If you drive in Arizona, you’re legally required to carry car insurance—but just meeting the minimum requirement isn’t always enough. In fact, many Arizona drivers unknowingly put themselves at risk by choosing the wrong coverage, overlooking important policy details, or chasing ultra-low premiums that leave them exposed when it matters most.
At D & S Insurance Group, we’ve seen firsthand how a few common mistakes can lead to thousands in unexpected costs after an accident. In this post, we’ll walk you through three of the biggest car insurance mistakes Arizona drivers make—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Minimum Required Coverage
Arizona law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
These limits may satisfy state requirements, but they often fall short in real-world situations. If you’re involved in a multi-car accident or cause significant injury or damage, the costs can quickly exceed your policy limits—and the rest comes out of your pocket.
Example:
Let’s say you rear-end a new SUV on the freeway, and that vehicle crashes into the one ahead of it. If medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering exceed $50,000 and vehicle damage tops $15,000, your basic policy won’t cover it all. The result? You will receive a letter from your insurance company notifying you that you have maxed out the limits of the policy. This letter typically will include a sentence similar to, “WE HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO RETAIN AN ATTORNEY.”
The fix:
Consider raising your liability limits or bundling in an umbrella policy. It’s more affordable than you might think and offers peace of mind that minimum coverage just can’t match.
Mistake #2: Not Utilizing Safe Driving Apps
Arizona drivers are often bombarded with ads from national insurance brands promising rock-bottom rates—but those quotes don’t always reflect your best options locally. Many drivers miss out on significant savings by not working with a local agent who understands the regional market and knows how to find hidden discounts.
Here’s what many Arizona drivers don’t realize:
- Nearly every carrier will now offer you a discounted rate if you participate in a safe driving cell phone application.
- These apps typically measure annual mileage, the time of day driven, and sudden braking.
- These apps simply use either Google or Apple’s systems and permission settings. While we understand privacy concerns, you are already sharing this information for free to many large companies. You might as well get compensated for it!
The fix:
Before renewing your current policy or jumping at an online quote, talk to a local insurance expert. At D & S Insurance Group, we shop across multiple carriers to find the best value based on your unique needs—and we make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Fine Print on Your Policy
It’s easy to get lured in by a low monthly premium—but those savings can vanish in an instant if your deductible is too high or your claim is not covered in full. Many Arizona drivers don’t realize they’ve chosen a policy that will default to $25,000 (see Mistake #1) if the driver of their vehicle isn’t listed on their policy. Neighbor ever ask to borrow your truck? Best to say “no” if you don’t know what is in your policy and have not reviewed it with an expert.
- You can purchase a different insurance contract from the same insurance company! The policy that is bought online directly from the carrier is of different qualify of that same companies’ contract sold by an independent agent.
- Glass coverage is not “automatic.” It is an optional coverage purchased with a $0 deductible in the state of Arizona.
The fix:
A local independent agent can walk you through the trade-offs and help balance your monthly budget with real-world risks from multiple carriers to find the best fit for you and your family.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overlook Underinsured Motorist Coverage
$25,000 does not go a long way towards medical bills and lost income (much less pain and suffering). And nearly 1/3 of Arizona drivers choose the state minimum limits. If one of them hits you and they don’t have coverage—or not enough of it—you could be stuck with the bill.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is optional in Arizona, but it’s one of the smartest add-ons you can include in your policy. It protects you when the other driver can’t.
Without UM/UIM coverage, you might end up paying out of pocket for your medical bills or even time missed from work after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
The fix:
Ask your agent if you have this protection. It’s typically inexpensive to add, and it can make a world of difference when the unexpected happens.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Small Mistake Cost You Big
Car insurance in Arizona isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a safety net for your financial future. But choosing the wrong coverage, skipping local discounts, or misunderstanding your deductible can leave you exposed when you need protection the most.
At D & S Insurance Group, we help Arizona drivers get the right coverage at the right price—without the guesswork. Whether you’re shopping for a new policy or want to review your current one, we’ll walk you through your options and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Call us today at (480) 535-0118 or request a free car insurance review online.
You’ll get honest advice, local insight, and coverage that actually works for your life.
