While auto insurance primarily covers injuries and property damage you cause in an Arizona car accident, your auto policy can also help cover your losses from a crash. Two situations where it’s particularly important to have insurance are if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident or collide with a driver who either doesn’t have any insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for all your losses. It’s crucial to understand how uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage works in Arizona if you find yourself in these situations.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage work in similar ways but apply in different situations. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your losses if another driver causes an accident and they are not insured. Since the other driver has no insurance, you would not be able to file an insurance claim against them, but your uninsured motorist coverage can provide financial protection.
Uninsured motorist coverage also covers your losses in a hit-and-run accident. Insurance companies treat hit-and-runs as uninsured motorist accidents because the effect is the same: There’s no one you can file a claim against.
Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly. Suppose a driver whose auto policy only meets the minimum requirements in Arizona causes an accident. The minimum liability coverage for bodily injuries in Arizona is $25,000. But what happens if your losses exceed that amount? In this scenario, your underinsured motorist coverage could make up the difference between the other driver’s liability coverage and your remaining losses.
Does Arizona Require Drivers to Buy Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
While Arizona requires drivers to buy liability coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional. However, state law requires all insurers who do business in Arizona to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements. Drivers who don’t want uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must notify their insurer in writing.
Should You Buy Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
You should buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if you can afford it. You’ll pay more in premiums up front, but the financial protection this coverage provides is invaluable if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Otherwise, you might have to pay out of pocket for some or all of your losses from the collision and face a substantial financial burden.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
Follow these steps after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver:
- Call 911 to report the crash so the police can document it.
- Get the other driver’s name, contact information, vehicle registration number, and insurance information (if they have insurance).
- See a doctor immediately and follow their instructions.
- Don’t discuss the accident or your injuries with anyone other than a lawyer.
- Don’t talk to any insurance companies.
- Hire a Mesa, Arizona, car accident lawyer.
Contact the Valley Injury Team Now for Help with Your Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim
Valley Injury Team can assist you with your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim to maximize your compensation and make sure your insurance company upholds your policy. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
