Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona 2024
GEICO is, in my view, the ideal car insurance company for college students in Arizona.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
After reviewing and comparing quotes from various insurance brands, I’ve concluded that GEICO offers the best car insurance for college students in Arizona, with the most affordable and complete coverage options.
For Arizona college students, State Farm is a great choice for minimum coverage and excellent customer service, while Progressive emerged as the top option for drivers with a history of accidents or violations.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅When college students seek out their first auto insurance policy, they often prioritize cost. GEICO offers them both affordable rates, around $1,550 annually, and a solid reputation.
For decades, GEICO has been a top name in auto insurance, consistently providing great rates and stellar customer service. The insurance provider has also invested in its digital platforms, developing a mobile app and website that make managing accounts straightforward and convenient.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- College students enjoy top rates
- Several discounts available for students
- Customer-oriented mobile app and website simplify policy management
- Higher-than-average customer satisfaction ✓
- Small local agent presence
- No options for gap or rideshare insurance ✘
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Students opting for minimum coverage should select a company known for its dedication to policyholder support. State Farm is recognized for its personalized service and offers highly affordable rates for young drivers.
State Farm ensures prompt issue resolution through its quick claims process and personalized service. College students in Arizona should expect to pay around $1,817 for a minimum coverage policy from State Farm.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Top-rated customer service team
- Affordable pricing for most college student demographics
- High policy renewal rate
- Individualized policy management with extensive local agent support ✓
- Policies are less customizable than those of other big insurers
- No option for gap insurance coverage ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Minimum coverage policies can help lower your insurance premiums, but they may leave you unprotected if an accident occurs. These affordable plans cover only the state’s required minimum insurance, which means you might face out-of-pocket costs for any additional expenses.
For college students, minimum coverage policies are an effective way to meet legal insurance requirements and manage expenses with minimal cost.
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅It’s normal for college students to have questions about their auto insurance. Many insurers offer apps and websites for help, but Auto-Owners Insurance provides the added benefit of connecting you with a live representative. This personal service can justify the slightly higher cost.
The company combines excellent customer service with several discount opportunities to lower overall costs. College students can expect an average annual premium of about $4,329.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Focuses on building relationships through local agents
- Offers accident forgiveness and a decreasing deductible
- Flexible options with a variety of discounts
- Highly rated customer service ✓
- Limited to coverage in 26 states
- No online policy management available
- Quotes can only be obtained via agents ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅While it’s commonly assumed that superior customer service costs more, this isn’t always true, especially for car insurance in Arizona. Both Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm are rated highly for customer satisfaction and offer economical plans for college students.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅While Progressive Insurance may not have had the cheapest rates for standard coverage, they were the best option for Arizona college students with driving violations. Whether it was a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided affordable coverage.
The typical annual cost of auto insurance for college students with driving violations is about $4,697.
In addition, Progressive provides rideshare coverage, which is advantageous for college students who work part-time for companies like DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Low rates for drivers with traffic violations
- Rideshare coverage can be added as an option
- Covers vet bills if your pet is injured in an accident and you have collision insurance ✓
- Customer service is rated as average
- Customer loyalty ratings are lower than the norm ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Driving violations typically result in higher monthly insurance costs, no matter the driver’s age. College students, who are already rated as high-risk, may see an even greater increase in rates after an accident or ticket.
One approach to reducing the impact of a driving violation is to choose a company like Progressive, which is experienced in insuring drivers with a history of tickets or accidents.
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Since full coverage insurance is more costly than minimum coverage, selecting a company like GEICO that provides affordable rates is essential. On average, Arizona college students pay about $3,602 annually for full coverage with GEICO.
Affordable coverage is just one of GEICO’s strengths; the company also leads in innovation. Their website offers a customer-friendly interface that allows policyholders to quickly update their account information.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Accident forgiveness offered to policyholders
- Discounts available through a usage-based program
- Affordable full coverage for college students
- Customer satisfaction scores exceed the industry average ✓
- No add-ons like new car replacement or rideshare insurance
- Bundle discounts are not as competitive as other providers
- Limited number of local agents ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅For college students who drive to campus or frequently for work, opting for full coverage is a wise choice over minimum coverage. Full coverage plans provide additional protection such as liability, comprehensive, and collision.
