As per the Insurance Information Institute, 13 percent of all drivers across the United States have no liability insurance. At one time, the percentage of uninsured drivers in Arizona was consistent with that figure. Now, it has skyrocketed. About one out of every five drivers in Arizona have no insurance at all. That means a shocking 20% of all drivers in Arizona are not financially responsible. It doesn’t take much insurance coverage to become a financially responsible driver in Arizona either. At $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident and $10,000 of property damage coverage, Arizona’s minimum policy limits are some of the lowest in the United States.
Driver Irresponsibility
If 20% of the drivers in Arizona are so woefully financially irresponsible, it’s highly likely that they’re also irresponsible when it comes to the rules of the road. One of those rules is to remain at the scene of an accident that you’re involved in. Some drivers just keep on going though, regardless of whether you suffer severe injuries. That’s why you want uninsured motorist insurance (UM). It doesn’t come automatically with minimum liability insurance though. You have to pay for it separately, but it’s inexpensive, and we strongly recommend that you have it.
What’s Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
UM covers you when you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. When you get UM, you also get underinsured motorist insurance (UIM). UM and UIM insurance generally cover you and any resident of your household who is a blood relative when you or that relative is injured in a motor vehicle accident that is caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It even covers all of you up to the limits of your policy as bicyclists or pedestrians If the driver who caused your accident was riding on a mere $15,000 of liability coverage, and you were riding on $100,000 of UM and UIM coverage, and your damages exceed that $15,000, you can claim the balance of your damages against your underinsured motorist insurance.
When 20% of all drivers in and around Phoenix don’t have insurance, it’s probably safe to say that another 20% are underinsured. You’ll want to talk with our Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix at Tobler Law if you’ve been in an accident that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Contact us for a free consultation. Protect your rights, and contact us as soon as possible.