, AZ

Car crashes can happen to anyone, especially when hazards like heavy rains and unexpected dust storms limit visibility. Whether you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the Pima Freeway or a fender-bender on Scottsdale Road, a good car insurance policy can shield you from large financial losses.

Independent agents in Scottsdale are available to answer your insurance-related questions and help you find the car insurance coverage you want at the most competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized quotes.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The average cost of car insurance in Arizona is lower than the national average. Premiums in Scottsdale tend to be higher than the state average but are still lower than the national average rate.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Arizona average annual car insurance cost: $1,103 
• Scottsdale average annual car insurance cost: $1,286

The price for coverage can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies calculate rates based on several factors such as:

• The year, make, model, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, driving record, claims history, and credit score
• Information about other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you want
• The coverage options (if any) you wish to include
• The amount of your deductible

Comparing rates lets you know you are getting your coverage at a competitive price. You may also be able to save money through car insurance discounts. Some potential discounts you may see offered by car insurance companies include rate reductions for:

• Bundling coverage with other policies like home insurance
• Safe drivers
• Good students
• Active-duty service people and veterans
• Multi-car policies

Independent insurance agents can help you find a good policy at a great price. These agents will also help to ensure that you are taking advantage of any discounts for which you may qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Scottsdale, AZ?

Arizona law requires vehicle owners in Scottsdale to have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

All car insurance policies in Arizona must include liability coverage. Liability car insurance covers any injuries and property damage you may cause to other people if you are at fault for an accident. Your liability insurance must include at least:

• Bodily-injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
• Bodily-injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
• Property damage liability coverage per accident: $15,000

Arizona is a “comparative fault state,” so more than one driver can be assigned responsibility for an accident. If one driver is assessed 25% fault and the other 75%, each driver’s insurance company will cover a proportional amount of the costs.

A minimum coverage policy has limitations. For starters, it does not provide coverage for damage to your own vehicle. Also, it may not be enough to fully cover your liabilities if you are at fault for a collision.

That is why many drivers in Scottsdale opt to purchase physical damage insurance and more liability coverage than the state requires. Umbrella insurance can boost liability coverage levels even higher.

What Else Does Scottsdale, AZ Car Insurance Cover?

In addition to the required liability insurance mentioned above, most insurance companies offer several coverage options. These include things like:

• Physical damage coverage: This covers damage to your own vehicle. It is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. Physical damage coverage includes:
  • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by a non-collision event such as a windstorm or theft.
• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers medical treatments if you or your passengers suffer injuries in a collision for which an uninsured or underinsured driver is responsible.
• Medical payments insurance: This provides partial coverage for medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can supplement the coverage offered by your health insurance by covering things like ambulance rides and copays.
• Roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance and, if needed, a tow truck if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road, like if you run out of gas or your alternator fails.
• Gap insurance: This can be a good idea in the first year or two of new car ownership. If your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, but you still owe more on your car loan than the car is worth, then this insurance can bridge the gap and pay your loan off in full.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

An independent agent can help you go over the details and costs of all offered coverage options. That way, you can make an informed decision about which options are of good value to you.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Scottsdale, AZ?

It is illegal to drive without insurance in Arizona. Consequences increase in severity according to the number of previous citations you have had for this violation:

• For a first offense:
  • A civil penalty of $500
  • The suspension or restriction of your driver’s license for three months
  • A $35 reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back
• For a second offense within 36 months:
  • A civil penalty of $750
  • The suspension of your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration and plates for six months
  • A $35 reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back
• For a third or subsequent offense within 36 months:
  • A civil penalty of $1,000
  • The suspension of your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration and plates for one year
  • Reinstatement fees to get your driving privileges and license plates back

Additionally, a conviction for driving without insurance can cause your car insurance rates to increase by about 2%. Despite this, more than one out of ten motorists in this state are driving uninsured vehicles.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Arizona drivers who are uninsured: 12.0%

When your car insurance policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you can quickly receive coverage for medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver. This saves you from the need to go through lengthy legal channels to collect the compensation you are due.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Scottsdale, AZ?

The auto theft rate in Arizona is higher than the national average. However, in Scottsdale, the rate is lower. Residents of this city report around 250 vehicle thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Arizona auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.67 
• Scottsdale auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.01

Your car insurance company will only reimburse you for a stolen vehicle if your policy includes comprehensive coverage.

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have comprehensive coverage already. If not, be sure to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your auto policy. That way, you can best determine whether it is a good value for you and your family.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Qualities that make insurance companies stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and competitive rates.

Independent insurance agents in Scottsdale have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Arizona. Your agent can help you review policies and customized quotes from these top-rated providers.

How Can an Independent Agent in Scottsdale, AZ Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?

Independent agents make it easy to find an ideal car insurance policy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and help you compare policies and rates from a selection of competing providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to get advice from one of these experienced insurance professionals. Arrange an obligation-free meeting with an independent insurance agent in Scottsdale to get started.