Full coverage insurance offers increased protection but at a higher cost. Evaluating whether the additional benefits justify the extra monthly expense is essential.
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students can benefit from low-mileage policies and discounts to lower their car insurance premiums. Among different providers, State Farm offers the best rates, with annual policies costing roughly $2,658.
State Farm is known for its impressive customer service and solid financial stability, making it a dependable option for college students seeking their first auto insurance.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Low-mileage drivers can save significantly through a generous usage-based discount program.
- Known for delivering excellent customer service.
- Enjoys high policyholder renewal and retention rates.
- Strong financial ratings from independent agencies such as AM Best. ✓
- Missing coverage for rideshare services and gap insurance.
- Could be more expensive for those with poor credit. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅If you’re a college student with minimal driving planned for the school year, you don’t have to pay for unnecessary insurance. You’ll need to maintain at least the state minimum coverage, but there are affordable options and discounts available for low-mileage drivers.
Most low-mileage insurance plans offer lower rates if you keep your annual mileage within a certain limit. This limit often falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles per year, though it varies by insurer.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Arizona – By City
| City | Average Annual Cost (Full Coverage) | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $3,372 | $281 |
| Tucson | $2,760 | $230 |
| Mesa | $2,904 | $242 |
| Chandler | $3,012 | $251 |
| Scottsdale | $2,772 | $231 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $288 |
| State Farm | $224 |
| Travelers | $171 |
| Nationwide | $440 |
| Progressive | $463 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $171 |
| State Farm | $197 |
| Travelers | $141 |
| Farmers | $258 |
| Nationwide | $381 |
Average Rates For 20 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $174 |
| GEICO | $138 |
| Travelers | $125 |
| Progressive | $194 |
| Nationwide | $345 |
Average Car Insurance Rates For 21 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $129 |
| State Farm | $151 |
| Nationwide | $233 |
| Auto-Owners | $132 |
| Progressive | $166 |
Car Insurance Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $140 |
| Farmers | $201 |
| Progressive | $154 |
| GEICO | $115 |
| Allstate | $121 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $113 |
| State Farm | $126 |
| Progressive | $136 |
| Nationwide | $182 |
| Allstate | $115 |
Car Insurance Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $115 |
| Travelers | $93 |
| GEICO | $108 |
| Progressive | $126 |
| Allstate | $113 |
Cost Of Car Insurance For 25 Year Old College Students In Arizona
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $104 |
| Nationwide | $155 |
| GEICO | $105 |
| Progressive | $114 |
| Allstate | $115 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| GEICO | $129 | $143 |
| State Farm | $151 | $126 |
| Nationwide | $233 | $118 |
| Auto-Owners | $132 | $137 |
| Progressive | $166 | $166 |
Common Auto Insurance Claims In Arizona
In Arizona, auto insurance claims usually come in four common forms, which are:
- Collision Claims (5.8 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
- Comprehensive Claims (2.81 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
- Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
- Property Damage Claims (3.36 claims per 100 years of vehicle ownership)
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Arizona
College students generally face much steeper car insurance rates compared to drivers in their mid to late 20s. If you don’t have the option of staying on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to look into ways to reduce your monthly payment.
Use the following tips and techniques to find ways to reduce the expense of car insurance.
Student Discounts
While good grades often come with student discounts, there are numerous other discounts that college students might be eligible for, including:
- Discount for safe driving
- Discount for driver’s education graduates
- Distant learner discount for college students
Security And Safety Improvements
While some tips on the list are designed for college students, this one is relevant for drivers of any age. Installing safety devices or making security upgrades to your vehicle can often lead to a lower insurance premium.
For example, the addition of anti-theft devices such as a car alarm can lower your car insurance rate by as much as 5%.
