Car insurance isn’t just about meeting any state law – it’s about protecting yourself and your vehicle from the risks that come with driving in Tucson. 

Here’s some Tucson-specific risks that make car insurance essential: 

• Flash floods: Though Arizona is a dry state, the rains come hard and fast in areas like Midtown or Oro Valley during monsoon season.
• Heavy traffic: Roads near the University of Arizona or Broadway Boulevard face heavy traffic, increasing rear-end collision risks.
• High rates of uninsured drivers: South and west Tucson have higher rates of uninsured drivers.
• Extreme Heat: Arizona is a dry, hot state. Exposure to the high heat can cause issues for batteries.

Arizona law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. This includes 

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

While this meets the legal requirements, it may not be enough for serious accidents if you’re at fault. Many drivers see the benefit of increasing their liability limits. 

For further explanation of what the state of Arizona requires, as well as descriptions of this required coverage, visit our Arizona car insurance page. 

Liability coverage pays for the other driver’s damages when you’re at fault. That’s why having coverage for yourself, and your vehicle is important. 

Here are some commonly recommended optional coverages to consider for your policy: 

• Collison Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident. 
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered incident. 
• Rental Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. 
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown. 
• Medical Payments: some drivers may end up rejecting PIP. So, this coverage helps cover medical expenses for your passengers in an accident. Based on your deductible. 
• Gap Insurance: Coverage for if your vehicle is deemed a total loss while still paying it off. This helps cover the difference on what you owe and what the vehicle is valued at.

This isn’t every single option on the market, but it can meet the average person’s needs. These descriptions are also general in nature, so they give you an understanding of what they offer. 

On average, Tucson drivers who only meet the minimum requirements for car insurance pay an average of about $900 a year. Those that opt for more coverage pay an average of about $2,000 but may go up to $2,600 a year. 

However, it’s worth noting that what you pay is based on more than just your coverage and deductible selections. It depends on the carrier you pick and these other factors: 

• Location: Rates are influenced by the kind of claims made in each area. Midtown and Sunnyside see higher rates of theft-related claims, while more remote parts of the city like Southwest Tucson have higher rates of weather-related claims.
• Age & Experience: Younger, less experienced, tend to have higher premiums.
• Vehicle type: Customized or luxurious vehicles are more expensive to insure due to higher repair costs.
• Milage: If you’re on the road frequently, or if your vehicle has high-milage, you tend to see higher rates.
• Driving Record: Those with violations or frequent claims tend to pay more due to increased risk.

Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. Tucson drivers can reduce their premiums by: 

• Bundling auto with home or renters insurance
• Maintaining a clean driving record
• Taking a defensive driving course or using a telematics app for safe driving
• Installing anti-theft features
• Shopping around lets you see how your premium stacks up against other offerings. Goosehead can do the shopping for you.

At Goosehead, we work hard to learn your needs and budget so all you need to do is select the policy that works best for your needs. Here’s why drivers trust us: 

• Customized Policies: Our agents work with you, taking the time to understand your situation so you can get a policy that is customized for your needs.
• Comparisons Done for You: We work with many carriers in our partner network. We can compare offerings and save you time and effort.
• Dedication to Service: From the quote to binding your policy, our agents are there with high-quality service at every step.
• Expert Knowledge: Our agents are licensed for your area, so they know what to look out for when building your policy.