Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Discovering that the other driver lacks adequate insurance or has none at all makes the situation worse. Despite legal requirements in most states, not all drivers carry auto insurance. According to the Insurance Research Council, 1 in 3 drivers in the U.S. are either uninsured or underinsured.
At Stone Canyon Law, we help Arizona drivers navigate the unique legal and insurance landscape in these difficult situations. If you’ve been hit by someone without enough insurance, understanding your rights under Arizona law is essential.
We’ve outlined what you need to know and how to protect your rights if you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Arizona.
Arizona law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. As of 2021, these limits are:
Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. Nearly 12% of Arizona drivers are uninsured. Many others carry only the minimum limits — which often fall short of covering serious injuries or damages.
Regardless of insurance status, here’s what you should do after any car accident in Arizona:
In Arizona, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are optional, but insurance companies must offer it to you. If you declined coverage, it must be documented in writing.
If you have UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance to help pay for:
UM covers situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or in hit-and-run accidents. UIM applies when the driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your losses.
While your insurer must act in good faith under Arizona law, they may still dispute your claim, delay payment, or offer less than you deserve.
Insurance companies—even your own—may try to reduce or deny your UM/UIM claim. That’s where Stone Canyon Law comes in.
Our Arizona-based attorneys will:
Arizona law allows arbitration of UM/UIM claims, but insurers often try to limit payouts unless challenged. We understand local court procedures, case law, and insurer tactics — and we use that knowledge to protect your rights.
Find more resources on personal injury here:
If you don’t carry UM/UIM insurance, recovering compensation is more difficult but not impossible. You may be able to:
Arizona does not currently have a state victims’ compensation fund for vehicle-related injuries involving uninsured drivers, which makes having UM/UIM coverage all the more critical.
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, insurance policies may have shorter internal deadlines for UM/UIM claims — some as short as 1 year — so early legal advice is essential.
To safeguard your future in Arizona:
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Arizona, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Stone Canyon Law is here to advocate for your rights, hold insurers accountable, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re proud to serve accident victims across Arizona with compassion, integrity, and experience.
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