Affiliation Discounts
For students, joining campus clubs and organizations is an excellent way to get involved in university life. These groups can also offer added benefits, including discounts. Depending on your insurance provider, involvement in a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni association could potentially lower your monthly premium.
Used vs. New
A new car is a popular graduation gift from parents, but it can come with higher insurance costs. Even though newer models offer better gas mileage, they are more expensive to insure because of the higher costs associated with repairs and replacements.
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
Even though insurance typically offers definitive answers, the question of whether you’ll need your own policy as a college student hinges on several factors. Let’s examine the circumstances where staying on your family plan is an option and when you’ll need to seek individual coverage.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
A change of address is the main reason a college student would need to get their own car insurance. Once a student has a permanent address that differs from their parents’, they are required to purchase a new policy.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
Car insurance doesn’t have the age restrictions that health insurance does, allowing children to stay on their parent’s policy as long as they live at home or use their parents’ address while attending college.
Try Usage-Based Car Insurance
Much like telematics, usage-based car insurance monitors driving behaviors, but it has an added feature that is especially appealing to college students.
Usage-based car insurance lets you earn discounts and reduce your premiums by driving fewer miles annually. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a practical way to get affordable coverage if your car is mostly parked in the dorm lot or at home during the school year.
Temporary Car Insurance
While temporary coverage isn’t offered by every car insurance company, it can be a great option for college students who won’t be driving much.
Most temporary auto insurance policies offer six-month coverage and allow cancellation at the end of the term. This is a cost-effective option for college students who don’t need insurance during the school year and for those studying abroad for a semester.
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
College students should look for creative ways to reduce car insurance costs, and telematics is one of the most effective methods to lower your monthly premium.
Telematics are tools that insurance companies use to track and assess your driving habits. Safe driving leads to better rates and increases your chances of earning discounts.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Arizona
As a college student, selecting your first auto insurance policy can be stressful. Fortunately, platforms like Insuranceopedia make shopping for car insurance simpler and more enjoyable.
While these tools make comparing rates from multiple insurers straightforward, you’ll need to have some information ready to proceed. Here’s an overview of the steps you should take to acquire your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Collect all necessary documents beforehand, including your vehicle details, driver’s license numbers, personal information, and driving history.
Step 2: Determine the coverage you need to meet Arizona law.
Step 3: Decide if you’d rather purchase your policy online or from a local agent.
Step 4: Get quotes from at least three auto insurance providers and compare them.
Step 5: Buy the policy that suits you and notify your previous insurance company.
How To Get Discounts As A College Student In Arizona
For college students, the cost of car insurance can be steep, especially with a driving record that includes tickets or accidents. Carrier-provided discounts can help minimize the expense of coverage.
Each insurance provider has its own list of discounts for policyholders. Here are some to investigate before buying a plan:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
Our Methodology
To uncover the cheapest car insurance rates for college students in Arizona, we analyzed reviews from multiple car insurance sites, some of which used rate data from public filings provided by Quadrant Information Services. We also drew on our team's 25 years of combined experience in the insurance industry. While the rates in this guide are accurate, it’s important to remember that premiums can fluctuate daily and vary for each driver.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in Arizona?
For college students, GEICO usually offers the most economical coverage. However, if your driving history or coverage needs vary, Progressive and State Farm are also worth evaluating when shopping for car insurance in Arizona.
Do college students need car insurance in Arizona?
To drive in Arizona, everyone must have car insurance. College students can opt to stay on their parents’ policy while they’re at home or get their own auto insurance when they relocate.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Arizona?
Younger drivers in Arizona typically face higher car insurance costs. Although college students usually have better rates than 16-year-olds, they still pay significantly more than 25-year-olds.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
If you’re adding a college student to your family insurance plan, make sure to inform your insurance provider before the student begins college. Insurers usually need the student’s new zip code and to confirm that their main address is still the family home. There might be additional requirements for students who are out-of-state.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
Maintaining your primary residence with your parents lets you stay on their car insurance as a college student. But after you move out and establish a new permanent address, you will need to switch to your own auto policy.
