Tucson Car Insurance

Tucson, AZ, “Old Pueblo” as locals know it, is in southeastern Arizona about 60 miles north of the Mexican border. As the center of the economic and industrial area, the city is also known as the “Silicon Desert”. Tucson lies in the valley of the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by the Sierrita and Santa Rita mountains to the south and the Rincon mountains to the east.

Tucson, AZ’s climate is dry and sunny with around 300 days of sunshine every year, which lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities and amusement. Tucson, AZ is prone to extreme heat as the area is mostly covered in desert features. Some of the major causes of natural disasters in Arizona include the following:

1. Lightning
2. Flash floods
3. Dust storms
4. Wildfires
5. Tornados

When temperatures climb in Tucson, especially during Arizona’s sweltering summers, accidents can occur, and you will need a good car insurance policy to cover against them. Whether your car ran out of gas on W. Valencia Road, or you had a major accident on I-10, either one could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in accident-related financial losses. Get matched with an independent insurance agent today.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tucson, AZ?

The typical cost of car insurance in Arizona is marginally lower than the national average. You might be able to save hundreds of dollars each year by taking your time when shopping and comparing rates.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Arizona average annual car insurance cost: $1,247

Insurance rates can vary from one individual to another since all insurance firms have their own technique of determining risk and calculating rates. Following are some factors that the cost of your car insurance quote will be based upon:

If you are bundling your car insurance with renters or homeowners insurance, you may qualify for considerable discounts on your policies. You may also qualify for other discounts if you have a safe driving record or you make good grades in school.

Let an independent insurance agent help you in comparing rates and finding the discounts you qualify for. They can help you get the car insurance coverage you need at the most economical price.

What Car Insurance Coverage Options are Available in Tucson, AZ?

Nearly all car insurance policies are structured with a mixture of mandatory and voluntary car insurance coverage options. As an occupant of Tucson, AZ, your policy has to meet or exceed Arizona minimum car insurance coverage requirements. Arizona requires car drivers to carry liability insurance and an uninsured motorist insurance policy.

If you are still making payments on your car, your bank lender will probably require you to carry comprehensive and collision insurance. Comparably, if you are leasing your car, the dealer will doubtless expect you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage.

The minimum liability insurance requirements are as follows:

• $25,000 for injury/death to one person.
• $50,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
• $15,000 for damages to property.

Liability insurance compensates third-party individuals for personal injury and/or property damage. Please note that comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet Arizona’s vehicle financial responsibility requirements.

• Collision insurance: (Partially optional) This option covers repairs or the replacement of your car if damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive insurance: (Partially optional) This option covers repairs or the replacement of your car if lost or damaged due to a non-collision event such as flooding, lighting, or car fire.
• Uninsured motorist insurance: (Required) This option covers other non-covered damages and injuries you may undergo if in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
• Roadside assistance and towing: (Optional) This option covers essential options if your car breaks down while out driving, like if all your engine coolant leaks out.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: (Optional) This option covers the cost of renting an alternate car while your car is being repaired following a covered event.

Speak to your independent insurance agent for assistance in choosing your liability coverage needs.

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

If you get stopped by a cop while driving in Arizona, you should definitely make sure your car insurance coverage meets Arizona’s minimum requirements for car liability insurance, otherwise, you may face some pretty steep fines. If you can prove you did meet the minimum requirements before you appear in court and you still meet those requirements, you may be let go before further penalties.

For all first offenses, you can expect three penalties, which are as follows:

1. A fine of at least $500
2. Driving privileges suspended
3. A SR-22 requirement for 2 years

Note, the court can attach other fees and fines no matter if it was your first or sixth offense.

Second offense:              

1. A fine of at least $750
2. 6-month suspension of your driver's license, registration, and license plate
3. A SR-22 requirement for two years

Third and subsequent offenses:

1. A fine of at least $1,000
2. 1-year suspension: driver's license, registration, and license plate    
3. SR-22 certificate for two years

Arizona has some of the severest penalties for uninsured driving in the nation. It should therefore come as no surprise that it also has a somewhat lower fraction of uninsured drivers.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13%
• Percentage of AZ drivers who are uninsured: 12%

The good thing is since you are required to have uninsured motorist car insurance in your policy, you can rest assured that if an uninsured driver is responsible for a collision with your vehicle, you will receive compensation without going through high-priced lawyers or onerous lawsuits.

What Is the Auto Theft Rate in Tucson, AZ?

The 2018 crime rate in Tucson, AZ is 478, which is 1.7 times greater than the US average. In the last five years, Tucson has seen increasing violent crime and decline of property crime.

• National auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 228.9
• AZ auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 266.9
• Tucson auto theft rate per 100,000 vehicles: 477.9

Though the risk of someone stealing your car is a tad higher in Tucson, it is important to remember you can only be reimbursed for a car theft if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional coverage can also include a vast range of non-accident related damages like floods, structure fires, and dust storms.

If you are leasing your car or still making payments, hopefully you already have comprehensive coverage. If not, talk to your independent insurance agent to learn how much it will cost you to add this non-accident related coverage to your car insurance policy.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Tucson, AZ?

Independent insurance agents can be really helpful when searching for the best car insurance policy. These insurance specialists can explain your coverage options, answer insurance-related questions, and help you evaluate offerings from multiple insurance firms.

Contact an independent insurance agent with an office near Tucson, AZ, to start comparing personalized car insurance quotes promptly.